First, let me say that these boots are gorgeous. I ordered these and the harness boot in Sand, and this was my favorite color of the two.  It is a rich, golden tan that looks fantastic with denim and will carry you through the entire year.

Compared to the sand leather boot, these were wider.  They would not have required any break in period for my foot.

Compared to my Frye Engineer's this style does not have that super comfy foot bed.  There is some cushion, but it is not the uber comfortable gel insole that the Frye's that are made in the USA have.  Also, the leather is stiffer on both the tan and sand Carmen boots than on the Engineer Frye boots.

Ultimately, I returned these in favor of the Carmen Harness Boot in Sand because I live in a snow belt, and I did not want to be afraid to wear my boots, especially at this price.  I was not 100% sure that the tan suede would fair as well in the salt and snow.  Had I lived down south or in Arizona, I would have kept these in a heartbeat.  They are gorgeous.