I need a new pair of all around boots, something I would wear for just about everything except hiking. Would the Frye's be a boot you'd wear to the camp fire or while driving trails knowing you might have to hop out and do a little recovery work in them or walk the trail a bit?
They look tough enough but I'm concerned about the soles not having any pattern to them, no grip in dirt or mud.
The sole is a cork/rubber compound. Excellent traction on rocks wet/dry. Not so great in mud or ice, but nothing is. I am used to lugged soles, and I was skeptical about this compound. They have not slipped any more than any of my other boots. I'm supprised and happy with them. They are easy to get most of the mud off, before getting back in the vehicle.
I really like them. I had some custom work done to mine, at my local cobbler. I had hooks put in the top two eylets (4 on each boot). I had a pull tab added to the rear of each boot, and the heels tapered a little bit. I have custom work done to most of my boots; speed laces & hooks, if nothing else.
Some folks don't like the way the sole curves up at the front. I like this, as I don't catch the toe on uneven ground, when walking.
Mine fit best when I have thick socks on, as the heel space is quite wide.
They are definitely tough, and simple, with only three pieces of leather (front, back & tongue). They can be rebuilt by any cobbler, and the sole can be replaced with anything you want. If I get another pair, the first thing I will do is have a heel counter added, because my right ankle leans to the outside, due to a childhood injury.
They can be found on sale. I got mine on-line at a fair discount.
Hope that helps.
