Customer Reviews Frye Harness 12R

Needed to update my review. These boots are awesome looking, but trying to figure out what size is insane. I ordered my size 8.5 in Smoke Old Town. They arrived in box that said 8.5 Smoke Old Town, but they were actually size 8 Tan boots....which I only figured out after I ordered another 8.5 Smoke Old Town to compare due to reviews saying to order a size down. I could hardly fit my foot in the 8s, and my foot is swimming in the 8.5. Madness. So I ended up liking the tan. I've ordered the 8.5 in Tan...yes, I have three pairs of boots (one on the way)...I need my money back!!! But I have to see which works best. I really love the tan 8s, but I'm afraid they won't stretch out enough and I'll be stuck with very expensive boots that I cannot wear. My advice to all thinking about ordering these boots is order two pairs, your true size and a size down. I believe people are wearing these and stretching them out and then returning them, because there is no way the 8.5s I received are the original size without stretching. I say this because there is too much of a difference between the 8 and the 8.5 I have.

Loved these boots and wore them a lot until the pull tabs tore off. Really upset! :(

I absolutely love these Boots, this is my second pair that I ordered from Zappos. I easily returned the 9½ and quickly received credits. But I am considering sending back this pair to exchange and try another size 9, as the right boot is to hard to get on!

I love these boots but I usually take a 9 and these were really quite loose in the heel. I returned them for an 81/2 which is perfect.

I have been lusting after these boots for many years and finally decided to take the plunge and make the investment. After reading the reviews I ordered six pairs so I could see the different leathers and try the different sizes for the best fit. I normally wear a size 7½ or 8 and have narrow feet. I tried all of these pairs on at the same time (sometimes multiple times) with heavy knit socks. Here is what I found: Harness 12R Choc Vintage size 8 was gorgeous leather eye candy from out of the box, could most likely wear with either brown or black. They were huge when I tried them on and the top gaped so much that I could fit my whole hand in or looking down you could see my socks (more than 1"). It looked like I was a kid wearing mama's shoes. Bummer! Harness 12R Choc Vintage size 7½, I had high hopes based on 8s but the leather was nasty two tone and looked very cheap. It was a huge difference from the other pair. They were still way too big and gaping at the top as much as the 8s. Bummer! Harness 12R Smoke size 7½, the color was a pretty light brown with grey undertones (different than the picture online) but the toes were much darker almost black. My six year old daughter asked me why they were two different colors as it was really stark difference. Fit better than choc vintage but still big and top still gaping. Bummer! Harness 15R Tan Size 7, the leather color was beautiful! These look dressy and new. Although higher (15 versus 12) the top fit great and there no gaping at top. They are a bit tight at the end of the toes but best fit in heels (still bit of slip as should be with boots but not so much I walk out of them.) Harness 15R Tan Size 7½, the leather was better quality than size 7. After rest of the boots running large I was shocked to find that I could not put my right foot into the boot! After a few minutes of effort it went on and after about 15 minutes it felt great. The left boot was too loose, though. What gives?!! (top okay but looser than size 7s) Harness 15R dark brown size 7½ was made from beautiful leather and had the same fit as most of the 7½ (a bit too loose for me). They were a gorgeous color with more of a vintage and tough feel than the tan color. The black rubber soles are fringing at the edges which looks weird but could probably be trimmed off with razor blade. After spending a ridiculous amount of time trying these on this evening I am still on the fence. If the tan 7½ with initially tight right boot both fit it would be an easy choice. Do I go with mashing toe ends size 7 hoping they stretch, one loose and one perfect boot size 7½ hoping one boot stretches and the other doesn't, or reconcile myself to slightly loose boots and try to buy inserts. I am not planning on wearing more than one pair of heavy socks at a time. Overall my lust for these continues but I am very surprised by differences in quality of leather and in workmanship, especially given price point and company legacy. Zappos was fantastic! They called to verify my order was legit (makes sense to me since it was very expensive) and then rushed the boots to me at no extra charge. I ordered late on Friday time zone and received these Monday afternoon by 4:00 PM. Zappos has earned my loyalty!

These are hard-to-break-in boots! I am keeping them and feel that they will last forever if I can just enjoy the breaking in period. I wear a 9 but ordered the 8½ based on other reviews. They are clunky, so there is no sneaking up on anyone!

I have been coveting these boots for years and finally decided to buy them. I got them in the mail and they are absolutely gorgeous, well made and really comfortable. Only issue is that they are clearly not designed for women with larger calf muscles so they look really funny. Returning them, but I would recommned them to anyone with skinny calves and super wish fry would take women with my body type into account when making these lovely boots.

These are fabulous and true to size. I have muscular calves and they are perfect for me. I have flat feet and plantar fasciitis and these boots are perfect. I also own the short version and love them. The sole is great because they hold up great and aren’t slippery. I’m just in sticker shock now at the current price… I was hoping to pick up a new pair but I think I’ll wait.

This was a rather tight fit across the foot, in particular the toe box.

Zappos is so awesome. I ordered these boots in black. I decided I wanted a more distressed color, so they let me exchange them for the charcoal color. I received a pair that had some scuffs on them, and they promptly sent me a new pair. Their customer service is amazing. About the boots- the leather is softer than my Frye Campus boots that I bought 15 years ago. Those were hard leather and still hurt my feet if I wear them too long because the toe box is narrow. I think Fryes tend to run on the small and narrow side. The harness boots have a lot more give to the leather, and so I believe they will be more comfortable. I also tend to order a 1/2 size up in boots now so that I can wear thicker socks. I have to wear very thin socks with my size 8 campus boots, but the size 8 1/2 harness boots allow me to have more room for thicker socks. There is a tiny bit of arch support. I have high arches so I really need an insert, but you can’t take out the existing one to add your own. I will tough it, though, out because I love them. The charcoal old town color is beautiful. The boots look more like a distressed black. I can’t wait for cooler weather to wear them!

I really really REALLY wanted to keep these boots. Ohmygod, they were so comfortable once I got my feet all the way in, but my calves are large and the 12 inch shaft bunched down just enough that the stiff leather poked and bruised my ankle bones something awful (hence the three stars for comfort). I even gave it a couple of days of wearing around the house - socks, no socks, padding between my ankle bones and the shaft, etc. Nothing seemed like an easy solution and I certainly didn't want to take them to get stretched because that would cancel out my return possibility. Quite painful, both the returning and my ankles. These are super cool looking boots, but they won't work for me. Maybe one day Frye will come out with boots that have a larger shaft circumference? I doubt it. I should try the 8R instead because I know they will fit better with my calves, but I really wanted these to fit :(

These shoes are great. Since my purchase, I have ordered 2 other colors and 2 other frye brand boots. These are most certainly pricey although I will never regret this purchase or spending this much money. These shoes will last me FOREVER. They are so durable and comfortable - I LOVE THEM. These are very comfortable and my go-to everyday shoe when I throw on a pair of jeans. I would highly recommend this product!

Originally ordered shearling Vanessa Frye’s & they were a whole size (or more large) based on reviews ordered these in Smoke Old Town 1/2 size smaller 7.5 - my usual size 8 (considering the ‘Vanessa’ boots are enormous). HUGE MISTAKE! DO NOT SIZE DOWN. Couldn’t get my foot in 7.5- Zappos sent me an 8 (next day) perfect! I’m a consistent 8 (unless it’s a tiny designer Italian boot then 8.5). You won’t be able to get your foot in a smaller size & it WILL RUB! These are ‘cowboy’ boots so shove your foot in & let them conform to your foot. Heel slippage is normal - they are comfy & wont fall off- I wear them riding my motorcycle. Perfect. Very Durable. Stylish. Color is dark dark brown. Save yourself a headache & get your normal size!!!

I am no longer a stylish dresser and my feet have gotten weird over time. I never dreamed that I would own a comfortable, wickedly cool pair of boots again. I have the 12 inch Harness in black. I wear them every chance I get. I was afraid that they would be too awesome for my jeans and blouses wardrobe, but no! They make me awesome! Well, that's how they make me feel. That said, I measure an 8.5 narrow. I'm 5'3" with an average width calf. Read the reviews like I was studying for an exam. I got the 8 and they fit perfect, so yeah, they run narrow. For comparison, I have the Phillip Harness in an 8.5 and they also fit me perfectly.

I have been lusting after these boots since about 1974 and FINALLY am able to afford them. So sad. BUT... they are all that I wished for!! They are gorgeous, fit wonderfully, arrived in a flash, and I couldn't be happier with them. I get TONS of compliments on them. Envy even. Go get them before forty three years goes by!

I love these with my whole heart. I've been wearing them about 2-3 weeks, and barely wear anything else. I initially ordered my regular size 9.5, Too tight! Then I returned those and ordered a 10. Too big! Ordered a 9.5 again and -- bingo! -- perfect. Not sure if this is a quality control issue or natural variation in the leather, but whatever it is... I'm glad I persevered! My advice to you if you're checking these out and aren't sure of the size is to order your regular size -- but don't be afraid to order up, or down, or SAME size, if need be. Super-comfortble, look hot, plan to have them for a decade or two. So glad I splurged on these.

First, I love all Frye boots, and these are probably my 8th pair. I love the slight heel on these boots, which dress them up a little and make my motorcycle chaps look better. I bought them to ride in because they keep my feet completely dry and warm. My husband has lace up Harley boots and his feet get cold. I bought the buckskin suede boots because I already had black boots and wanted to mix it up a little. But what I really love about these boots is where I bought them; Zappos. I had previously bought the same boots in a shorty style but my husband told me that they would not be safe enough for the bike in case of an accident. They were too short to stay securely on my feet, which he proved by easily pulling one off. I had already pulled off all the tags, and had thrown away the receipt and the box but I decided to contact Zappos to ask if I could still return them. I did the online contact and had someone on the line right away. She not only informed me that I could exchange my boots, but found a similar pair that were taller and had them sent right out, two day free shipping. I was then given a page to printout for the old boots, and after wrapping them up as I was told by the assistant, I mailed them off to Zappos. I paid $10 more for my new boots, which the assistant also took care of on the spot. I've always received great service from Zappos, but this time they went far above what they had to do to make me a satisfied customer. I can't wait to need another pair of shoes from Zappos. Well done.

Have you been thinking of buying these but holding back? Stop that right now. Buy these boots. Wear them with everything.

These boots are absolutely amazing and worth every penny. Do not listen to reviews about sizing half a size down. The harness is one of their stiffer boots that is known to not stretch much. Especially the toe bed - this will not stretch. There is supposed to be some wiggle room in the heels on cowboy boots (about a finger space between boot and heel), as this part will mold to your foot. Buy your normal size and go for comfort, otherwise you will never end up wearing them. All in all they are the best quality boots out there. You will have them for years!

I love Frye boots. Always have. The color I picked on these wonderful boots is tan and they look nicely distressed. The comfort is amazing and I wore them for 2 whole days to break them in. I always do that with boots no matter what the brand or expense. This is not my first rodeo with Fryes but this is my first pair of Harness 12R. My foot is narrow and I have a high arch. Bought a 9.5 B. Glad I did even though I could have gotten a 9. Lots of room for thick socks or going foot nude. Working at a hospital I could see me wearing them....yup, that comfortable (no, I'm not wearing them at work). Zappos has the best shoe store on the planet!

I am a Frye lover. Purchased these in charcoal last year and decided to add a brownish color (dark crazy horse) to my wardrobe. I've worn the charcoal without socks but sized up 1/2 size for socks. I love the feel of thin socks and boots. These do not fit like a sneaker, they are boots. Zappos is the best. Customer service people feel like old friends. Thanks Zappos!

I love these boots! This is my second pair, I've had the chocolate vintage for two years, and wear them almost daily. This is a new color and I'm really excited to have something that works better with my black outfits. Amazingly comfortable fit, no breaking in required. I go from a 7.5 to an 8 in boots, and the 7.5 work great in these - I always wear big boot socks with them, too. They're super durable and worth the investment. It took almost two years of constant wear, walking around on city streets, for me to need to have my first pair resoled. The best thing about these boots is the heel. It's high enough to give a little lift, and solid enough that you can walk for miles.

These are the best boots I've ever owned. I went through a lot to get them with Zappos (twice I had to return them to get the correct size) but now that I've got them, I'm thrilled! They look GREAT with skinny jeans, leggings, and dresses/ skirts. As I believe one other viewer mentioned, they are a kick in the butt boot, definitely for those looking for a more feminine boot (for those I'd recommend the Jane line by Frye). These are the 3rd pair of Fryes I own and definitely my favorite. A note on color: the tan is really a weathered brown (exactly what I was looking for) and not a true tan. Having seen them in black, I'd recommend the tan or dark brown because they go best with the overall look & style of this boot. I got my regular size (9) b/c I prefer to wear my boots with thick, cozy socks in the fall and winter, but if you go bare or wear thinner trouser type socks, definitely size down by .5 sizes. Overall, worth every single penny!