Question for Laura re. Frye Jane boots - YouLookFab Forum

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Question for Laura re. Frye Jane boots

Jonesy

Veteran

Laura, am I correct in thinking that you own the Frye Jane tall cuffed boots? I seem to recall you rocking the taupe versions? Well, I am considering--gulp--buying a pair (though trying to hold off until Jan 1) and I was wondering what your thoughts are about them, in terms of their versatility, comfort, durability, etc.

Of course, anyone else who owns these, please chime in!!

I want them in black, as I already have a taupe-y/gray pair of tall boots (Frye Carmen) as well as a tall brown pair. I am searching for a tall black pair of boots, with the perfect heel height, that are deliciously comfortable and can be dressed up or down, and aren't too Western or biker or riding boot-ish. My other pair of Frye boots are so amazingly comfortable that I keep coming back to these Janes, though the price is a bit much.

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16 replies

Latest reply was from alexandria

Sparky

Veteran

I have these boots ~ got them during NAS in the brown. I haven't had a chance to wear them as it is only just beginning to be boot weather where I live (and I've only been wearing my booties so far). But I have tested them out in my house a few times. So with that in mind . . .

Durability? Check. These have a very thick leather ~ yet still pliable ~ and are very well made, so I would expect them to hold up very, very well.

Comfort? Check! They feel insanely comfortable on my foot. I don't even notice the bit of heel they have. The shaft is also pretty pliable ~ it's already softening up a bit and molding to my leg ~ so they have the right amount of give for me. Though they are really tall on me ~ I'm 5' 4" ~ my legs don't feel encased by them, if that makes sense.

Versatility? Well, I haven't had a chance to work them into various outfits, but I think they can be dressed up or down. Not about to wear them to a cocktail party though.

From what you describe you are looking for, I think the Frye Janes could fill the bill. Have you tried them on yet?

Sparky

Veteran

Oh, also wanted to mention that I think Lisa has a pair of these ~or if not Lisa, at least one other forum member does. Actually, I think at least two others do besides Laura and me.

Jonesy

Veteran

Thanks, Sparky! I didn't realize so many YLFers had these! Maybe a few others will chime in too.

No, I haven't tried them on. I have to order just about everything online, because of the dearth of local shopping options. It looks like they are available on zappos and endless, so I would get free shipping.

One more thing I was wondering about: I have a very high arch, so I'm wonderingif pulling them on will be tricky (a few reviews online mentioned this)... My Frye Carmens aren't a problem at all, because they are made to be roomy in the ankle, but the Janes do look a bit more fitted, which is the look I want. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks again for your input. I would love to see you post some pics wearing them!

Sparky

Veteran

Hmm, I have never had a problem pulling boots on, even when lots of reviews complain about this, so I am not the right one to ask. It could be an issue for you, but then you could always do the plastic bag on foot trick. I think someone else on the forum did find the Janes tricky to pull on b/c of her high arches. I could see this becoming less of an issue over time though, because the boot leather does soften up.

I'll go look for some pics I took when I was first trying to decide if I should keep them.

ETA: Found some; here you go. HTH! PS they are not styled at all; also, I had them on cuffed in these pics but plan to wear them uncuffed only.

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Jonesy

Veteran

That would be fab, Sparky! Yes, I had heard about the plastic bag trick--I may have to give it a try if it's an issue. At this point, I am not yet ready to "pull the trigger." I'm telling myself I'm just gathering information :).

Edited to add: Now I remember these pics! They look really good on you! I think I've seen Laura wear hers uncuffed--to my eye, they look good both ways.

Thanks again for your help!

Sparky

Veteran

Adding this post just so you can see I edited to add pics above.

ETA: Ah yes, gathering information . . . I always tell myself I am doing research.

Jonesy

Veteran

LOL--we are parallel-posting! It's all about the research, right :)?

Lisa

Veteran

I own the taupe color of these boots. I purchased them last year. They still look brand new and required very little break in time for me. I find the taupe color is very versatile. And the style is nice because it doesn't fit into a specific category to me. (not quite western, and trendy but not over the top on the trends, etc) I prefer them uncuffed despite my short height (5'3") although they cuff easily if that's your preference. These boots were an investment purchase for me and I take care of them. Leather condition once a year and they have their own boot trees for storage when not wearing them. I would recommend these boots.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I bought these at NAS. I have relatively high arches and had to use the plastic bag trick to pull them on. I decided that I really didn't want to have to store a bunch of plastic bags just to put them on. I returned them and got the SW Hammer OTK boots.

kellygirl

Veteran

I copied Laura and got these in the light taupe color at NAS. The weather here hasn't been cooperating so they haven't made a public debut but I've worn them around the house and find them very comfortable. I do notice that they are not as easy to get on as my Frye Carson Pull Ons--I have to stand and apply pressure in order to get my heel into the shoe. I also agree about the style--not too cowboy and not too trendy. I don't think you could go wrong with these : )

Jonesy

Veteran

You women are the best! I appreciate your input as I go about my "research." Anna, I can see that doing the plastic bag thing repeatedly would not be fun--I'm wondering if they would stretch out over time and loosen up a bit? Lisa and Kelly, have yours gotten any looser over time as you are putting them on and taking them off repeatedly? I wish more Frye styles had an inside zipper. Boots are so tricky, and so pricey....and yet so awesome!

Who knew that so many YLFers had these? I hope to see some pics once the weather cools off a bit :).

Lisa

Veteran

Yes, the first few times, I was not happy with these boots. Taking them on and off was a pain. The leather has gotten a little softer, and I don't notice an issue now. I also leather conditioned them which I think helped.

alexandria

Happy Holidays to everyone!
I wanted to ask JONESY, since she has the Frye Carmen Tall boots,
how they fit around calfs, are they too wide? I am 5'4 and my calfs are not wide but not skinny either....so I am little bit concerned about that as the boot is slouchy. Unfortunatly, I cannot find any pics to see how they look when put on.
I already have 4 pairs of Frye's and I am in love with all of them and the same time:))
Thanks.

Kari

Veteran

Alexandria, you might have better luck posting a separate thread with your question, but hopefully Jonesy will spot it!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Hi Jonesy! Back from vacation here ... anyway yes I do own them and they are fab, comfy and versatile. You might also look at the Rory scrunch if they are available, unless your heart is set on the over-the-knee aspect. My Janes have not loosened up as the leather is fairly stiff. I have narrow feet, high arches and chicken legs and the boots slide on and off easily.

alexandria

Thank you Kari!