Looking back to the Swinging Sixties or the 1970s ‘Me Decade’, the prevailing was that of miniskirts that could be confused for belts, suede skin-tight flares, starched denim, tassel-adorned sleeves and a pair or two of beaten-up, sky-high boots.
From embroidered denim heels to reflective patent Gogo’s with matching dresses, these aforementioned boots may have differed from one pair to the next, but one thing was for sure, shoes had no place being any shorter than knee-high.
Any modern-day enthusiast of the unbeatably groovy era is bound to have a not-so-subtle obsession with this silhouette. With the adoration of vintage fashion showing no sign of slowing down, it was only a matter of time before contemporary brands got the memo and started dipping into archival designs to produce 21st century-approved nostalgic kicks.
Yet there’s one particular, historical brand which has enjoyed a marvellous resurgence thanks to the current retro trend climate. The US-born Frye Company was founded in 1863 and considers itself to be the oldest continually operated American shoe company in history. Despite the brand’s centuries-long existence, there’s no period during which their shoes were coveted more than in the 60s and 70s.
While we’re enamoured by the embossed and lace-up options, Frye’s Campus 14L boots remain one of their most popular styles - a rather fitting name as we can imagine students strutting across college with flowers in their hair and heeled, knee-high Frye’s on their feet.
Recently, Antoinette on TikTok went viral for selling her emerald green Campus Boots from Frye to afford to see her long-distance boyfriend. The debate that it sparked aside, we’re busy thinking about how a pair of seemingly ubiquitous vintage boots (she wears another pair in a different colour a few videos later) can equate to the price of a cross-country plane ticket.
Frye has stayed true to the construction of its original, cult-favourite boots with the help of its signature ‘Scrunch’ leather and two-toned chunky block heel. Available in various sizes and colourways, one pair of these brand-new, vintage-inspired boots will set you back £385.27 ($498). Rare, ultra-worn options don’t go for much less on sites like Vinted and Etsy.
Whether you want to drop a pretty penny on a brand-new pair of Campus Boots or source your very own authentic vintage treasures, we’ve curated a selection of the best Frye boots and dupes for effortless and timeless style.
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Frye Campus 14L
The Frye’s Campus 14L is the original, hugely popular vintage boot that has reached TikTok cult status. You need to choose from ‘greasy’ or ‘full-grain leather’, with the former giving the shoes that classic, worn-out look and the latter offering a sleeker finish. The handcrafted kicks are beloved for their signature chunky square toe and stacked heel. Though available in a myriad of colourways, ‘banana’ happens to be the most authentic for a true late 60s/early 70s aesthetic.
Buy now £385.27, The Frye Company
Free People Blaze Pull-On Boots
Offering a remarkably similar aesthetic to the Frye Campus boots at an ever-so-slightly more affordable price point, Free People’s Blaze Pull-On boots are complete with distressed details for an oh-so vintage look. We’re big fans of the slight indigo tint to the Victorian black leather colourway.
Buy now £248.00, Free People
Steve Madden Bonna Boot
Perfect for the slightly grungier vintage enthusiast, the Bonna Boot features uber-cool strap accents and buckle hardware. Steve Madden recommends sizing up in these kicks for a truly comfortable fit.
Buy now £200.00, Steve Madden
Gaucho Knee-High Block Boot
Preppy girls unite for these sky-high heeled boots from Russell & Bromley are the ultimate nod to 60s and 70s fashion. Pair with a flowing white sundress or tiny denim shorts for a true Jane Birkin-inspired look.
Buy now £475.00, Russell & Bromley
Marvel Knee High Boots in Black Leather
Lace-up boots were the unsung hero of campus style in the late 1960s, offering a daring yet wonderfully twee aesthetic both on and off college grounds. Crafted from fabulously smooth black leather, these knee-high lace-ups from size-inclusive Duo Boots are available in calf widths from 30 to 50cm. Fear not, the laces are just for show and these memory foam lined boots are equipped with a handy zipper.
Buy now £295.00, Duo Boots
Kira Harness Boots
Take away the harness-style buckle at the ankle, and these boots by Jeffrey Campbell are a veritable Frye dupe. We love that they’re also available in a fiery, cherry-red hue.
Buy now £298.00, Free People
Nancy Knee boot
Though slightly more of a riding-style boot than a classic campus silhouette, these kicks from Reformation feature a subtle 35mm block heel and almond-shaped toe. Crafted from luxurious calf leather, they’re a year-round favourite that’ll never go out of style.
Buy now £448.00, Reformation
Star Boots in Tan
We’ve got stars in our eyes just thinking about owning these sparkling tan boots from Dandelie. With traditional lemonwood pegged soles and hand-polished full-grain Spanish leather, it’s a wonder these weren’t plucked straight out of the 1970s.
Buy now £235.42, Etsy
Isabel Marant Seenia 70mm leather boots
For a true Parisian, vintage-inspired style, look no further than these beautiful leather boots by Isabel Marant. Set on a comfortable chunky heel with tonal topstitching, we’re head over heels for the camel brown gradient.
Buy now £448.00, Farfetch
Chloé Mallo 60mm leather boots
Boho chic is back and better than ever, with A-listers like Daisy Edgar Jones and Zoe Saldana recently seen stepping out in complete vintage-inspired ensembles from Chloé. The intricate, Grecian panelled design on these beautiful leather boots makes for a highly unique look.
Buy now £1387.00, Farfetch
