Product Description

Known for their quality leather craftsmanship, Frye has created a round toe boot with a stacked heel and three adjustable buckles for a silhouette that has rugged style with feminine appeal.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18983 in Shoes
• Brand: FRYE
• Fabric type: leather

Features

• 1/4" wooden platform
• 2-1/2" stacked heel
• Leather flex sole
• Leather upper
• Round toe

Amazon.com Product Description
Frye's Carmen boot features the same quality craftsmanship and high-grade leather for which the time-honored company is known, with the addition of a distressed finish and three rough-and-tumble straps. You'll wear it for seasons to come, thanks to its timeless shape and proven durability.

From the Manufacturer
The Frye Company is the oldest continuously operated shoe company in the United States. Founded in 1863 by John A. Frye, a well-to-do shoemaker from England, and family-run until 1945, Frye products have a long and illustrious history. Frye boots were worn by soldiers on both sides of America's Civil War, soldiers in the Spanish-American war, and by Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. When home-steading drew adventurous New England families to the West during the mid and late 1800's many of the pioneers wore Frye Boots for the long journey. Today Frye remains true to its roots with its line of heritage boots, but continues to innovate as it introduces chic new handbags, pumps, and sandals to its collection.

Customer Reviews

Not for gals with a history of shoe woes.
Okay...so I've been a rabid fan of Frye shoes for a few years now, but I'd always heard of them way back when. A lot of relatives have worn them because the leather is top quality, very durable, easy to take care of and just plain ol' long lastin'. And a US made product(NYC). The several pairs I own...I swear by them.

And they look awesome with pretty much anything you pair them with. And they're comfortable (after you break them in, o'course).

Until now.

While the Carmen 3 is fabulous looking, and the shaft is actually roomy for my enormous calves, there are a few problems with this boot.

1) The quality of the leather, while soft and suple, seemed like they just took a sheet of leather and made the shaft, the straps themselves holding it up and giving it structure. It doesn't seem like they finished the inside, and a bit thin compared to my other 12R & 8R Fryes. Now, the only reason I can think that they did was to reduce the heaviness of the boot. My 12R & 8R boots are heavy, so I can imagine a tall boot like the Carmen's to be unbearable. So I could maybe let that slide...
2) I usually have to order a half size larger, due to the box-toe construction, but sometimes, they do round toes which allows for a wider foot, like here. However, unless Frye specifically states a boot can accommodate a wide foot (such as the Frye 12R Engineer boots), still order a half size up, at least. But when I put the 7.5's on (I wear a 7 usually in most shoes), the entire foot was tight and pinched. That means only thin socks, period. And the back of the heel (the Achilles) is made out of some really tough material, either wood or plastic, and will dig into the back of your ankle/heel as you walk. Ouch. So consider a full size up, instead of the typical half.
3) The soles of the boots are smooth, and have no traction. At all. So you'll slip on anything that's smooth and slick. I thought I could manage, but it was a disaster. And because of the stiff heel, and angle that you might trip, you might just break an ankle.

It's also made in Mexico. I don't consider that a bad thing, honestly. The smaller shoe sizing is probably due to the fact that it was made out of the country. But the overall quality, it just wasn't there, whether that was due to it being made outside the US or that it's a tall shafted boot, I don't know. When I compared my 12R & 8R's, there's no doubt something is off.

My other Fryes (again, not tall-shafted boots) I own were all made in the US, and overall, perfectly made shoes--you can see, feel, touch the quality, it's undeniable. Even with my problematic feet/legs, the US made ones still fit me well. And I'm the world's pickiest shoe buyer. More disappointing, a shoe company that claims to be homebred--and these shoes (and the Veronica's) clearly AREN'T, has made a product that is not worthy of the Frye name or the other wonderful products they make. Especially for the price they are asking. High dollar, I except top quality--PERIOD. Frye did not deliver on the Carmen.

ALSO: the Veronica Slouch Fryes have very similar problems as well, but a much better heel and sole, for traction. And they're slightly not as tight around the foot, but I'd still consider a full size rather than the half size I did order. The rounded toe on that boot also doesn't do much for overall space.

For girls with thin legs, narrow feet, or just normal sized feet/legs, the Carmen and the Veronicas will probably give you no problems at all. It's just us inbetween gals with all the woes.

Other shoe sites that sell Frye, the Carmen & the Veronica's both got stellar reviews. And I DO have weirdly shaped feet (wide) and calves (monsters). It's a dicey risk, and it's best to try on at the store, if you can, or if you buy from the internet, make sure returning the shoe is very easy and no fuss (like Zappos).

I love these boots
I searched high and low for these boots in my size and I just love them. They fit perfect. I am between 6.5 and 7 and I got the 7. I got them in a worn black color. I get compliments ALL the time. I highly recommend them. I'm sure I'll have them forever and they are so timeless I can't imagine they'd go out of style.

AWESOME
I absolutely LOVE these boots. I am usually between an 8 & an 8.5 and got the 8.5. They fit perfectly and I've gotten so many compliments on these boots. I can't believe the great deal on Amazon for these as they're regular price is almost $400! On Nordstrom they were still $350 when I ordered mine on Amazon. Again...awesome shoe, fits great and great quality. I read a review that said the boots were slippery while walking but mine were fine! The color is great too... I can wear them with pretty much any color clothing. These were my FIRST Frye Boot purchase and I was really happy. Amazon shipped them quickly too!