Frye Leather Boots
by Frye
8 endorsements on r/BuyItForLife first recommended in Jan 2025
Leather boots from the American heritage brand Frye, historically known for durable, resolable construction.
Added Jul 5, 2026, Updated Jul 6, 2026
Why it's buy-it-for-life
Older Frye boots (and other leather footwear from the brand) bought a decade or more ago are reported by redditors as still going strong after resoling, with the leather aging well. However, many commenters warn that Frye has since shifted much of its production to China and Mexico, and that current-production items no longer match the durability or quality of older Made-in-USA models.
What redditors say
Recommended on reddit as recently as June 2025
Show 15 more mentions
- 15r/BuyItForLife comment
I have some Fry boots that are 5 years old and still going strong.
- 15r/BuyItForLife comment
a video breakdown on the poor construction quality of Frye's today
- 8r/BuyItForLife comment
It's a pity Frye's quality went to shit when they moved to manufacturing in sweatshops. They used to be truly exceptional BIFL quality.
- 6r/BuyItForLife comment
I have a pair that were made in America and I swear by them. All others are cheap as fuck and should be avoided.
- 6r/BuyItForLife comment
I know they at least used to be high quality but lately have been seeing more low quality things like belts that aren't great.
- 5r/BuyItForLife comment
My favorite boot for dresses!
- 4r/BuyItForLife comment
too bad the brand's gone to shit and is in no way the same product as the ones you tout
- 4r/BuyItForLife comment
While searching I could actually see the decline in the soles and leather quality.
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
I made the wrong choice and those Frye boots lasted a good few years and a handful of resoles..... But they didn't look like this!
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
Now they are garbage being made in China, with a few exceptions on certain models.
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
I've got a pair of Frye loafers (they look like MJ shoes) that are great. Got them like close to 20 years ago and they're still in great shape.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
they stand up to abuse, clean easily and seem to fit the style youre looking for
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
Redwing, Frye, Luchasse. Buy expensive, get a good cobbler to re-sole them.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
Frye engineer boots. Look good with shorts, dresses and jeans.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
Frye boots
These are my beloved Fry boots I bought for my bday over 12 years ago. I had the soles replaced 5 years ago.
Frye moved their manufacturing facilities overseas and failed to maintain the high standards that earned their reputation.
Now most of their boots are made in China and are of poor quality materials and work.
Watch the rose anvil video on how far they have fallen
they are not even using real stacked heels. On $400 boots?!
Frye is no longer good quality. Would not recommend.