$495 boots for an 18 year old?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are tall boots back in style? I always wanted tall Frye boots (the Melissa’s) but couldn’t justify the expense. Then they went out of fashion. I’m no fashion plate but it seemed silly to buy super expensive boots that were out of style.

OP, I’m usually against giving into expensive teen whims but this is a quality product, she’s 18, and you can combine your budget and grandparent’s budge towards them. One big gift is often better.

yes, certain ones are in for the teen/20 something set---the Frye Campus boots are one of their most classic styles but are a touch heavy in profile--a bit western, a bit motorcycle. I don't think tall boots in general are in. My daughter has no interest in ones that were more tailored.

That and barn jackets. They are super in.

1994 is back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are tall boots back in style? I always wanted tall Frye boots (the Melissa’s) but couldn’t justify the expense. Then they went out of fashion. I’m no fashion plate but it seemed silly to buy super expensive boots that were out of style.

OP, I’m usually against giving into expensive teen whims but this is a quality product, she’s 18, and you can combine your budget and grandparent’s budge towards them. One big gift is often better.

What is difference between the Frye campus 14L and campus 14 L LTP? On Frye site 14 L is $498 and LTP is $298– they look the same

yes, certain ones are in for the teen/20 something set---the Frye Campus boots are one of their most classic styles but are a touch heavy in profile--a bit western, a bit motorcycle. I don't think tall boots in general are in. My daughter has no interest in ones that were more tailored.

That and barn jackets. They are super in.

1994 is back.

[Anonymous]

I'd consider it because:

1. her feet have probably stopped growing
2. she doesn't ask for much
3. her last boot attempt failed
4. it's a big holiday
5. you can afford it

I'd make it clear she should not start expecting singular items of clothing at this price point - this is a one time special moment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

I've been stalking Poshmark but they're actually marked UP on there because they're hard to find new online.

The only two pairs in her size right now on Poshmark are $750 and $699.

Ok, now I need to know what style these are!

I have a pair of Frye harness boots that I can’t wear anymore after my feet spread when I was pregnant. I was hoping my DD might want them someday, but her feet are smaller than mine, and they’re not her style anyway.

Would be great if I could make a few bucks off of them.

Apparently I'm not the only one! I was going to say I had Frye boots that I went to wear after I had my child and they don't fit anymore. I wore them a ton for more than a decade before, I would do this as a group gift.

[Anonymous]

If her feet have stopped growing (which they probably have by 18!) I’d say go for it. They’re nice boots. People buy their kids gaming systems for $500 all the time. If she takes care of them even remotely at all, they’ll last this winter and all 4 years of college, making them a good wardrobe staple as long as the style isn’t too “trendy.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do people here know if new Frye boots are as high quality as the old ones? So many brands have gone downhill in quality....

I don’t know about brand-new ones, but I have 2 pairs, one from around 2004 and one from about 2014, and they’re both in great shape still. I do take really good care of the leather every winter, and they only get better with age. I also have a couple pairs of Frye flats from the same era that have been worn almost constantly for about 10 years and look almost new.

[Anonymous]

I am like your daughter, I don’t ask for much or buy much. I would get her a pair of Frye boots because she is 18 and these will last her a long time.
I love my Frye boots. They have lasted me years and still look brand new. They are quality boots and relatively timeless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 18 year old wants a pair of $495 Frye Boots for Christmas.

She wants for very little (and asks for even less).
She had her 18th birthday over a month ago and we got her a sweater and a pair of boots ($150). The boots went back because they looked terrible (I completely agreed--they were bad). We haven't replaced them-she's been busy with school and hasn't asked for a replacement to this birthday gift that didn't work out.

We usually spend about $300 for Christmas and my parents give us $200 or so to buy a gift from them. She doesn't get gifts from other family members.
She also has her own money from working a full time summer job at a restaurant (she probably has 3.5K).


My first response is "uh, no!" (mostly on principle) But I don't know. I could buy them and have her chip in or just buy them as her one Christmas gift from parents and grandparents. They're the kind of boots that a few Influencers have found in thrift stores because Frye has been making the exact same style for 20 years (so they're classic and have staying power----and yes, it would be great to find them at a thrift store but she doesn't have the time for this and the stores with a random pair in them are generally in the midwest).

I'm also aghast at the amount, but would tend to buy them for her for these reasons based on what you wrote.

-Other posters have described these as boots that will last decades, so not a frivolous purchase.
-She's 18 so probably done growing and can use these in her adult life.
-You already tried buying her cheaper boots and they weren't good.
-It's been over a month since her birthday and she hasn't bugged you about a replacement present, so she's not materialistic.
-She doesn't ask for much, so this seems important to her.
-She works, and has saved a good chunk of it, so she's not am irresponsible spender.
-You "owe her" $150 from the birthday present you returned and usually spend $300 for Christmas, which is almost $495, so I would just buy these as her Christmas present from you and still get her something from her grandparents.

Another one in agreement and I don't really splurge on stuff like that for myself. I wouldn't justify it the same way for a younger kid whose feet might not be done growing. I would emphasize that these need to be taken care of properly so that they CAN last for decades and I'd consider throwing in some boot shapers to encourage good care.

[Anonymous]

i've had my lucchese and frye (harness) boots forever and love them. get them for her! they will only keep getting more expensive so you're really just saving money...

[Anonymous]

Seems like you owe her $450 for Christmas. If it’s the only thing she wants, I’d get them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d get them. But that would be her only gift. If they are classic style, they will last years and years. Good investment. This isn’t something I’d buy used either. Part of the joy of having a great pair of boots is breaking them over several years as they mold to your foot/leg and develop a patina. Plus used footwear is gross.

Same here. And agree with a pp, my answer would be a hard no for a younger kid who still may grow. I’ve got Frye boots that at 10+ years old. Classic and look new.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Women's Lodge Boots at Eddie Bauer for $100 super cute and you can get extra $20 off with mobile app.

OMG no, either buy her the boots she wants or none at all, but don't try to find a cheaper replacement. It won't be the same at all.

[Anonymous]

Yes. I'd rather spend $500 for a pair of great boots than $300 on a bunch of disposable fast fashion items.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are tall boots back in style? I always wanted tall Frye boots (the Melissa’s) but couldn’t justify the expense. Then they went out of fashion. I’m no fashion plate but it seemed silly to buy super expensive boots that were out of style.

OP, I’m usually against giving into expensive teen whims but this is a quality product, she’s 18, and you can combine your budget and grandparent’s budge towards them. One big gift is often better.

yes, certain ones are in for the teen/20 something set---the Frye Campus boots are one of their most classic styles but are a touch heavy in profile--a bit western, a bit motorcycle. I don't think tall boots in general are in. My daughter has no interest in ones that were more tailored.

That and barn jackets. They are super in.

1994 is back.

Interesting! I know this isn't the fashion forum, but what are people wearing on bottom with the Fryes--skirts, jeans?

[Anonymous]

Not for our family. There are better quality boots for less.