Frye Oxford Oxen Shoe. Wait, that doesn’t sound right…

I bought this super awesome pair of shoes in November, Frye Carson Oxford Shoe.  As I was mink oiling them up tonight, I thought to myself, “You know what, Heather, kudos to you for making such a wise purchase.  These shoes are awesome.”  Why are they awesome, you ask.  Well, let me tell you.

See, in the past I have always bought fairly inexpensive shoes – whatever was black, mid-heel, and could be found at TJ Maxx/Dilliards.  My older brother is always trying to convince me of the benefits of buying a few high quality items instead of several mediocre items.  I have to say, in this instance, his advice paid off.

The Frye’s are on the expensive side – $178 (however, I bought mine from Urban Outfitters, where I was able to use a 20% off coupon I found online).  But, they are worth it.  Unlike my $40 Kenneth Cole Reaction Mary Janes, the blackness of the leather doesn’t wear off with the first scuff.  The straps don’t break.  The shoes doesn’t settle into deep bendy creases.  They hold up remarkably well.  A point I will prove to you in pictures.

My coworker and I often escape the confines of our cubes for an ultra-fast jaunt around the block.  As a result, these shoes have miles on them, but they look as good as the day I purchased them.  The leather stays the blackest black – mink oil takes care of the superficial smudges created by me banging my feet together as I walk.

I love the heel height, too – 1.75 inches.  It’s perfect – not so tall that I feel unstable, yet tall enough that I get a little height on everyone and feel slightly superior.  ‘Cause I’m tall.

I also appreciate the fact that they are lace-ups (leather laces!).  I wear them with SmartWool hiking liners in black.  Due to genetic issues, I have super sweaty feet.  These socks soak it all up without a complaint, and I no longer knock Tim out when I take off my shoes at the end of the day. Foot comfort is so priceless.  Husband comfort is pretty valuable too.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a great pair of dress shoes and you appreciate quality, style, and foot comfort, check these babies out.  They are awesome.

And, no, this was not a paid post.  I just really love these shoes.  I recently made another purchase that I hope I love as much.  A Lamy Safari fountain pen.  The pen, in a discussion of Frye shoes, is not expensive.  In a discussion of pens, however, it’s a little on the pricey side – $35.  I anticipate that this pen is going to revolutionize my life though.  With this awesome pen (and the turquoise and voilet ink refills I bought to use with it), I will be inspired to write copious amounts of super funny, insightful prose daily.  I will write the next “Eat, Pray, Love” with this pen, but my EPL book will actually be good and interesting, and I won’t hate it.  The first thing I will do with the proceeds is buy the Frye Carson Oxford in every color.