Frye Boots – tips and tricks

I have posted about Frye Harness Boots a few times. See other posts here. I have received a few comments and emails asking about them so here are some answers to the most common questions.

Some of the best boots I have ever had have been Frye Boots. I like their Campus boot but my favourite style has always been the Harness Boot – both 8R and 12R.  I have two pairs of 12Rs – one brown and one black.

• They are not so easy to find in Europe and they tend to be very expensive.
• Your best bet is to get them if you travel to the US or on Ebay, from the US (most Frye sellers ship worldwide). I like shoo_time on ebay – shipping is free and fast and the boots cost about 230USD, which is what you would pay in a shop in the US.
• I get them on ebay (look out for free shipping because boots + box = big and heavy).
• They are not cheap but they will last forever.
• Frye’s sizing is US so use the conversion chart on their website (see picture below).
• I would recommend a half size smaller than what you usually use.
• When you get them they should be snug (I like new ones to be VERY snug). Put them on with silk stockings or thin socks and walk around in them at home, preferably in the late afternoon when your feet are swollen. Do this for a few days and you should feel them beginning to give and moulding to your foot. As they stretch you can put thicker socks on. Don’t attempt to walk for hours in them until they are worn in.
• They are not as heavy as cowboy boots but they are not a featherlight boot either.
• If you have them resoled before you start to wear the heel down they will last forever.
• Black have silver harness details while brown have brass details. There are also lovely colours such as plum and dark green. I have always preferred the black ones though.
• 12Rs are the taller ones (come to about mid-calf) and 8Rs are the ankle boot. There is also a Tall model which is knee high.
• Check the circumference if you have big calves. They are about 15 and a half inches in circumference.
• You can wear them with skirts and with trousers. I usually wear mine under smart trousers for work but lately I have been wearing my pants tucked into them
• Like most heavy boots they need to be broken in and take the shape of your foot, but once they have you won’t want to take them off.
• If you buy a size too big, wear them with heavy socks and they should be fine
• Above are my 12Rs (and naturally one of my cats just has to be in the photo!). Below are some 8Rs. Below that is a sizing chart and then you will find a gallery of 12Rs.

  I am a UK 4.5 so I would normally be a US 6.5 – in Frye’s I take a 6.