Founded in 1863 by John A. Frye, a prominent English shoemaker, The Frye Company is the oldest continuously operated shoe company in the United States. Mr. Frye ran the business for nearly 50 years and after his death in 1911, his family continued to run the company until 1945.
Frye’s footwear has a long and illustrious history… Frye boots were worn by Union and Confederate soldiers during America's Civil War, as well as soldiers in the Spanish- American War including Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. When homesteading sparked adventurous New England families to go West in the mid and late 1800's, many of these pioneers wore Frye Boots for the long journey.
Frye's Harness Boot is rooted in tradition and continues to draw influence from the American Cavalry. During a 1938 trip to Washington, DC, John A. Frye's grandson and namesake met a U.S. Navy Admiral who noted his difficulty in finding the Wellington style he liked so much. As a favor, John agreed to make him a pair. Frye continued to fill requests for these boots through World War II. By mail order, the company supplied thousands of WWII servicemen with Frye Wellingtons, known as Jet Boots. Our boots traveled the world on the feet of U.S. soldiers during the war - even General Patton wore a pair. Today, our classic Harness Boot holds a treasured place in American culture, has been featured in international fashion spreads, and enjoys strong sales in the United States, Europe and Japan.
In the 1960's, Frye reintroduced the Campus Boot based on its 1860 original. The style featured a bulky toe and chunky heel that came to epitomize the attitude and the style of the 60's and 70's. There was nothing like the "new" Frye Boot on the market, and consumers began to demand "Original Frye's." The Smithsonian Institute, in their search for items to best represent 1960’s America, chose a pair of Frye Boots, which proudly remain on display today.
The Frye brand remains true to its heritage and vintage American roots with finely crafted, fashionable boot, shoe, and handbag designs featuring rich leathers and quality hardware.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Dedicated to Quality Craftsmanship
The very first pair of Frye Boots was benchcrafted in 1863. What made them America’s best footwear back then still holds true as Frye quality is timeless. For over 140 years, our leather products have continued to be benchcrafted from the finest full grain leather uppers with genuine leather and premium rubber soles. With our steadfast commitment and painstaking attention to detail, it takes over 190 steps to make one pair of Frye boots.
Also timeless are our styles. That’s important, because with proper care your Frye boots, shoes, and accessories can be enjoyed forever. From classics to future classics, casual to dress, Frye offers something for everyone with footwear and accessories to live today with ageless qualities. And what could be cuter than our Small Frye collection.
Frye footwear can be seen equally on the streets of America’s bustling cities and towns, as well as on the feet of countless celebrities and in fashion magazines every month in the U.S. and abroad. A respected part of Americana, Frye proudly continues to hold an esteemed place in the forefront of American style.
An Overview of Our Leathers
Throughout the product listings on this web site you will find details on the assortment of outstanding leathers and beautiful finishes we use.
JIMLAR CORP
Frye Boots’ parent company Jimlar Corporation, a pioneer in importing footwear to the United States, was founded in 1957. In 1993, Jimlar became the North American licensee for The Frye Company. The organization acquired The Frye Company outright in 1998 and presently owns the Frye Brand for all its product classifications worldwide.
Since 1985, Jimlar Corporation has marketed footwear under its own brands and has developed products under the brand names of American Eagle, fashion footwear for women (now owned by Payless Shoesource Inc.), R.J. Colt, rugged footwear for men, and Mountrek, performance footwear for active men and women.
Also, Jimlar is pleased to be the women’s and men’s footwear licensee for Coach Leatherwear and Calvin Klein’s licensee for their women’s and men’s better footwear.
Beyond developing their own product lines, Jimlar Corporation provides design and sourcing services for a broad range of client brands and retailers around the globe. Jimlar's worldwide team is now approximately 400 people, including those in our U.S. Headquarters and our company-operated offices in Italy, China, Hong Kong, Holland and Mexico.
Jimlar’s staff and management are proud to be a part of The Frye Company’s enduring history of quality and style.
