Customer Reviews Frye Engineer 12R

I have been coveting these boots for close to a year and finally decided to invest the cash in them. They are definitely worth it. Nice thick leather, well constructed, they feel indestructible. Which means that yes, they feel stiff and heavy and tough to get on right out of the box. I opened the buckle, slid my foot in as far as it would go (wearing nylons, a plastic bag over the foot would work too), then pulled up on the back of the boot while rocking my foot back and forth until it popped in the rest of the way. They are going to require some breaking in, but you kind of want that in a boot- it means the leather will not break down and get too stretched out. Despite how stiff they are right now, I can tell they are going to be comfortable once they are broken in. They have good heel and arch support, the calf openings are not too tight or too loose, nothing is rubbing on my toes, etc. I had been torn between these and the Veronicas, so if you are too, here are the differences I saw: the Veronicas are a much thinner, softer leather, and a thinner sole/lower heel- more of a riding boot than a real engineer boot. I did not like how floppy the leather on the Veronicas is, it actually looks kinda cheesey to me, which is not what I want in such expensive boots. The engineer just seemed much more substantial. The other decision I struggled with was the color: gaucho or smoke? I went with the smoke, but I am not sure how I feel about it. The overall color is awesome; a grayish brown, with a weathered look- but the weathered look is maybe a little too manufactured. Mostly over the toes- there is a definite line of demarcation between the color of the toe and the rest of the boot that I do not think I am crazy about, so I am going to think about it for a day before I decide if I, going to exchange them for the gaucho. Other than that, I am very happy with this purchase and I cannot wait to wear these to death!

This is my first pair of Frye boots. I've wanted a pair for ages, just had to talk myself into the money part. I was a bit worried about some of the warnings, "hard to get into", "stiff and took forever to break-in", on top of the fact that they list the shaft opening at 13". Where they hit me on the leg, I measure close to 15", so I was certain I'd be sending these back. But much to my shock and relief, they fit great, even with room to get my jeans inside them. My feet are regular width with moderately high arches. They are also 2 different sizes, with the right foot being slightly smaller. I wear an 8 in almost everything, a 38 in Euro sizes and sometimes I can still find a 7 1/2 that fits great. Now let me tell you how much I love these boots. My smaller right foot went right in without any trouble and had plenty of room in the toe box. My larger left foot was a bit more difficult, but with some pushing and pulling, it went through the foot opening and seated perfectly into the sole. I'm going to put some arch supports in so I'll be able to wear these comfortably all day. I also ordered the leather conditioner with these, so I'll be slathering that on just before each wear in the hopes that they'll stretch in the upper arch area and also soften the leather to get them a little more comfortable a little faster. I love these so much, I'm going to purchase another pair in a lighter color next payday. Can't hardly wait! Hope this helps someone else make an informed decision.

I loved this boot in the picture and it seemed perfect. But I was so sad to get them and not be able to put my foot into the boot! The fabric above the heel is hard and made it impossible for me to get get my foot in. I'm not sure if it is because it is to small or just the design, but I was very sad. I love the look of the boots and Fryes overall, but I recommend getting a half size to a size bigger!

These are my 5th pair of Frye's and I am never disappointed with the quality. These run true to size but are difficult to get on. But once they are on, very comfortable and stylish. Can't say enough good things about my Frye's!

So heartbroken about this boot! I love how it looks and the color is beautiful and true to the photo. It may fit others well but I found it unwearable. There is a kind of shelf between the heel and bed of the sole that interrupts the foot support and is very hard and uncomfortable. Also I found that it runs a 1/2 size smaller (I ordered an 8.5 instead of 8). I think the foot bed has a design flaw as I ordered an 8 before the 8.5 and both felt the same. Very sad.

I've been eying these bad boys for a while now, and have been obsessed with Frye boots forever but never owned a pair. These are even more beautiful in person--I got the smoke. I ordered a half size smaller, and I'm glad I did. Once I get my foot in there, they fit perfectly and feel really good. My normal size (a 7) would probably stretch out and be too big and I'd be bummed. With a thin sock, as others have said, you can get your foot in, and I'm sure that over time, it won't be so hard. The foot bed is surprisingly more comfortable than I thought for a heavy-duty boot. I did get blisters on my heels the first day I wore them, but I think that's typical of a stiff boot. I am absolutely in love with these. My husband is worried, as I mentioned that people collect Frye boots! I'm already looking at other styles.

Great boots! I've had them about a week and have worn them every day- am very happy with this purchase. They felt just a bit tight on my wide, flat feet at first, but after 2 days of walking (around the office, grocery store) they were perfect. I ordered the 8R Engineer boots at the same time to compare, and am glad I did. The 8R boots weren't comfortable at all - had some stiff material rubbing on the back of my leg and top of my foot. But other people have said the opposite thing about the 8 and 12R, so I think it depends on your foot. Get them both and return one, Zappos makes it easy.

I have waited a year to buy these boots, the price was high for me at the time and then the red color was out of stock. I did get them this year and at first was not too sure if they would be comfortable. They do have a slight ridge in the footbed and the seam at the top of the boots in back was scratchy. I put band aids on the scratchy places in the back which helped. After wearing them in the house for a few hours it felt like the boots had molded to my feet-very comfortable. I next wore them on a 3 hour shopping trip and never had a problem. I love them and am glad I invested in them.

I ordered these boots half a size up because my normal size, 8, was out of stock. I am so glad that I did. I always have trouble getting my feet into boots because of a high arch, and these boots were no exception. With thin socks, however, I am able to get my feet in. I have only had them one day and it is already easier and easier. That being said, I am in love with these boots. They are adorable and so much cuter than the Veronica Shortie boots, which I tried on in a department store and hated. These boots are a must buy but I would recommend going a size up if you have difficulty getting into boots.

I work in retail, and I'm on my feet for 12 hours a day, sometimes longer. I received these boots for my birthday and told my husband he could get me another pair in a different color for Christmas, when the time comes. I love them! I normally take an 8 and they fit perfectly. The only problem is the seam that runs up the back on the right leg is a little rough, and rubs on my leg if I don't wear my jeans tucked into them - but I wear a higher sock, with the hope that this will soften up with the wear and age of the boots. I have had many compliments on them every time I wear them, and I would definitely take the chance on another pair in the future. Made in U.S.A.!

The boots arrived faster than expected in the mail which was fantastic. The boots are super cute but I am still working on breaking them in because they are a bit stiff and uncomfortable. Overall there were no surprises with the order!

These boots are obviously adorable and kind of slayer style all at once. The color is fabulous, the leather is high quality, and the sole is nice as well. While the size is true to size, these little suckers are kind of hard to get in to. Maybe that will change over time, but I definitely have to unbuckle the strap and maneuver my foot inside. But once they're on, I don't want to take 'em off.

I bought these boots at the mall and can't be happier with my purchase! They were a bit hard to put on but once in they felt very comfortable. Also the craftsmanship is exquisite. The sole is very heavy duty, the leather durable and chic. The funny thing is I'm an engineer myself, and these shoes simply feel and look right on me! Recommend for anyone who is looking for quality and style.

Love everything about them! They feel really good on my feet even though I have problem feet. My feet are wide and I have moderate bunions. These boots have decent arch support already, probably enough for most people. But I need a really high arch support so I added a 3/4 length arch support insole, and the boots have plenty of room inside for that. I didn't use a full-length insole because the footbed in the toe box area is already so awesome. I wear them almost every day, and I can wear them all day without any foot pain, even when I am standing and walking a lot. I am very pleased with the quality of the materials and the construction. They seem like they will last for 10 years. The style seems like it will last 10 years, too. They are edgy and modern, but down-to-earth. I get tons of compliments! I rarely spend so much for shoes, but these are worth every penny. And if they last 10 years, they're actually a much better value than most shoes.

If you have flat insteps these will fit like a glove. I can see where they would be too snug on people who have higher arches. The stitching at the top-back is scratchy on my calfs, but tall socks or some rubber cement gooped on the thread will fix that. They do not need any breaking in.

I love the color of these boots. Over the years I've owned at least a dozen pairs of Frye boots. This is the first pair in which the leather was so stiff I could barely get my foot in through the ankle opening. Although they look great it's going to take some time to wear them in and boot oil may help to soften them up.

Absolutely great boots, though I wish Frye wouldn't have done the faux distressed look on the leather. Too much dye. A little tight to put on initially, due to the cut of the style, but worth the breaking in: these boots are very comfortable, sturdy, and look great!

These are great boots, very well made. I'm a 6 in most shoes, sometimes sizing down (Docs, Earth). I ordered a 6.5 thinking these would run small, not so. Returned for a 6 which fit perfectly. They are heavy boots so I think a good fit is more crucial. These boots will last a long time.

I really like the look of these boots; they fit well. The one thing I do not like is the fact that the seam in the back of the boot at the top is very irritating. Even when I wear knee-highs and high socks, my calf chafes in this area, on both boots, which I did not immediately realize until I started to wear them. So I have to wear "heavier and higher" socks.

I have to say this was the one time I was very disappointed in a product from Zappos. I cannot say how much I appreciate the free shipping both ways and especially so in this case. Since I already own one pair of Frye boots, generally speaking, they run a half size bigger than your regular size. Recently, I ordered Frye Veronica shorties a half size down (my size was not available). The boots were really cute and comfortable but they were too tight. I sadly sent them back. So I ordered these instead, in my regular size. I could not believe it when I could not even get my right foot into the boot - I could get the left on one, unbuckling the lower buckle - once on, it fit fine. But I absolutely could not get the right one on period. After several attempts and a bruised instep, I packaged them up and have returned them. These are a stiff boot which would take some breaking in, but not to be able to even get my foot into the right one? These are not cheap boots - I expect way better from Frye. I am assuming this was a defect as others who posted have had good experiences except a few - I was very disappointed.

Love! I took forever to decide between these and the Veronica Shortie. After ordering and trying on both I decided I like the more rugged look of these. The Veronica were more feminine which isn't what I wanted in a boot. I like that the Engineer has a firm leather upper and isn't floppy around the ankle like the Veronica. My only grumps are that the heel on these seems a bit higher than needed, I wish they were only 1" and the grey is not as light or as grey as all the pictures on Zappos. The Frye website had the best color representation. I wore these all day the first day with no problems. They were comfortable for me out of the box. No construction issues. Very well made and I love that Engineers (unlike the Veronica) are still made in the USA!

To Allison in Philly: Thank you for suggesting to put a plastic bag on the foot to get this on. It worked! I was worrying because I could not get the boot on. I expected this based on the other reviews, but after putting on a nylon the boot wouldn't go on. So I went to the pantry and got a plastic grocery bag and voila! I am going to walk around and stretch it out since my right foot is bigger than my left, but the size 9 is accurate. I can wiggle my toes. I have 2 pair of Fryes in 8.5 and have managed but this 9 will be great since I am a 9 96% of the time. The brown brush off is gorgeous. It looks like the picture. The leather is substantial and the buckles can be adjusted. Gorgeous boots!

These are Fryes. Which is the same thing as saying; high quality leather, cool look, and very comfortable. I have had different styles, and never had to return a pair for any reason! This pair goes with a leather jacket I have of the same color. That is hard to find! I usually wear a 9, but most the Frye styles fit best half a size smaller. So I ordered the 8½.

Update to my last review. Since it's been raining in my part of the country, I thought I'd use the Frye Leather Conditioning and Waterproofing to protect these boots. The result is that the boot color has completely changed. It's no longer two-toned (with the toe cap a distinctly different color); the entire boot is now a medium-brown shade: it's like I bought a boot in an entirely different color! It looks fine--like a simple brown boot, with a slightly darker toe cap--but not what I was expecting to happen. Frye's website indicates that the consumer should "test" a spot on the boot, to see if the boot color darkens, before conditioning the entire boot, but this makes no sense. All boots should be regularly conditioned, or they will eventually dry out and develop cracks, so what is the consumer to do in the case of caring for this particular boot in this particular color? I think Frye really needs to address this issue. That said, I still love the boots--they really are the most comfortable boots I own (more comfortable than the Veronica slouch, to be sure)--so I still highly recommend them.

Surprisingly, I really love these boots. I thought they would be too stiff and clunky, and others had commented about a raised shelf between the heel and footbed on the insole that made the boots uncomfortable. But I took a chance, anyway and am so glad I did. First, yes, there is raised shelf on the insole, but because these boots have only moderate arch support, once I slipped an insert into them, the raised shelf problem disappeared, and might actually be helping with arch support. Second, the boots are sturdy, stable, and well made. They are not too difficult to put on, either (and I have moderately high arches). The are cute as buttons. I wear size 9 in all Frye boots and the same in this style, and when I was trying them on, my husband remarked that they seemed to "shrink" my feet (make them look smaller). I bought the sand color, and while the color demarcation between the toe and the rest of the boot is distinct, the overall color is warmer than shown in the photos. Also, I think that overtime the toe cap color will probably fade (this has happened for me, relatively quickly, with other Frye styles). Overall, I am super-satisfied with these boots and am thinking about buying them in another color. I highly recommend them.