Back in April, I bought a pair of Frye Harness 12r boots.

Thick, heavy, very durable. The salesman stated they "were built like a tank".

I have worn them just about every weekend. They are getting more comfortable but still not as much as I thought they would.

Maybe takes longer than I expected?

I was going to look at Ariat Roughstocks. I heard they were comfortable.

Anyone have experience with either?

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Wake me when it's over...

Ariat are or were made in Canada...If your foot tends to be a little wider than normal US sizes you will probably like them...UGH...I meant Boulet not Ariat.......Getting old.....I still like Lucchese Have worn them for years...Back when Lucchese was owned by them.

Ariat is headquartered in California and all of their manufacturing is offshore.

Frye is headquartered in New York City and 90% of their manufacturing is offshore.

In the price range of Frye and Ariat I highly recommend Boulet Boots. They are Canadian-Made and priced in the $150 to $250 range. I am partial to their Deerskin boots but their cowhide are good as well. Hopefully you can find a Western store and can get properly fitted. As another Forum member once said: "Hell hath no fury like an ill-fitting boot"!

Boulet Boots Since 1933 - Welcome

I'm a Lucchese fan myself but once I was conned into a pair of Twisted X brand, made in China, and those boots are hell for stout. Not to wear to the Petroleum Club, but good for general outdoors, hunting & comfort. I bought a second pair. Hard to believe.
Beruisis

My wife likes Lucchese. Very nice boots.

I have never heard of Boulet. Will check them out.

My wife bought a pair of black Frye harness boots when I bought mine. She loves them but they are not as comfortable as her Abilene boots.

Looks are one thing but man if those boots aren't comfortable, you can't wait to take them off.

Right after I bought my boots, I wore them for about 14 hours straight at my daughters wedding. Pure torture.

That was one if the longest nights of my life.

Now, they are better but..........

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Wake me when it's over...

I bought a pair of Ariat Ropers a year or so ago. Right out of the store, they are the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. Yes, they're made in China. So was the T shirt I bought at Cabela's. Both fit real well and were fairly priced.

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I used to be disgusted..

I have no experience with Frye boots, though I've heard good things about them in the past. Ariat boots don't fit me well, and they are of inferior quality IMO. I bought a pair of $200 Canadian made Boulet lace Packer boots a little over a year ago. They were a comfortable fit right out of the box, and have held up very well. As someone else mentioned, the Canadians size their boots a little wide, which was no problem for me since I have a high instep. I will pay extra in order to get quality, well fitting boots. There's nothing worse than having to hike or work in ill fitting footwear.

I'm a White's guy but I hear great things about Ariats

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Cheers, Charles
SWCA #2442

I was required to start wearing Ariat lace-up Ropers a little over 10 years ago, for work. I'm on my third pair which are due for replacement. At least 40 hours a week, in the desert, river, on boats, hiking, riding on horseback.... They hold up pretty well and start out comfortable from the box.

That's my second pair in the bottom of this pic.

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Tom
"Panem et Circenses"

I have a pair of Boulet boots and they are nice boots, good quality.

Honestly I really like Keen's Dallas Wellington, but usually end up wearing my Chaco Credence Wool boot. They don't make them anymore as of this year, but they're still around! And since their parent company is Wolverine I think Wolverine still makes the same pair under a different name.

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Still just a kid at heart

I wonder if you could get a shoe stretcher into your Frye boots... How To Use a Shoe Stretcher - YouTube.

Frye harness boots are notoriously sturdy but hard to break in....wore them for years but since I have wide feet with a high arch most boots are a chore to break in.
Boot stretchers work but a little hint, spray a mixture of 2 parts water to 1 part rubbing alcohol lightly on the INSIDE of the boot before applying the stretchers. Good luck.

Now you're talkin'. If I had known you were up for spending that kind of dough I would have gone there first.

Make sure to specify Lucchese Classics rather than 1883's.

I had considered doing that.

My right foot is larger (width and length) than my left.

Just worried about stretching them too much and damaging them or over stretching.

I'm just trying to wear them and stretch that way.

I also keep them conditioned with a boot lotion I bought at the store I purchased them.

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Wake me when it's over...

I have a pair of Ariat in buffalo hide and love them. Very comfortable with minimal break in.

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- Change it back -

i have zamberland boots heavy duty very comfy made in Italy , they have a vibram sole for more protection for work or hiking

Oh, I didn't realize this was a "Gun N' Boots" porn thread! How rude of me...

Now isn't that real good porn, boots (manly footwear) and revolvers, it's, it's AMERICA.....
God Bless her.......May she never change, and come back to her greatness.

Take a look at the Australian Blundstone's. Maybe not your style, but they are absolutely THE most comfortable shoe/boot I've ever worn. Intelligent, no nonsense design; goring (elastic) on the sides for comfort and fit; soles seem to wear forever...just a great, all around, everyday boot that supports the ankle, looks good with jeans, and provide plenty of stability, traction and cushion. I think they are now made in Vietnam, still the same quality. I have three pairs, wear them every day. Removable insoles so you can put orthodics in if needed. I put the Redwing
'heat softened' insoles in, wear 'em for an perfect custom fit.

Only made in USA for me, Tony Lama, Nocona, Justin, Chippewa, Red Wing, Bellville etc. Even these companies have some offshore sourced boots so I check and only buy the USA models.

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