FRYE

John A. Frye opened the first Frye shop on Elm Street in Marlborough, Massachusetts in 1863, initially focusing on shoes to ease the everyday life of factory workers in that small New England town. The first pair of boots was produced by the Frye Company in 1888, approximately 20 years after the company's founding. By the 1890s, Marlborough manufactured more shoes than any other city in the United States, and Frye was one of the largest and most successful footwear companies in the entire country.

Each generation of Frye craftsmen dedicated themselves to the art of shoemaking, creating new patterns, discovering new materials, and even inventing shoe-making machinery. The company distinguished itself from other brands by focusing on craftsmanship with precise stitching and quality leather.

During World War II, Frye boots traveled the world from Normandy to Okinawa on the feet of US servicemen, including General Patton. Half Wellingtons, nicknamed "Jet Boots," were worn by countless navy and army men who continued to order them post-war, well into the 1950s. This military heritage helped establish Frye's reputation for durability and quality across global markets.

Frye has crafted custom boots for numerous well-known figures throughout its history. Notable customers have included Jackie Kennedy, Bing Crosby, Jerry Lewis, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Ann Margaret, Walt Frazier, Laurel & Hardy, Candice Bergen, Liza Minnelli, Carole King, Gene Autry, and President Richard Nixon. This celebrity endorsement helped establish the brand's cultural significance beyond its military applications.

FRYE adopted the Goodyear Welt construction process, one of the sturdiest footwear construction methods which allows boots to be repeatedly resoled. This proved so successful that two-thirds of Frye's output consisted of Goodyear Welts by 1930, increasing to three-fourths by 1935. The company continues to use this construction method in its signature collections, maintaining the traditional craftsmanship approach that allows for long-term durability and repair.

The company uses full-grain leather, which is tough and long-lasting and often used for soles, as well as top-grain leather that offers a balance of strength and flexibility. FRYE's premium leathers are designed to maintain quality standards established since 1863, with full-grain and vegetable-tanned leathers developing distinctive patina over time through natural aging processes.

The leather care process involves wiping excess dirt with a damp cloth, using leather lotion to remove dirt and nourish leather, followed by conditioner to maintain suppleness and waterproofing. The company offers a variety of leather types from smooth to pebbled, all designed to be maintained using FRYE's leather care products.

The Harness Boot represents FRYE's signature style, featuring characteristic harness ring and studs. Inspired by cavalry soldiers in the Civil War, the Harness Boot has become what the company calls an American symbol. The current Harness 12R model, available for both men and women, is priced at $498.00 and features Civil War cavalry inspiration with unlined construction, rugged rubber bottoms, Goodyear welt construction, and vintage smooth leathers that improve with age.

The Campus 14L is described by FRYE as its "quintessential symbol" and was reintroduced in the 1960s, becoming an all-American symbol of rebellion and freedom. The boot features Goodyear welt construction, handcrafted silhouette, and chunky toe paired with a stacked heel. Current pricing for the Campus 14L is $498.00, consistent with the Harness collection pricing structure.

Most of FRYE's current production occurs in Mexico, specifically in Leon, Mexico, which is known as the "capital of bootmaking" in Mexico. Some boots are still manufactured in the United States in an Arkansas facility, representing what are considered the company's highest quality offerings. The original John A. Frye Company closed its Massachusetts plant in 2003, marking the end of production in the founding location.

In 2017, Authentic Brands Group (ABG) acquired a majority stake (51%) in FRYE for $100 million, with Global Brands Group retaining a minority share in the business. Following challenges with Global Brands Group, ABG transitioned the footwear license to Footwear Unlimited in 2021, making Footwear Unlimited the design, manufacturing, and distribution partner in the United States.