FRYEOriginal Melissa Button Women's Riding Boot

These are the first Frye boots I've ever purchased and I bought the least expensive ones just so that if they didn't work out for size and quality I would not be out a lot of money. I was unsure of quality because of being made in Mexico but they are very nice boots. They fit right from the start with a minim um of breaking in. I am already looking for another pair of Fryes.

I took a chance as very picky about comfort and I have a wider foot, but wanted to try a Frye boot. Ordered my usual size 8.5 - it fit great with a little room to spare. Extended calf is snug though and I really don't have that big of a calf. I can still fit tights or a thin jean though so not a problem. These boots are beautiful leather and quality. Made in Mexico. Style is perfect - English Riding mixed with a little flare of Western. Go with everything and will last for years. Great investment. If you are not sure, go for it...you will be very pleased!

I purchased these boots after spending many weeks researching boots that were moderately priced, classically designed, and durable enough to last for many years. Hands down I kept returning to the Frye brand. I owned a pair back in the 70's that were resoled many times because they were so comfortable and form fitted to my feet. I only gave them up some 25 years later because my feet flattened and they became too small. Since then, I have purchased many different boots but none were as durable or comfortable as my Frye's.I ordered the antiqued black leather simply because they were about $100 less than the regular black. I simply applied some thick black leather polish and while there are still some crinkles in the shaft leather, they look every bit as good as the other. I ordered them in my regular shoe size 9 and while they are a bit roomy in the foot, a heavier pair of socks fills them in adequately. The leather is beautiful, thick, top quality and the stitching is done in a heavy thread. The sole is also made of leather so can be a bit slippery until roughed up. The lining and footbed are very soft and comfortable and the brass buttoned pull ons make it easy to pull them on. The shaft is adequate for an average woman's calf. The styling is traditional and while stylish will never go out of style. I wear them to walk the dog, shop, and evenings out. They are the perfect compliment to every outfit! There are many riding style boots on the market but I'm sure these will keep on "walking" long after other boots hit the landfill. I did waterproof them as we live in the northeast where it rains a great deal in the fall and spring and winters are wet and snowy. I had them on last night after several inches of snow and sleet fell and my feet stayed warm and dry. A must have for every quality conscious woman!

These are the most comfortable boots I've ever purchased. I can't wait to buy another pair of Frye boots. I struggle to find shoes to fit because I have a wide foot and in South Africa you cannot find anything in a half size. So I seldom buy shoes. It's an expensive boot, but with all the troubles I have finding quality, all leather shoes to fit, I think it money worth spending for this classic boot.

**UPDATE 11/24/12I am still absolutely in love with these boots. They're comfortable and, with the help of Frye's boot polish, still looking fantastic. Women literally stop me to ask who makes them nearly every time I have them on. They dress up (or down) any outfit effortlessly and are easily the kicks I wear most often.Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.ORIGINAL REVIEW 11/15/11I have been pining for good riding boots for years. I kept purchasing pairs under $100, and by the end of the season each one was shot. I was tired of just wasting money but wasn't sure I was ready to buy $300+ boots online. I prowled the internet for weeks just to be sure I was getting the best deal.SIZE: The sizing on these also gave me pause. Some ladies are encouraging going up a size, others say they run large. I think it varies with the boot style. I had originally ordered the Cavalry boot in a 5.5 and, while it was snug, I knew that they'd loosen up over time and would have fit beautifully. However, the style was too angular for my taste and I returned them. So I went to a store to actually look at the boots in person. The displays are so seductive! Every lady in the store had her own story about Frye boots. Some of them had purchased pairs in the 1970's that they're still wearing today! I realized that the price of each pair reflects the outstanding attention paid to every detail.I discovered that I preferred a size 6 in the Melissa button boot. I'm traditionally anywhere from a 5.5-6 with a very high arch and "baby" bunions. The 6 gives room for my poor mangled feet without feeling like I'm swimming in them. They're a little tight to get on, but I expect as much from a high-quality zipper-less boot. The store didn't have the color of boot I wanted, so I ordered them from Amazon because as a Prime member, I'd get them in less than 48 hours.COLOR: The cognac color is divine. I can wear them with literally any color in my wardrobe without hesitation. I ordered them with the normal calf opening and they give me just enough room for jeggings & leggings - normal "narrow cut" jeans have a tendency to bunch at my knee. My coworker who is shorter than I am but far more athletic can't wear them at all because she's too buff for the shaft of the boot.The soles are slippery at first but that is just the style of the sole (if you've ever purchased a pair of "real" cowboy boots you've noticed the same thing). While at first I could "Risky Business" my way across my living room it didn't take much scuffing on my sidewalk before I felt sufficient traction.BOTTOM LINE: I wore these for 4 (yes, four) straight days after receiving them and my feet still felt fantastic. I am so glad that I purchased them; they certainly won't be my last pair of Fryes!