I'm a Frye boot loyalist and these are exactly what I was looking for: a simple, well-made, black suede riding boot. The boots are gorgeous and perfect. I'm fighting the urge to buy another pair in a different color/leather right away.

The sizing appears to be standard for Frye. I'm a 7.5 with slightly wider feet. I tried the boots on with a pair of standard gym socks (I like having the option of wearing a thicker sock in colder months) and had plenty of room in the toe box. There wasn't any noticeable heel slippage. With regard to general comfort, the Melissa Button boot is surprisingly lighter than a Frye harness or a Frye tanker/combat if weight is a concern. The shaft circumference is standard.

As for product authenticity, the pair I ordered was sold by 6pm (Amazon subsidiary) and shipped by Amazon. It arrived in a Frye box, new, with all packaging intact. I have purchased Frye boots and shoes through both Amazon and 6pm previously and have yet to experience any issues with receiving a used pair or product without original packaging. :knocks on wood:

If you're looking for a lovely, understated riding boot, you absolutely cannot go wrong with the Melissa. It's all that one expects from Frye.