Customer Reviews Frye Engineer 12R

I was deciding between the Veronica Shortie in burnished black and the Engineer 12R in either black or charcoal during a sale event. The Veronica was ruled out quickly because of the much thinner leather, the narrower toe that pushed my toes together and the fact they are made in Mexico (the Engineer is still made in USA). Also, the Veronica Shortie looks like a dress Engineer, which is sort of an oxymoron. I wanted a classic Engineer with the rugged look. Then came the decision on color. The Engineer in black is a matte solid black which makes it look like rubber at first glance. If it had a tan demarcation at the sole like the Red Wing 2990 or 2268, I would have gone for it (couldn't wear Red Wing due to their D width even in women's sizes). The charcoal is a weathered warm dark gray that's quite unique and would go well with both earth/neutral tones and black attire. So that's what I ended up with. I am a standard size 7B with normal arch and slightly skinny calves and a 7 in the Engineer fits well with regular socks (not dress or sports socks). My only gripe as other reviewers have pointed out is some pairs are not made the same, which I see as a quality control issue. I understand that they are supposedly handcrafted, but how hard is it to mark leather using the same pattern and sew them together at the same places like sewing clothes? The black pair I tried on was perfect in fit, not too tight, not too loose all around with minimal heel slip and my feet went in with a relatively easy pull and "pop" at the heel that is similar to fitting cowboy boots. The charcoal pair (the last pair of 7 in that color) has a left boot that is looser than the black ones like it has been tried on by too many people when it's not (there were no folds or creases on the boot). The right boot, on the other hand, is very snug around the instep like my Ariat cowboy boots when they were new. The leather on the right boot at the heels slant towards my ankles gripping it more tightly, which is not a bad thing. I've been breaking them in walking around at home with a regular sock on my left foot and a thick sock on my right. Luckily for me, even with the snug right boot, there are no hot spots anywhere that cause blisters. So I expect stretching the right boot with thick socks would be the only break in I need to do. Another defect I noticed was the piece of skinny leather going up the right boot shaft at the back is cut crooked with a somewhat curved edge and the stitching is not straight. Again, I don't get how it can be crooked when the leather is supposed to be cut against a pattern. I do like the boots and they look great with skinny jeans tucked in and the quality of the material is good. However, the workmanship has much left to be desired for a brand that commands high prices. I got my pair at a deep discount, so I'm okay with the purchase as they were the last pair in my size. However, for full price, I would either insist on a perfect pair or would have chosen a different brand with consistent workmanship. Lastly, a cowboy boots fitting tip for those having trouble getting into their boots: wrap a thin plastic bag over the instep and heel of your foot and slide it into the boot, then pull the plastic bag back out. That would save some of you from having to size up to a floppy boot just in order to get through the ankle. Of course, if you have a really high arch, this may not work.

I was so incredibly disappointed with these boots and Frye as a whole. I have been eyeing these boots for over 5 months because they looked so rugged and like they would be a go to classic I would hold onto for a long time. When I opeded the boxx I saw a cheesy light cheap looking boot. I would have expected this quality from a discount department store not a boot I paid so much money for. The sole was a lightweight foamlike sole and the leather was thin and rigid at the same time.

LOVE these boots! I’m usually an 8 but I ordered 8.5 since I have wide calves and these fit SO well! They were stiff the first wear but not uncomfortable. So glad I got these!

I love these boots! The leather is supple and the gray color is perfectly neutral. I’m pregnant and I normally wear a 7.5 to an 8 and I ordered the 8 and it is a perfect fit right out of the box.

These are PERFECTION! I was a little worried about buying a pull on boot since I have a high arch. I was concerned that I would not be able to get them on so I ordered a 9 and a 9 1/2. The 9's were perfect and look great with jeans and leggings. The color is such a rich charcoal that it blends seamlessly with black. I love them :-)

As gorgeous as they look, I could not fit in these shoes. I will try a bigger size :-(

I bought these in black in my regular boot size, which is a size 9. They feel like butter. I have another pair of riding boots in 8.5, but they are really hard to get on and off. These are easier with a nine. I would say true to size. They are classic boots that will always fit in your wardrobe. Great investment.