Frye Lindsay Plate boot--flattering?

Hi. So I was in the neighborhood and dropped in on Nordies first (where I tried on the cognac version) and then Neiman Marcus (where I succumbed to the redwood finish).

First, yes, they're tight. Particularly the right leg (it's always been about a half inch wider). Not circulation-cutting tight. I could get them up. NM is willing and able to stretch them if I want. I think if I were to keep them, I'd try letting them stretch naturally at first, wearing them around the house.

Anyway, I had not been expecting the slight slouchiness in the ankle/arch area. I thought it would be a sleek, form-fitting riding boot all the way. I like it, but wonder if it bulkifies my legs. I really like them, but for that amount of money I want them to have a wow! factor for sure. (I know wow is relative--they're not like the most amazingest boots ever, of course, but this would be my big purchase for the season, probably, so they had better really earn their keep!)

Also I had originally fallen in love with cognac, which you can see, though the lighting quality is poor. In person it really is a beautiful distressed color, but I was drawn to burnt red somehow as more versatile and more suitable to my coloring. Did I err in this case? I have no boots of either of these colors, and am not looking for something I need to wear in a work environment. Just a fun, flattering, casual boot.

Better pic so you can see the color below (if it doesn't take you there, I bought the burnt red and tried on the cognac).

http://www.zappos.com/product/7970322/color/248956

Thanks as always!

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13 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

They're nice, but if you're looking for a 10, I'd say pass..... but Im not really a big fan of poof/slouch in boots...they do look kind of 'puffy' around the ankle, ok for a very casual, *almost* sloppy look, very pretty colors, but if you want a sleeker fit, I'd keep looking

Ann in New England

Active Member

I don't love the slouchiness around the ankles, either. I think you can find better.

Mochi

I was able to try on another boot just for contrast. It had a zipper and was made of stretchy non-leather uppers so was completely fitted to the shape of my lower leg...and I really disliked it. No pics, though. This is what I was really hoping for in a boot--kind of a boot version of straight-leg jeans:

http://www.hotboots.com/bootinfo/riding.html

I don't know if that would be flattering to me either...or even if I could find them in my calf size.

kellygirl

That slouchy ankle thing happens to me often. I think it's because my ankles are so skinny compared to my calves. Wrinkles like that are a deal breaker for me--I would hold out to find a perfect boot--especially at that price point.

Diana

I much prefer the red color, and they do not LOOK too tight to me. The ankle looseness doesn't bother me - in my opinion it's the "Frye look" anyway. The pull on styles especially need to be looser in the ankle, otherwise one would never be able to get them on! Angie mentioned in one of my threads this week that she considers ALL fryes to be non-dressy boots since she's never seen one that doesn't look casual. If that's the look you are going for (casual, a bit rugged), I think these are great! If you want sleeker, I think she is right and you should not be looking at Fryes at all.

You're right about Fryes being geared toward a definite casual look, Diana.

I hope Angie chimes in. I want to reiterate that I'm not worried about the fit. I'm sure they will breathe and let out a bit.

Isis

I love them! I agree with Diana that this is the way Frye's look; they HAVE to without a zipper. The slouch at the ankle gives them a rugged cowboyesque look that is part of their vibe. I like the burnt red color too!

The 2nd pic you posted looked more 'deliberate' to me......and less puffy. I'd just hate to see you spend $ for a pair you're not totally thrilled with.....

Sorry, Mochi, I obviously read your post too fast. I do prefer the red to the cognac.

I like them a lot. If you ever had a pair of Frye boots in your hands, you'd see the craftsmanship is superlative and the leather is gorgeous.

I wish the lighting had been better when I took the pics. I don't know...I like them a lot but want to really look good in them....when I wore my purple Doc 20-eyelets to the hospital for physical therapy last winter, I'd be drugged out with painkillers, lying there on the gurney thingy completely not focused on what I had on, and there were women PTs passing by and complimenting me...

I think I need to sit with these for a week or so and think about it. There are no other contenders at this point, but that's okay.

Absolutely! Hang onto them until you are completely sure, one way or another Ive sent back and later regretted things, which is not good! You have them, so try different things with them and see how you like it...the most important thing is that *you* are happy I know Frye craftmanship is awesome....just think about it, we just want you to be 1000% happy about your purchase

missvee

I love the colour and the fit looks great to me. As others have said the slouchiness is part of the Frye look. I think they'd look good with tights and casual skirts, or with jeans. The important thing is how do you feel wearing them? Keep if they bring a smile to your face!

ElleH

I love them both. I am a Frye lover. The burnt red look burgundy which is very on trend. The cognac can be worn all year if its not too hot. The slouch looks intentional but if you prefer a fitted look get lace or zip up styles.

cciele

I love Fryes and I love that dark red color! I prefer it over the cognac, and it's on trend. The boots definitely have that rugged Frye look going for you. So I think they would work for fun and casual.

Glory

Oh I love these boots on you. I think it depends on what you are after. I think these would fit into the casual tall boot category. I am smitten with the cognac but also love the other ones.

Anonymous

I like the burgundy better. I am particularly sensitive to that "bubble" at the ankle though. Are you OK with the slouchiness there?

Ariadne

I have some Frye boots in a similar style and they also slouch at the ankle like that. I was taken aback at first but I got used to it and like it now. I like them on you, too, if what you're looking for is a casual, slightly rugged but still polished look. That burnt red colour is mouth-watering. Do *you* love them?

rae

(website)

I agree that the burnt red looks great with your coloring.

Based on the riding boots you linked to, I'd say these are very similar. The riding boots do not have the super slim ankle that you disliked, and if you look at the pics with the feet in stirrups, they are meant to have movement there and be able to scrunch a bit. That is pretty much always going to happen unless you have a tailored boot with an inner zip or laces (believe me, my skinny ankles and I have tried).

Do you think the shaft would stretch enough to allow you to wear them over skinny jeans?

I came to that same conclusion, Rae. Without a zipper, you couldn't get the boot on if you didn't have some room around the arch area (whatever that's called in Shoe Terminology).

I think they'll stretch. I'll just wear them around the house to get an idea. NM will take then back if they don't work out.

san

They're gorgeous. I love them and I think they look good on you. Shoe stretching is a good thing and does wonders. You might want to let NM make that right and left fit the same. It would drive me nuts if one was more snug than the other.

You don't want a zipper? Then, yes, this is as good as it's going to get.

Suz

I love them in the red. I think they're amazing on you!!!

JAileen

They're both fab. I'm a Frye fan, and agree their quality is awesome and amazing. I think Fryes improve with wear, burnish, and slouch. I prefer the Cognac and think you would get more use out of it. So if you can't get both, then get the red one next year. Fryes make great birthday presents!

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