Customer Reviews

FRYE Women's Engineer 12R Boot,Gaucho,9 M US

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

These are definitely quality boots. The leather is thick and tough and I can tell they will last for years. Regarding sizing, which was my main question in ordering these

without trying them - I read every review out there before ordering a 9. I "normally" wear a size 8.5 in round-toed, North American made footwear (which is pretty hard to find these days - what is made in North America?), a 9 or 39 in items with a pointy toe, or made in Asia, which is so common these days, due to my fairly wide feet. In fact, I haven't bought anything smaller than a 9 in many years! I guess my feet are not as wide as I think though, because this Frye Engineer size 9 is VERY roomy. I wish I had ordered the 8.5 and not taken so seriously the warnings to size up. Better safe than sorry I guess, and I will not be returning them due to the cost of shipping (to Winnipeg Canada). I'm sure I can accomodate an insole and an extra sock or two in these - winter's coming you know - so all is not lost. Next time, I will have the confidence to order the size 8.5, I could possible even size down to an 8. So nerve-wracking buying shoes online, especially when you can't try them locally. I was only able to try the Frye harness in town before I bought, and this is quite a different shaped boot.

I was also slightly nervous about the shaft height of this boot, as I do have large calves, and can't even wear many zip up styles of boot because they just won't zip. No worries here however. For the record, I am 5'5" and a size 8-10 with a 15.5" calf.

I looked a long time for an un-girly pair of boots and was definitely smitten when I saw these. After searching and finding a price I could swallow, I bought them in the Gaucho color. I LUV THEM! I have a regular width foot that is a straight size 9 (with the exception of some designer slingbacks - in those I sometimes need to get a 9-1/2 to prevent the dreaded 'heel hangover'). After reading other reviews, I decided to buy a 9 and an 8-1/2. When I got them, the 9 was too big, even on my slightly bigger right foot, but the 8-1/2 was perfect. The first time I wore them, I did experience the difficulty other reviewers described in getting my foot in/out of the boot, as well as the inflexibility of the shaft and sole. I've owned Frye boots before and never had ANY issues with blisters or soreness with new boots, so I took a chance. I walk to work and though I initially felt a little Frankenstein-ish while walking, that cleared up very quickly. I worked all day, walked home, and had no blisters or other residual soreness due to the boots' stiffness. The second time I wore them, it was noticeably easier (but still a bit of a struggle) to get in/out of the boots and the soles/heel/shaft felt more molded to my foot. I've now worn the boots about 6 times and they are easy to get on and off but don't feel floppy or loose, and the sole has loosened and bends. These are substantial boots, which I like (the sole is more 'there' and overall they may feel a little heavier, depending on what you're used to wearing on your feet). These more masculine design features add to the ruggedness I wanted in my un-girly boots, so mission accomplished! When I've worn them out in the cold and wet, my feet stay dry and they look great. Lots of compliments! I can't wait to try them out with dresses and shorts in the other seasons. I wanted to deduct only 1/2-star for the initial breaking-in time, but half stars are not allowed. This is a great, versatile boot with many styling options. I just bought the same style in black, too!

OMG!!! These boots are fire!!!! They add an edge to any outfit. I definitely did not have a problem getting these boots on. I bought my regular size, which is a 7 1/2. These are my second pair of frye boots (I have the belted harness in brown). I think I may like these a little more. I cannot wait to wear these out. For those of you who are at odds on buying these, let me make the decision for you: BUY THEM!!!!

I had been pining after these boots for a very long time and decided to finally bite the bullet and order them. In terms of quality, they are (mostly) outstanding. The leather and soles are solid in every way.

In terms of comfort, I agree with most other reviewers in that they are a bit stiff at first but do start breaking in as you wear them.

As for sizing, they are definitely true to size. I'm a solid 8.5 and they fit perfectly (with a regular and also a thicker sock).

Only thing is that I couldn't ignore a nagging sensation in the heel of my left boot... sure enough, when I pushed down with my fingers, I could feel a nail poking through. Darn it. I really wanted to keep and love these boots but it seems to me that if I'm going to pay this much for a quality boot, that I should have received a quality boot.

They'll be sent back shortly... thankfully Amazon has an amazing return policy. I may risk buying another Frye product again, but I'm a bit skeptical. At the same time, it's hard to ignore the other (very positive) reviews.

Prepare to fight to get these on the first few times, that is. :) As others have said in reviews, these can be a challenge to get on at first, due to the angling/shape of the boot shaft and instep, and the stiffness of the leather. Have you ever helped a friend move and tried to get a couch up an awkward stairwell? It's kind of like that, you may get stuck halfway around the bend in a tight spot. Don't fret though. Unbuckle the straps at the instep and on the shaft, get a long, strong shoehorn, take a deep breath, and relax. The back of the boot will be stiff so the shoehorn will help immensely, to not only help ease your foot in, but hold the new stiff back of the boot open a little wider. This may not be true for everyone, but you may also consider going half a size up...they officially run "true to size" according to the Frye company (I e-mailed them) but that's just the *bottom part* of the boot that your foot actually sits in IF you can get your foot in. With the shaft section, your luck may vary just because of the angle/bend at the instep. Because I can wear either a 7.5 or 8, I went for the 8 just to get some more wiggle room. You should also consider getting a boot jack for ease of removal...you can get those at any equestrian shop or through Amazon and they work wonderfully. And by all means avoid wearing these to Japanese restaurants where you have to take your shoes off, at least when these are new. :)

Aside from the potential drama of putting these on and taking these off, these are really sharp looking boots, and extremely sturdy and well made. They're perfect for walking, and cute enough to wear with both jeans and skirts. If you're 5'4" or under the shaft height will probably hit you at just the right spot on your leg too and not overwhelm your frame. If you are taller, they are still good looking. Definitely recommended!

Great boots. Must have. Super cool look.

4 stars because they feel coarse and the top rubs my leg a bit. I'm pretty sure it will scratch my tights so I always wear with jeans...

I had been drooling over these boots for a solid 5 years, the price was always scaring me away. Last year I bought a pair of bear traps that looked kinda like them, but they weren't real leather and with all the walking I do around campus they wore through. So this year, I shopped high and low looking for a replacement, always coming back to drool over these. Finally, I took the plunge. I ordered them off Amazon and saved like at least $30.00! I've owned them for about a month now and I LOVE THEM!!!! I know everyone says this but it's true, If you're thinking of buying these DO IT, these are well worth the almost $200.00. Great Leather, a solid sole, these will last me a while. The leather might out live me and I'm hoping the sole holds out for at least two years before I have to get them resoled (like I said, I do A LOT of walking). I'm usually an 7 1/2 or an 8 (7 1/2 in heels and an 8 in Nike or Asics if that helps) and I ordered an 8. They were a little snug at first and were a real pain to break in, but worth it. I wore them barefoot the first time for a VERY brief time and then with thin socks in a down pour. That rain really helped break everything in. I had a few blisters on my heels a few times and the tag rubbed my calf a little. But with in a week I was living these. Again, SOOOO glad I got them. So just take the plunge and get them!

I purchased these boots after my dog chewed on a pair of Ugg Kensingtons, I wanted something that was a better value and would last in the midwest winters for several years. I am in my late forties, work in a major city and do lots of walking. My work has a casual dress code and I love them with jeans, stockings and sweater dresses, gosh, just about anything. They make me feel pretty hip! As mentioned, these boots need to be broken in. I grew up showing horses, and when I first tried them on I knew they had to be soaked, like a good pair of riding boots. I tossed them in a half full bath tub with a big soup can in each of them to stretch them out. I put them on the next day and they felt like they had been custom made. Very happy with them.

So I finally bought these after looking at them for years. Wanted a fun rugged versatile boot that I could wear with jeans, a dress, to work, out in the city or to the farm. These are perfect. Very well made, thick durable leather - I can tell they are going to age well and last me for years. CONCERNS: I was worried about fit because buying online. I wear a 7-7.5 and have a slightly wide foot. I bought the 7.5 and it fits perfectly with a extra room in the toe - once the boot is on. With no side zip, it is a bit of a struggle getting the boot on and especially off again. Likely the on/off will get easier too as it breaks in. You need to wear a high sock when you wear these boots, as the back of the boot will rub against your calf due to the very stiff thick leather. While they are comfortable and very well made, there is no arch support. I tried puting an insole with support in, but that made them too snug to get on. But no worries, I found them comfortable to wear all day - right out of the box. But don't forget the high sock unless you plan to tuck your jeans into the boot.

These boots are funky fashionable but hell to initially get on. I almost wish I would've bought the Harness (cowboy) boots instead since they have the 2 pull on tabs on each side to assist in pulling them on. I had to actually grease up my bare feet and when that didn't work, I had to run hot water into the boot. This softened the leather enough to help ease them on. Once they're on they are super comfy, but just getting them on is a workout. I also have a very high (some say elegant) instep which makes getting them on difficult.