A favorite pair of boots for a true boot lover
I absolutely love these boots, and they completely met my expectations of Bed Stu boots. My prior favorite boots are Bed Stu's Manchester tall boot in teak. In buying the Glaye, I was looking for a black motorcycle-look boot (I already have black dress boots, and wanted something a little more urban-chic). First, I had ordered a pair of Bed Stu Go Go's, but felt let down by the thinness of them -- they didn't have the solidity of a motorcycle boot -- and one of the boots was sized way too small. I originally intended to just reorder in a larger size, but (luckily, it turns out) the Go Go wasn't available in the next size. Searches online led me to the Glaye. Following my own experience w Bed Stu, as well as reviews, I ordered a half-size larger (I'm a true 6.5 in most shoes and sometimes size to a 7 with boots or other shoes that need room for a sock; I ordered the Go Go in 6.5 (too small) so ordered the Glaye in 7). What I love about these boots (and the Manchester): the Glaye has the same saddle-maker quality that I had experienced with the Manchester: where the Go Go was unlined and with slim soles, the Glaye is lined and substantial. The inner 'sock' (foot lining) of Bed Stu's is silky-supple, feeling as comfortable as pulling on fine leather gloves. Attention to small details, like the fit of the ankle buckle and the zippered gusset at the back of the calf, and even a small double square stitched detail at the heel, add to the quality. What you have to expect from Bed Stu boots: they are quirky. The rugged black finish may be more or less worn on each pair (I just resolved that I could use shoe polish to adjust if mine had more worn spots than I'd wanted). And every pair fits differently. Having tried on at least 6 pairs of Bed Stus (and had a pair that I wore near-daily, so know what they are like to live with), I knew that they always adjust a little beyond my first reaction - a stiff part adjusts, they stretch a little, etc. I knew the Go Gos didn't fit because the actual foot bed was too narrow and short (you could see my foot bulge over the sole), but it is not unusual for the fit to be snug enough to take a little effort getting them on and off (good riding boots are the same). So one suggestion is to be patient and wear them a few minutes when trying on. I love that the Glaye is snug on my calves (I have relatively thin legs; I'm 5'4" 128 lb), as this lends a sleek line -- but the Glaye is unique in having a zippered gusset at the back of the upper calf, which allows more leg room if needed. Even if your legs are thin, this allows tucking in pants, or you can just wear it opened, creating a flattering flair behind your leg. Overall, though: these boots may not allow room for socks/pants for wider calves. While these are not 'snow boots,' after a winter up north I appreciate dress boots that have a lugged sole -- walking to work in NYC or even just walking on the snowy drive in CT I wouldn't have to worry about slipping on snow or ice. Overall, these are super high-quality boots, worth the price, on par with quality brands like Frye. They are comfortable on the bottom of the foot, arch and calves, with soft linings. And the styling details are one of a kind - from stitched detail, quality hardware, red soles, gusseted calf... I'm glad to now have a second favorite pair of boots. Read more
