Skip to main content

Frye Celebrates 150 Years

Frye boots have always been in the American vernacular when discussing the working man’s boot. Well, since March 10, 1863 that is. That’s when John Frye opened his shop on Elm Street in Marlboro, Massachusetts. The shoes were developed to ease the daily grind of hundreds of local factory workers and became a staple for laborers. When the homesteading adventures began out West, many men rode out in their Frye boots, which brought the company nation wide attention.

Each generation of Frye contributed to the company, rolling out footwear they saw a need for. Frye’s Harness boot came about way back then, inspired by the American Calvary and is still one of the most popular boots the company offers. It has a near cult fashion following.

In 1930 Frye’s grandson was in D.C. and met a U.S. Navy Admiral who couldn’t find a Wellington that suited him. Frye made a pair for him and continued making them through WWII.

These stories and many more can be found in the new book, Frye: The Boots that Made History, 150 years of Craftsmanship coming out October 22. The book is full of amazing ye ole pictures of the family (those Raccoon coats!), the factory and even a newspaper clipping of First Lady Jackie Kennedy and her Frye riding boots. There are also excellent images of the factory through the ages and advertisements that would make Don Drapper jealous as well as a fair share of scantily clad actresses bounding and bending in their boots.

While you are immersed in all things Frye, be sure to check out the 150th Anniversary collection on their site. We have our heart set on those Engineer boots for weekends in the country. Santa are you listening.

Editors' Recommendations

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more
Citizen celebrates 100th anniversary with throwback limited edition pocket watch
Citizen debuts 100th anniversary pocket watch
Citizen 100th anniversary pocket watch

Citizen watches have a legacy that spans a century, with a name that evokes reverence, innovation, and enduring quality. Now, in a momentous celebration of its 100th anniversary, Citizen unveils a breathtaking homage to their inaugural masterpiece: the Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch. That's right, a pocket watch for men. Since the success of Peaky Blinders and peak Thomas Shelby fame, pocket watches have garnered a somewhat cult following and Citizen has jumped on that bandwagon with a celebratory timepiece of their own.
Citizen watches: A brief history

In 1868, Japan underwent a significant transformation as the Edo period concluded, marking the end of samurai dominance. The dawn of the Meiji era saw Japan embrace modernization and industrial growth until 1912. By the 1920s, the widespread adoption of imported pocket watches reflected Japan's burgeoning participation in global trade.

Read more