Need some input on Frye boots from Frye owners.

Cilleena

I really want a couple pairs of Frye boots. l love the look, but we have wicked weather here. I'm not too concerned about the warmth factor because I'm riding in the car mostly, but I need them to be able to tolerate a little bit of snow. Not tromping through the snow, but the amount that is left after a parking lot has been plowed. My Dansko brown leather professionals tolerate it fine. It's mostly just a little snow/wetness that gets around the toe and possibly the heel. Will that ruin a pair of expensive Fryes or can they tolerate it? Is there a way to weatherproof them with leather conditioner?

I just don't fancy the look of most of the waterproof boots or they won't fit my calf. Besides, I don't really need it to be solid waterproof, just not extremely delicate.

14 years ago

Shopping

10 replies

Latest reply was from Christie

MNsara

Veteran

Most Frye's are fairly sturdy -- if you avoid the 'buttery' leather types.

I live where snow in parking lots is also mixed with salt (a potentially deadly leather combination), so my leather boots take a hiatus until things dry out.

That said, if you use a leather treatment, they should withstand what you described. You could use a treatment especially for waterproofing, or most conditioning pastes will provide some protection. Frye makes one I just got, but haven't tried yet (on Nordstrom website). At the Nordstrom store, they recommend Duff's (also in a little can). I have used sprays in the past, but save those for suede and prefer to rub in a product if the leather is smooth.

Hope that helps some. . .

P.S. Some Frye's have super slippery soles in the snow! You may have to have traction soles stuck on at a cobbler. . .

14 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I can't speak from Frye's experience but I would make sure you waterproof them WELL if using in snowy weather. I failed to do it properly with my Docs and got some white watermarks across the leather, I managed to get the majority out with a good polishing and they have now had a couple of coats of protector x

14 years ago

Anonymous

I have the Frye Veronicas and wear them in the conditions you're describing, but they also have a more substantial sole than, say, the Cindy Slouch style. I used the Frye cream on them that MNSara mentioned and I clean them off when done wearing them with a slightly damp paper towel, keeping them away from direct heat. If I'm going to be walking THROUGH snow, I don't wear them.

I'd say if your Danskos tolerate what you're talking about, the average Frye boot will, too.

14 years ago

Christie

Active Member

I have Veronicas too and wear them in snow sometimes, but find that the sole isn't very slip-proof.

14 years ago

alexandria

Active Member

Hi, I have couple of Frye boots, but if you like the Engineer type, these are the best for the snow/rain weather as far as I know. I have never used any waterproof treatment, they are quite warm and non slippery, too.

14 years ago

Julie

Veteran

I never wear any of my boots, fair weather or foul, without first using some kind of leather protectant on them. Most common brand is Tana. They have all the products for cleaning and protecting your fine leather articles. I've used these on Fryes, Chloes, Jimmy Choos, and they are still good after many many years. I still have the Frye Campus boots from 15 years ago, and they were a hand me down from my aunt who bought them in 1979. She uses Tana products, too. Leather and stitching still look great, and the boots are very soft, now.

Julie

14 years ago

Velma

Veteran

I have Frye engineers, and they are great in sloppy weather. I don't wear them for planned hikes through the snow, but they are absolutely fine with a little snow or slush (just wipe with a damp cloth after wearing). I do clean them once in a while with saddle soap and finish with a touch of mink oil or other waterproofing.

14 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

We have snowy icky weather for about 4-5 months each year, so if I didn't wear my leather boots in it, I would never wear them out of the house! I weatherproof them, and have non-skid soles put on the leather-soled ones by the cobbler (including my Fryes), then I don't worry about it. If I'm doing outdoor activities like sledding or walking the dog, then I absolutely wear practical snow boots, but for everyday work wear, I wear lots of different leather boots.

14 years ago

Cilleena

Veteran

Thanks for the replies! I was looking at the Veronica Frye and the Billy Shortie or Carson shortie. I'll check out the engineer ones too. I will definitely weatherproof them with a leather protectant and wipe them down afterwards. We too have snow on the ground 5 months out of the year and I don't want to be limited to snow boots for my only winter shoes.

14 years ago

Christie

Active Member

Jonesy, thanks for the tip to have a cobbler put non-skids on the Fryes.

Julie, thanks for the brand of the leather treatment you use.

14 years ago

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