Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots Review: The Ultimate Verdict on Style and Comfort

There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that comes with the search for the perfect pair of boots. I know it well. It’s the cycle of finding a pair that looks incredible online, only to discover they feel like torture devices after an hour of wear. Or, you find a pair that feels like walking on clouds, but their style is so uninspired it drags down every outfit you own. The challenge is finding that elusive sweet spot: a boot that marries head-turning style with genuine, all-day comfort. It’s the quest for a boot that can take you from a morning coffee run, through a full day of meetings or errands, and straight to a casual dinner with friends, all without a single wince of pain or a moment of self-consciousness. This isn’t just about footwear; it’s about finding a reliable, versatile cornerstone for your autumn and winter wardrobe. Forgoing this quest often means a closet full of compromises—boots that are either beautiful or comfortable, but never both, leaving you feeling unprepared for the day ahead. The Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots promise to be the answer to this perennial problem, and we decided to put that promise to the ultimate test.

What to Consider Before Investing in High-Quality Boots

A great pair of boots is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for navigating the colder, wetter months with confidence and style. They provide essential protection from the elements, support for your feet and ankles, and a powerful aesthetic statement that can define an entire look. The main benefit is their unmatched versatility. A well-chosen pair can be dressed up with a skirt or dress or paired with skinny jeans for a relaxed yet put-together vibe. They are the workhorses of a functional wardrobe, built to endure season after season while elevating your daily attire.

The ideal customer for a boot like this is someone who values both form and function. They are often on their feet and need footwear that can keep up with a busy lifestyle without causing discomfort. They appreciate quality craftsmanship and are willing to invest in a durable piece that will last. This type of boot is perfect for fashion-conscious professionals, busy parents, and anyone who refuses to sacrifice style for comfort. Conversely, this style might not be suitable for those who require highly specialized footwear, such as technical hiking boots or heavy-duty snow boots for extreme conditions. Individuals looking for a purely utilitarian, budget-friendly option for occasional use might also consider simpler alternatives.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Shaft Height & Calf Fit: The height of the boot shaft dramatically affects both its style and how it fits your leg. Above-the-knee or knee-high boots create a long, flattering line, but it is critical to measure your calf circumference. A boot that is too tight can be uncomfortable and unflattering, while one that is too loose can look sloppy. Pay close attention to product measurements and user feedback regarding fit.
• Heel Type & Comfort: The heel determines the boot’s comfort and wearability. A wedge heel, like the one found on the Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots, distributes weight more evenly than a stiletto, providing height and stability for extended wear. Consider how much walking you’ll be doing. A rubber sole adds crucial shock absorption and grip on slick surfaces.
• Materials & Durability: The material dictates the boot’s longevity, feel, and maintenance requirements. Full-grain or “rug” leather, as specified here, is known for its durability and ability to mould to your foot over time. It requires some care, like polishing and conditioning. Synthetic materials may be less expensive and require less maintenance but often lack the breathability and long-term durability of genuine leather.
• Ease of Use & Closure: How you get the boot on and off matters for daily convenience. A full-length side zipper is the most common and practical closure for a tall boot. Buckles can offer a small degree of adjustability but are often more for aesthetics. Consider how easy the zipper is to operate and whether the boot offers any flexibility for different leg shapes.

Understanding these factors ensures you select a boot that not only looks fantastic but also serves as a reliable and comfortable partner for your feet through many seasons to come. While the Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Fly London Mes 2: First Impressions

The arrival of the Fly London box always brings a small thrill of anticipation. The brand’s quirky, distinctive packaging sets the stage, and the Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots were no exception. Lifting the lid released that unmistakable, rich aroma of genuine leather—the first positive sign. Our Dark Brown pair had a deep, uniform colour with a subtle, low-sheen finish characteristic of “Rug Leather.” The boots have a significant, reassuring weight to them, immediately communicating quality and substance. The rubber wedge sole is thick and robust, a signature of the brand, promising both durability and a comfortable stride. Running a hand over the leather, we found it to be smooth yet firm; it felt structured rather than buttery soft, suggesting a break-in period would be necessary, a sentiment echoed by several users. The two decorative buckles are well-made and add to the boot’s moto-chic aesthetic. The interior zipper felt sturdy and moved smoothly along its track. Compared to more streamlined, classic riding boots, the Mes 2 immediately stands out with its chunkier, more modern and edgy silhouette, a feature that fans of the brand have come to love and expect. You can see its full feature set and distinct styling here.

A Deep Dive into the Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots’s Performance

A boot’s true character is only revealed through wear. It’s about how it feels after the fifth hour, how it handles an unexpected puddle, and how it makes you feel when you pull it on. We took the Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots from the box to the streets to analyse every facet of its design and performance, from its legendary comfort to its sometimes-controversial fit and finish.

The Signature Wedge: All-Day Comfort Meets Subtle Height

The single greatest selling point for many Fly London enthusiasts is the sole, and the Mes 2 is a perfect ambassador for this philosophy. The wedge heel is, in our experience, a masterclass in ergonomic design. It provides a noticeable lift that elongates the leg, but because the platform runs along the length of the foot, it distributes body weight evenly, eliminating the painful pressure points associated with traditional heels. During our testing, we wore these boots for a full day of walking on varied city terrain—pavements, cobblestones, and park pathways. The result was remarkable. There was none of the familiar ache in the balls of the feet or strain in the arches. The thick rubber sole acts as a brilliant shock absorber, insulating the foot from the hard impact of walking. This was confirmed by numerous users who describe the boots as “extremely comfortable” and “comfortable from the first wear.” One wearer, who has screws in their lower leg and ankle, specifically noted how comfortable these were despite issues with other zipped boots.

The sole’s traction is also commendable. The signature ridged pattern on the bottom provides a confident grip on both wet and dry surfaces. While these aren’t snow boots, they handle damp autumn leaves and slick pavements with ease, providing a sense of security that is often lacking in more fashion-focused footwear. It’s this combination of a flattering height boost and unwavering stability that makes the wedge so addictive. It allows you to feel stylish and elevated without the physical cost, a feature that truly sets these boots apart. For those seeking that perfect blend of height and walkability, this design is a compelling reason to invest.

A Deep Dive into the ‘Rug Leather’ and Construction Quality

The outer material of the Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots is specified as “Rug Leather,” and our Dark Brown pair felt every bit the part. This type of leather is known for being sturdy and holding its shape well, and our experience aligns with that. The leather is quite stiff out of the box, as one user correctly pointed out. This isn’t a flaw, but rather a characteristic of durable leather that requires a breaking-in period. We found that after a few days of wear, the leather began to soften and mould around the ankle and foot, becoming progressively more comfortable. The stitching across the boot was neat and tight, and the zipper hardware felt robust and built to last. The leather’s finish is smooth, but as another user wisely noted, it “does mean it marks very easily.” We found this to be true; minor scuffs are visible, but for us, this adds to the character of a well-loved leather boot. A good quality leather polish easily buffs out most minor marks.

However, it is impossible to ignore the serious concerns raised by at least one user regarding the material. Their review details a “plastic coating” coming off the toe and the boot coming away at the heel, concluding it was “faux leather.” This is a significant accusation and a stark contrast to our own test pair and the brand’s reputation. While our boots were clearly genuine leather, this report suggests a potential for inconsistency in quality control or perhaps different materials being used for different colourways or production runs over the product’s long history (it was first available in 2011). We advise any potential buyer to inspect their boots carefully upon receipt. Check the feel, the smell, and the edges of the leather. The vast majority of wearers celebrate the quality, with one fan stating their pair from “years ago still look as good as new,” but this discrepancy is important to be aware of. The overall construction feels solid, but vigilance is recommended.

Fit and Sizing: A Tale of Two Calves

Fit is arguably the most subjective and challenging aspect of buying tall boots online, and the Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots present a very clear case study. Let’s start with sizing. We tested a UK 5, and found it to be true to size with adequate room in the toe box for comfortable “toe wiggles,” as one user aptly put it. The consensus among users seems to be that they fit as expected, though those between sizes should consider their sock preference. One loyal collector advises buying a size bigger for thick socks, while another who is a 6.5 found a 6 to be a perfect fit. Our recommendation is to start with your usual size, or perhaps size down if you are between sizes and don’t plan on wearing heavy socks. You can check the available sizes and user feedback on fit here.

The real story, however, is the calf fit. This is where the boots are most divisive. We measured the calf on our UK 5 pair and found it to be on the narrower side of average. For our tester with slim-to-average calves, the fit was snug but comfortable, zipping up without a major struggle. This aligns perfectly with the user who loved them because their “skinny calves” meant they could be adjusted to “fit better than most.” Conversely, multiple users without self-described large calves reported a significant “struggle getting the zip up.” One even joked it was an “incentive” to slim down their “obviously chunky” calves. The two buckles, while a key part of the aesthetic, offer minimal actual adjustability to the overall shaft circumference. Therefore, we have a clear verdict: if you have athletic or wider calves, these boots are a risky purchase. If you have narrower calves and have long struggled with boots that look like wellies, these could be the perfect solution you’ve been searching for.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we delved into the wider pool of user feedback to get a comprehensive picture of the ownership experience. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with a passionate and loyal fan base. Many users, like the one who exclaimed, “I am now hooked on fly boots,” praise them for being a rare combination of “great style for any age” and “extremely comfortable.” This addictive quality is a recurring theme, with one devoted collector admitting to owning them in “most colours” and having “too many to count.” The comfort of the wedge sole is the most frequently cited benefit, allowing for hours of wear without pain.

However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing, and the criticisms are consistent. The most significant issue reported is the tight calf fit, which is a deal-breaker for some. Beyond fit, there are scattered but notable complaints about quality control. One user was disappointed to receive a pair that was “really scuffed with several marks,” while another experienced a more severe quality failure, claiming the material was not leather and that the boot began falling apart. Another point of contention was colour accuracy, with one buyer finding their “Camel” boots looked more like Dark Brown. These negative experiences, though in the minority, highlight the importance of purchasing from a retailer with a good return policy.

How Does the Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots Compare to the Alternatives?

The Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots occupy a unique space in the market, but they aren’t the only option. To provide context, we’ve compared them to three distinct alternatives that cater to different needs and budgets.

1. Lilley Black Buckle Riding Boot

The Lilley Black Buckle Riding Boot is a classic, traditional alternative. Where the Fly London boot is edgy and modern with its chunky wedge, the Lilley offers a timeless equestrian aesthetic with its flat heel and clean lines. It’s the go-to choice for someone who prefers a more understated, conservative style. Made from synthetic materials, it comes in at a much lower price point, making it an accessible option for those on a strict budget or who only need boots for occasional wear. While it won’t offer the same level of comfort from a shock-absorbing wedge or the long-term durability of genuine leather, it provides a classic look for less.

2. Agritrade AK Ladies Thermal Rain Boots

This alternative pivots entirely from fashion to pure function. The Agritrade AK Thermal Rain Boots are essentially high-performance wellingtons designed for warmth and weather protection. Made from lightweight EVA material and featuring a removable insulated lining, they are built to handle cold, wet, and muddy conditions. Someone would choose these over the Fly London boots if their primary need is practical outdoor use, such as gardening, walking the dog in the country, or attending a rainy festival. They sacrifice all of the style and sartorial versatility of the Mes 2 in favour of superior thermal properties and waterproofing, making them a tool rather than a fashion statement.

3. DREAM PAIRS Women’s Knee-High Boots

The DREAM PAIRS Knee-High Boots represent the budget-friendly fashion alternative. Much like the Lilley boot, they are typically made from synthetic materials but often emulate more contemporary styles. They offer a similar knee-high look to the Fly London boots but usually feature a more standard block heel or stiletto rather than a wedge. This is a solid choice for someone who wants to experiment with the knee-high boot trend without the significant financial investment of a leather pair. The trade-off will be in breathability, long-term durability, and the unique, cushioned comfort provided by Fly London’s signature sole.

Our Final Verdict: A Stylish Investment for the Right Fit

After extensive wear and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Fly London Mes 2 Buckle Boots are a fantastic choice for a specific type of wearer. If you prioritize a unique, modern style, value all-day comfort, and have slim-to-average calves, these boots are very likely to become your new favourite footwear. The signature wedge sole is genuinely brilliant, providing height and a flattering silhouette without any of the associated pain, making them perfect for a busy, active lifestyle. They are versatile, well-made from quality leather (despite some concerning reports of inconsistency), and carry the weight of a brand known for its distinctive and beloved designs.

However, they are not without their caveats. The snug calf fit is the biggest hurdle and should be carefully considered before purchasing. Furthermore, the potential for receiving a pair with cosmetic blemishes or, in rare cases, more serious quality issues, cannot be ignored. For the right person, these boots are an investment that pays dividends in style and comfort for years. For those with wider calves or who prefer a more classic look, one of the alternatives might be a better choice. If you fit the profile and are ready to join the legion of Fly London devotees, we wholeheartedly recommend them. Check the latest price and explore the range of colours available to find your perfect pair.