Customer Reviews Frye Engineer 12R

I have a the black engineer 15R and black engineer 12R, so I ordered these in gaucho looking for a tried and true style with a different color leather. I have a collection of other Frye boots as well. What I have found is that the brown Gaucho leather fits at least a full size size smaller than the black greasy leather in the same style. Also for the pair I received the right boot felt unusually narrow in the instep when compared to all other boots in this style family that I own. Such is the nature of individually crafted footwear, I guess. Once I find the right fit, these are the most comfortable boots. I wore my black ones on a trip to NYC, walked around all day and my feet were very happy. I still may work with Zappos to get a good fit in 12Rs in the Gaucho color. Frye makes great boots.

Fit was good. Just not crazy about the style.

Love the boot but it is too big--even with orthotics, the heel slips badly.

Nice boots, but it's taken me four pair to finally get one that fit decent. Thanks to Zappos for all their help with this. They have been great and have awesome customer service. Debated between 7.5 or 8. I'm normally a 7 or 7.5... Sometimes an 8 in boots. None of the three 7.5 fit in the same way on me at all. First pair the right boot was huge and left was so tight I couldn't get my foot inside. Second pair both were super tight where my feet went numb and one boot had a major flaw. The third pair, both boots were much easier to get on and fit just right, with slight heel slippage, which Frye said is normal. Frye recommends going with your normal size because they do stretch in a week or two of normal wear, so I kept those over the 8's because I was afraid they would become too loose over time. In the size 8 my whole foot lifted up when I walked. The 7.5, even though it fits well, will only work with a thin sock and that's fine with me. They are gorgeous boots and the gaucho color is beautiful. Definitely quality, thick leather that softens and molds to your feet as you wear them. Frye also recommended having them professionally waterproofed, which is what I am going to do. I am very happy with the boots, but it was definitely trial and error as it seems no two pair fit alike. Wouldn't buy from anyone other than Zappos because they made the whole process of sending next day with free shipping and returning these boots much easier!

Okay, I'll just admit it. I saw Michelle Williams wearing similar boots in "Blue Valentine," and I thought, I have to have them. These are a great style and reasonable price for Frye, which can be expensive. There was a break-in period. But now I love them, hip, comfortable, and sturdy.

I love my boots, but I recommend trying them on or knowing your size. They are leather, so keep in mind they will stretch, even when they are super hard to get on at first. However, one of my boots fits differently than the other. One now glides on perfectly (which didn't when I first got them) and the other is still being stubborn. Perhaps the two boots were made separately or something? I'm not too sure. This may have only happened to me. The low comfort rating is because of the one stubborn boot which is still very difficult to get on and just seems made differently. Also, there is something that hurts my ankle when I wear them. Not sure what that is. If both boots fit like the non-stubborn boot I would give perfect ratings.

There were a ton of reviews that said these run big and a ton that said they run small so I just went with my normal size which worked for me. I have narrow feet and these do run pretty narrow. I would not call these comfortable shoes. They gave me blisters right off the bat and continue to make my feet sore when I wear them. Also they are incredibly heavy. Now for the good - despite the fact that they hurt my feet I have been wearing these boots non-stop! They look good with everything and I don't know what kind of shoe design magic they pulled but they actually make my legs look long - how that was achieved in an ankle boot I have no idea! Also these are real-deal, indestructible motorcycle boots (which is why they are so heavy and stiff), rain, mud, whatever is no problem. I know I will have these boots for life!

Very comfortable! But a little heavy and not good for long walks. But I loved them anyway.

Love the look of these. Definiitely had to go up a half size for fit, otherwise, there would be no pulling on the boots! But, once on they are comfortable.

This is my third pair of Frye boots and they do not disappoint! The soft wool keeps me warm and they hold their shape pretty well. This is a great boot that goes with a dress or with jeans. I can do quite a bit of walking in these and have worn them for a whole day without having sore feet. I wear a 7.5/8 but stick to a 7.5 for Frye boots.

I love these boots. They look great with jeans and are true to size. The leg of the boot is a much stiffer leather than some of my other Frye boots and therefore makes them a little harder to pull on as there isn\'t a zipper.

Very nice boot. Expect it to last the rest of my lifetime! Had to return the 1st pair for a half size larger so that I could put an insole in and still have plenty of room for my wide foot. I expect that this boot will become even more comfortable as the soft leather molds to my foot. Very nice sturdy women\'s boot. I recommend this item.

The upper part of these boots are seriously difficult and PAINFUL to get on. I actually put them back in the box to return, then took them out and tried again -- twice -- before finally succeeding in getting them on my foot (with nylon socks). I decided to keep trying because the leather looks really high-quality, and they seem like they’ll last for years (and, eventually, break in). Don’t order a half size up, because if you ever manage to actually get your foot all the way in, there’s a fair amount of wiggle room (even thought I wear a 7.5 - 8, and bought the 7.5). No doubt I’ll be able to wear my winter socks with them down the road, but it’s going to take a while!

Was looking for a stylish black boot with enough heft to withstand a New England winter, but still look great with knits and tights. Tried both this boot and the Campus style which was a tad tight around my muscular calves. I ordered 8s as I usually have to go up one half size for this brand. Wears well with a medium sock. Toe box is perfect to wiggle toes but not be loose. Minimal "slip" at heel. Very good support at sole. Wish the leather were a bit softer for slouchier look, but comfortable from first wearing, and I anticipate short break in time until perfection. Quality product.

Go 1/2 size DOWN! These shoes are amazing! I'm normally a size 7.5, sometimes an 8. I ordered a size 7 1/2, and wore them with socks on and they were a little loose. I returned them and got a 7. If you are choosing between two sizes, go with the smaller. Either way, you don't want these boots any bigger then they need to be! Otherwise, amazing boots!

Loved these boots... I LOVED these boots, but sadly could not keep them. These boots are not meant for those with high arches; they are nearly impossible to get on -- this is due to the thick strap across the top. It simply would never break in - I even took them to 2 different places to have the boots stretched to loosen them up. It didn't work. This was all in the span of 10 months, so I really did try to break them in. Thankfully, Zappos has an amazing return policy and I was still able to return them and get my $$ back, although I would have much rather kept them and enjoyed wearing them for the next 20 years! What a fantastic looking boot. Just beware, they are not meant for every type of foot.

Well-made and really cute; however my feet feel like they're swimming inside them! They feel too big, but they are actually pretty comfortable nonetheless.

Great boot... needs breaking in - I wanted this boot for a LONG time and finally took the plunge. They are beautifully made and well worth the money. It's also great to still find something made in the USA! They do take some time and patience to break in, though. I found a long shoe horn (as well as the loose sock the other reviewer recommended) to be quite helpful. Once you get them on they're very comfortable and I wore them all day long the first time out of the box. After about 5 wearings I'm getting them on much easier and don't need the shoe horn. Patience pays off. They're beautiful and will last for years and years. I've worn them to work with khakis as well as out at night with a denim skirt. I love them!