If you have a thing for quality leather that gets better with every wear, you're probably already a fan of Frye. The brand is legendary for its rugged, American-heritage boots and bags that feel both timeless and cool, year after year. Their knack for blending durable craftsmanship with that perfect Western-boho vibe is unmatched.
But when you're ready to expand your collection of forever-pieces, it's good to know who else is mastering the art of leather. For those who love Frye’s quality and an aesthetic built to last, here are 20 other brands you need on your radar.
Red Wing Heritage is all about rugged, workwear-inspired leather boots designed to take a beating and look great doing it. Built with premium materials and Goodyear welt construction, these are boots for life. Think of them as Frye’s more utilitarian cousin, they share the dedication to American craftsmanship and durability, but Red Wing leans more into a functional, work-boot aesthetic with less focus on Western trends. Prices typically range from $250 to $400.
Shop now at redwingheritage.com
Known for icons like the Desert Boot, Clarks delivers on classic styles that prioritize comfort. Their leather boots mix timeless design with soft, high-quality materials, making them perfect for everyday wear. Compared to Frye, Clarks is much more affordable (often in the $100-$200 range) and its vibe is more understated and minimalist. If you want a comfortable, casual leather boot without Frye's rugged edge or price point, Clarks is a perfect fit.
Shop now at clarksusa.com
Timberland is legendary for its original waterproof leather boots that are built for the outdoors. While sharing Frye's commitment to durability, Timberland's focus is more on functional, element-proof performance with a rugged, utilitarian look. Where Frye nails vintage and heritage styles, Timberland excels in creating tough, eco-conscious footwear that can handle anything, usually priced between $150-$250.
Shop now at timberland.com
Dr. Martens brings a rebellious, punk attitude to leather boots. Like Frye, they are built to last with quality leather, but their signature air-cushioned soles and edgy silhouettes offer a completely different feel. Instead of Americana ruggedness, Dr. Martens gives you a dose of bold, counter-culture style. With most boots in the $130-$200 range, they're an accessible way to get into a durable, statement-making leather boot.
Shop now at drmartens.com
For a more refined take on the leather boot, look to Australian brand R.M. Williams. Famous for their single-piece-of-leather Chelsea boots, they embody heritage craftsmanship with a sleek, luxurious finish. While they share Frye's commitment to quality materials, R.M. Williams offers a more polished and less rugged silhouette, making them feel more elevated. Expect a higher price point, typically from $600-$800, for this level of artisan handiwork.
Shop now at rmwilliams.com
Ariat is rooted in authentic Western and equestrian culture, creating leather boots for riding and working outdoors. They share Frye’s Western roots but place a much stronger emphasis on performance and comfort technology for active wearers. If you're looking for a boot that's as functional on a ranch as it is fashionable off of it, Ariat offers incredible quality at a great price, usually between $150 and $300.
Shop now at ariat.com
If you admire Frye's leather quality but need something for a dressier occasion, Magnanni is the answer. This Spanish luxury brand creates impeccably handcrafted, sleek leather boots and dress shoes. Their style is sophisticated and polished - a world away from Frye's rustic charm - and their artisan finishes and fine leathers are truly stunning. Prepare for a luxury price tag, with most pieces starting over $500.
Shop now at magnanni.com
Craving an authentic Western boot without Frye's premium cost? Laredo specializes in classic cowboy boots with quality leather and traditional designs. Their price point is more accessible, generally sitting in the $100-$200 range. While Frye interprets Western style for a more fashion-forward audience, Laredo stays true to the timeless, hardworking cowboy aesthetic.
Shop now at laredoboots.com
Instantly recognizable for its iconic hats, Stetson also crafts high-quality leather boots with the same all-American spirit. Sharing Frye's Western DNA, Stetson's boots feature classic styling and sturdy construction with a strong country-western sensibility. Priced between $150 and $250, they offer another great avenue for exploring timeless Americana footwear.
Shop now at stetson.com
Bedstu offers handcrafted leather goods with a distinct bohemian and vintage character. Like Frye, their pieces are made to look and feel beautifully aged, with a focus on natural imperfections and hand-stitching. Bedstu’s vibe, however, is more relaxed and artsy. If you love Frye's worn-in feel but want a style that's a bit more free-spirited, this is your brand. Boots typically fall in the $200-$400 range.
Shop now at bedstu.com
Vagabond is a Scandinavian brand that offers a modern, minimalist take on the leather boot. Where Frye is rustic and detailed, Vagabond is sleek, contemporary, and understated. Known for clean lines and versatile silhouettes that work with any wardrobe, it's a great choice for those who appreciate leather quality but prefer a less-is-more aesthetic. Their pricing is also quite sharp, mostly landing between $150-$250.
Shop now at vagabond-shoes.com
Thursday Boot Company has built a cult following for its high-quality leather boots that don't break the bank. With a price point around $200, they deliver amazing value, using durable construction methods like a Goodyear welt. Their designs blend a rugged sensibility with a clean, modern look that's incredibly versatile. They have that lasting quality you love from Frye but with a more streamlined, contemporary feel.
Shop now at thursdayboots.com
Hailing from Germany, Shoepassion is obsessed with traditional shoemaking and exquisite materials. Their leather boots share Frye's commitment to incredible craftsmanship, but with a refined European flair. The aesthetic is more classic and dressy than rugged or Western, appealing to those who want a timeless, sophisticated boot built to old-world standards. Prices reflect this quality, typically from $400-$700.
Shop now at shoepassion.com
Harkila makes serious boots for serious outdoor conditions. Specializing in hunting and trekking footwear, their premium leather boots are designed for ultimate durability and performance in the wild. While Frye is fashion-focused, Harkila is all about function, with insulated and waterproof features. If you're drawn to Frye for its ruggedness and quality leather, Harkila is the expedition-grade version, priced from $300-$500.
Shop now at harkila.com
An American icon in its own right, L.L.Bean is beloved for its classic, practical outdoor gear, including the original "duck boot." Like Frye, L.L.Bean has deep Americana roots and a reputation for durability, but a key difference is its accessible price point (around $100-$150) and its casual, function-first design. It offers timeless outdoor style with a guarantee of quality that has stood the test of time.
Shop now at llbean.com
Better known as CAT, Caterpillar makes workwear-inspired leather boots designed for toughness. Their rugged styles are built for function, with a more industrial and streetwear-oriented vibe than Frye's Western heritage look. If you love the durable, hardworking aspect of Frye boots, CAT delivers that utilitarian spirit in a more accessible and often trend-forward way. Most styles are priced between $100 and $200.
Shop now at caterpillar.com
Famous for its iconic slip-on leather Chelsea boots, Blundstone is an Australian brand synonymous with comfort, durability, and no-fuss style. Their boots are minimalist, functional, and ridiculously versatile for everyday wear. Compared to Frye’s detailed, often Western-inspired designs, a pair of “Blunnies” offers a much more casual and utilitarian take on the quality leather boot, typically priced from $150-$200.
Shop now at blundstone.com
Sorel is the go-to brand when you need a stylish leather boot that’s also weatherproof. They master the blend of rugged durability and practical features like waterproofing and great traction, making them perfect for rough weather. While Frye’s boots are more about heritage leather style, Sorel’s focus is on innovating for comfort and protection from the elements, often with a trendy twist. Their boots generally cost between $120-$250.
Shop now at sorel.com
With a legacy of making tough American boots since 1883, Wolverine knows a thing or two about quality leather construction. Known for comfort and extreme durability, their boots are primarily built for work and outdoor life. They share Frye’s dedication to heritage and craftsmanship but are more aligned with a functional, work-ready purpose. Their popular 1000 Mile boot line offers a great bridge between rugged and refined.
Shop now at wolverine.com
For those who love Frye’s dedication to American-made quality but need a boot for the office, Allen Edmonds is the perfect match. This brand specializes in handcrafted, premium leather shoes and boots with elegant, classic styling. They use similar top-tier construction like the Goodyear welt, but their aesthetic is polished and refined rather than rugged. Expect prices north of $400 for these masterful dress boots.
Shop now at allenedmonds.com
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