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The Frye Campus Knee High Boot has been a fall staple since the early 1970s, and its chunky toe and stacked heel are still in style today. They are a boot that truly stands the test of time - the only catch is the $498 price tag, which is why so many of us are on the hunt for a good Frye Campus boots dupe. Plenty of boots claim to be one, but only a few actually get the details right. I tracked down the best ones at Walmart, Amazon and Steve Madden, and they start at just $45.

What to Look for in a Frye Campus Boot Dupe

A lot of boots sold as Frye dupes are really just ordinary riding boots. Here is what makes the Campus 14L look like the Campus 14L, based on Frye's product page:

A chunky round toe
A stacked 1.75 inch heel
A 13 inch shaft that hits just below the knee
A 14 inch calf opening, so the top sits a little loose instead of hugging your leg
A pull-on style with no side zipper
Leather with a worn-in, pull-up finish

The closer a dupe gets to that list, the more it reads as Frye from across the room. The zipper is the biggest giveaway, since many cheaper versions add a side zip that makes them look like a completely different boot.

1. Most Viral Affordable Option: No Boundaries Tall Riding Boot from Walmart, $47

This is the Walmart Frye boots dupe everyone keeps talking about on TikTok and Instagram. It has the chunky toe, the stacked heel and the slightly loose shaft that make the Campus boot look so effortless. It has more than 3,500 ratings on Walmart, and reviewers keep calling it the best budget-friendly dupe they’ve found.

It's faux leather (polyurethane), so it won't soften and age the way real Frye leather does. At $47, though, it's the cheapest way to get the Campus look. It comes in black, bone, chestnut, honey and pink, and wide calf sizing is available.

2. Best Amazon Frye Boot Dupe: VBDB Knee High Boots, $32

The VBDB boots are the Amazon Frye boot dupe that keeps showing up in celebrity lookalike roundups, mostly because they come in a banana yellow that's very close to Frye's banana color. They have the same chunky heel and toe and hit just below the knee. Other colors include chestnut, saddle brown, black, beige and burgundy.

Like the Walmart pair, these are faux leather. Amazon prices move around a lot, so check the current price before you buy.

3. Best Real Leather Dupe: Steve Madden Riggs, $200

If you want real leather without spending $498, the Steve Madden Riggs is the Steve Madden Frye boot dupe to get. It has a leather upper, a 14 inch shaft, a 15.25 inch calf opening and the same 1.75 inch heel height as the Campus.

It also comes in more colors than you'd expect, including banana, black, cognac, rust and taupe nubuck. The sizing is a big win too. The Riggs goes all the way up to a size 14, while the Frye Campus stops at size 11. The lining and sole are synthetic, which is part of how it comes in at less than half the price.

Steve Madden Frye campus boot dupes real leather

4. Best Quality: Quince Italian Leather Block Heel Boot, $218

If you want a boot that's built like the Frye, the Quince Italian Leather Block Heel Boot is the closest you'll get. The upper is Italian leather, the lining is sheep leather and the sole is leather too. Those are the same kinds of materials that make the Campus boot feel so solid. The 13.3 inch shaft and 1.8 inch block heel are almost identical to the Frye's 13 inch shaft and 1.75 inch heel.

Sizes run from 5-11 and it comes in chestnut, coffee bean and black. At $218 it's less than half the price of the Frye. New to Quince? My Quince review covers what to expect from the brand and I also have a discount code for your first order.

5. Most Frye-Like Look: Frye & Co. Miranda Western Boot, $140

If you want a boot with the Frye name on it for way less, the Frye & Co. Miranda Western Boot is the one to look at. Frye & Co. is Frye's sister brand, a more affordable line inspired by Frye's classic western heritage. So you're getting the Frye name and the look for a fraction of the price. It has a square toe, a 2 inch stacked block heel and a 12.5 inch shaft, so it lands really close to the Campus 14L shape. The standard calf is 14 inches around, which matches the Frye exactly.

The color range is a big plus. It comes in banana yellow plus a bunch of other shades, and there's a wide calf version with a 15 inch calf opening. The upper is synthetic, not leather, so it won't age like the real thing.

frye and co boot dupes - real frye boots but cheaper

Want the Real Thing for Less? Try the Frye Exchange

If your heart is set on real Frye, check the Frye Exchange before you pay full price. It's Frye's own resale shop for pre-loved boots, so you get authentic Campus boots without worrying about fakes. Sizes and colors change constantly, so it's worth checking back.

How to Style Frye Campus Boots (and Your Dupes)

These outfit ideas work whether you buy the real Campus boot or a dupe.

A flowy maxi or midi dress: a cream or floral dress with banana or tan boots is the easiest fall outfit there is.
A denim skirt: a mini or midi denim skirt gives the boots a western feel.
A sweater dress: a knit sweater dress and tall boots is one less layer to think about.
Brown or black with neutrals: if banana feels like a lot, chestnut or black works with everything in your closet.

Shopping for more cold weather dupes? My best UGG dupes on Amazon post has the cozy boot look for less, and my Birkenstock clog dupe roundup covers the clog everyone wants for fall.

So, Which Frye Boots Dupe Should You Buy?

If you want the look for the least money, the No Boundaries boot from Walmart or the Amazon version is the Frye boots dupe to buy. If you want real leather that will last for years, spend a little more on the Steve Madden Riggs or the Quince version, and if only real Frye will do, shop the Frye Exchange if you don’t want to pay $498.

For more designer looks for less, browse all of my fashion dupes.

Thanks for finding it with me.

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Frye Boots Dupe FAQs

What boots are similar to Frye boots?

It depends on your budget. The No Boundaries Tall Riding Boot from Walmart ($45) and the VBDB Knee High Boots on Amazon ($32) get you the look for the least money. For real leather, the Steve Madden Riggs ($200) and the Quince Italian Leather Block Heel Boot ($218) are the closest in quality. If you want the Frye name, the Frye & Co. Miranda Western Boot ($140) comes from Frye's sister brand. Whichever you pick, look for a chunky toe, a stacked heel and a pull-on shaft with no side zipper.

Is there a Walmart Frye boots dupe?

Yes. The No Boundaries Tall Riding Boot is $47 at Walmart and it comes in black, bone, chestnut, honey and pink.

Why are Frye Campus boots so expensive?

The Campus 14L has a leather upper, leather lining, a leather sole and Goodyear welt construction, which means the boot can be resoled. All of that leather and handwork is why it costs $498.

Do they make fake Frye boots?

Yes. This is an important distinction to make. A dupe is a different brand that gives you a similar look. A fake pretends to be Frye. Watch out for sites selling new Campus boots at huge discounts on web addresses that aren't Frye's.

Are Frye and Co. fake Frye Boots?

No. Frye & Co. is actually a sister brand of Frye. It's a lower-priced, Frye-inspired collection that launched at JCPenney and is now sold at stores like DSW. That's why it costs so much less than the Campus 14L, and why the materials are different. If you’re looking for something more affordable but still want the same signature Frye style, Frye and Co. is a great option.

Are Frye Campus boots still in style in Fall 2026?

Yes. Frye is selling the Campus 14L in about 20 colors this fall, and the tall, slightly slouchy riding boot is still a fall staple.

Is there a wide calf Frye boots dupe?

Yes. The Walmart No Boundaries boot comes in a wide calf version for $47, and the Frye & Co. Miranda has a wide calf option with a 15 inch calf opening. The Steve Madden Riggs also runs a little roomier, with a 15.25 inch calf opening. If you want the real thing, Frye makes its own Campus 14L Wide Calf too.