Kid you not, this was a question that landed a visitor to this blog. Unfortunately, it was directed to a post where I discussed differences between Chippewa and Wesco boots, not Frye. Oh well, here goes... what are the major comparisons between Frye and Wesco boots?
Hmmm... like what's the difference between a Yugo and a Harley?
Showing posts with label Frye Boots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Frye Boots. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Chippewa or Frye Harness Boots?
Recently, someone sent me an email asking about the current boots made under the Frye boots label. He noted that a new pair of Frye 12R harness boots were already falling apart after just one wearing. One boot pull was not sewn on completely and was coming off.
His original question was whether those Frye boots are really made in the United States, despite the label saying, "made in the U.S.A."
I replied by saying that yes, the boots are assembled ("made") in the USA at a plant in Arkansas, in a location that Frye will not tell you where it is (which adds to the suspicion.) However, I assert, unless the owner can prove otherwise, that the leather and other materials from which these boots are assembled comes from inferior sources outside the U.S. Further, because the current owner of the Frye boot label is the Chinese company Li and Fung, known for producing the cheap clothing and footwear imported by Walmart, the boots are assembled by non-union labor using inferior lasts (boot forms) that were not from the original John A. Frye Company.
Current Frye harness boots have a cheap off-brand rubber sole. Further, you can see from this image from Frye's website that they imprint a pebble grain on the boots to hide blemishes that otherwise would be noticed if the leather were smooth. That is a way to hide that the leather is not Top Grain, the best leather for boots.
I assert, then, that today's Frye boots are cheaply made from inferior materials. While the going price for a pair of these boots is about US$300, the company and all the middle-men involved are making a huge profit from the well-recognized name, and are not purchasing quality materials to go into the boots in the first place. This is definitely where the adage caveat emptor (buyer beware) applies.
Chippewa harness boots are a fair comparison in today's harness boot styles. The Chippewa company is owned by another conglomerate, Berkshire Hathaway. (Actually, the U.S.-based Berkshire Hathaway owns Justin Brands, of which the Chippewa label is a subsidiary.)
However, in my humble opinion, Chippewa boots are made better. They still use the same lasts (boot forms) for their boots that they used before the company was bought out by Justin Brands. The boots are still made in the USA. From my direct observations of the materials and craftsmanship with which Chippewa boots are made, I feel that they leather and materials that they use to make Chippewa boots is of better quality. The boots are made of smooth leather. Blemishes are not observable. Double-stitching is used on stress points, including the boot pulls. Quality Vibram soles are used, which are far superior for a biker's required traction (and will last long.)
And Chippewa sells a pair of their "Street Warrior" model 27868 harness boots for about $100 less per pair than Frye. Go figure -- are you getting what you are paying for with Frye? I don't think so. You are paying for a label, not quality.
Just because boots are made in the USA does not mean that they are all made with quality materials and craftsmanship. Look closely and compare, and be a well-informed consumer.
Life is short: do your research before making a purchase.
His original question was whether those Frye boots are really made in the United States, despite the label saying, "made in the U.S.A."
I replied by saying that yes, the boots are assembled ("made") in the USA at a plant in Arkansas, in a location that Frye will not tell you where it is (which adds to the suspicion.) However, I assert, unless the owner can prove otherwise, that the leather and other materials from which these boots are assembled comes from inferior sources outside the U.S. Further, because the current owner of the Frye boot label is the Chinese company Li and Fung, known for producing the cheap clothing and footwear imported by Walmart, the boots are assembled by non-union labor using inferior lasts (boot forms) that were not from the original John A. Frye Company.
I assert, then, that today's Frye boots are cheaply made from inferior materials. While the going price for a pair of these boots is about US$300, the company and all the middle-men involved are making a huge profit from the well-recognized name, and are not purchasing quality materials to go into the boots in the first place. This is definitely where the adage caveat emptor (buyer beware) applies.
However, in my humble opinion, Chippewa boots are made better. They still use the same lasts (boot forms) for their boots that they used before the company was bought out by Justin Brands. The boots are still made in the USA. From my direct observations of the materials and craftsmanship with which Chippewa boots are made, I feel that they leather and materials that they use to make Chippewa boots is of better quality. The boots are made of smooth leather. Blemishes are not observable. Double-stitching is used on stress points, including the boot pulls. Quality Vibram soles are used, which are far superior for a biker's required traction (and will last long.)
And Chippewa sells a pair of their "Street Warrior" model 27868 harness boots for about $100 less per pair than Frye. Go figure -- are you getting what you are paying for with Frye? I don't think so. You are paying for a label, not quality.
Just because boots are made in the USA does not mean that they are all made with quality materials and craftsmanship. Look closely and compare, and be a well-informed consumer.
Life is short: do your research before making a purchase.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Lugged Fryes Go for a Ride
We had a good ride. The boots enjoyed it, too. (Though, as usual, no one said a word about the boots. Seldom does that happen, especially to a biker. I mean, most people expect bikers to be wearing boots, so why would anyone say anything?)
Life is short: go for a ride!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Lug Soles for Frye Boots
Someone in my family gave me a pair of 14" black Frye campus boots a couple weeks ago. He said that he had ordered them, and then didn't like them once he wore them a couple times. He said that they weren't like the Frye Boots that he remembered back in college (in the '70s).
Yep. New Frye Boots, even though they are made in the USA, do not have the same characteristics (quality, heel height, sole composition) as their Vintage cousins. That's because they are not made by the same company any more. The name is now owned by Li & Fong, one of the largest shoe retailers in China.
Anyway, my cousin who didn't know any better thought that I could wear them while riding my Harley. He did not realize that a smooth leather sole would not be suitable for that.
However, not to look a gift horse in the mouth, I brought them to a cobbler and had Vibram 100 lug soles added to them. They look good -- better than I thought -- and are NOW suitable for use while riding the Harley.
Sorry for the quick pic -- I really haven't had time to take a decent set of pictures of them for my website. This pic was taken in my office on the day I picked them up from the cobbler.
Life is short: adapt!
Yep. New Frye Boots, even though they are made in the USA, do not have the same characteristics (quality, heel height, sole composition) as their Vintage cousins. That's because they are not made by the same company any more. The name is now owned by Li & Fong, one of the largest shoe retailers in China.
Anyway, my cousin who didn't know any better thought that I could wear them while riding my Harley. He did not realize that a smooth leather sole would not be suitable for that.
Sorry for the quick pic -- I really haven't had time to take a decent set of pictures of them for my website. This pic was taken in my office on the day I picked them up from the cobbler.
Life is short: adapt!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Frye Boots Gay?
It is regretful that this series continues about certain styles or brands of boots and questions entered into search engines asking if those boots are "gay," but here is the third internet search -- found on the same day as the one about harness boots and engineer boots being "gay":
Again, I remind readers that kids today have adopted the term "that's gay" to refer to something that is, in their opinion, lame or dumb.
Once more, being concerned about what other people say about what you wear on your feet is a sign of youthful immaturity. Eventually, these guys will grow up and learn that what other people think about what they wear is immaterial. When they become a man in their own right, they can choose to wear Frye boots if they wish.
I do have to say, though, that the Campus Boot style of Fryes is universal in design, and is worn by women -- that style of an unadorned foot (no straps or buckles) with a higher heel (2" to 2-1/2") is considered by some people to be more of a women's boot than a man's.
But read my recent (straight) guest blogs, "Frye-ography" and "Observations From a Frye Boot Fan" to consider that to guys in the 60s and 70s, Fryes were the style of boot to have and to wear -- different from cowboy boots, which were not as acceptable and prevalent on the U.S. East Coast, or combat boots, which reflected something that draft-eligible men were concerned about.
To some of us "more mature" men, Frye boots bring many fond memories of our turbulent youth in the 60s and 70s and we're man enough to wear them today.
Life is short: wear Frye boots!
Once more, being concerned about what other people say about what you wear on your feet is a sign of youthful immaturity. Eventually, these guys will grow up and learn that what other people think about what they wear is immaterial. When they become a man in their own right, they can choose to wear Frye boots if they wish.
But read my recent (straight) guest blogs, "Frye-ography" and "Observations From a Frye Boot Fan" to consider that to guys in the 60s and 70s, Fryes were the style of boot to have and to wear -- different from cowboy boots, which were not as acceptable and prevalent on the U.S. East Coast, or combat boots, which reflected something that draft-eligible men were concerned about.
To some of us "more mature" men, Frye boots bring many fond memories of our turbulent youth in the 60s and 70s and we're man enough to wear them today.
Life is short: wear Frye boots!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Observations From Frye Boot Fan
Note from BHD: This is the second of a two-part guest blog series from Frye Boot Fan. His previous post recalling how he got into wearing Fryes as a teen during the late '60s in suburban Washington, DC, is here (link). Below, he shares additional observations.
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Footwear historians note that in turbulent and unsettled times (wars, etc.), for centuries, the unconscious trend is towards substantial boots, as they make us feel safer and more protected than foot-revealing, light-weight, low shoes. It's all very psychological.
Look at that era, no more tumultuous or troubling times that I can think of in the 20th Century. As youngsters we lived in mortal fear of getting drafted and going to Vietnam, getting busted by "the pigs," having to run away, or just let our "boot heels go a-wandering" at a moment's notice to escape parents' authority (e.g. the series of Kay Lenz hippie-hitch-hiker-girl movies, 'Billy Jack', troubled teen flicks, etc.)
Too close to home--remember the skies glowing red all night from DC in flames in the 1968 riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King? It was pure trauma to suburban kids--boots afforded protection.
Until Fryes hit the scene, really, the only alternative were cowboy boots. Those were uncomfortable and bespoke red-neck culture. Where I lived, those guys were pretty hostile to long-hairs like us. We dallied with surplus store combat boots for a while. Those were "cool," but too grim a reminder of what might await us at 18--Vietnam service. Frye boots were just the right things at the right time for our generation. They were not hold-overs from any previous generation, not borrowed from another sub-culture--they belonged entirely to us. We made then culturally-charged icons, pure and simple, not a style with any stigmas to overcome like cowboy boots.
Dress has ever been all-defining. In the halcyon heydays of Fryes, for all of the propaganda about non-conformity and free-thinking, a more rigid and "uniform" dress code enforced by peer-pressure I cannot imagine than what we endured. Official public school dress codes mandating: neatly cropped hair, collared dress shirts, and prohibiting blue jeans, boots, etc. in the classroom had only just been rescinded in local junior and senior high schools in '67 or so, and this new-found freedom began the whole sartorial "fashionista" trend for school kids--the excesses of which are now causing a return to dress codes in U.S. public schools (nobody I heard of ever got killed over their Frye boots, as some have been for popular sneakers).
If period advertising is anything to go by, the current chronology of Frye styles is messed-up it seems to me. Frye marketing claimed that the "Campus" boot came "first" in the "mid-'60s", as a revival of some "1863" boot. I cannot find any ads for the "Campus" style until c.1973, even among the copycats like Sears, who only lagged a few months in ripping-off popular styles. Double H Boots' website says they came out with their "Snoot Boot"(TM) (harness) in direct competition with Frye, around '70-'71, but HH never copied the "Campus" style. The square snoot toe and harness, I think, came in first, but what year exactly? Some bloggers claim to have worn Frye harness boots to Woodstock (Aug. '69). Is there a really a pair shown in 'Easy Rider' (1969)? Maybe we need to look more closely at album cover photos of the day. Others say Jim Morrison (d. '71) wore Fryes to boost his height, but no reference to which exact style.
If my memory serves, the harness boots appeared on the suburban DC scene c.1970 at the earliest, and the Campus boot followed in c.1973. All of the Frye Co. ads I have found pre-1970 only show cowboy boots, and the older '40s-'50s ads shoe just the "Jet" boots, all mail-order only. My theory is, Frye underwent some changes when they decided to wholesale boots to retail stores, and that this coincided with the new styles of the harness and later the "Campus". The square toe harness style was quickly co-opted by long-hairs, and bikers, so Frye came out with the more clean-cut and neutral "Campus" style for the general youth market, by then trending towards bulbous toe shapes, thick platform soles and the straight chunky heels that reigned supreme during the Disco era. More research is needed here.
--------------------------
BHD comment: My recollections about Fryes are the same as my Guest Blogger's memories -- we grew up in the same geographic area, and are about the same age. Actually, I was just under the wire of having to register for the draft back in the day. I recall comments about "only rednecks wear boots" and thought those slurs were part of an ongoing repitoire of commentary that was hurled at me by other guys who picked on me -- typical grade-school bully stuff (though we were in high school at the time.) To me, I just liked to wear boots, and I did. I began back then to emerge as my own person, and with the encouragement of my family, I didn't let negative comments make me change my mind about what I chose to wear on my feet. Plus, having strong ties to Oklahoma, wearing cowboy boots in Maryland was a way to demonstrate some pride for my mother's family roots and my Choctaw blood.
One more word: I realize that about half of my blog visitors live elsewhere in the world, and do not know what a "redneck" is. That is a term for someone who works out in the hot sun, such as a farm worker. Thus, their neck would get red from sunburn. It was usually a term of reference to someone from the U.S. South, and in the north, calling someone a "redneck" was deemed an insult.
--------------------------------
Footwear historians note that in turbulent and unsettled times (wars, etc.), for centuries, the unconscious trend is towards substantial boots, as they make us feel safer and more protected than foot-revealing, light-weight, low shoes. It's all very psychological.
Look at that era, no more tumultuous or troubling times that I can think of in the 20th Century. As youngsters we lived in mortal fear of getting drafted and going to Vietnam, getting busted by "the pigs," having to run away, or just let our "boot heels go a-wandering" at a moment's notice to escape parents' authority (e.g. the series of Kay Lenz hippie-hitch-hiker-girl movies, 'Billy Jack', troubled teen flicks, etc.)
Too close to home--remember the skies glowing red all night from DC in flames in the 1968 riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King? It was pure trauma to suburban kids--boots afforded protection.
Until Fryes hit the scene, really, the only alternative were cowboy boots. Those were uncomfortable and bespoke red-neck culture. Where I lived, those guys were pretty hostile to long-hairs like us. We dallied with surplus store combat boots for a while. Those were "cool," but too grim a reminder of what might await us at 18--Vietnam service. Frye boots were just the right things at the right time for our generation. They were not hold-overs from any previous generation, not borrowed from another sub-culture--they belonged entirely to us. We made then culturally-charged icons, pure and simple, not a style with any stigmas to overcome like cowboy boots.
Dress has ever been all-defining. In the halcyon heydays of Fryes, for all of the propaganda about non-conformity and free-thinking, a more rigid and "uniform" dress code enforced by peer-pressure I cannot imagine than what we endured. Official public school dress codes mandating: neatly cropped hair, collared dress shirts, and prohibiting blue jeans, boots, etc. in the classroom had only just been rescinded in local junior and senior high schools in '67 or so, and this new-found freedom began the whole sartorial "fashionista" trend for school kids--the excesses of which are now causing a return to dress codes in U.S. public schools (nobody I heard of ever got killed over their Frye boots, as some have been for popular sneakers).
If period advertising is anything to go by, the current chronology of Frye styles is messed-up it seems to me. Frye marketing claimed that the "Campus" boot came "first" in the "mid-'60s", as a revival of some "1863" boot. I cannot find any ads for the "Campus" style until c.1973, even among the copycats like Sears, who only lagged a few months in ripping-off popular styles. Double H Boots' website says they came out with their "Snoot Boot"(TM) (harness) in direct competition with Frye, around '70-'71, but HH never copied the "Campus" style. The square snoot toe and harness, I think, came in first, but what year exactly? Some bloggers claim to have worn Frye harness boots to Woodstock (Aug. '69). Is there a really a pair shown in 'Easy Rider' (1969)? Maybe we need to look more closely at album cover photos of the day. Others say Jim Morrison (d. '71) wore Fryes to boost his height, but no reference to which exact style.
If my memory serves, the harness boots appeared on the suburban DC scene c.1970 at the earliest, and the Campus boot followed in c.1973. All of the Frye Co. ads I have found pre-1970 only show cowboy boots, and the older '40s-'50s ads shoe just the "Jet" boots, all mail-order only. My theory is, Frye underwent some changes when they decided to wholesale boots to retail stores, and that this coincided with the new styles of the harness and later the "Campus". The square toe harness style was quickly co-opted by long-hairs, and bikers, so Frye came out with the more clean-cut and neutral "Campus" style for the general youth market, by then trending towards bulbous toe shapes, thick platform soles and the straight chunky heels that reigned supreme during the Disco era. More research is needed here.
--------------------------
BHD comment: My recollections about Fryes are the same as my Guest Blogger's memories -- we grew up in the same geographic area, and are about the same age. Actually, I was just under the wire of having to register for the draft back in the day. I recall comments about "only rednecks wear boots" and thought those slurs were part of an ongoing repitoire of commentary that was hurled at me by other guys who picked on me -- typical grade-school bully stuff (though we were in high school at the time.) To me, I just liked to wear boots, and I did. I began back then to emerge as my own person, and with the encouragement of my family, I didn't let negative comments make me change my mind about what I chose to wear on my feet. Plus, having strong ties to Oklahoma, wearing cowboy boots in Maryland was a way to demonstrate some pride for my mother's family roots and my Choctaw blood.
One more word: I realize that about half of my blog visitors live elsewhere in the world, and do not know what a "redneck" is. That is a term for someone who works out in the hot sun, such as a farm worker. Thus, their neck would get red from sunburn. It was usually a term of reference to someone from the U.S. South, and in the north, calling someone a "redneck" was deemed an insult.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Frye-ography
Note from BHD: the following post was written by "Frye Boot Fan," a guy with whom I have been corresponding lately. He grew up in the same county that I did and during the same era, though we did not know each other. With his permission, I am posting his recollections of wearing boots in the late 60s and early 70s in the suburbs of Washington, DC, in one of the most wealthy counties in Maryland.
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Cool boots were part and parcel with bell bottoms and the urge to grow long hair, none of which my parents would tolerate until I entered junior high in 1969. Junior High was a melting pot of diverse kid-tribes from several elementary schools -- [well-to-do Suburb A] with Bohemian [Suburb B] and blue collar and collarless [Suburb C] -- as diverse as the United Nations it seemed. The "freaks", proto-hippies in-training I fell in with; the "greasers" from the marchlands, plus the clan-less mass of collegiate clean-cut kids. These three tribes were known as "click, soul, and rock-n-roll," in reverse order given above, "click"=clean cuts, "soul"=greasers, and "rock-n-roll"=freaks.
Dress, musical tastes and overall demeanor defined one's tribe, and there was no inter-tribal fraternization, especially between freaks and greasers, amongst who there abided the greatest animosity. The "click" kids were seen largely viewed as potential recruits for both groups, though some of their more intrepid girls were fair game, dating into either tribe, but I digress. The "greasers" amused themselves with hot-rodding older buddies' '57 Chevys, wearing black leather blazers over white tee-shirts, or pastel yellow Banlon polo shirts; cuffed khaki trou worn too short in the legs, and black high-top "Chucks" (Converse All Star sneakers). They maintained '50ish coiffures with plenty of hair grease, hence the name I suppose. They listened to R&B soul music music, and hosted the occasional chain-fight rumble. Nobody messed with these dudes--bad news. The "freaks" of course listened to rock, formed garage and basement bands, chased hippie chicks in all their sartorial splendor, and discovered pot.
As 7th graders we of course looked to the 9th graders for fashion guidance in everything cool. They were two years ahead of us in hair growth, as they had fatigued their parents into accepting a level of hippie dress our parents were still resisting. This was soon to change as the pressure for hip back-to-school wardrobes and plummage was overwhelming, and parents relented in most cases. After assorted un-cool boots all my young years, the first cool boots I had to have were Flagg Brothers chocolate brown suede, back-zipped, pointed toe, 8" Beatle Boots, with an instep strap and antique brass buckle. These were pure crap, and only available from a Flagg Brothers store in the mall. With all the walking we did, in all sorts of nasty weather, one pair was blown-out in three months, but they started us on the road to that loose-fitting, clunkity-clunk heel walking soon perfected. The next boot du jour was a Jarman fashion boot, a pull-on, with a wide square toe, and likewise an instep strap and buckle. These came from a store at the mall too, and were as crap-tastically made as the Flagg Bros. fashion boots. Snoot toed harness boots, Fryes and cheaper Sears knock-offs for the kids on tighter budgets appeared on the scene overnight it seemed in late '69--or maybe for back-to-school in '70-'71.
My first pair were Frye, sans harness, snoot toed, antique stained reddish-brown color, with an added leather 1/2 sole in the front, 3 tacks across the toe and a few at the sides. These, like all my subsequent Fryes were bought at a Western Wear store in Washington, DC. Why mom drove all the way down there I have no idea. Now correctly Frye-booted, and in faded Levi's "Big Bells," frayed away at the back from being overly long and trodden under boot heels, from the waist down I was "cool" man! I recall Fryes cost $70 a pair then, a princely sum, so I only got one pair each year for back-to-school. Consequently, we devolved a taste for beat-up Fryes, to match our beat-up everything else. The 9D was too short, but the 9-1/2 D boots were always a bit sloppy on me, so the clunkity-clunk heel noise was accentuated. I ran the counters over badly, the heels down, and the snoot toes mushed into amorphous shapes after several months' hard wear. For us nothing was quite so cool unless it looked like it was about worn out--brand new Fryes were the exception, but they did not hold their shape for long. It amazes me how many vintage Fryes on Etsy and eBay today have managed to keep in such good shape, especially those snoot toes, as they were usually the first things to go soft.
In 8th grade pair #2, same again, but this time with the more dangerous harness--"Dingo Rings" we called 'em. During a favorite pastime--dodging gym class by feigning to have no gym clothes--the coach chided me: "if your mom can afford those expensive Frye boots, she can afford to buy you sneakers!" What an asshole he was--Fryes were cool, high top black Chucks for gym were greaser-gear.
The 9th grade was passed in the harness boot, but it was off to High School in a more daring saddle tan pair. When that pair were about shot I experimented pulling the heels off and wearing them that way. What a rube. It was back to basic antiqued reddish brown harness Fryes from then on, some with the 1/2 sole added, some without, whatever the store had on the shelf. After high school, more of the same. By then I discovered that an spare pack of smokes would slip down in the leg for those long weekend over-nights, parties, and forays with some exotic "B-Town girl" or another.
It seems nothing great lasts forever. My "last" Fryes were bought in 1977 for a trip to Britain, and it seems the snoot toed harness boot was being supplanted in local popularity, as well as the store stock selection, mostly by the dreaded "Campus" boot. This pair was an unappealing burgundy-red, with natural colored sole and heel edges, all of which I over-dyed black. After suffering shin splints because of the 2" chunky heel, I had the heels lowered. Other footwear was by then rotating through my young adult wardrobe, but that pair of Fryes held on in occasional wear, clumping through Austria, the Czech Republic, and the UK several times into the late 1990s. I finally made a gift of them to a 20-something pal who was obsessed with the '70s cultural revival and dress, and they are still going somewhere up in Connecticut. Interestingly those less than desirable broad blunt Campus toes, and the heel counters, held their shapes better than the 9 or 10 previous pair with snoot toes. The latter crushed down and looked every bit like the Campus toe eventually, but it was the principle of the thing. To me the Campus boot hinted of Disco music/culture (I deplored) and platform shoes, and they had none of the danger or cache of the harness with snoot toe in '70. Levi's stopped making those "Big Bells" by 1980, too, and I even cut my hair off short, at shoulder-length, and had it layered. What were we thinking?
The final chapter--I chanced upon some '90s vintage used Frye 9-1/2D harness boots in an antique shop in Pennsylvania about four years back, and bought them for $35. Oh how the mighty had fallen. The insoles were foam padded, and it took the heaviest socks I could find to even keep them on my feet, meaning they were cold weather boots at best. They were finally gifted to my '70s-obsessed young friend too. Last week on my birthday my wife presented me a nearly-new pair of saddle tan, 15" Campus Fryes, "Black Label", and I've been clunkity-clunking all over the house ever since, and scoping Etsy and eBay for some antiqued brown harness boots with snoot toes. The Campus boots still whisper Disco-era to me, and I need to go back to the headier days of Led Zeppelin, Zappa and the Stones, underground comics, and maybe some Levi's big bells, if I can find them in 33 waist now.
---------------------------------
Frye Boot Fan apologizes that the photos of him do not show him in his Fryes. Image blurred on purpose, to protect the identity of the guest blogger. If you wish to comment, you may do so with this post, and he will see it, or you may send me a message and I will forward it to him.
Be sure to read "Observations from a Frye Boot Fan" -- Part II of this guest blog series posted 24 January, 2011.
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Dress, musical tastes and overall demeanor defined one's tribe, and there was no inter-tribal fraternization, especially between freaks and greasers, amongst who there abided the greatest animosity. The "click" kids were seen largely viewed as potential recruits for both groups, though some of their more intrepid girls were fair game, dating into either tribe, but I digress. The "greasers" amused themselves with hot-rodding older buddies' '57 Chevys, wearing black leather blazers over white tee-shirts, or pastel yellow Banlon polo shirts; cuffed khaki trou worn too short in the legs, and black high-top "Chucks" (Converse All Star sneakers). They maintained '50ish coiffures with plenty of hair grease, hence the name I suppose. They listened to R&B soul music music, and hosted the occasional chain-fight rumble. Nobody messed with these dudes--bad news. The "freaks" of course listened to rock, formed garage and basement bands, chased hippie chicks in all their sartorial splendor, and discovered pot.
My first pair were Frye, sans harness, snoot toed, antique stained reddish-brown color, with an added leather 1/2 sole in the front, 3 tacks across the toe and a few at the sides. These, like all my subsequent Fryes were bought at a Western Wear store in Washington, DC. Why mom drove all the way down there I have no idea. Now correctly Frye-booted, and in faded Levi's "Big Bells," frayed away at the back from being overly long and trodden under boot heels, from the waist down I was "cool" man! I recall Fryes cost $70 a pair then, a princely sum, so I only got one pair each year for back-to-school. Consequently, we devolved a taste for beat-up Fryes, to match our beat-up everything else. The 9D was too short, but the 9-1/2 D boots were always a bit sloppy on me, so the clunkity-clunk heel noise was accentuated. I ran the counters over badly, the heels down, and the snoot toes mushed into amorphous shapes after several months' hard wear. For us nothing was quite so cool unless it looked like it was about worn out--brand new Fryes were the exception, but they did not hold their shape for long. It amazes me how many vintage Fryes on Etsy and eBay today have managed to keep in such good shape, especially those snoot toes, as they were usually the first things to go soft.
In 8th grade pair #2, same again, but this time with the more dangerous harness--"Dingo Rings" we called 'em. During a favorite pastime--dodging gym class by feigning to have no gym clothes--the coach chided me: "if your mom can afford those expensive Frye boots, she can afford to buy you sneakers!" What an asshole he was--Fryes were cool, high top black Chucks for gym were greaser-gear.
It seems nothing great lasts forever. My "last" Fryes were bought in 1977 for a trip to Britain, and it seems the snoot toed harness boot was being supplanted in local popularity, as well as the store stock selection, mostly by the dreaded "Campus" boot. This pair was an unappealing burgundy-red, with natural colored sole and heel edges, all of which I over-dyed black. After suffering shin splints because of the 2" chunky heel, I had the heels lowered. Other footwear was by then rotating through my young adult wardrobe, but that pair of Fryes held on in occasional wear, clumping through Austria, the Czech Republic, and the UK several times into the late 1990s. I finally made a gift of them to a 20-something pal who was obsessed with the '70s cultural revival and dress, and they are still going somewhere up in Connecticut. Interestingly those less than desirable broad blunt Campus toes, and the heel counters, held their shapes better than the 9 or 10 previous pair with snoot toes. The latter crushed down and looked every bit like the Campus toe eventually, but it was the principle of the thing. To me the Campus boot hinted of Disco music/culture (I deplored) and platform shoes, and they had none of the danger or cache of the harness with snoot toe in '70. Levi's stopped making those "Big Bells" by 1980, too, and I even cut my hair off short, at shoulder-length, and had it layered. What were we thinking?
The final chapter--I chanced upon some '90s vintage used Frye 9-1/2D harness boots in an antique shop in Pennsylvania about four years back, and bought them for $35. Oh how the mighty had fallen. The insoles were foam padded, and it took the heaviest socks I could find to even keep them on my feet, meaning they were cold weather boots at best. They were finally gifted to my '70s-obsessed young friend too. Last week on my birthday my wife presented me a nearly-new pair of saddle tan, 15" Campus Fryes, "Black Label", and I've been clunkity-clunking all over the house ever since, and scoping Etsy and eBay for some antiqued brown harness boots with snoot toes. The Campus boots still whisper Disco-era to me, and I need to go back to the headier days of Led Zeppelin, Zappa and the Stones, underground comics, and maybe some Levi's big bells, if I can find them in 33 waist now.
---------------------------------
Frye Boot Fan apologizes that the photos of him do not show him in his Fryes. Image blurred on purpose, to protect the identity of the guest blogger. If you wish to comment, you may do so with this post, and he will see it, or you may send me a message and I will forward it to him.
Be sure to read "Observations from a Frye Boot Fan" -- Part II of this guest blog series posted 24 January, 2011.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Top 10 Countdown: 6 - 10
In my third year of blogging, I have enjoyed writing posts about my various interests and my life -- and I've averaged a post-a-day. I may not be able to keep up that pace next year.
I reviewed the visitor's stats for this blog over the past several months, and have determined what the most popular posts on this blog have been, as ranked by the count of the number of unique visitors to specific posts -- thanks to Statcounter, which does the hard work for me.
Interestingly, one of the Top 10 blog posts was from 2008, and three of the Top 10 were from 2009. The remainder were posted this year.
So here goes... the Top Blog Posts on this blog during 2010:
#10: How To Tell If You Have Vintage Frye Boots (October 30, 2010)
This doesn't surprise me at all. Lots and lots of people are interested in vintage Frye boots, and learning how to tell the differences between Fryes made in the 1970s, then during the 80s and up to 2003 when the John A. Frye Shoe Company as we knew it closed and the name was bought by a series of companies that licensed the Frye label to third-party shoe/bootmakers to make products under that name.
#9: Tucking Pants Into Boots (October 10, 2010)
Again, not a surprise this ranks so high. I get a huge number of visitors to this blog and to the "Cowboy Boots and Jeans" tutorial on my website from internet searches along the lines of "do men wear jeans tucked in or out of boots?" I swear, I never cease to be amazed at the large number of internet searches on this topic -- probably by curious, confused, and happy-to-be-anonymous guys asking this question. (IMHO, if a guy has to ask this question, he has more things to worry about than this matter....)
#8: What To Wear With Motorcycle Boots? (September 21, 2010)
Again, I am amazed how search engines are used with the most inane questions by the curious and happy-to-be-anonymous guys. So, what to wear with motorcycle boots? Easy: jeans, leathers, or breeches. Simple. Better to be booted in long pants on a motorcycle than be an organ donor wearing shorts and sneakers... just sayin'.
#7: Hard-workin' Old Chippewa Engineer Boots (July 13, 2009)
This is the first of my blog posts from last year to be ranked among the Top 10. I think the reason why is the image that I posted with it. The post itself is rather dull ... just an explanation of a busy day while wearing engineer boots. This is where "Google Images" produces hits on this blog, because whatever guys search for about dirty, muddy, or well-worn engineer boots produces this image, with a link to this post.
#6: Wesco Boots and Gay Culture (December 27, 2008) [This was ranked #1 last year]
It is fascinating to me that this post would rank so high on this blog -- its now over two years old. Why does it receive so many visits? I think for two reasons: the image shows up in high rankings on Google Image searches -- a tough-looking, masculine biker boot on a Harley. Second, I think the topic itself draws a lot of visitors too. I see many search engines results for searches such as: "why do gay men like Wesco Boots" or "Wesco Boots Gay" or "Gay Boot Fetish" and so forth. I'm here to dispel the notion that only gay men wear Wesco boots, or that the boots themselves are gay. They're just boots, and while I own a dozen pairs of Wesco boots, I have yet to see them make out with each other. :-)
Check back tomorrow for Blog Posts ranked #1 to 5!
Life is short: keep bloggin'!
I reviewed the visitor's stats for this blog over the past several months, and have determined what the most popular posts on this blog have been, as ranked by the count of the number of unique visitors to specific posts -- thanks to Statcounter, which does the hard work for me.
Interestingly, one of the Top 10 blog posts was from 2008, and three of the Top 10 were from 2009. The remainder were posted this year.
So here goes... the Top Blog Posts on this blog during 2010:
#10: How To Tell If You Have Vintage Frye Boots (October 30, 2010)
#9: Tucking Pants Into Boots (October 10, 2010)
#8: What To Wear With Motorcycle Boots? (September 21, 2010)
#7: Hard-workin' Old Chippewa Engineer Boots (July 13, 2009)
#6: Wesco Boots and Gay Culture (December 27, 2008) [This was ranked #1 last year]
Check back tomorrow for Blog Posts ranked #1 to 5!
Life is short: keep bloggin'!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tall Brown Engineer Boots
I had always wanted a pair of tall brown engineer boots. But new engineer boots in that style are hard to find! Wesco makes their Boss boots (engineer style) in brown, but those boots are heavy, expensive, and not quite what I wanted. I would love it if Chippewa made their engineer boots in brown, but they only make them in black. So I kept looking.
There are a number of manufacturers of short engineer boots in brown -- Chippewa, Harley (Chinese-made), Redwing, Boulet, and others. But I wanted boots that were at least 14", preferably 17" tall. Still looking....
However, I was able to find a rare style of Frye engineer boots while surfing eBay last month. I bid and won. These are a style I had not seen Frye offer, so I was surprised and pleasantly pleased to find them. They are 14" tall and have all the engineer boot features: rounded toe, strap and buckle across the instep and on the shaft. These boots have a white label in the shaft, and a Frye steer logo on the heel, so that tells me that the boots were made some time in the mid-80s.
The boots also have a thin rubber sole and heel plate as well as a 1" heel, which indicate to me that they were made for bikers. The sole is rather thin, though, so the traction is negligible (but certainly better than Fryes with leather soles.)
These boots also are unlined, which is also not common (in my knowledge) for Frye boots. Because of that, the leather on the shaft is thin and unsupported, so the boots flop over when I am not wearing them. Also because they lack a lining, the boots sag a lot.
Unfortunately, there is no imprint inside the boot shaft indicating the style number or revealing any other details. Lacking that information, I was dubious that these were genuine Frye boots. I mean, a creative person could have sewn in the white Frye label on the shaft. However, the brand imprint on the heel, and a Frye stamp on the sole makes me feel that they are genuine Fryes, not knock-offs. Hmmm... perhaps my friend who knows a ton more about Fryes than I do can help me learn more about this find.
I was pleased to make these boots lucky #13 in my Frye Boot Collection.
Life is short: enjoy original, U.S.-made Frye boots!
There are a number of manufacturers of short engineer boots in brown -- Chippewa, Harley (Chinese-made), Redwing, Boulet, and others. But I wanted boots that were at least 14", preferably 17" tall. Still looking....
These boots also are unlined, which is also not common (in my knowledge) for Frye boots. Because of that, the leather on the shaft is thin and unsupported, so the boots flop over when I am not wearing them. Also because they lack a lining, the boots sag a lot.
Unfortunately, there is no imprint inside the boot shaft indicating the style number or revealing any other details. Lacking that information, I was dubious that these were genuine Frye boots. I mean, a creative person could have sewn in the white Frye label on the shaft. However, the brand imprint on the heel, and a Frye stamp on the sole makes me feel that they are genuine Fryes, not knock-offs. Hmmm... perhaps my friend who knows a ton more about Fryes than I do can help me learn more about this find.
I was pleased to make these boots lucky #13 in my Frye Boot Collection.
Life is short: enjoy original, U.S.-made Frye boots!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
How To Tell If You Have Vintage Frye Boots
I have worn Frye (brand) boots since I was 13 years old... ahem, a "few" years ago ... like 40 years. Back then, Frye boots were the coolest boots to wear. They had taller than usual heels, and made a boot clunk sound like none other.
These boots are highly valued by collectors, and many pairs of these boots appear on eBay and Craigslist with claims of being "vintage." True "vintage" Frye boots were made in the USA and the claim "vintage" is for a pair of boots made in the 1950s, 60s, or 70s, featuring heel height and label described below. Vintage Fryes were made of entirely US-obtained materials, including the leather. They were mostly machine-produced, but the process at their facility in Marlborough, Massachusetts, required a lot of hand-labor throughout the bootmaking process.
Update: Information on how to distinguish vintage Frye boots from modern-day Frye-labeled boots is here on the Boots Wiki.
If you come upon a sale or auction of "Vintage Frye Boots," how do you determine if the claim of the boots being "vintage" is valid? There are three major things to look for:
While looking at the label, look at the printing under it. Does it say, "Made in the USA" only? Or "Made in USA of U.S. and imported parts?" The latter is a clear give-away that the boots are not vintage.
3) look for the brand logo on the heel. If there is no brand logo stamped into it or if there is the word "Frye" in letters stamped onto the heel, then the boots were made in the 70s or before.
More information on the history of Frye Boots is on the Boots Wiki, here.
If you're looking for true vintage Frye boots, I hope this information is helpful to you, so you don't mistakenly bid up the price of a pair of Frye boots that are not of vintage standards and quality.
Life is short: know your Fryes!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Are Frye Boots Good for Motorcycling?
This question was posed, where else, but in a Google search and it ended up on my website.
The answer to the question, "are Frye Boots good for motorcycling" is "mostly no" with a few exceptions.
The reason why the answer is "mostly no" is that most vintage Frye boots were made with a smooth leather sole, as shown here on a pair of vintage Frye Boots of the '70s. Boots with a smooth sole are a poor choice to wear while operating a motorcycle simply because the soles do not provide traction which is required to hold the bike at a stoplight or whilst maneuvering into a parking spot. In fact, smooth-soled boots like most Fryes and cowboy boots are very likely to slip on pavement. Why? Pavement, particularly asphalt parking lots, is a repository for oil. Most people think, "my car doesn't leak oil, so why worry about it?" Cars drop a drop of oil here and there, particularly while hot, and just parked.
Slipping while parking a bike is, according to NHTSA, the third-most leading cause of injuries to a motorcyclist, after a crash or driver error (dropping the bike or running off the road.) You see, if your boots slip under you, you put enormous pressure on your ankle while trying to prevent the bike from falling over. There are a number of ankle sprains, strains, and breaks reported. Believe me, I know how fragile the fibula is (the smaller of the two leg bones that go into the ankle.) It can snap and break when such sideways pressure is applied to it.
Back in the day when Frye Boots were made at the original plant in Massachusetts, the company did make a line of boots with lug soles suitable for use while operating a motorcycle. (Image from a 1975 Frye Boot Catalog.) Today, there are some Frye boots made in China that have a rubber sole. (The Frye Boots made in the USA plant in Arkansas nowadays are the campus style, which have smooth leather soles.)
Unless your choice of boots has at least a rubber sole -- preferably a lug sole -- then do not use them while operating a motorcycle. Sure, you'll be fine while the bike is in motion. You may have serious trouble when you have to stop.
In summary, it's not the boot, it's the sole. And in post-summary, repeat after me: "boots are for motorcycling, sneakers are for the gym."
Life is short: have sole.
The answer to the question, "are Frye Boots good for motorcycling" is "mostly no" with a few exceptions.
The reason why the answer is "mostly no" is that most vintage Frye boots were made with a smooth leather sole, as shown here on a pair of vintage Frye Boots of the '70s. Boots with a smooth sole are a poor choice to wear while operating a motorcycle simply because the soles do not provide traction which is required to hold the bike at a stoplight or whilst maneuvering into a parking spot. In fact, smooth-soled boots like most Fryes and cowboy boots are very likely to slip on pavement. Why? Pavement, particularly asphalt parking lots, is a repository for oil. Most people think, "my car doesn't leak oil, so why worry about it?" Cars drop a drop of oil here and there, particularly while hot, and just parked.Slipping while parking a bike is, according to NHTSA, the third-most leading cause of injuries to a motorcyclist, after a crash or driver error (dropping the bike or running off the road.) You see, if your boots slip under you, you put enormous pressure on your ankle while trying to prevent the bike from falling over. There are a number of ankle sprains, strains, and breaks reported. Believe me, I know how fragile the fibula is (the smaller of the two leg bones that go into the ankle.) It can snap and break when such sideways pressure is applied to it.
Back in the day when Frye Boots were made at the original plant in Massachusetts, the company did make a line of boots with lug soles suitable for use while operating a motorcycle. (Image from a 1975 Frye Boot Catalog.) Today, there are some Frye boots made in China that have a rubber sole. (The Frye Boots made in the USA plant in Arkansas nowadays are the campus style, which have smooth leather soles.)Unless your choice of boots has at least a rubber sole -- preferably a lug sole -- then do not use them while operating a motorcycle. Sure, you'll be fine while the bike is in motion. You may have serious trouble when you have to stop.
In summary, it's not the boot, it's the sole. And in post-summary, repeat after me: "boots are for motorcycling, sneakers are for the gym."
Life is short: have sole.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Frayed Jeans and Frye Boots
The style back in high school was to cut off the ends of your bell-bottom bluejeans and let the ends fray by tumbling them in a dryer until the horizontal threads came out and you had strings, or "frays" at the end of the jean's legs. Then pull on your Frye boots, which had a higher heel so the ends of your jeans wouldn't drag on the floor. Then casually stroll along, listening to the distinctive Frye boot clomp. There is nothing quite like that look or the boots.I have a dozen pairs of original, or "vintage," Frye boots that I have owned since the early 70s when I bought my first pair. The company has an interesting history, which is documented in a tutorial that I wrote, here.
I know I am not the only one who has a nostalgic feeling about Frye Boots. Someone who found a vintage pair of Frye boots at a yard sale bought them, then contacted me for more details after she found the information that I had written on my website about my Frye boot collection. She wrote an interesting and heart-felt post on her blog about her find and her communication with me. I appreciated finding that. I'm glad that I contributed to her interest and passion for these boots.
Fryes age with a distinctive patina to the leather. Instead of getting dull, the boot color gets darker. To me, it just looks more interesting that way. I still wear my Fryes from time to time. I had these "oiled" Fryes on yesterday, and a guy stopped me in the store and said, "hey, I remember those boots! They're Fryes, aren't they?" ... and then we had a nice conversation, reminiscing about our respective high school days. He said that he doesn't have his Fryes any more, and regrets it. (Poor fella, he was wearing sneakers.)Now-and-then, I'll become nostalgic for the Fryes of yesterday, and the style that goes with it.
Life is short: enjoy vintage Fryes!
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Day of a Dozen Pairs of Boots
On Saturday, I just couldn't get the boots right. When I first got up, I pulled on my Champion Attitude ostrich/biker boots, but then decided, "nahhh, I've been wearing them a lot" so I pulled them off and said, "I haven't worn Wescos in a while!" So I pull on my tall black Wesco harness boots.
No sooner had I walked into the kitchen to make breakfast than my legs felt hot. Ooops, these boots just aren't good in hot weather. Even in air conditioned comfort, my legs were getting uncomfortable. So off with those boots! But I thought, well, perhaps it is that pair of boots, so let me try my tall brown Wesco Harness boots. They fit a little less tightly on the legs.
However, during breakfast, my legs began to feel just as uncomfortable as they did when I was wearing their black brothers. I quickly pulled them off and put on the closest boots available -- an old pair of Justin Palamino cowboy boots.
I pulled those off right after breakfast. My feet hurt. Today just wasn't going to be my day!
I then put on my tall black and blue Olathe buckaroo boots. They looked good, and felt okay. My partner and I picked up some senior pals and went to the grocery store. I also checked in on my beloved aunt who I look after. But I have to be honest, by the time I got home three hours later, my feet were sore again! Off with the boots!
I was planning on padding around barefooted, but my partner asked me to grill some burgers for lunch. Since the grill is outside, I had to put boots on again. So I grabbed a pair of Frye campus boots. Ooops, wrong choice. They felt fine in the foot, but the right boot was very tight on my once-broken leg, so I had to take it off and try again... this time, with a pair of Nocona Rattlesnake boots.
Wow! They felt great! I thought I had the boot-feeling-foot-sore problem solved. Then I decided to run to the wireless phone store and get rid of the Blackberry and downgrade to a regular old cell phone, which I am only keeping because it's a requirement when leading rides for my club, or otherwise I wouldn't have one. I decided to go to that store using my Harley... so guess what? The smooth leather-soled cowboy boots had to come off.
On came an old pair of tall Chippewa engineer boots. Off I rode, exchanged the phone, and returned home a half-hour later.
Keeping score? eight pairs... so far, and by then, it was only 1:00.
The Chips felt just fine so I thought that I would wear them the rest of the day. Then "oops" ... I was using the hose to water the garden, and believe it or not, the nozzle came off and the hose fell onto my leg, filling my left boot with water. Honestly, I didn't do that on purpose!
I pulled off the boot, drained it, and hung it upside down to dry while I went inside to find another pair of boots. I put on their brothers, my non-steel toe engineer boots. They felt just as comfortable as their steel-toed brothers.
I ran some more errands, looking after some of my elder buds, when one of them asked me to meet him on the Bocce course. Time for another change! Engineer boots wouldn't cut it for Bocce. I needed something more "tactical." So I quickly changed to my Chippewa Firefighter boots, met my buddies, and had a great game while chattering away in Italian.
When I got home, my partner muttered, "you're dropping dirt clods on the carpet again!" Oops... I picked up dirt from the bocce course. Mud and grass were embedded in the thick lug soles. Off with the boots, to the laundry sink for some cleaning! On with a pair of Dan Post black cherry cowboy boots that I wore while preparing dinner.
All was well until my partner suggested that we watch a movie called "The Butch Factor" on TV after dinner. He suggested that we "get ready" and handed me a pair of boots that he wanted me to wear. So my All-American Patrol Boots were pulled up over a pair of chaps. Those boots look great with leather, and have wide enough of a calf circumference to accommodate leather tucked into them.
Life is short: wear boots -- many of them!
No sooner had I walked into the kitchen to make breakfast than my legs felt hot. Ooops, these boots just aren't good in hot weather. Even in air conditioned comfort, my legs were getting uncomfortable. So off with those boots! But I thought, well, perhaps it is that pair of boots, so let me try my tall brown Wesco Harness boots. They fit a little less tightly on the legs.
However, during breakfast, my legs began to feel just as uncomfortable as they did when I was wearing their black brothers. I quickly pulled them off and put on the closest boots available -- an old pair of Justin Palamino cowboy boots.
I pulled those off right after breakfast. My feet hurt. Today just wasn't going to be my day!
I then put on my tall black and blue Olathe buckaroo boots. They looked good, and felt okay. My partner and I picked up some senior pals and went to the grocery store. I also checked in on my beloved aunt who I look after. But I have to be honest, by the time I got home three hours later, my feet were sore again! Off with the boots!
I was planning on padding around barefooted, but my partner asked me to grill some burgers for lunch. Since the grill is outside, I had to put boots on again. So I grabbed a pair of Frye campus boots. Ooops, wrong choice. They felt fine in the foot, but the right boot was very tight on my once-broken leg, so I had to take it off and try again... this time, with a pair of Nocona Rattlesnake boots.
Wow! They felt great! I thought I had the boot-feeling-foot-sore problem solved. Then I decided to run to the wireless phone store and get rid of the Blackberry and downgrade to a regular old cell phone, which I am only keeping because it's a requirement when leading rides for my club, or otherwise I wouldn't have one. I decided to go to that store using my Harley... so guess what? The smooth leather-soled cowboy boots had to come off.
On came an old pair of tall Chippewa engineer boots. Off I rode, exchanged the phone, and returned home a half-hour later.
Keeping score? eight pairs... so far, and by then, it was only 1:00.
The Chips felt just fine so I thought that I would wear them the rest of the day. Then "oops" ... I was using the hose to water the garden, and believe it or not, the nozzle came off and the hose fell onto my leg, filling my left boot with water. Honestly, I didn't do that on purpose!
I pulled off the boot, drained it, and hung it upside down to dry while I went inside to find another pair of boots. I put on their brothers, my non-steel toe engineer boots. They felt just as comfortable as their steel-toed brothers.
I ran some more errands, looking after some of my elder buds, when one of them asked me to meet him on the Bocce course. Time for another change! Engineer boots wouldn't cut it for Bocce. I needed something more "tactical." So I quickly changed to my Chippewa Firefighter boots, met my buddies, and had a great game while chattering away in Italian.
When I got home, my partner muttered, "you're dropping dirt clods on the carpet again!" Oops... I picked up dirt from the bocce course. Mud and grass were embedded in the thick lug soles. Off with the boots, to the laundry sink for some cleaning! On with a pair of Dan Post black cherry cowboy boots that I wore while preparing dinner.
All was well until my partner suggested that we watch a movie called "The Butch Factor" on TV after dinner. He suggested that we "get ready" and handed me a pair of boots that he wanted me to wear. So my All-American Patrol Boots were pulled up over a pair of chaps. Those boots look great with leather, and have wide enough of a calf circumference to accommodate leather tucked into them.
Life is short: wear boots -- many of them!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Re-Fryed in Frye Boots
I had ranted a while back about Frye Boots, where I had mistakenly said that since the Frye Boot Company was bought out by a conglomerate, that all of their boots were now made in China. I have learned that statement is not accurate.To prove it, someone sent me a new pair of Frye Campus Boots, which were made at a plant in Arkansas, USA. I can see it on the box and in the label inside the boots -- "Made in the U.S.A."
I stand corrected, and this post was written not only to respond to the person who sent me the boots to acknowledge, publicly, the error of my thinking, but also because I really LIKE the Frye Boot style. Some of their boots are still made in the U.S.A., while some others are made in China. The person who sent me the boots said that some of the shorter boots and newer styles made in the Frye name are made overseas. But what we know as traditional men's Frye Boots -- campus and harness boots -- are made here in the U.S.A.
I am uncertain, yet, if the quality of the leather and the boot's construction is the same as I know from my vintage Frye Boots made back in the '70s and '80s. I can tell already that something's amiss: a Frye Boot cardboard insert was attached with a string to a boot pull inside the shaft of the left boot. When I pulled on it gently, the entire boot pull came off. And this was on a new pair of boots! If I didn't get them for free, I would have returned them. Yeah, I hate to say it, but new Fryes just aren't made the way they used to be. Cheap, cheap, cheap....
These boots are very handsome, in the traditional Frye sense of style. Big clunky, rounded heels, and the traditional rounded toe. The height is 14," which is also the traditional height that vintage Fryes had (though the current harness boot style remains only at 12".)
The leather has the same colorations as found on the vintage styles, with some streaks of colour throughout. The new-to-me Fryes are in the "banana" color, which again is classic for Fryes. They are lined with leather and feel comfortable. The boots that I received are one size larger than I usually wear, but they do not seem to swim on my foot (as I can only wear my left boot right now since my right leg is in a cast.)
I am glad to be "re-fryed," and to celebrate the nostalgic occasion, I put on a pair of bellbottom jeans to go with the boot (fortunately, bellbottoms have a wide opening, so they'll fit over the cast on my right leg.)
Nothin' like a pair of traditional Frye campus boots in their style. And it's a good thing, too, as my buddy FBLSD has joined the Boots Wiki Team and has updated the Frye Boots section of the wiki. Check it out!
Life is short: enjoy your Fryes!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Role Model?
I received an email message from a young guy, age 15, who said that he visited my bootedman.com website and this blog. I do not knowingly communicate with people under age 21 via email (family excepted) because I do not want anyone for any reason to think that I am trying to have interactions (however benign) with people who are not consider adults in the eyes of the law. These days, you can't be too careful. That is why it says on my "write-to-me" page that you can send me email, but if you are under 21, I will not write back.
This young guy said, "I look up to you greatly because of your collection and lifestyle. I have a bit of a boot fetish (Especially Cowboys and Cops in Boots) and I think it is grand that you share your collection."
Well, thanks. Remember now, I'm considerably older and have worked for what I have for 34 years since I was emancipated. My boot collection has grown over many years. I look at it this way: some guys collect baseball cards or stamps. I collect (and wear) boots. Everyone should have at least one hobby to keep them interested, and as long as they can afford it and have room to keep it, then go for it!
Further, he said, "I am way in the closet and I wish to be out, but my Religious Homophobic Parents are holding me back."
I am very sorry about that. I do not know you or your family, but I realize that it must be hard when parents who love you do not really know who you are. I sense you are Internet savvy and can find groups who can help you. Be assured, you are not the first and you are not alone. There are other young guys in your same situation. Hold close to your family, as they are all you have. But work toward your independence to become the man you want to be.
This young guy continues, "I want a pair of boots badly, but they don't look right on me and not to mention my parents would be in constant question mode."
The question about how boots look on a person is a matter of self-perception. Perhaps boots he has tried have not been to his liking. Perhaps he is concerned about the perception or comments from others. Young people notice everything, and it is unfortunate but quite common that they will made snide remarks. I hate to say it, but it is all part of growing up. Place those comments in the virtual trash can and choose boots that you like and fit well. Then stand tall, smile, and walk with confidence. Expect derision, which is a frequent teenage custom, but just hold your head high and hold your tongue. Soon, if they don't get a reaction from you, they will move on to pick on someone else.
I observe that parents who care about their children are always in constant question mode. It indicates that they are interested in you, which is a much better place to be than to be ignored. I remember when I was about 14 and wanted a pair of Frye Boots badly. I went to my Mom to ask for her help to get them. I had saved money from mowing lawns and doing odd jobs, but I needed her to drive me to the store so I could try them on.
I asked, and of course my Mom said, "why do you want those boots?" (sorta with a mutter, "of all things!") I had prepared for that question. I decided not to say, "all the guys in school wear them" to which my Mom would undoubtedly have replied, "so if they all jumped off a cliff, would you jump with them?" [This is a perennial parental come-back to 'all my friends do this or have that'].
Instead, I remember that I explained to my Mom about what I liked about the boots and how well they were made. I framed my answer that such good quality boots would last a long time (they have! I still have 12 pairs!) I think I remember explaining all of the characteristics about the stitching, leather soles, quality of leather, and so forth. I based my argument on quality and durability, rather than on just wants and desires. My Mom listened, and said, "okay." Off we went, and I got my Fryes. (Remember, back in the 70s, Frye Boots were made in the U.S. from quality materials, instead of how cheaply they are made now in China via a company that owns the Frye brand name.)
The young man continued in his email by saying, "When I move out, I want to start my own boot collection, and hopefully will find a man with similar interests."
Just take it one step at a time. When you move out, concentrate on becoming an independent person. Work, get an education, pay your bills, keep a roof over your head, and keep moving toward your goals. Sure, buy a pair of boots when you can afford them, but don't do that if you can't, or if you would go into debt. There are reasons to carry debt, such as for a mortgage on a home of your own. But there really isn't a reason to carry a credit card balance over months (or years) just for boots. A home is a "need." Boots are a "want." Keep the differences in mind and your financial priorities straight.
Find a man with similar interests? Man, I could blog about that for days. Sure, it is nice if the guy with whom you choose to develop a long-term relationship likes boots, but it is far more important if he is an honest, caring, thoughtful, and financially pragmatic guy. Do it like I did with my partner, who didn't have a pair of boots to his name when we met: we developed our relationship first, then I introduced him to boots. While he seldom wears them, he will. For me.
In closing, the writer said, "When I see photos of you and your partner, it gives me hope that there is someone out there for me."
I always believe that there is someone for everyone. It takes time, so don't push it. It is a totally unscientific observation, but gay guys take more time to find a mate and settle down. I was 35 when I met my guy, but I know in my heart that waiting was the absolute right thing to do, because I met the man who became my heart, my soul, my love, my one-and-only. And my heart didn't get broken in the meantime.
Thanks for the message -- and thanks to all for reading. I know this was long, but there was a lot for me to talk about here!
Life is short: keep the faith (and do it in boots)!
This young guy said, "I look up to you greatly because of your collection and lifestyle. I have a bit of a boot fetish (Especially Cowboys and Cops in Boots) and I think it is grand that you share your collection."
Well, thanks. Remember now, I'm considerably older and have worked for what I have for 34 years since I was emancipated. My boot collection has grown over many years. I look at it this way: some guys collect baseball cards or stamps. I collect (and wear) boots. Everyone should have at least one hobby to keep them interested, and as long as they can afford it and have room to keep it, then go for it!
Further, he said, "I am way in the closet and I wish to be out, but my Religious Homophobic Parents are holding me back."
I am very sorry about that. I do not know you or your family, but I realize that it must be hard when parents who love you do not really know who you are. I sense you are Internet savvy and can find groups who can help you. Be assured, you are not the first and you are not alone. There are other young guys in your same situation. Hold close to your family, as they are all you have. But work toward your independence to become the man you want to be.
This young guy continues, "I want a pair of boots badly, but they don't look right on me and not to mention my parents would be in constant question mode."
The question about how boots look on a person is a matter of self-perception. Perhaps boots he has tried have not been to his liking. Perhaps he is concerned about the perception or comments from others. Young people notice everything, and it is unfortunate but quite common that they will made snide remarks. I hate to say it, but it is all part of growing up. Place those comments in the virtual trash can and choose boots that you like and fit well. Then stand tall, smile, and walk with confidence. Expect derision, which is a frequent teenage custom, but just hold your head high and hold your tongue. Soon, if they don't get a reaction from you, they will move on to pick on someone else.
I observe that parents who care about their children are always in constant question mode. It indicates that they are interested in you, which is a much better place to be than to be ignored. I remember when I was about 14 and wanted a pair of Frye Boots badly. I went to my Mom to ask for her help to get them. I had saved money from mowing lawns and doing odd jobs, but I needed her to drive me to the store so I could try them on.
I asked, and of course my Mom said, "why do you want those boots?" (sorta with a mutter, "of all things!") I had prepared for that question. I decided not to say, "all the guys in school wear them" to which my Mom would undoubtedly have replied, "so if they all jumped off a cliff, would you jump with them?" [This is a perennial parental come-back to 'all my friends do this or have that'].
Instead, I remember that I explained to my Mom about what I liked about the boots and how well they were made. I framed my answer that such good quality boots would last a long time (they have! I still have 12 pairs!) I think I remember explaining all of the characteristics about the stitching, leather soles, quality of leather, and so forth. I based my argument on quality and durability, rather than on just wants and desires. My Mom listened, and said, "okay." Off we went, and I got my Fryes. (Remember, back in the 70s, Frye Boots were made in the U.S. from quality materials, instead of how cheaply they are made now in China via a company that owns the Frye brand name.)
The young man continued in his email by saying, "When I move out, I want to start my own boot collection, and hopefully will find a man with similar interests."
Just take it one step at a time. When you move out, concentrate on becoming an independent person. Work, get an education, pay your bills, keep a roof over your head, and keep moving toward your goals. Sure, buy a pair of boots when you can afford them, but don't do that if you can't, or if you would go into debt. There are reasons to carry debt, such as for a mortgage on a home of your own. But there really isn't a reason to carry a credit card balance over months (or years) just for boots. A home is a "need." Boots are a "want." Keep the differences in mind and your financial priorities straight.
Find a man with similar interests? Man, I could blog about that for days. Sure, it is nice if the guy with whom you choose to develop a long-term relationship likes boots, but it is far more important if he is an honest, caring, thoughtful, and financially pragmatic guy. Do it like I did with my partner, who didn't have a pair of boots to his name when we met: we developed our relationship first, then I introduced him to boots. While he seldom wears them, he will. For me.
In closing, the writer said, "When I see photos of you and your partner, it gives me hope that there is someone out there for me."
I always believe that there is someone for everyone. It takes time, so don't push it. It is a totally unscientific observation, but gay guys take more time to find a mate and settle down. I was 35 when I met my guy, but I know in my heart that waiting was the absolute right thing to do, because I met the man who became my heart, my soul, my love, my one-and-only. And my heart didn't get broken in the meantime.
Thanks for the message -- and thanks to all for reading. I know this was long, but there was a lot for me to talk about here!
Life is short: keep the faith (and do it in boots)!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
500km to Cumberland and Back?
Yesterday morning my visiting twin brother, J, was up bright and early. Of course, I was up two hours before him, but for J to get up at 6:00am, I thought something was on his mind. It was. He came bounding into the kitchen with a bright idea: "Let's go visit Shirley!"
Shirley? Man, I haven't seen her in ages. Shirley was the first person to give J and me a "real" job, working at her store in the neighborhood shopping center. We were both 16 and wanted to do something productive during the summer and earn some spending money beyond what we got for mowing lawns. But nobody wanted to hire "kids," nor two of us to boot. But we were bound and determined to get a job at the same place and work together. Shirley gave us a chance, and we will never forget it. We must have done something right, because she asked us back to work for her part-time throughout high school and during the summers. We both owe a lot to her for the faith she invested in us when we were teenagers.
We thought Shirley was "old." I mean, she was 30!!! Ancient by a 16-year-old's perspective--almost twice our age! But she took a gamble on hiring two neighborhood kids, and we proved to her that she could depend on us. She sold the store about 20 years ago and moved to Cumberland, Maryland, which (to me) is waaaaaaaaaay up there, far away. And J was dead-set on going to see her.
He said that he had called her yesterday, just to say hello. But one thing led to another... and he promised to visit. What better way to rack up miles on his rental Harley and enjoy some nice, warm sunny weather than to ride to see her?
J asked me, "can you get that GPS of yours to plot a non-highway route to get there?" I thought about it, and used mapping software, and soon enough had a route figured out that went via ferry across the Potomac River into Virginia, and up through the beautiful Shenandoah foothills. Here's the route:
It took five hours, but we stopped a few times to stretch and drink water that we had brought with us. Even as comfortable as my Road King is and his Ultra, we both suffered from "Harley Butt" which is a common occurrence on long rides.
We got there in time for a nice long lunch at a restaurant with a beautiful view of the Cumberland Gap and the Potomac River. We had a lot of fun catching up with our dear friend. She is doing very well, enjoying life, and keeping busy. Unfortunately, the ride back was daunting, and I wanted to get home before our dinnertime and to avoid storms that were predicted for late afternoon.
After an all-too-brief visit, we remounted our iron steeds. Concerned that a five-hour return would be too long, J agreed that we should take the highway back. It's shorter, quicker, and more direct. Though riding alongside big rigs at 70mph isn't our cup-o-tea, we shifted into sixth gear, clicked on the cruise control, and put our boots up on the highway pegs. We stopped only once for gas on the way back. I am glad that we didn't dawdle on the return, because we got back home just as the skies opened up with a deluge of a thunderstorm.
We had a lot of fun: two brothers out on the road on their Harleys, enjoying life, visiting with someone to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for having faith in us, and crafting the taller tail to regale to my partner over dinner last night. The hills were higher, the roads were narrower, and the snow was deeper (oops, not that!)... we just laughed and laughed. My partner just smiled. He told me as he held me in his arms as we were in bed that he was so happy that I am really enjoying my birthday "staycation" with J, and how pleased he was that J was staying with us and sharing such enthusiastic joy. Heck, that's what life is all about!
Oh, why no pictures of J? He is dead serious about not having his image appear anywhere on the Internet. I understand; he has a sensitive job. But his legs in an old pair of my Banana Frye campus boots appear here. He asked to wear these boots, specifically, because it's what we wore in high school, and he remembered them. He looked really cool in those Fryes!
Life is short: get out and ride, love your family and your friends with all you've got!
Shirley? Man, I haven't seen her in ages. Shirley was the first person to give J and me a "real" job, working at her store in the neighborhood shopping center. We were both 16 and wanted to do something productive during the summer and earn some spending money beyond what we got for mowing lawns. But nobody wanted to hire "kids," nor two of us to boot. But we were bound and determined to get a job at the same place and work together. Shirley gave us a chance, and we will never forget it. We must have done something right, because she asked us back to work for her part-time throughout high school and during the summers. We both owe a lot to her for the faith she invested in us when we were teenagers.
We thought Shirley was "old." I mean, she was 30!!! Ancient by a 16-year-old's perspective--almost twice our age! But she took a gamble on hiring two neighborhood kids, and we proved to her that she could depend on us. She sold the store about 20 years ago and moved to Cumberland, Maryland, which (to me) is waaaaaaaaaay up there, far away. And J was dead-set on going to see her.
He said that he had called her yesterday, just to say hello. But one thing led to another... and he promised to visit. What better way to rack up miles on his rental Harley and enjoy some nice, warm sunny weather than to ride to see her?
J asked me, "can you get that GPS of yours to plot a non-highway route to get there?" I thought about it, and used mapping software, and soon enough had a route figured out that went via ferry across the Potomac River into Virginia, and up through the beautiful Shenandoah foothills. Here's the route:
It took five hours, but we stopped a few times to stretch and drink water that we had brought with us. Even as comfortable as my Road King is and his Ultra, we both suffered from "Harley Butt" which is a common occurrence on long rides.
We got there in time for a nice long lunch at a restaurant with a beautiful view of the Cumberland Gap and the Potomac River. We had a lot of fun catching up with our dear friend. She is doing very well, enjoying life, and keeping busy. Unfortunately, the ride back was daunting, and I wanted to get home before our dinnertime and to avoid storms that were predicted for late afternoon.After an all-too-brief visit, we remounted our iron steeds. Concerned that a five-hour return would be too long, J agreed that we should take the highway back. It's shorter, quicker, and more direct. Though riding alongside big rigs at 70mph isn't our cup-o-tea, we shifted into sixth gear, clicked on the cruise control, and put our boots up on the highway pegs. We stopped only once for gas on the way back. I am glad that we didn't dawdle on the return, because we got back home just as the skies opened up with a deluge of a thunderstorm.
We had a lot of fun: two brothers out on the road on their Harleys, enjoying life, visiting with someone to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for having faith in us, and crafting the taller tail to regale to my partner over dinner last night. The hills were higher, the roads were narrower, and the snow was deeper (oops, not that!)... we just laughed and laughed. My partner just smiled. He told me as he held me in his arms as we were in bed that he was so happy that I am really enjoying my birthday "staycation" with J, and how pleased he was that J was staying with us and sharing such enthusiastic joy. Heck, that's what life is all about!
Oh, why no pictures of J? He is dead serious about not having his image appear anywhere on the Internet. I understand; he has a sensitive job. But his legs in an old pair of my Banana Frye campus boots appear here. He asked to wear these boots, specifically, because it's what we wore in high school, and he remembered them. He looked really cool in those Fryes!Life is short: get out and ride, love your family and your friends with all you've got!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
My First Pair of Boots
There is a thread of responses to a question about when you got your first pair of boots, and how old you were when you knew you were "interested" in boots on the "Boots on Line" discussion board.
I replied to it, thinking back to the days when I spent summers on a family horse ranch in Oklahoma. I was surrounded by cowboys and their boots all the time. I got my first pair of boots at a very young age, and I don't quite remember how old I was -- probably age 5, wearing those cute little-boy boots that they made at the time.
I remember that a sister was getting married when I was ten years old, and having quite an argument with my mother when she tried to drag me to a store to get a new pair of dress shoes. I insisted on wearing my boots. At first, my mother tried to talk me out of it, but realized that I wasn't going to budge, so she just dropped it. I think she thought I would feel funny wearing boots when everyone else was dressed up at the wedding reception. Actually, quite the opposite happened. I loved having my boots be the center of attention!
From then on, it was boots only. I spent most of my time "back East" where I live now from about age 10, only going back to Oklahoma for occasional visits. In my early teen years, Frye boots were all the rage. I clearly remember wearing Fryes in Junior High and High School. I know that I must have had some regular cowboy boots, too, but I think I wore 'em out or trashed 'em (or both.)
I remember being fascinated by watching some other guys in class who wore harness boots. Soon enough, I got myself a pair, and wore them almost exclusively. I couldn't stop fiddling with 'em during class, pulling on the harness straps until they were stretched and almost drooping on the floor. It was kinda cool, in a high-school-kid kinda way.
At age 18, I had saved enough of my own money to buy my first motorcycle. Along with it, I got myself my first pair of "bad-ass" engineer boots, made by Sears. I remember a guy in high school who always wore engineer boots. I think he was my first crush, though I didn't really know it.
Anyway, I can remember placing the catalog order for those boots, then getting the call that they were ready. I rode over to the local Sears store and picked up my boots. I tore the box open and put them on right in the parking lot. I thought "I had arrived."
I still have those Sears engineer boots and most of my Fryes, though no others from my earlier years. Anyway, I thank my buddy Bob for initiating the thread on BOL and some fond memories of my own.
I replied to it, thinking back to the days when I spent summers on a family horse ranch in Oklahoma. I was surrounded by cowboys and their boots all the time. I got my first pair of boots at a very young age, and I don't quite remember how old I was -- probably age 5, wearing those cute little-boy boots that they made at the time.
I remember that a sister was getting married when I was ten years old, and having quite an argument with my mother when she tried to drag me to a store to get a new pair of dress shoes. I insisted on wearing my boots. At first, my mother tried to talk me out of it, but realized that I wasn't going to budge, so she just dropped it. I think she thought I would feel funny wearing boots when everyone else was dressed up at the wedding reception. Actually, quite the opposite happened. I loved having my boots be the center of attention!
From then on, it was boots only. I spent most of my time "back East" where I live now from about age 10, only going back to Oklahoma for occasional visits. In my early teen years, Frye boots were all the rage. I clearly remember wearing Fryes in Junior High and High School. I know that I must have had some regular cowboy boots, too, but I think I wore 'em out or trashed 'em (or both.)
I remember being fascinated by watching some other guys in class who wore harness boots. Soon enough, I got myself a pair, and wore them almost exclusively. I couldn't stop fiddling with 'em during class, pulling on the harness straps until they were stretched and almost drooping on the floor. It was kinda cool, in a high-school-kid kinda way.
At age 18, I had saved enough of my own money to buy my first motorcycle. Along with it, I got myself my first pair of "bad-ass" engineer boots, made by Sears. I remember a guy in high school who always wore engineer boots. I think he was my first crush, though I didn't really know it.Anyway, I can remember placing the catalog order for those boots, then getting the call that they were ready. I rode over to the local Sears store and picked up my boots. I tore the box open and put them on right in the parking lot. I thought "I had arrived."
I still have those Sears engineer boots and most of my Fryes, though no others from my earlier years. Anyway, I thank my buddy Bob for initiating the thread on BOL and some fond memories of my own.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Vintage Frye Boot Catalogs
I was going through some drawers yesterday and came across two catalogs for Frye boots. The catalogs were undated, but in doing some research, I found one catalog was produced about 1973 and another in 1975. I scanned the pages from these catalogs and posted them on my website. The company sure could produce a great catalog back in the day!Vintage Frye boots are really cool. I wore them all the time in high school and college, and still wear them frequently to this day. There's nothing quite like the original Frye boots.
I learned in my research that the John A. Frye Shoe Company was founded in 1863 in Marlborough (or Marlboro), Massachusetts, and continued to produce their shoes and boots until the company was purchased by Reebok, International, in 1987.
Reebok held the company only for two years. In 1989, they sold it to a British holding company by the name of Hanson Industries. Hanson licensed the Frye name to the Jimlar Corporation, based in Great Neck, New York in 1993. Jimlar bought the Frye company name and assets from Hanson outright in 1998. Boots continued to be made under the Frye name in Massachusetts until 2003, when Jimlar closed the plant, and outsourced bootmaking to China.
Since the manufacture of Frye boots was moved to China, it is my opinion that materials and workmanship have suffered. If you want real honest-to-goodness Frye boots, search using the keywords "vintage Frye boots" on eBay.
Meanwhile, have a look at my old catalogs. Enjoy!
Friday, October 24, 2008
It's Fryeday!
I have blogged often about Frye Boots, and have been disheartened about their demise since the brand was bought out by a holding company that operates out of Great Neck, New York, for cheap, low-quality boots now made in China. Yuck.Good ol' vintage Frye Boots are what caught my eye back in high school, and remain a fond selection today. I recently acquired a pair of true "vintage" Fryes via a great eBay snag. I have to admit, though, that the boot shafts were rather narrow, so I took a few weeks with each boot to apply a boot stretcher to resolve that problem. They fit me fine, now. A thick pair of socks is required, too. Fryes never really were that comfortable. Back in the day, my feet could take more abuse than they can now.
These new-to-me Frye boots were confirmed by men more knowledgeable than me to have been made some time in the early '70s. Cool! Just like what I wore when I was in high school.
I fondly recall seeing a guy in my home room who wore these really cool olive-colored Frye Harness boots. He looked really good in them, and set the trend. Soon after he began wearing them, a lot of other guys started wearing them, too.
I see this same guy from time to time on the Metro as I come in to work. But he reacts to me in a "high-schoolish" way. Meaning, he won't talk to me, or even say "hi." He just runs the other way. We weren't friends in high school, but you would think as an adult he might have the courtesy at least to reply when I say "hello" to him. But he doesn't. Oh well, no big deal. He was kind of aloof in high school -- nothing has changed. Well, one change. While he wears jeans to wherever he works in the city, he wears loafers now. Yuck. He would look better in boots with those jeans.
I will enjoy my "Fryeday" today, enjoying my vintage Fryes and hearing that distinctive "clunk" on the floors of my office as a move about.
Life is short: wear your boots! (Fryes, if you've got 'em!)
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Confident in Boots
Yesterday I received a message from someone who asked me if wearing campus boots would make him "look like a gay dude." I scratched my head about this one, and posted it on "Boots On Line" as well to request feedback.In reviewing the replies -- some of which were funny, and some showed indignation -- I stepped back, put on my Fryes, and thought for a bit.
The writer obviously is confused. I commend him, though, for having the courage to ask. I thought about it for a while. Since campus boots in general share some features of women's boots (higher heels, rounded toes, tall shafts), perhaps he is confusing that boots with those features are worn by effeminate people -- and his further confusion is that gay men are effeminate.
This is the ongoing challenge with straight people who are laden with believing social stereotypes, often passed down (like folklore) from closed-minded people.
Here is what I said in response:
It's all a matter of self-perception. Campus boots were very popular in the 1970s and 1980s, but sort of went out of style after that. Most guys who wear boots these days wear harness boots, cowboy boots, hiking boots, or work boots. But it all boils down to how secure you are with yourself.
I don't mean this the wrong way, but if you are insecure or lack self-confidence, then you may think that wearing campus boots makes you appear a certain way to other people. Campus boots have a slightly higher heel than most average men's boots. Their rounded toe and general appearance shares similar features with some women's boots. Does having a rounded toe and 2" block heel make a man wearing the boots gay? I don't think so.
Frankly, I think you fear appearing effeminate. Not all gay guys are prissy queens, and those who act that way carry on social stereotypes that straight people gullibly believe. I certainly am not a prissy queen, and I like to wear campus boots from time to time. Don't take this the wrong way, but you should ask yourself if you are being affected by blatant stereotypes perpetrated by some closed-minded people.
Heck with it... wear what you like and don't give a darn about what others may say or think. That's THEIR problem, not yours, unless you choose to make it your problem.
The choice to wear campus boots has nothing to do with being gay or straight (actually or in appearance)... it has to do with self-confidence and self-perception.
I appreciate the responses that I received on "BOL," but I thought that trying to put myself in the other guy's boots might give me a different perspective.
I am a confident man. I long got over worrying what other people thought about me (my boots, clothes, leather, appearance, etc., etc.) I really don't give a flying frig what others think about those things. I wear what I like, where I like, when I like. If others have a problem with it, that's their problem, not mine.
Thinking about wearing boots causes concern for some guys. Then what type or style of boots affects others. There are a lot if things in this world that are a hell of a lot more important than those issues. Get over it. If someone says something about the boots on your feet, just say, "thanks!" and move on.
I know, I know, I'm spoiled because I live in tolerant, open, accepting, rather liberal and forward-thinking community. I know there are many other places in the U.S. (and the world) that are much less accepting of anyone doing or saying or acting different from established norms. Each person has to live the way is best for him. I'm not saying that these other places are bad -- I am saying that I wouldn't like living in such an environment.
Okay, enough sermonizing for today. I've got lots of places to wear my boots today. I've already gotten my flu shot. All afternoon, a large band of volunteers that I have assembled will be installing 1,000 new batteries in smoke alarms in the homes of seniors. We've got media showing up and a big party planned for the end of the event. Wish us well!
And remember: Life is short! Wear your BOOTS!
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