Frye and Thursday Boot Company both make quality leather boots, but they have some key differences that may make one better suited for your needs and style.
This comprehensive guide will compare the pros and cons of Frye Vs. Thursday boots to help you decide which brand is right for you.
A Brief Comparison Table:
| Features | Frye | Thursday |
| Price Range | $200 – $600+ | $149 – $249 |
| Leather Quality | Premium leathers from established tanneries | Good quality leathers from various tanneries |
| Construction | Goodyear welt | Goodyear welt |
| Fit | Runs narrow, true-to-size | Runs large, size down |
| Width Options | Standard, Wide | Medium, Wide |
| Style Selection | Vintage Americana, dress boots, casual boots | Modern, sleek designs, casual and rugged boots |
| Break-in Period | Longer break-in time | Minimal break-in required |
| Production | Mexico, USA | Mexico, Colombia |
| Sustainability | Commitment to reducing energy and waste | Leathers from audited tanneries with environmental protocols |
Overview Of Frye Boots
Founded in 1863, Frye is one of the oldest boot companies in America. Frye uses high-quality leathers and is known for its vintage Americana styles like harness boots and cowboy boots.
Some key things to know about Frye boots:
- Made in Mexico and the USA using fine leathers like suede, nubuck, and full-grain leather.
- Feature Goodyear welt construction for durability and the ability to resole.
- Known for a more narrow, true-to-size fit.
- Offer both casual and dress boot styles.
- Retail between $200-$600+ per pair.
- Come in standard and wide width options.
Overview Of Thursday Boots
Thursday Boot Company is a relatively new, direct-to-consumer boot brand that launched in 2014. They focus on sleek, modern designs at an affordable price point.
Here’s an overview:
- Handcrafted in Mexico using quality leathers.
- Goodyear welt constructed like Frye.
- Run large and are designed with a roomy fit in mind.
- Specialize in casual and dress boots, chukkas, and rugged styles.
- Retail between $149-$249 per pair.
- Only come in medium and wide widths.
Now that you know the basics about each brand, let’s do a detailed comparison of the pros and cons.
Frye And Thursday Boot Company: In-Depth Comparison Of Key Features
Leather Quality
Both Frye and Thursday use high quality leather from reputable tanneries.
Frye utilizes a wide selection of leathers like suede, nubuck, calfskin, and exotic options like ostrich and snakeskin. Their leathers tend to be very soft and supple right out of the box.
Thursday uses leathers from Horween, which are known for their durability and ability to patina nicely over time. Thursday leathers may feel a bit stiff at first but break-in well.
When it comes to leather alone, it’s hard to pick a winner. Both use fantastic leather. Frye offers more unique options, while Thursday focuses on hearty cowhide leathers.
Construction and Durability
The boots from both brands are Goodyear welt constructed, which means the upper is stitched to the sole for flexibility and the ability to resole over time. This premium construction ensures the boots will last for years if properly maintained.
Frye has a long-standing reputation for quality and durability, as they’ve been crafting footwear since the Civil War era. Their 150+ years of experience shows in the fine details and construction.
As a newer company, Thursday boots don’t quite have the proven longevity of Frye. However, they’ve quickly earned a reputation for excellent craftsmanship and comfort. The reviews indicate their boots stand the test of time and use.
When it comes to durability, you really can’t go wrong with either brand. Both are designed to be resoled and last for years of wear.
Also Read: Comparison Between Oofos And Cloud Slides Slide Sandal.
Fit and Sizing
This is one area where the two brands differ considerably.
Frye boots fit narrow and true-to-size. They offer options in standard or wide widths. Their boots are designed for a snugger, precise fit from the start. This makes them suitable for those with narrow or average width feet.
Thursday boots run large to accommodate wider feet. They suggest sizing down a half or full size from your regular shoe size. The boots are intentionally designed with a roomier toe box and fit that provides immediate comfort.
If you have wide feet, Thursday is likely the better choice. For narrow or average width feet, Frye will provide the best out-of-box fit. Make sure to double check sizing guides and reviews to get the right size regardless of which brand you choose.
Style Selection
Both brands offer a variety of men’s boot styles, from rugged to refined. Here’s an overview:
Frye:
- Harness boots
- Chelsea boots
- Chukkas
- Dress boots
- Western boot styles
- Motorcycle boots
- Rugged hiking and lace-up boots
Thursday:
- Chelsea boots
- Captain boots
- Chukkas
- Hiking and tactical boots
- Weatherproof styles
- Dress boots
Frye has a wider selection of both casual every day and dress boot styles. Thursday focuses more on rugged, versatile boots designed for urban environments. Frye likely wins out in terms of offering more boot varieties overall.
Also watch the video about Frye Boots!
Price and Value
Frye boots cost between $200-$600+ depending on the leather used and boot style. Thursday boots retail between $149-$249.
At first glance, Thursday seems like the clear value winner. However, Frye fans argue that the quality leathers and proven reputation justify the higher prices.
Here are some additional thoughts on cost:
- Thursday’s direct-to-consumer model allows them to cut out retailer markups.
- Both go on sale during certain seasons, making them more affordable.
- Resoling Frye boots over many years helps justify the initial splurge.
- Thursday boots are more budget friendly for younger buyers or those wanting to try a boot style.
Ultimately, both provide excellent value. Frye is an investment worth the money if you can afford the higher prices. Thursday makes quality boots more accessible to the masses.
Thursday Vs. Frye: Which Is Best For You?
Now that you know how Frye and Thursday boots stack up, which brand is better for your needs?
Consider Thursday boots if:
- You want an affordable, entry-level boot.
- You need a roomy toe box or wide width.
- A rugged, casual style suits your lifestyle.
- You like a boot with a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Opt for Frye boots if:
- You appreciate luxe leathers and premium details.
- You want refined dress boot styles.
- You prefer a narrow or standard width fit.
- You desire vintage Americana style.
For many buyers, the decision may come down to fit and budget. If those factors don’t sway you strongly either way, choosing a brand based on preferred styles is never a bad decision.
At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong with either of these high quality bootmakers!
Also Read: Comparison Between Nisolo And Thursday Boots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frye boots come with a higher price tag because they use premium leathers, a labor-intensive Goodyear welt construction method, and premium details. As an established heritage brand, they also have brand recognition that adds cost. The quality and longevity help justify the prices for many buyers.
Thursday Boots can feel stiff and rigid right out of the box, especially styles made with thick leathers. The boots are designed to break-in well over time though.
As you wear them, the leather softens and conforms to your feet. Within a couple weeks of wear, any stiffness gives way to customized comfort.
Thursday Boots tend to run large, so sizing down is recommended for most people. Try sizing down 1/2 to a full size from your regular shoe size.
Their boots are designed to fit slightly big with room for thick socks. Just don’t size down too much or they may end up uncomfortably tight.
While not specifically snow boots, many Thursday styles can handle light snow thanks to lugged rubber outsoles and water-resistant leathers and finishes.
Their rugged boots like the Captain and Explorer are good options for winter weather. Just avoid heavy snow or icy conditions, where a dedicated snow boot is better equipped.
Also Read: Comparison Between RBX Ans Reebok
The Bottom Line
Frye and Thursday both make excellent quality boots that will upgrade your wardrobe. Frye excels at refined vintage Americana styles while Thursday offers modern casual designs.
Focus on fit, budget and personal style preferences to decide which brand is right for you. Or if you get hooked on boots, there’s nothing stopping you from owning both! With proper care, boots from either brand will provide years of comfortable wear.