I personally think the plain fronted ones look much more elegant - but I am a bit of a traditionalist (and boring) as my daughter is always telling me!!
I've had both but there is much more flexibility in the ankle of the lace up type.
Mine have elastic laces and are a closer fit. You don't get the bagginess either when they are wearing in
Like the lace up version, on this boot anyway. I always think the ones very fitted round the ankle remind me of Max Wall. If you're not old enough to remember who he was, trust me it's not a nice image!
You may need to try them on. The lace up ones usually have the seam across the foot of the boot like an Oxford shoe. I have wide feet and find these really uncomfortable so have to go for the plain boots.