Same item, two pics--they look so different

Suddenly I'm eyeing this boot, the Frye Lindsay Plate. I'm all excited because, you know, RIDING BOOT, and I haven't bought anything in probably nine months (apart from my shoes that fell apart--have to bring those back and push for a refund still!) Anyway, I'm liking them enough to consider the Angie Way of just sucking up and buying at full price and not worrying that they'll disappear.

But I found these two sites with pics...and to me, the finish looks completely different--they almost look like different boots! I do want the shiny finish in the Zappos pic, not the matte look in the one from Nordstrom. But that could be a difference in lighting. More importantly, the Nordstrom version, when I zoom in, seems to have all these whitish streaks--kind of like scuff marks--I don't see at all in the Zappos boot. (In case it doesn't take you directly there, I am looking at the Cognac Stone Wash finish.)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fr.....ot/3270465
http://www.zappos.com/frye-lindsay-plate

Barring me managing to find a store nearby that carries them, how would you feel out whether it's going to look the way you want it to? I guess it's not answerable? Does anyone else find this puzzling?

(ETA: I'm attracted to some of the other finishes, tan especially, but I'm drawn to the coloring and ruggedness of the cognac, and don't own any cognac boots. (I love the black Fryes, but have a fitted pair of black boots...they also look like they could be slightly fetishy....:) Knowing from my meager pics about my brown hair and eyes, if you think another color would work better for me, feel free to chime in.

13 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

That is odd. Have you checked any of the online reviews? Some of those may be able to help you figure out what the boots really look like.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

I looked at the pics side by side and it does appear that the in picture on zappos, the shaft of the boot has a bit of sheen and the Nordies has sheen only on the foot area.

They are gorgeous but quite a few reviewers commented on the difficulty in getting them on so they probably have a narrow ankle/heel area.

Anonymous

My guess is that the distressing is hand finished, so although the boots are of the same reference, the distressing, streaking and color will vary from pair to pair. In a way, every boot is unique. This is often the case with distressed items, I find.

I guess the only way to find out is to order them. Both retailers offer free shipping and free returns, at least there is no exposure there.

Do you have a Frye in your area you can go to?

Mochi

Heh, you're right, dianthus. I only had read the Zappos reviews and they were totally positive! I do have a high arch, and now figure I would try sizing up. (Half a size? A full size?) I notice they're also great for people like me with, uh, robust calves.

Both Zappos and Nordstrom are priced the same and offer free shipping. (There's a Nordies not too far from me for returns, too.) I guess I just have to take a chance.

Cross-posted with Zap. Yes, I could try Nordstrom and if they have a couple of sizes in my range, give it a shot.

rae

A similar thing happened with the Fryes I ordered recently. In my case what happened was that the sellers didn't seem to agree which color was what... on Amazon the "black" was super distressed like the Nordstrom pic you showed, while I think it was Nordstrom that showed an only mildly distressed version.

Maybe you can contact customer service and ask someone to actually look at the boot for you? I know they will measure sometimes.

Zap is right that finishing varies from boot to boot, and also the photographers also have different ideas of what to highlight. FWIW, on the Frye website I don't see a "cognac stone" color for the Lindsay, but I do see a "cognac" color that looks much more like the Zappos pics.

Thanks, rae. I quickly dropped in on the Fryes site (hoping they'd have a listing of stores--they don't; it's all mail-order). But did not check how their version looks.

ETA: On the Frye site, the finish looks somewhere between both other pairs I listed here in terms of distress and shine.

That is really freaky! If you call Zappos, they have wonderful customer service and a conversation with them might shed some light on the issue. I can't see the other colors that well on my screen, but a dark brown/burgundy might be a fun color with your hair. These boots are a gorgeous choice. It might be worth it to pay full price to ensure you get them (or at least put your mind to rest if you find out they don't fit).

deb

Here is the Frye site with the boots. They look different from the other two. http://www.thefryecompany.com/.....?color=COG

Janet

Hmm, I would tend to trust the image on the Frye site the most. They are beautiful boots!

My experience with Fryes is that they *can* be a little hard to get on the foot if they don't zip up, especially on my left foot which is slightly larger than the right. My arches aren't particularly high, and my feet are on the narrow side, so YMMV.

Diana

Hmm, I'd guess that there is some variation, but the different photos look really different. I'd be wary because I've seen the grey stone wash (on a different style) in person and they were....dusty. Like,literally leaving white dust on my pants dusty.

The Tannery (in Harvard square and newbury st) has lots of fryes - not sure if they have this style but you could check.

I've never had a problem getting fryes on as long as the calf is not too small. I have really low volume (narrow heel, low instep, flat arches) feet though.

I have high arches, actually, so it could be a problem. If you have problems, Janet, that is giving me pause (though it couldn't hurt to order them.) Thanks, Diana, I will try to drop by the Tannery. And thank you, Deb, for the heads-up on the sale!

Mochi, I wouldn't call it a dealbreaker at all, I just need to "work" a little harder at getting my left boot off my foot.

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