About Us

1863

THE FRYE COMPANY FOUNDED

In 1863, John A. Frye opened the doors to the very first Frye shop on Elm Street in Marlboro, MA, paving the way for countless generations of Frye artisans dedicated entirely to the art of craftmanship.

1888

MEET THE VERY FIRST FRYE BOOT

1888 marks the year that the very first boot ever was made by The Frye Company. With its precision stitching and quality leather, this boot is testimony to Frye’s unparalleled craftsmanship. Housed today at the Marlboro Historical Society, this boot was the beginning of a storied commitment to design expertise and quality.

1889

FROM STEAM TO ELECTRICITY

The Frye factory was the first of the nearly twenty firms in Marlboro to convert from steam to electrical power for its operation. Making Frye the first factory in town to run on electricity.

1923

YEAR OF THE GOODYEAR WELT

One of the sturdiest of all footwear construction methods which also allows the boots to be repeatedly resoled. The adoption of the Goodyear Welt process proved so successful that two-thirds of Frye’s output consisted of Goodyear Welts by 1930 and three-fourths by 1936.

1930s

JOHN ADDISON FRYE

After the death of his father Walter P. Frye, John Addison Frye (grandson of the founder) became the third generation of Frye men to act as President of the John A. Frye Shoe Company. He led the company until 1949.

1940s

THE FIRST FRYE COWBOY BOOTS

Our first cowboy boots, the Rancher started a western trend for Frye.

1943

WORLD WAR II

During World War II, Frye traveled the world from Normandy to Okinawa on the feet of US servicemen – even General Patton. News of Frye’s outstanding quality and reputation spread worldwide.

1950s

JET BOOTS

Half Wellingtons, nicknamed “Jet Boots,” were worn by countless navy and army men who continued to order them post-war, well into the 1950s.

1960s

CUSTOM-MADE BOOTS

Frye crafted custom boots for a number of well known people including Jackie Kennedy, Bing Crosby, Jerry Lewis, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Ann Margaret, Walt Frazier, Laurel & Hardy, Candice Bergen, Liza Minnelli, Carole King, Gene Autry, even President Richard Nixon.

THE HARNESS BOOT

The birth of The Harness. Nothing says “Frye” like the signature harness ring and studs on The Harness Boot. Inspired by cavalry soldiers in the Civil War, The Harness Boot is an American icon.

1970s

THE CAMPUS BOOT

The ultimate collegiate style boot. The Campus Boot soon became an all-American symbol of rebellion and freedom, and remains so even today. The iconic boot was the inspiration for what has become a full collection of women’s and men’s boots, shoes and accessories.

AN ICONIC FRYE

An iconic element in our designs, from stitching on the western boots to lugs on the soles, the Double F made its first appearance on the 1970’s product.

1980s

WHY FRYE?

One of the ad campaigns that ran in the 1980’s about what sets Frye apart from the competition.

1990s

THE ENGINEER BOOT

The Engineer collection is a tribute to the great American working man. With its masterful Goodyear Welt construction and heavy-duty leather, this moto-inspired boot was and continues to be a cult-like favorite of bikers and debutantes alike.

2000

DIGITAL

Frye launches its first e-commerce site with TheFryeCompany.com

2010

CELEBRITY FAVORITE

An American Heritage brand, Frye is seen on streets around the world and featured regularly in editorial wells from Vogue and Elle to Sports Illustrated and GQ. Frye has become a favorite of rock stars and celebrities alike.

2011

FLAGSHIP STORE

The very first Frye Company Store opens its doors in SoHo, NYC leading the way for store openings in Boston, Chicago and Georgetown.

2014-15

COLLABORATIONS

Frye collaborates with brands like Burton, Cutler and Gross and Anna Sui.

2016

REIMAGINED

Frye introduces modern and updated branding elements.

Frye announces its partnership with Feeding America®, the largest hunger-relief organization in the USA. Frye has donated over 2 million meals through various programs.

2017

STORE EXPANSION

Frye opens stores in key markets expanding its fleet to 16, plus a digital flagship.

2018

155 YEARS OF FRYE

Frye celebrates 155 years of authentic heritage styles and Americana roots with the campaign “The Original. The Authentic. The Only.”

2019

INTRODUCING FRYE AND CO.

Frye launches Frye and Co., a curated collection of artisan-inspired, of-the-moment styles designed for the spirited adventurer.