K/R - studded boot edition - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R - studded boot edition

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

Help!

Two pairs of boots that are pretty terrific, but I can't decide which to keep. Both is not an option.

Boot one: Steve Madden
Pros
Black - goes with everything, classic "punk" look, shows scuffs less readily
price point
COOL!
Cons
They are a little shorter than I'd prefer
When viewed from the front, they create a weird "poof" with my scrunched skinnies due to a side slit
Quality is lower than the other pair

Boot 2 - Fryes
Pros
Super soft leather
Neutral color, very versatile
The studs are REALLY cool
Great Frye quality
Fit is slightly better than #2
Cons
Price point
Color may show damage. Of course this could add to the vibe

Which do you prefer?

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31 replies

Latest reply was from RandomThoughts (Andrea)

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I prefer the Fryes. But yeah, tough decision you have.

Nicole D

Veteran

They are pretty different, both very nice.. If you want a punkier, funkier look, it;s the steves all the way, but i prefer the look of the fryes. I think it's mostly the height.

catgirl

Veteran

I prefer the Fryes. In fact, if they are the Phillips, i have them. It's the fit not the style that's making the difference to me.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Love 'em both, but the Fryes win. What jeans are you wearing in the pic, can I ask?

qfbrenda

Veteran

I like the Fryes better. I think it's the lower contrast between the leather and the studs. They still have the tough studs but they don't blink on and off. Tough choice though.

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

Una, they are the Jenna boots. The SMs slip in the heel a little which could become an issue with the amount of walking I do so you may have something.

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

Mo, they are Mossimo from Target! "Fit 3" skinnies.

kellygirl

Veteran

I vote for the Frye's. I like the studs and the height better. I think the SM are cool but will not age as well as the Frye's.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, my kinda price point! Thanks

Glory

Veteran

another vote for the Fryes but I think you need to decide colour before deciding the style. I always struggle with this, choosing black most of the time because it works well in my current wardrobe. I actually love both.

missvee

Veteran

I love the Fryes. They're very sharp without being in your face, if you know what I mean.
The black ones just have too much going on with all those studs. I think they detract from the rest of your outfit. If you really want black boots perhaps there's another Frye style that you might like.

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

Either color works with my wardrobe, I think. Black is sort of... well, classic I suppose. But in general my wardrobe has black as well as being generally low-contrast. I do think the Fryes will work better with shorts, skirts and dresses due to color.

I have a mild (but not incomparable) preference fort the Fryes and I do think that given their quality as well as the lower contrast of color/studs they may have more lasting power both literally and fashionably. DH likes the Fryes. However the Maddens are 1/3 the price which does factor in. I wanted to get some other opinions before making a final decision and so far it's looking like the Fryes have it.

shedev

Veteran

I like the fryes, the fit seems better and I'm a little poison eyed by the way the pants are sticking out of the side split.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Fryes by a mile.

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I also like the Fryes better. If you're worried about lasting power, what about the non-studded version of them? Or would that take all the joy out of the purchase?

Also, I wondered why you aren't comparing the SMs to the Fryes in black.

Astrid

Veteran

I like the Fryes better too. But I can understand the price point argument. Do you think you will want to wear these for a long time? Then go for quality and get the Fryes.

Anonymous

I like the Fryes better.

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

Fern, the studs are a must. I cannot find the Fryes in this style in black ANYWHERE. They have other styles in black with studs but I am not liking the boot shapes of those versions. The SMs come in a cognac, but I already have 2 pairs of cognac boots.

Astrid, I do think I will wear these for a long time. I had a pair of Frye harness boots 20 years ago and went for about a year of not wearing and thought, "Oh gee, these must not be "me" anymore" and I gave them away along with my moto jacket from the same era. I was so sad that I had done so when I fell back in love a year or two later. So given my love affair (though with down periods) with the rocker vibe I think these will stick.

Anonymous

Did you try the Frye Jenna Disc?

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

They were on my list, Ceit but I figured I'd give the Maddens a whirl as they were less pricey. Plus something about the shape of the studded short boot's shaft just appealed to me a bit more.

Echo

Veteran

I actually like both, but seeing them next to each other makes the decision really obvious to me. The black ones could almost verge on costumey, depending on the outfit, whereas the Fryes look effortlessly cool - fashionable but not OTT. And just from my experience, there is definitely a reason the Fryes cost three times as much. If you intend to wear these often or for a long time, go with the Fryes, no question. If these are a flash-in-the-pan trend for you, then the Steves will do.

Anonymous

The Jenna Disc comes in a short boot also, not just the tall one.

bj1111

Veteran

i would like frye's with that shake.

Anonymous

Fryes.

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

LOL thanks for complicating things, Ceit! Kidding - good thought. May have to consider those too.

amiable

Veteran

Now you have me wanting a pair of Frye studded boots! Those are soo cool. I find the SMs a little OTT what I'd want for me - but they look fine on you. Still, the Fryes are amazing....

Anonymous

The Frye Jenna Disc in the short boot will be mine one day

DonnaF

Veteran

The Fryes, esp. if you think these won't be quick love affair boots.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'm so late to this, but I like the height, proportions, fit, and color of the Fryes better. They look like they'll be great with your hair, too.

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