The Look for Less: Buckled Motorcycle Boots

It all started innocently enough, as I was killing time before an appointment at the hair salon.  I thought it would be fun to pop into Saks and try on some shoes.  Nude pumps, specifically.  How the Sales Associate made the leap from there to buckled motorcycle boots I’ll never know, but along with the red-soled Loubie patent pumps, she brought out these Jimmy Choo fur lined, buckled beauties.
Talk about hitting a nerve, not only were they incredibly comfortable, but when I saw my booted reflection, I suddenly found my Inner Cool Girl.  But the $1050 price tag, not so cool.
Still, I couldn’t let go of how they felt, and how I felt in them. Wearing something with just a pinch of toughness or edginess has always felt organic to me, like connecting with a powerful part of myself. So when Frugal Scholar suggested a less pricey option in the comments here, I was off like a greyhound after a mechanical hare.
The pair (Gentle Souls) that FS suggested has definite possibilities.
$295, from Garnet Hill.  A bit slouchier than the Jimmy’s, but at 30% of the price, an acceptable compromise.
But the taller version ($219) really grabbed my interest. 
Here’s Cole Haan’s entry into the field:
If there were an actual buckle instead of the hook thingie, this would be a contender.  Air Tantivy, $298.
Some people swear by the original motorcycle boot (Frye harness boot, $218) but this particular model brings up too many bad associations with an obnoxious neighbor from high school days.
There’s also this Frye Engineer Boot,
$207.95 at Nordstrom. (Thanks to Sheri in comments!)
Or this one,
Frye “Veronica” boot, $327.95.  Nice, but I think for a taller boot, I’d prefer one that zips.
And finally, if you want to go beyond Inner Cool Girl and channel your Inner Badass, Fluevog has just the thing. 
Earl of Warwicks/Wessex, $295.  I think these are a bit much for me though, and I’m leaning toward either the Gentle Souls or the J.Jill options.   
What about you?  Would you wear a version of the motorcycle boot?
Picture at top from here.
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38 Comments

  1. I have and LOVE the Frye gaucho (or engineer) boot in black:

    http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2963767?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=shoes:women:boots&cm_ite=frye_%27engineer_12r%27_boot:213266&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:trackingCode=07E065A2-B5FF-DE11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA

    It has a rounded toe and simpler buckles than the harness boot. It was hard to get on at first, with my high instep–the shaft took some breaking in–but it has been sublimely comfortable to wear. I do indeed feel tough in them! I wear them with jeans (tucked or not) and also skirts/tights.

    Bought mine new but without the original box on ebay: $75!

    Sheri

  2. How old is too old for this look? I love it but wonder if this works. Of course I have issues with a high instep and have difficulty getting into a zipless boot anyway. I have the same issue with cowboy boots.

  3. I’d vote for the Frye myself — can’t beat a classic!
    I have a pair of Fiorentini & Baker that have the functionality of a motorcycle boot, although they’re also a bit cavalry. I love having attitude and comfort all at once — feels like cheating!

  4. I have a pair of Frye harness boots that I’ve worn & loved for years. Big & tough & clompy, you can drop a brick on your toe & not even notice it.

  5. Instead of tough, these types of boots can be funneled towards “edgy” instead. Motorcycle mama, no, urban mom (or grandmom), yes.

  6. Love these. With good accessories and a nice bag, they can provide just the right amount of edge to keep an outfit forward looking.

  7. I absolutely LUST for the Frye boots, but can’t wear them to work (though with black pants….), am saving for other things, and – worst of all – have thick calves at every weight (if they aren’t fat, they’re muscular). SIGH. Someday.

  8. I love the motorcycle boots but I can’t decide if they love me back (short, round figure and all). Plus, I’ve tried the Frye boots and they are way too wide in the heel for me. I’m still thinking about this one.

  9. Love the Frye boots but they are heavy. Have you looked at the KG Sadler Sheepskin Biker Boots at ASOS? They have free shipping to the US.

  10. All the boots you show, would be perfect for the climate we have here in Finland. Although motorcycle boots would look ridiculous on me, I´d choose the first ones to keep my feet warm.

  11. Go for the classic Frye boots — old neighbor be damned!

    I like zipperless boots, for two reasons: one, they are often better shaped, an two, there’s no risk of snagging your tights when you cross your legs.

    I do wonder, though, whether there’s an upper age limit to the tough-girl look. I’m starting to notice that it’s tougher to pull off “tough” as I get older.

  12. I like the short JJill ones for motorcycle-ness. I have a pair of what I’d call harness boots with the right level of horsey/motorcycle-y from Born. Got ’em last year, and they are similar in color to these:
    http://www.zappos.com/product/7651863/color/240107
    but mine have a squared-off toe. They are some of my most comfortable boots. I find I swagger a bit when I wear them, which is always fun!!

  13. I wear actual motorcycle boots, though not Frye, a different brand with an almost identical look. I purchased them online from some motorcycle superstore for around $80. The leather’s as nice and sturdy as could be and I love that they can be resoled. Actually, I’m coming up on a resoling after 2 years of hard winters.

    My current pair are medium to dark brown; they were cognac-ish before they were waterproofed. They get a lot of comments (all positive) and they are extremely comfortable and pack a lot of punch. I highly recommend them!

  14. I got the Earl of Warwicks Montagu boots (Vogs) – knee-high and a little less fierce than the ones you’ve shown. I feel very tough when I wear them but I make sure the rest of what I’m wearing is ‘milder’ so that I don’t look ridiculous!

  15. I want to know more about the obnoxious neighbor. I do love the look of the original Fryes. I had some kind of crazy motorcycle boots back in college. They were so painful to wear! I’d never do that now!

  16. I myself wouldn’t wear boots connoting motorcycles, no…but I have some tall black ones from Timberland that are rather cyberpunk. The hardware is bronze; straps are velcro. They work the magic you mention. Never thought I would get so many compliments on funny-looking, mainly flat boots.

    I also have a suede stiletto pair with a number of gunmetal rings. So yes, I love me some hardware, buckles, and studs, but for some reason moto-specific doesn’t feel right for me.

    In any case though I totally think you should go for it, once you decide which version to get. 🙂

  17. I’d totally wear the J Jill boots, dress ’em or down. I’m too far out of the Frye demographic to look cool – now I’d just look like I was trying too hard.

  18. I love my Clarks motorcycle boots – when my sister saw me in them she said, “Hm, there’s a little more of your rock chick.” Couldn’t do the tall ones because I, too, have a superavit in the calf department.

    Still and all, I swagger more in my cowboy boots, though I find I wear them a lot less now that I don’t live on the Left Coast.

  19. I love the look of Frye footwear but whenever I’ve tried it on I feel like it will take forever to get broken-in and comfy.

    As a woman of a certain age I don’t buy green bananas or footwear that will tear my feet up before becoming my best friend!

    I saw the JJills in a catalog after reading your original post and thought they looked like a good Choo substitute. I’ve never tried a pair of Cole Hahn’s on that weren’t immediately great, if they were the right size, so they’d be good too.

  20. Stephanie – I promise to keep an open mind!

    Sheri – thanks for the recommendation. I’m definitely giving that one a look. I also have a high instep, and in reading the customer reviews of Frye boots, that seems to be a frequent issue.

    Toby Wollin – fortunately, I don’t have weather to contend with, but I can certainly understand that choice if one has to deal with snow!

    Nancy K – yes, my high instep makes zipped boots more workable. As to your other question, look for a post tomorrow to address!

    metscan – true, this isn’t a style for everyone. If I lived somewhere with harsh winters, I could more easily justify spending a bit more.

    Nancy DaQ – the Frye’s do seem to be getting the majority of votes!

    materfamilas – yes, they *have to* be comfortable, otherwise it defeats a good part of the purpose.

    cathleen – good point about the tights, hadn’t though of that. I think that if that edgy element is part of your style, you can carry it off at any age. Maybe not head-to-toe, but a bit here and there?

  21. Style Spy – I love your description. From what I’m reading, it seems there’s a breaking in period with they Frye’s, but then you’re golden.

    thsocric – yes, edgy works.

    sisiv – yes, that’s what I’m going for, just a little something to add some edge to otherwise simple ensembles. I love mixing feminine and masculine elements too.

    hostess – I’m betting the Cole Haans are incredibly comfortable.

    Artful Lawyer – in doing some boot searches today I did see some “wide calf” options. You might check Zappos.

    CoudreMode – the Frye’s are definitely growing on me!

    laurieann – I’m wondering if you could make these work with tights or narrow pants and by keeping the rest of the outfit streamlined?

  22. Sybarite – I haven’t seen those but will definitely check them out, thanks!

    SarahN – I balked at the cost of the nude pumps too. They were tempting as well.

    Tiffany – oh, those sound cool! I think you’re smart to keep the rest of the ensemble more subdued.

    Someone – it sounds as if you’ve chosen well according to your own style. I’m definitely going to go for one of these, it’s just a matter of deciding which.

    spacegeek – I’m going to try both the short and tall JJill boots. I like those you’ve shown too.

    Helen – I hadn’t thought about actual motorcycle boots, but that’s a great suggestion too!

    Wendy B – oh, where to start? 20 years old, thought he was The Shit, was really mean to me, my mom had a Mrs. Robinson thing going on with him….

  23. Melissa – yes, those JJills are really appealing too, and probably quite versatile.

    neki desu – they’re definitely on the short list!

    Rose AG – I hear you about the green bananas and uncomfortable shoes! Comfort is non negotiable.

    Rubiatonta – what is it about boots and how they provide that boost of confidence? I hadn’t thought of Clarks, but will look and see what they have to offer.

  24. Deja Pseu, don’t give up on the (zipperless) Fryes, even if you find your foot does not slip in easily. A common tip that worked for me is to pop a thin plastic bag, like a produce bag from the grocery store, over each foot, and then rip it away once your foot is inside the boot. It worked like a charm for me, and after ten wearings or so, it was no longer necessary. I tell you, Fryes are things of beauty once they break in to your foot and leg. Sheri

  25. I have the Frye Veronica. Super comfortable & look even better on!
    I would wear them all the time if I didn’t live in Florida.

  26. All are attractive boots, but as a point of clarification, the “hook thingie,’ as it was described, is a pocket hoof pick in the open position making that particular pair of boots more appealing to the equestrian than the motorcycle rider.

  27. Anonymous – yes, the Sales Associate at the Cole Haan told me the same thing, but having grown up around horses I’d never seen a hoof pick that looked like that. Live and learn. 🙂

  28. Earlier this year I went all the way with my Inner Bad Girl: silver studded moto boots. Put them on and will never look back! I wear them all the time–in fact, I’ll be wearing them with skinny jeans and a metallic sweater to visit my grandkids for Christmas. Find your Inner Bad Girl!