Rockport vs. Frye - YouLookFab Forum

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Rockport vs. Frye

kellygirl

Veteran

I've had the Frye Veronica's in my cart forever and now that the weather has changed, I've decided to pull the trigger on a pair of shorter black boots. I find that when I reach for footwear these days, I'm quite swayed by comfort--especially if I'm going to be on my feet for awhile (hence the Rockports). My question, do you think both of these are equally attractive for my style or do you think the sole on the Rockports makes them look too rugged? I'd like to wear them with jeans and dresses but honestly, don't wear dresses that often so not sure that it is a deal breaker. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

Yay: Stay with the Frye's (pic 2)
Nay: Get the Rockports (pic 1)

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23 replies

Latest reply was from Jonesy

Glory

Veteran

I vote for the Fryes but mostly because I have the taller version of these and LOVE them so much. I lusted after them for years and am so pleased I finally took the plunge.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I think if they are equally comfortable Kelly, I would go for the Frye's. I like how they are both rugged and sleek at the same time. I do find the heel of the Rockport's a little too chunky and don't like how it looks as if the heel extends past the actual foot part of the boot.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

They both look terrific to me. (I have been realizing that I need something like this, too.)

Are you sure the ocmfort level would differ? Are Fryes less comfy than Rockports for you, in your experience? I have no experience with either so have no basis to judge that.

Fryes are presumably pricier. But they will also last you forever. I don't know about the Rockports that way.

kellygirl

Veteran

Thanks, Glory and Shannon! You are right. Thanks for setting me straight. Frye's it is! I think I knew that but I kept thinking about how comfy the Rockports would be.

@Suz: I know, huh. I was reaching for my Frye Rory's the other day and then switched to my lower heeled Star Lings just because I know they are more comfortable at the end of the day. That is what keeps going through my head--I can wear my Frye's all day but I'm still happy to get them off by the time I get home. I've only heard about Rockport comfort so I'm assuming they are comfortable.

Parsley

Veteran

I voted for the Fryes because I think they'll be more versatile for you since they're less clunky. I don't have any Fryes, but I hear that they're comfortable, too.
Don't the Rorys have a higher heel? If those are comfortable, these should be even more so since it's a lower heel.

Diana

Veteran

You know i have the Fryes and love them so I vote for those, but both are nice. The only thing about the Fryes is that I don't think they have the greatest traction but since you live in CA that's not really an issue for you. I think they run a little on the narrow side.

PS - did you see that this year Frye is making a non-slouch tall Veronica (with a back zipper)? I am really tempted because these would be tall enough for me (the slouch is too short to be a tall boot and too tall to be a midcalf on me).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....PDKIKX0DER

Isis

Veteran

I like the Frye's slightly more AND I think they will be more comfortable because of the lower heel!

They are very similar though---can you try on both and pick the most comfy?

Sylvie

Veteran

Frye's all the way! I have been *so* pleased with the quality of my Frye boots so far. They hold up really well. I have been less than pleased with the quality of some other brands that will remain nameless.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I've had these in my cart for a while.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/so.....ot/3313509

I ended up going with a different one that was slightly shorter because I am very petite.

Kim

Veteran

I just watched a fashion show today and they featured Rockport's. They showed how Rockports are owned by Adidas and use that technology in their shoes, and boots (insoles.)

If comfort is what you are after at the end of the day I'd say Rockports. I don't own any but my father used to buy nothing but Rockport slip on shoes as he was a realtor and was on his feet a lot during the day with showings etc. If my cheap dad would splash out for quality it MUST have been good, even 20 years ago! LOL

fern

Veteran

I have the taller Frye's and love them - no regrets there.
But lately I have been eyeing lugged sole boots - that extra touch of rugged is really fun.

DonnaF

Veteran

FWIW, the Rockport last has never worked terribly well on my feet, so even though it is supposedly a comfort brand, I find Rockports uncomfortable! Have you been able to try on either/both pairs? That's the true test.

Anonymous

I have the Fryes you posted for about two winters now. They look better than ever as they age, I vote for the Fryes. Just a note: They gave me huge blisters when I first wore them but softened with wear to the point they feel like sneakers.

Anonymous

I like the look of the Frye boots best, but that is a personal preference. They look a bit rugged but not so much that they will go out of style.

cheryl

Veteran

I don't have any personal experience with either brand but I prefer the rugged sole on the Rockports.

Lisa

Veteran

I like both of these. I used to own Frye boots but they never broke in well for me, so now I shy away from them. Rockport on the other hand, has become my new favorite brand. I like the waterproofing material they use and they break in really fast (2 days tops). I think it's going to come down to which footbed you personally find more comfortable. Style wise I like both, the rugged Rockport bottom doesn't bother me because both shoes already have a rugged vibe to them. I recently purchased these.

kellygirl

Veteran

So much great feedback! Thank you. I’ve been going back and forth. I think I need to try the Rockport and then decide based on comfort. It sounds like both would work although the Frye’s would probably have greater staying power--in terms of looking current.
@Parsley: The Rory’s have a higher heel but even my Carson shorties are not something that I’d want to wear everyday if I’m spending lots of time on my feet. They are comfortable but not like sneakers. I guess when I read about the cushioning technology of Rockport it makes me think they will be like sneaks
@Diana: Traction isn’t an issue--the waterproof leather would be a plus though. The other thing is that I always worry about ruining my shoes--grassy fields, muddy parking lots, etc. Love the new back zipper Fryes but I really have my heart set on a lower shaft boot!
@isis: You make a good point--I really should just try the Rockports and see if they are as comfy as they seem.
@Sylive, Zap and Joy: Quality is a factor, too. These are an investment! Thanks.
@Rita: Those are cute! I wanted a shaft around 8-9”. I will have to check and see how tall those are. They are very sleek!
@Kim: LOL about your dad! I think he may be on to something!
@fern and cheryl: Thanks--the lug sole is fun
@Donna: Good to know. I’ve tried Rockports on in stores but have never purchased a pair. The pair I tried was insanely comfortable but rather unattractive. These are the first Rockports that I have considered purchasing.
@Lisa: Sounds like we have similar experiences with Frye. They are comfy but nothing like sneaks. Perhaps I don’t wear them often enough. Love your new boots--I already have lace ups though. Sounds like I need to at least give the Rockports a try!

tarzy

Veteran

I just snagged a pair of the Frye Veronica slouch on sale at Macy's a week or two ago. I love them, but the tags are still on and I have to admit I'm tempted by the slightly taller version with the back zip! I wear my Carson shorties all the time, but I'm not much of a sneaker person. I do have a pair of Rockport boots from about three years ago - I wouldn't call them insanely comfortable, but they're absolutely fine. I think you have to try shoes/boots on pair by pair. (But for my money, you can't beat Frye for the quality and classic look.) I look forward to seeing what you choose!

Diana

Veteran

Oh, I sprayed my Veronicas with the Kiwi waterproofing spray and they are fine in the rain, wet grass, etc, now. I wouldn't stand in a puddle, but everything else is fine...

Aida

Veteran

Hmm tough one! I like the body style of the Rockports but the sole style of the Fryes. The Rockport sole and heel look like gear to me (motorcycle riding gear), and I personally don't care for that heel height with a rugged chunky heel. The Fryes look a bit more timeless to me, and that wood-pressed style sole is my favorite. So! A very biased vote for the Fryes, apparently

rae

(website)

Veteran

Kelly, your feet may differ from mine, but I have had both of these on my feet when shopping for work shoes - the Rockports are FAR more comfortable. 10-hour shoes for me, road tested. They really do feel like Adidas athletic shoes to me. I have several pairs of Frye boots, and I like them as well, but they are nowhere near as comfortable.

ETA: Not all Rockports have the Adidas technology, but these particular boots do.

JR

Veteran

I think the Fryes look better. But the Rockports would be better for facing ice and snow. So it depends on your climate and lifestyle. I live in Canada and do a lot of walking, even in winter, so my go-to boots have to keep me warm and grip on ice. Your situation might be quite different.

Jonesy

Veteran

I think the Fryes are classic, but I really, really love a lug sole for comfort. And Rae's testimonial is quite persuasive! I have a pair of heeled booties with a 3" heel, and they have a teeny lug sole and they are *so* comfortable. I think there's something about that bouncy rubber that is shock absorbing or something, and just makes them super comfy. I also love the look of a big lug sole, but I see that I am in the minority on this :).