Women's Melissa Button 2 Riding Boot

These are legit gorgeous boots and the under $100 price tag was way too good to pass up (for those who don't know, Amazon's version of "used" generally translates to "tried on item indoors, maybe did a lap around the house, didn't like item so carefully repackaged and returned it", and it saves me $100s on the regular. This means being able to purchase items that are, as a rule, out of reach for me!)... however, this style of Frye boot is too baggy on my skinny, chicken legs, which is especially exaggerated at the ankle in such a bizarre way. It was strange to say the least, and I was picturing how terrible the boots would look after a year or so when gravity shows it's wrinkly effects in the form of a bunched up ankle area! As such, I returned them the same day in favour of the Jayden back-zip style, which also had a "used" pair available in my size and fit me better/more to my taste!
I love these beautiful boots. They are pull on style and have a low instep and fit me perfectly in the foot area. Unfortunately, my calf measurement is 12", and I am not comfortable with the boot shaft being much looser. Sadly, I returned the boots. If you have narrow feet, low instep, and calf measurement 13-14" these are perfect; and they are beautiful and comfortable
I waited until I saw my size available for under $200 to finally take the plunge and get my very first pair of FRYE boots. I was apprehensive based on other feedback, but boy am I glad I did it!

The calf width issue was my biggest concern. Frye shows the extended calf has a width of 15.5" and I was afraid it'd be too tight. For reference, here is my experience with other boots:
- I don't usually wear wide calf. My default is standard width.
- Standard Hunter boots (15" circumference) are a tad too tight for me.
- Sam Edelman standard boots are just right for me, except if I'm wearing heavy denim. They have a stretchy band that makes them more forgiving. Their wide calf is too wide.

The calf width on these is perfect for me right out of the box. Not too snug, not too loose. Ideal with thinner denim, but would probably stretch to be ideal with thicker denim too.

The foot is a little narrower than most shoes, so wide-footed ladies will want to pass. I am a size 10M in most shoes (9.5 in some brands or styles) and the 10 fit perfectly.

Another criticism I have read about these particular boots is that, without the help of a zipper, they are hard to get off your foot. Personally, I have no issues whatsoever getting these on and off.

I will say there is ZERO tread on the soles so they are SLICK at first (I kept slipping on carpet!). I've read some people get rubber soles applied to theirs, others scuff them before wearing. I will see if natural wear on the soles will improve the traction before taking them to the cobbler for more drastic action.

In all, I was nervous to try them due to the cost, but was glad I did. The quality seems really good and I feel like they will last a long time. Color is true to the photo. So glad to finally have a pair of these!
5 people found this helpful
I already knew Frye's would be the best quality boot out there, and these did not disappoint. I wear a 9.5 in Frye and 10 in most other shoes, and ordered my usual size. I've been struggling to find boots with narrow enough calves, and these are narrow with a slight gap that looks more fashionable with the pull on style than oversized. It gives the boots a slight western look without being a full on cowboy boot. I like the height - I am 5'9" and the boot is about an inch and a half from my knee. I am wearing them currently for the first day outside the house, and they were expectedly stiff for the first half hour, then they just molded and started feeling like I've owned them for years. My favorite part is the color - it is a deep, rich, red-brown. Not too red like a burgundy (the boots also come in a wine color for that) and not a dull dress shoe brown. Their color is so their own that it goes with everything - I literally held a boot against items in my wardrobe to see! Blues and navys, florals, blacks and greys, white, cream, olive... solids, patterns... it went with everything. I have two other pairs of Frye boots 5 and 3 years old, and they look like they did the day I bought them, if not better. I expect nothing less of these with the leather quality and leather soles. I could smell the leather smell in my car driving to work! I recommend these boots as a lifelong investment in a wardrobe staple especially at this price, 30% off compared to Frye's website and Zappos.
They are a little tight to put on the first time, but that is the nature of a nice leather boot without a zipper. I find that if you try them with tights, they will slide on a little easier. Love the boots!
Love these boots! Beautiful color! I suggest going up a half size on the boots, i bought a 7 and there a tiny bit snug , hopefully they stretch out a little!
These boots are beautiful! They are very hard to slip on the first time you wear them, but if you’re like me and have teeny tiny calves, it’s worth it! Still a little large on my calves but they don’t swallow them like every other boot I’ve tried on. I am a solid size 9, and these are a little large in the footbed, but since they’re winter boots, I’ll wear wool socks and maybe even an insert with them. Not a lot of cushion, so I’m still not sure how comfy they are to walk in, tho just walking around the house they feel fine. I have the cognac, and may purchase the black.
These boots are absolutely gorgeous! The thick, strong, Italian leather is beautiful and practical. For many, the extended calf makes them comfortable to wear, and also has enough room to allow the boots to be worn over jeans and pants. (Note: the "extended" calf may not work for individuals with large or very large calves. To me, the extra room in the calf is most helpful when you want to tuck in jeans or pants into these boots.) All of the details on these boots show expert design and construction. The decoration and hardware on these boots is minimal, classy and elegant.

Each boot has a small, antiqued button with the Frye logo at the top on the outer portion of the calf. The stitching throughout is very even, and well placed. There is a also small Frye logo embossed on the outside of the heel on each boot. The leather soles are thick and strong, and will ensure that, with proper care, these boots will last years. The inside of the boots are not lined (they contain the flesh side of the leather), but they did a wonderful job of insuring that the nap on the inside of the boots is smooth, soft and rich.

These boots are "riding inspired". That means that while you can definitely wear them as riding boots, they are also fashion boots, as well. I noticed the Amazon product page does not, at this time, have a lot of details about this product. I visited the manufacturer's web site, and here is some information they provided that may be helpful:

- Italian leather
- Leather lined
- Leather outsole
- Antique metal hardware
- 15 1/2" shaft height
- 15 1/2" shaft circumference
- 1" heel height

One thing to remember about good quality leather is that it actually softens over time, and becomes more supple and more comfortable to wear, almost like a second skin. These are stunning, high-quality leather boots that will enhance any women's wardrobe, and I highly recommend them. Absolutely lovely!

***Also from the manufacturer: "The Melissa equestrian-inspired tall boots are made from hard-wearing vintage leather in a pull-on design. Contoured through the ankle for support and the most flattering shape, they have a modernized topline with a newly updated Frye signature button detail that sits just below the top line providing a tailored look. Slight heel with leather soles."
Leather lined
Imported
Leather sole
Shaft measures approximately Knee" from arch
Boot opening measures approximately 15" around
For over 155 years, Frye's iconic boot