I think I may have a problem with Frye boots. Well, an addiction really. Full disclosure, this is my 5th pair of Fryes. They join the Harness 12R, the Melissa Logo, the Veronica combat, and the Jane Strappy.
Just before getting these Harness 8R in TAN, I had ordered the Heath Heel Bootie. They were a real disappointment. Bad construction, ratty leather, and a much higher price tag. I did some research and learned that there are a small selection of Fryes still made in the USA. It is this group of Fryes that have some of the better manufacturing techniques, such as Goodyear Welting. This type of welting contributes alot of staying power to the boot and allows it to be re-soled. Just wanted to include some of this info in my review in case it helps others make a decision. In the future, I will stick with the core lines of Frye: harness, engineer, campus styles.

I was looking for another shorter boot to take me into warmer months. I am planning on wearing with skirts, shorts, dresses in spring and summer. I wanted a brown and agonized for a while over which one: blazer brown, dark brown, crazy horse. I made the right choice in the strangely labeled TAN. The boot color is exactly as pictured on the Amazon product page. It is a rich, cool (not orangey) "bomber jacket" brown. The boots are only very lightly distressed looking - I prefer to do my own distressing.

I have ordered all of my Fryes in 8.5. This is 1/2 to 1 full size UP FROM MY NORMAL 7.5 shoe size. I do not agree with the other posters that Fryes must be sized down. The boots (esp. the Harness) are narrow in the toe box. When you size down, it makes the toe area too tight and boot hard to get on and off. I have not found the boots to stretch and I don't want to own a $200+ boot that is too tight. Some heel slippage is both normal and desirable in a boot. It lessens as you break the boot in. These fit exactly the same as my Harness 12Rs in black.

The leather has the same matte, oily feel as the black 12Rs. The brown has a softer look and I am thrilled. They are surprisingly heavy for shorter boots, but not a problem for me. I still feel a little guilty about indulging my boot fetish, but the quality and workmanship of the 8Rs helps alot!

I have to add that I sincerely hope that Frye does NOT continue in its trend of manufacturing more styles in Mexico and even worse, China. I was mistakenly shipped a pair of Fryes made and China and they had nothing in common with the Harness, except the ridiculous price tag. I fear that my hope is in vain though.

Amazon did their usual great job in getting me my boots!!!