Advice About Boot Size From Someone Who Owns Three Pairs of Frye Boots

While I can't speak for anyone else, ordering my correct size has worked for me for all three pairs of boots that I've purchased from Frye.  I own the Paige, the Veronica Slouch, and now these Harness 12R Boots, which are each very different from the others, and I plan to keep going as my budget allows.

I personally haven't needed to order either upwards or downwards from my true size, and I believe that doing so would be harmful to my feet because there is no extra room in my correct size around the shaft or around the foot to accommodate a smaller size.

I found I just "knew" I was at the right size, which is an 8.5, and since I always wear an 8.5, I decided not to fiddle with it since it was working for me.  While I have had to break my boots in, -- meaning that they are tight and need to loosen, especially around the shaft so that I can take them off --they were not excruciating to the point where they caused blisters.  For me, breaking the boots in was a natural process of the leather giving, and the boot relaxing.

In my case, which is all I can speak to, I had a somewhat difficult time getting the boots on (especially the Paige Boot, but once they were on, they fit correctly.  I don't know if this was because the Paige is a harder style to put on, or if I was just inexperienced with puttin' ma boots on.  As others have spoken to, there is some give at the back of the heel which another writer has already said indicates a correct fit.  The reason I know they are not too loose is because I know that I couldn't possibly fit into a smaller or a larger size, so therefore, this is my correct size.

Another thing to realize about these boots is that when you observe the boot and observe your foot, it feels like your foot would never fit into that boot, like your about to stuff a sausage into its casing, but once you get your foot past the ankle area over the lip of the heel, they will slide right in.  That is another indication of a correct fit.

I realize this is very confusing, especially for first-time buyers.  I hope this helps.  It isn't easy to figure out what will work for you, but once you do, you can order with confidence.

My Advice About Putting Your Boots On:

Using the loops on the boots to guide you and to help you pull, pull on the first part of the boot while sitting down, and the last part of the boot while standing up; then you will slide into the boot at the end with ease.  It will make even the tightest boot seem easy to put on.

My Advice About Taking Your Boots Off:

Now, getting them off is another story altogether.  Leave your boots on for 12-24 hours before you take them off again for the first time so that they have time to break in a bit before you have to tussle with them.  I also recommend tucking some light leggings or something in them.

Tuck as much of the material in as possible.  Then you will find that it isn't so bad to slip them off again.  The longer you wait to take them off, the easier it will be to do so. - And yes, I do realize that means sleeping in them!  But hey, they never said it was easy.  Boots aren't for sissies.  They really are worth the trouble, though, otherwise people wouldn't have been wearing them since 1000 B.C. (Wikipedia)

I love the shape of the Harness shoe.  It does not pinch my toes because it is square, and the color is great - Tan, which, as others have said, is really more of a rustic brown.  It almost looks like its covered in dust.  I know that sounds gross, but it really is a nice look!