text: This is my 6th pair of Fryes (and my last, I promise), and they are all American-made, classic styles. Most similar to them would be my Campus 14l in banana. I am a solid 9 in the harness and campus styles. Imagine my shock when I find myself between 9-9.5 in this boot! In the 9, my toes felt crowded. There was the normal heel slip, but then crowded toes. I really don't fancy crowded toes. Maybe this would diminish as the boots stretch with wear, but then maybe not. I would rather have more room, so I sized up. I have rarely read reviews where people size up in Frye, but there you have it. The new pair arrived today, and the fit does seem better. The right boot has more room than the left, width-wise. I suppose this is to be expected since these are hand-made and no two pair are alike. I do wish it was a bit more snug in the width, but I think it will be fine. The leather is unlike my other boots. &#34;Stonewashed,&#34; they call it, and it is buttery soft and variegated in color. The shaft is roomier than my other Campus boots. The rubber lugged sole is wonderful; I so prefer the comfort of a rubber sole.<br /><br />The walnut was so dark that the stitch detail and variegation were lost, but the saddle is LOVELY. These boots are so unique; I've never seen anything like them. I really wanted a pair of Fryes in stonewash since I find them to look like a modern take on a classic boot. Also, I think the stonewash holds its beauty when scuffed and abused better than smooth leather. There is another version of this boot in Dakota leather with a leather sole, but I think it looks outdated. This one is more beautiful and could only be improved if the thread used for the stitching was a different color. The Camous stitch of old had a banana boot with green stitching. Those were head-turners, for sure.<br /><br />Why haven't more people bought this boot? Mine was deeply discounted and there are almost no reviews of this boot online, which suggests they didn't sell. I hope you find my review insightful, should you be considering these boots.<br /><br />******Update**** I decided the right boot was just too large, and it was noticeably so, even just visually. I exchanged for the same color/size and the new pair was perfect. The leather on the new pair is darker; more like a whiskey color. I actually prefer it to the first pair, shown below in my photos.u find my review insightful, should you be considering these boots.<br /><br />******Update**** I decided the right boot was just too large, and it was noticeably so, even just visually. I exchanged for the same color/size and the new pair was perfect. The leather on the new pair is darker; more like a whiskey color. I actually prefer it to the first pair, shown below in my photos.