Customer Reviews Frye Natalie Mid Engineer Lug

I recently purchased shearling-lined Mara button shortie boots in oiled black and found, though I loved the warmth and sockless comfort, I wanted a boot with higher shaft to wear with calf-length skirts or ankle-cropped pants. These work. The brown color (very handsome, dark, rich) went on sale and since they are waterproof with shearling, I took the plunge for yet another pair. (FYI, I wear 8.5-9 Fryes and reg. shoes, depending. In these, the 9 was right, a bit long but perfect for width right out of the box.) I have muscular calves, so my other concern was whether the buckled vent would be roomy enough without any ankle pucker. There's no problem. The height falls inches below the thickest part of my leg. There's room to add another hole on the tab, if needed, too. The only hmmms to keeping these are 1) thin fur inside, esp. insoles. I'll have to put in 1/2" thick shearling replacement insoles if I keep them. Also they feel very flat, the sole is hard rubber/composite and unforgiving, so I need more arch support. The Mara shearling insoles are nice, thick shearling, the outer sole not so bulky, and my feet feel supported even though there's probably no more built-in arch support than in these. 2) At the price, I'd rather buy US-made Fryes. My older boots have held up incredibly well over years. The Mara shorties (Made in Mexico, bought at full price this fall) are looking worn already and I've only had them 3-4 months, wearing them lightly. So, for me, the jury is out whether I'll keep paying the price for Mexican Fryes. The style is timeless, but I can only justify the cost if I can wear them for many, many years.

I was excited to find waterproof shearling boots that reviewers raved. But, alas, it is not to be. I hate to be the only dissenter, but I don't think they are so great for the price. The style is not boss enough for a moto boot. They seem wimpy. They are too narrow for a winter boot; should be wider at ball of foot area for wiggle room to create warmth. I ordered 1/2 size bigger for extra room, so they were longer but didn't help the too narrow. Don't like that are shaped almost completely round. The lug soles are great. The shearling is nice although too thin, and I cannot tell if yes, but if they are shearling around the foot area, they are sheared too flat/thin. I want thick plush shearling around foot area. Also, the insole footbed, although comfortable, is not removable so you cannot replace it when needed (expensive boots should last years and after years you need to replace the shearling insole, and maybe wash it once in a while), nor can one use orthotics for arch support if you need them.

I bought the Natalie Mid Engineer with leather soles and leather linings, and I love the boot, which can be dressed up or down. But I live in Maine, and needed a more rugged and waterproof boot for winter. Because I love the edgy style of this boot so much, I splurged and bought these as a second pair for when the weather is bad and I will be spending more time outdoors. I normally wear an size 8.5 wide, and these fit perfectly. The shearling lining is so cozy and warm! Interesting that in the leather-soled boot I needed a size 9, but the lug sole boot is more true-to-size and accommodating of wide feet. They are of such high quality, between the two pairs, I expect them to last for years.