Customer Reviews Frye Engineer 12R

These boots are incredibly comfortable and well made. These particular style are made in the US, as opposed to the Veronica Slouches I have that were made in Mexico, and they feel and look like a much higher quality boot.

Okay so I am finally writing a review for these awesome boots! I've had these babies for 3 years and I'm more in love with them with every wear. Like other reviewers I used mole skin to help against the inside tag chafing my leg. Of course this was naturally avoided when I'm wearing taller socks. I find myself wearing this with skinny jeans and not dresses since my calves are really large and the top of the shaft ends exactly where my calves start so it looks odd. A useful tip i found to accelerate the break in process was to place the end of a broom stick into the part of the boot where outside of my foot hit and bend the boot over the stick. I kept at it for both sides (outer foot and inner foot where there would be potential blistering) and the constant bending help soften the boot. I recommend patience with this boot because I get compliments every time i step out of the house! The gaucho color is great and with weather protectant these will last beyond my lifetime!

I decided to write a review after owning these boots for over 2 years. Bought them in the summer of 2011 after searching endlessly for a pair of boots that were well made, moderately priced, and would work with most outfits. I am beyond impressed with the Engineers. They are very sturdy, a bit heavier then you would expect, actually. I've worn them with everything from the usual jeans and chunky sweater, to a casual dress, even a skirt. I got them in black and my husband, having just polished them for me, commented that he loves the look and feel of my boots, and wants a pair for himself! The only downside is that each pair is not perfectly shaped, so sometimes it's more difficult getting your foot in or out of one of the boots. I had this problem with both feet when I first received my boots, but after a dozen or so wears they were fine. I cannot recommend Frye boots more, you will not be disappointed!

I was on the fence about this boot because the photo does not do the boot justice. I saw the video for Zappos and on the model the boots looked mammoth, so I thought my 10.5 - 11 foot would look monstrous. Well the boots came which I ordered in greasy black, and I tried it on. I am a true 10.5 (jinxed) so I always have to size up or down. It's difficult to know what size to get. In this case 11 seem to be perfect in width and length. Surprisingly, this boot did not look clunky or bulky, but flattering. The 12 r is the right height and it is slimming on my foot. The rubber heel seems perfect and gives a lot of grip. I hesitated on black, as it seemed the color was harsh, but it's stunning. Not a feminine girly boot, but not masculine either. The shape is very comfortable. It was a little stiff but not uncomfortable. One of the boots seemed to have a defect in the upper arch area (top of foot not bottom) but the other boot was fine. The awesome people who work in Zappos sent me another pair, and how cool, all that consideration, I can mail the other set back within two weeks. The only thing is that I do like the Frye anniversary style of this boot, and I ordered it from Frye and I will be comparing both the anniversary edition and the new set I get from Zappos. I like the USA made boots so far the best, I have a harness 12 r in full grain, and a campus short boot. These boot will be super comfy in less then two weeks. They were comfortable out of the box, just stiff, but I know it's good quality leather that will mold to my foot. It seems I can wear it with boot pants or skirts, or leggings. Frye is expensive, but I am tired of spending 80$ on cheap boots that wear out in two years, I wear through the soles or the boots warp on one side. This seems strongly made, not elegant, but stylish. Can ride your motorcycle or go to a PTA meeting in them. Hoping the second set doesn't have defects. If so Zappos is awesome, and I can return them, they credit your account so fast. Frye is also great to order from directly. I have tried Carmen harness it was too cowboy girly chick for me. I love the Vera short also but I like that more for dressy occasions not baseball games and chasing toddlers. But it is also awesome if you are on the fence between a Vera short, and the engineer. If you are choosing between a harness and an engineer, forget it, just save up and get 'em both, they both are awesome.

These boots are so chic! I got them in black - they make my legs look so thin when worn with jeggings! If you are an anorak lover, these boots will definitely boost your outfit! One downside is that they weren't as comfortable when I first put them on - probably because they are not broken in yet.

I was fed up with buying $60-70 pairs of fashion boots that lasted a month of casual wear, so I wanted to invest in something that was going to last. I turned to Frye for sturdy, trendy, yet timeless boots, and Frye delivered. These boots are built like a rock; however, they're light and sleek enough for daily wear. They have just a pinch of equestrian chic with the buckle details, while still being chunky enough to be a tad edgy. (I also went with these over the 8R because the taller shaft elongates them and makes them look less industrial.) I purchased the black pair and the leather does have a slight rubbery finish, but I like that because it's a hardier finish more suited to the elements than a thinner, softer leather. As for size, these fit true to size -- if they feel a little tight initially, that's good, since they need to be broken in to fit ideally. I typically go 8-8.5 and the 8s were perfect after wearing the boots around the kitchen all night. I didn't have a problem with a tight ankle fit like others did. Lastly, Zappos did an incredible job shipping these boots to me quickly and efficiently. Glad I bought my Frye's here and not off a discount seller -- there's no sense paying so much for shoes without getting VIP treatment with the speedy shipping! Ultimately, very satisfied with the company and the shoes. Thank you Zappos!

Love! I usually wear a size 9 but ordered a 9.5 and fits perfect out of the box. Had a little difficulty getting the right one on but once I did the fit was great. I do think they take a bit to stretch out so I'm hoping the ankle part does a bit but the overall shoe does not. For those gals with large calves, these will definitely fit! I'm a plus size (18-20) and my calves are quite large and I had about a inch space between my calve and the boot and I expect the leather will stretch a bit over time. The shaft hits just below the largest part of my calve. I am really happy with these. Next I want to try the Veronica Shortie as the colors are so beautiful.

Love! I've been admiring these for some time now. Okay, I've been lusting after these for some time now. And I received them for Christmas. Yea! I feel so bad-azz with these on! These are my second pair of Fryes. I have the Harness 8R in a size 8. So I ordered an 8 in these. I think I could've went with a 7.5 and been fine. I have extremely flat-feet so I had no issues with getting them on. They were a little tight on the top of my foot. But have stretched out already. Just get them. They are comfy, sturdy, well made boots. They will last forever and are American made to boot.

I absolutely love these boots. I'm a Frye addict, and these boots are just another perfect pair. They go with everything, I wear them with tights and a dress, or skinny jeans and a tee. The leather is smooth and easy to clean but difficult to scuff, I've had them for about a year now and they still look near brand new. The soles are actually pretty cushy and comfortable and give great support for such a tough looking boot, I wear these to work when I'm bartending and I'm on my feet for hours on end and they are still comfortable at the end of the night and my feet feel fine! I'm a pretty definite 8 and so that's what I got and they fit perfectly, although the first few times they were slightly difficult to get on, but as they're worn in they get easier. I do have larger calves (ones my friend told me her dad who has chicken legs would be envious of to give you some idea of what I'm workin' with) but these fit with no problem, even with jeans tucked into them. Great shoes.

I love these boots! I actually had to return the first pair because I noticed a clicking noise in the right boot when I walked in quiet areas. I called Zappos and they sent me a new pair right away. Amazing service! I have worn these a couple of times now and I absolutely love them. These boots are very well made but leather is a bit stiff at first and the boot is heavier than what I'm used to. They'll need some more time to break in but overall they're very comfortable.

Love these boots! Originally ordered the Engineer 8 R in black brush off. Didn't like the height of the shaft (too low) and the brush off detail was too manufactured looking. Happy I ordered from Zappos since it was super easy to return. The 12 R were perfect. The gaucho color is a rich dark brown and goes with black as well brown. I ordered my usual size and they fit great. The left boot was a little tighter getting on but are fine once on and no breaking was necessary. Get loads of compliments on them!

I love my Frye Boots! These are my first pair...I have only hear wonderful things about them from friends.The longer I wear these boots the more comfortable they become. I understand they are expensive but they are well worth the investment. As always Zappos has professioanl and amazing service.

I purchased my Fryes over a month ago and I am still very pleased. These boots are incredibly sturdy and after a month of wear and tear still look just as perfect as when they first came out of the box. The breaking in process was not even painful. The only downside that I have noticed is that some of the stitching around the top inside edge of the boot sticks out a bit and tends to rub against whatever I'm wearing inside the boot, and when i wear tights the boots tear them up in one spot leaving a weird fuzzy patch. Other than that, absolutely no complaints!

These boots are awesome! Wore them for a couple of hours day 1 without any issues (they were a little stiff). 12 hours day 2 and 12 hours day 3 and they feel totally broken in. I agree with other reviews, these are a little hard to get on at first, but they loosen up. I also am someone with larger calves, who can't wear those nice knee high boots. These fit perfect. No issues at all at the tops. So worth the money and glad I finally bit the bullet and bought them!

This boots are gorgeous and perfect. They're so cute with everything, but definitely require time for breaking in. Be prepared for the first wear and take steps to break them in beforehand, and you'll be satisfied!

I finally bought my first pair of Frye boots and I am in love! I pored over literally hundreds of reviews for them trying to sort out what size would be most appropriate for me. I wear an 8.5 - 9 (sometimes an 8 in some sneakers) for the most part, but boots without zippers are a very tricky fit. I have somewhat wide feet (not so much that I need to seek out wide shoes, but just enough to make some shoes feel too narrow) and I also have a high arch. This makes getting my foot into boots without zippers a real chore, if not impossible. I considered an 8.5 in Frye based on many reviews saying they run large/wide. These reviewers must have normal feet. I went by my experience in trying on other boot brands and went for the size 9. I am so glad I did because there was no way I would be able to get my foot into an 8.5 Engineer boot. And this was without any socks. The toe box felt appropriate (again, no socks) - no rubbing or pinching or discomfort. My ankle area felt secure and there was no binding across any part of the top of my foot. I will be able to break them in a little with very thin socks and I suspect the break-in period won't be painful. These boots are pretty darn comfy and I can't wait to see how they feel after a few wears. The construction itself is amazing. Durable, strong, well-built. These are not flimsy and will not fall apart. Rugged without being "manly". They have a sexy toughness and are exactly what I was looking for! I usually scoff at boots being an "investment" but these truly will be! I can see many, many years with them. Bonus that they are built in the USA. If you have been considering a pair of Frye boots, definitely get some!

This is a 5-star boot across the board...I love the way this boot looks and the way it feels on my feet! I just received my pair a couple of days ago and wore them for the first time all day yesterday. I ordered my regular size and was able to wear them with 2 pairs of regular thickness socks since it was my first time wearing them and I wanted to avoid tender footsies during the initial breaking-in period. Side note: I feel both bad-a$$ and sensible while wearing these boots. The first pair of these boots I received had a defect in the ankle strap, and Zappos replaced quite graciously and expeditiously: I contacted them via the website instant help at 5:30 pm and my replacement boots arrived the following morning at 10 am! Supercallafrajalisticexpialidocious customer service experience. Back to the boots: love the color, the thick sturdy leather, and adjustability of the calf buckle. I can wear these with skirts by tightening the buckle around the calf. Skinny legs a-la Phyllis Diller notwithstanding.

My only regret is not shopping at Zappos earlier! What service! No fuss and prompt return of credit. Love Zappos!

Nice boots...definitely tight in the instep. If you work on it and you get your foot in, then they feel great. Need a little break in time for the instep to stretch. I started with light socks and worked my way up. They are nice, sturdy all leather...worth a try!

I ordered and, like several other reviewers, was heartbroken to find I couldn't get my feet into them - not even with a nylon stocking. Just for yuks I decided to order another pair, same size, to see if it was a problem with this individual pair of boots. Guess what? The second pair fit perfectly! So don't give up on these cuties if you run into the same problem - just re-order!

Great boots! Love the look. Usually wear between 7-8 in shoes, so for these boots I ordered both the 7.5 and the 8 to try out. I ended up keeping the 8, I found it to be more comfortable from the start and didn't have to worry the boots being painful until I broke them in. The 8 and 7.5 from the outside looked basically the same size, so it's not like it made my feet look any bigger. For reference, I wear an 8 in Uggs (both classic and ultra) and sneakers, but usually 7-7.5 in pumps/flats.

Have wanted some of these boots for a long time. After wearing imitations for years, I finally decided to get the real thing. Frye products are top quality and I am loving these boots. Tried on Frye boots in a store to figure out my correct size.