These are definitely quality boots. The leather is thick and tough and I can tell they will last for years. Regarding sizing, which was my main question in ordering these
without trying them - I read every review out there before ordering a 9. I "normally" wear a size 8.5 in round-toed, North American made footwear (which is pretty hard to find these days - what is made in North America?), a 9 or 39 in items with a pointy toe, or made in Asia, which is so common these days, due to my fairly wide feet. In fact, I haven't bought anything smaller than a 9 in many years! I guess my feet are not as wide as I think though, because this Frye Engineer size 9 is VERY roomy. I wish I had ordered the 8.5 and not taken so seriously the warnings to size up. Better safe than sorry I guess, and I will not be returning them due to the cost of shipping (to Winnipeg Canada). I'm sure I can accomodate an insole and an extra sock or two in these - winter's coming you know - so all is not lost.  Next time, I will have the confidence to order the size 8.5, I could possible even size down to an 8. So nerve-wracking buying shoes online, especially when you can't try them locally. I was only able to try the Frye harness in town before I bought, and this is quite a different shaped boot.
I was also slightly nervous about the shaft height of this boot, as I do have large calves, and can't even wear many zip up styles of boot because they just won't zip. No worries here however. For the record, I am 5'5" and a size 8-10 with a 15.5" calf.