Frye Engineer 12 R W SKU: #101183
Product Information:
View the Video Description for this product! (Please note that the color shown in the video may no longer be available.)- Hand-crafted construction for superior fit and comfort with authentic styling.
- Specially formulated insole provides cushioning and resists bacteria.
- Neoprene oil resistant sole and heel with full-length leather midsole for support and durability.
- Love these boots? How about some tights to go with them! BOOTIGHTS® solves all your feet-slipping, toe-freezing, sock-sagging and tight-snagging needs.

- Heel Height: 1 3⁄4 in
- Shaft: 9 in
- Circumference: 13 in
- Product measurements were taken using size 6.5. Please note that measurements may vary by size.
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Customer Feedback
This product currently has 265 reviews
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80% "Felt true to size" 89% "Felt true to width" 59% "Excellent arch support"Tags for this product
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Frye Engineer 12 R W Reviews
- Most Helpful First
- Newest First
1 person found this review helpful
February 10, 2002
Anonymous
from Chicago
These boots are pricey, but worth every penny! These boots are great! Frye has a big name in boots, which is well deserved. So I went ahead and ordered the gaucho (brown) even though I really hadn't wanted to pay that much for a pair of boots. But every other pair of boots I had ever tried were too tight on my calf, or had slippery soles or were just plain uncomfortable or didn't really look good. I tried these because they are mid-calf height. I was worried that they wouldn't be high enough to wear with my long skirts -- but they look awesome. Plus they are super comfy and the soles are non-slip. Definitely worth every penny!
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2 people found this review helpful
September 16, 2006
Anonymous
from Vacaville, CA
Nice boots but... I have several pairs of Frye boots and I love them all. I was surprised when I got these (I have them in black) because they are soo hard to pull on. They fit great once you get into them, and they come off easy enough, but a real struggle to get into.
Brands I'd also recommend: All Frye and Old Gringos
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1 person found this review helpful
October 6, 2006
Anonymous
from Pittsburgh, PA
A very well made, attractive boot. Unfortunately, I had to send them back - like an earlier reviewer said, it is very difficult to pull these on - they made the top of my foot bleed after several tries. There is a limit to what I will do to break in a boot - even one as attractive as these. Also, kind of clunky on a petite calf. That said, Zappos was amazing as usual. Thanks Zappos!
Brands I'd also recommend: finally found really comfy boots - sofft, and always naot, merrell, birks, clarks
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2 people found this review helpful
October 10, 2006
Tricia
from Eagle Rock, California
My Favorite Fall Find!!! It took me 3 months to finally commit to a Frye style and I reluctantly chose these instead of the engineer slouch due to price constraints...I love these!! They are the perfect length for jeans and skirts!! Very fast shipment!! I am in love with them and will wear them all Winter!!
Brands I'd also recommend: El Naturalista
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2 people found this review helpful
October 24, 2006
Anonymous
from Montpelier, VA
I saw these boots in an upscale store and Zappos price was considerably better! I bought them and the delivery was extremely fast. The boots are beautiful. I wear a size 6 and bought my regular size because I knew I'd wear socks. While they are a bit loose in the heel, with winter-worthy socks they are a great fit. The color is simply beautiful and these boots are going to be awesome with my long skirts. I've worn them around the house for hours tonight and though they were stiff at first, they feel great now - no blisters. Not too hard to get on and off either - maybe the first couple of times. Highly recommended!
Brands I'd also recommend: Frye harness mules
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About Frye
Frye's current Harness Boots are rooted in tradition and continue to draw influence from the Cavalry. Today the classic Harness Boot holds a place in American culture. The Frye Harness Boot has been pictured in fashion spreads internationally. In 1938, on a trip to Washington, D.C., John A. Frye's grandson and namesake met a U.S. Navy Admiral who confided that he had trouble finding the Wellington boots he liked so much. As a favor, John agreed to make him a pair. Frye continued to fill requests for these boots through the Second World War. During World War II, Frye supplied thousands of servicemen with Frye Wellington boots, known as Jet Boots, by mail order.
In the 1960's, Frye reintroduced the Campus Boot, from its 1860 original, featuring a bulky toe and chunky heel that came to epitomize the attitude and the style of the 60's and 70's. There was nothing like these "new" Frye Boots on the market, and consumers began to demand "Original Fryes." When searching for items to represent the America of the 60's, the Smithsonian Institute chose a pair of Frye Boots.
The quality of all Frye shoes is timeless. For almost 150 years, Frye leather products have continued to be benchcrafted from the finest full grain leather uppers. It takes over 190 steps to make one pair of Frye boots. Frye remains dedicated to the commitment of craftsmanship for which Frye boots and Frye shoes have been known for more than 100 years.
Additional Frye Engineer 12 R W Reviews
- Most Helpful First
- Newest First
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2 people found this review helpful
November 13, 2006
Anonymous
from San Francisco Bay Area, California
This is my sixth pair of Frye boots and the sizing and fit have been consistent. My foot length is actually a 6, with a narrow heel, so a 5.5 in Frye's works pretty well. The top/instep of the Engineer, however, is a little snug, about where the buckled strap crosses over. This wasn't a problem, even after being on my feet for several hours. The gaucho color is a great blend of black and brown and versatile. This is a great boot for running around in leggings or narrow jeans, too. Zappos as usual delivered in two days at no extra charge!
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2 people found this review helpful
November 18, 2006
Joyous J
from Rocklin, California
Frye Delivers! I am a long time wearer of Frye boots, back to the 70's. They wear like iron, and I know this boot will do the same. The funky style appealed to me (looks great with my pants and long skirts) and the quality didn't disappoint. I have a large calf and was worried the stack wouldn't fit...voila! Success! The best part? The FAST delivery and the price. This exact same boot is listed at over $200 in the Sundance catalogue...and I bet the service and the exchange /return policy there is no where near as timely! Go Zappos, you have me hooked!
Brands I'd also recommend: Earth, Danskos, Frye boots
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1 person found this review helpful
December 6, 2006
Anonymous
from San Francisco
Frye's Engineer's big tough boot - I love my boots. I take them off only to put on my slipper socks at the end of the day or my running shoes in the a.m. I wear them to work and after work. Like a truly good boot, they work best barefoot. A little difficult to get on the first time and they never worked for me with socks. Lots of protection, warmth and comfort. They're not too heavy, and most importantly, they mean business; no one can push me over in these!
Brands I'd also recommend: ballet slippers, running shoes and clogs
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1 person found this review helpful
December 7, 2006
Anonymous
from San Francisco, California
My Frye’s - These boots are extremely well-crafted, finished by hand and the leather is about an eighth of an inch thick. The left boot slides on easily but I have to tug to get the right one on. It will probably be another week or so until they fit my feet better. This is my second pair of Frye boots (had a pair of Campus boots from 1978 - 1985?) and this year I couldn't find any other.
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1 person found this review helpful
December 7, 2006
Julie O
from Los Angeles, CA
Always reliable and good quality - I bought these to replace another pair that finally wore out after almost 20 years. As always, Frye boot quality is reliable... my new boots were every bit as rugged as the old ones, and the sizing felt just right. There will be a break-in period as they can be a bit tough to get on over the ankle bend at first but as they work in and the leather softens, I shouldn't have that problem anymore. Love my Frye Boots!
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1 person found this review helpful
December 13, 2006
Anonymous
from Tennessee
This boot was a little tough to get on (much like my other pair of Frye's), but after I got it on, it felt great. I got a half size bigger thinking it wouldn't be so hard to get on, so it's a little loose in the heel, but thick socks will take care of that. Other than that, I really like this boot.
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1 person found this review helpful
January 3, 2007
Anonymous
from Bellingham, WA
Difficult to get on - I love this boot. However it is difficult to pull on which is frustrating. Once on, they are so comfortable I can wear them all day (I do so I don't have to take them on and off).
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1 person found this review helpful
January 15, 2007
Anonymous
from Los Angeles, CA
Frye Engineer 12R W - Rarely does merchandise online live up to its expectations in real life, but this shoe looked even better than it did on the screen! I didn't have much difficulty getting the boot on and I love the boot's clunkiness and buckles. I especially love the way you can adjust the buckles to make it tighter or less tight--they're not just to look good! The gaucho color is a beautiful mix of dark browns. I would recommend this item, it's wonderful.
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1 person found this review helpful
January 28, 2007
Anonymous
from Tucson
Great Looking Boot - This boot is terrific looking - love it, love it. I'm 5'5" and am between a 7 and 7.5. I ordered a 7.5, which is fine. Unlike other reviewers, I did not experience any difficulty getting the boot on. The size fits perfectly. Problems: the 12R is a bit too high for a pants boot and too low for all but the longest skirts. (If I had longer legs, I wouldn't mind the break between the top of the boot and the bottom of the skirt so much.) Also, the front of the boot hits a sensitive part of my shin. My guess is that the leather would soften with use. I've decided to return them and exchange them for the 15R instead - same size and color - although even more expensive. As usual, Zappos service and ease of ordering and return makes it easy for this type of decision. Can't believe that I once lived without you guys! Awesome. The higher boot turned out to be too heavy and too warm for Tucson. As a result, I kept this one and like it very much.
Brands I'd also recommend: Dansko, Naot
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1 person found this review helpful
February 5, 2007
Anonymous
from New Hampshire
Wicked cool boots - These boots are well made and comfortable and they just look so cool! I wear a medium weight knee sock with them to protect my legs. The leather will rub you raw when you first wear them. I'm hoping the leather will soften with wear.
Brands I'd also recommend: keen , born
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1 person found this review helpful
February 25, 2007
Izzy
from Albany, NY
Love - I am just in love with these boots. I'm not sure what else to say about them. I hemmed and hawed for a while due to price, but in the end, you get what you pay for. They are annoying to put on, but that's getting easier with use. I guess I'm breaking them in properly!
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1 person found this review helpful
March 12, 2007
Anonymous
from Seattle
A boot that fits! Great boot for me, my foot is wide, most other boots feel so tight. It helps that the toe box is bigger so a minimum of breaking in days. I've tried a lot of boots. Glad this is made here in the US.
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1 person found this review helpful
May 17, 2007
Veronika
from Chicago
Woe to the short and larger calved woman... So I have a 15.5" calf, the cause of much consternation and distress when shopping for taller boots. My options are either a cheesy "stretch" faux leather style or a "wide-calf" category boot, which does nothing for my very narrow ankles. A while back I found some really cute black Double H low (8") harness boots, and these are great with jeans but not so cute with skirts. I searched high and low for something similar, slightly taller and brown, and after spying these Frye boots in a catalog (for a lot more $$), I eventually found them at Zappos (yay!). When they arrived, I determined the look is exactly what I wanted, but the color seemed a bit muddier than online. The distressed leather smell was a bit off-putting too, but I figured they'll be on my feet, not near my nose! The left boot slipped on like a dream, but the right was a struggle which left me cursing (odd, as my right foot is smaller). Once I had them on, I looked in the mirror and to my horror, the top of the boot comes exactly to the spot on my calves where they curve out. So, even though there was plenty of room between my leg and the boot, it gave the illusion that my leg was spilling out and over the top. Granted, my legs are pretty pale right now, but all in all, it wasn't the look I was going for, so these are going back. But, not one to give up, I'm going to try some taller versions once I'm refunded for these, and maybe they'll be stretchable (Veronica slouch or Campus 12L?). Oh, and I ordered these on Tuesday AM and had them by Wednesday around noon! Absolutely amazing service...
Brands I'd also recommend: Double H, Harley Davidson
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1 person found this review helpful
June 5, 2007
Meg
from New York
I'm in love. I saw these boots in Vogue on Friday, decided I NEEDED them on Saturday, ordered them on Monday, and received them today, on Tuesday. I've worn them out already, and I adore them. I haven't had trouble getting them on, as some other reviews have mentioned. They're very comfortable, and I love how they look with skirts. They're pretty close to perfect, I believe.
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