Frye Logan Cap Toe Boot
American craftsman John A. Frye opened the doors to the first Frye Boot Shop in Marlboro, Massachusetts in 1863, the same year that Samuel Clemens became Mark Twain for the first time and the Boston Morning Journal became the first US printed newspaper (on wood-pulp paper no less).
By the 1890’s more shoes and boots were manufactured in Marlboro than any other city in the United States. Frye was one of the largest and most successful. They were also one of the first to convert their factory from steam to electrical power.
The Frye Boot name has traversed the ages and the Logan Cap Toe Boots are a current specimen of the company’s heritage in the modern age. They are a classic 6” boot still proudly made in the USA boasting a pure leather inside lining (inexpensive boots will often have cotton or fabric lining). Even the footbed is leather. All that leather means that they resist foot odor. At the risk of oversharing, I’ve worn mine for two months and they smell only of new leather.
They’re crafted from skins that are first tanned with vegetable oils for rich hues, then tumbled to get the softest feel possible. The toes and heels are hand burnished to get their distinctive look. The outsole is also leather with a rubber forepart and heel, great in rain or snow.
Like most boots in its class, the Logan Cap Toe is fashioned with a Goodyear welt; one of the sturdiest methods of shoe construction which can be resoled (cheaper boots will use glue or adhesives instead of stitching the sole to the leather welt). The cap toe breaks up the line of the boot and adds elegance while the burnishing warms the tone. Most of the stitching is brown, but two simple rows of white create contrast, class, and an air of distinction.
Seven antique brass eyelets are used in lieu of speed hooks continuing the dress-boot look. The laces, which are cut leather strips, are a rugged touch that offset the sophistication.
These are versatile enough to be equally paired with denim or a suit. Frye’s are soft right out of the box. They are immediately supple and just get better with wear. Be sure to order a half size down to ensure a solid fit.
The Logan Cap Toe comes in 8 unique colors and leathers. The pair featured is Frye’s Classic Soft leather in cognac. Black and dark brown are also available in the same leather. Suede can be picked up in dark brown. The stonewash version (which has a distressed appearance created by battering the leather with volcanic rocks) can be had in black, dark brown, and whiskey.
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