If you‘re a fashion-forward individual always on the hunt for shoes that make a statement, look no further than Taft. This up-and-coming footwear brand has been steadily gaining a cult following thanks to its one-of-a-kind designs, premium quality, and surprisingly accessible prices.
As someone who values expressing my personal style through my wardrobe, I was immediately drawn to Taft‘s bold aesthetic. After putting several of their most popular shoes to the test over the past year, I‘m excited to share my honest thoughts.
Stick around for an in-depth look at the brand‘s background, signature design elements, comfort and fit, durability, and overall value. Trust me – your shoe game is about to reach new heights.
The Taft Shoes Story: Redefining Luxury Footwear
Taft was founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife duo Kory and Mallory Stevens. Fueled by a shared passion for world travel, fashion, and entrepreneurship, they set out on a mission to create the best-looking, highest-quality shoes on the market.
But Kory and Mallory didn‘t want their products to be exclusively for the wealthy. By utilizing a direct-to-consumer business model, Taft is able to offer handcrafted, small-batch shoes at much lower prices than traditional luxury retailers.
Over the past decade, Taft has grown from a small venture headquartered in the couple‘s apartment to an internationally-recognized brand worn by celebrities and style influencers. However, at its core, the company remains committed to its original ethos of uncompromising quality and continual reinvention of classic silhouettes.
Impeccable Craftsmanship & Endless Styling Possibilities
What immediately sets Taft shoes apart from the pack is the brand‘s fearless approach to design. From intricately woven uppers to eye-catching colors and patterns, every pair feels like a work of art.
When you pick up a Taft shoe, you can immediately feel the quality of the materials. The brand sources top-tier components like full-grain leather, suede, wool, and rubber from the best suppliers in the world.
Taft partners with expert artisans in countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal to meticulously cut and sew each upper by hand. The attention to detail is obvious in the precise stitching, hardware, and trims.
Whether you prefer an edgy combat boot like The Viking, a sophisticated dress shoe like The Jude, or a laid-back sneaker like The Mack, Taft has endless options to amplify your wardrobe. It‘s the perfect way to infuse a bit of personality into even the most basic jeans and a tee uniform.
One of my favorite things about Taft shoes is their versatility. Depending on how you style them, the same shoe can work for date night, a board meeting, or Sunday brunch. Trust me – you‘ll be fielding compliments and "where‘d you get those?" questions everywhere you go.
Comfort Meets Style: A Winning Combination
While the aesthetic of Taft shoes initially draws you in, it‘s the comfort that keeps you coming back for more. The brand definitely doesn‘t sacrifice function for the sake of fashion.
In my experience, Taft shoes have required very minimal break-in time thanks to the thoughtful design and cushioned insoles. The team clearly takes foot anatomy into account, with many styles featuring specially molded footbeds and excellent arch support.
For example, I have a pair of Taft Dragon Boots that I can walk around in all day without any hot spots or blisters. The shaft height and hip perfectly hug my ankle, while the roomy toe box accommodates my wider forefoot.
I will note that in general, Taft shoes tend to run a half size larger than true to size. As someone who typically wears an 8.5 or 9 in other brands, I find that a size 8 in Taft fits like a dream. The site offers handy sizing charts and customer service advice to help ensure you find your ideal fit.
Long-Lasting Quality That Goes the Distance
Despite my initial hesitation about the long-term durability of such bold shoes, I‘ve been pleasantly surprised by how well my Taft shoes have held up over time. Even with heavy rotation in my wardrobe, they still look almost new.
I credit this to the top-notch materials Taft chooses. The leather has maintained its shape and color, while the rubber soles show minimal wear. Any creasing or markings that have developed merely add to the shoes‘ character.
Taft also offers a generous 12-month warranty and incredible customer service should you happen to experience any defect. Some customers have even shared their success in sending old shoes in for resoling after years of wear – further increasing the lifespan of their purchase.
Of course, as with any luxury product, proper care is key. I recommend using a leather protectant spray, spot cleaning when necessary, and storing your Taft shoes in dust bags between wears. Trust me – it‘s worth spending a few extra minutes to keep these beauties in tip-top shape.
An Affordable Alternative to Designer
Taft prides itself on offering "modern-day luxury at yesteryear prices." Because the brand cuts out the middleman by selling direct to consumers online, there‘s no retail markup. You get the same premium look and feel of designer shoes at a fraction of the cost.
Most Taft shoes fall in the $200-$350 range. While certainly an investment for many, that price point is significantly lower than comparable styles from other luxury footwear brands, which can easily climb into the $800-$1,200 category.
I‘ve found my Taft shoes to be a worthwhile splurge thanks to their unparalleled blend of style, quality, and comfort. I reach for them far more often than many of my other more expensive designer pieces.
Taft even offers payment plan options for those who prefer to spread out the cost over time. You can opt for interest-free installments as low as $50/month, making it easier to hit "add to cart" on that limited-edition release. Just be warned – Taft‘s drops are known to sell out quickly!
For those on the hunt for a true bargain, I recommend signing up for Taft‘s email newsletter and following the brand on social media. A few times per year, they‘ll host major sales with discounts up to 50% off. Subscribing is the best way to stay in the loop on those can‘t-miss promotions.
The Bottom Line: Should You Invest in a Pair of Taft Shoes?
If you‘re looking to elevate your shoe collection with unique, conversation-starting pairs, Taft is the brand for you. No other company so perfectly marries fine craftsmanship and materials with cutting-edge design – all at an attainable price point.
I‘ve consistently been impressed by the comfort, durability, and versatility of all my Taft shoes. From the sleek Low Top sneakers I wear everyday to the statement-making Jude Boots I bring out for special occasions, every pair makes me feel effortlessly put-together and stylish.
While some may hesitate at the $200+ price, I view my Taft shoes as a smart long-term wardrobe investment. The cost per wear is extremely low compared to cheaper, lower-quality alternatives I‘ve had to replace yearly.
Whether you‘re a seasoned fashion aficionado or just on the hunt for well-made essentials to anchor your wardrobe, I can‘t recommend Taft shoes enough. Try a pair (or three) and just wait for the compliments to roll in!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Taft offer international shipping?
A: Yes, Taft ships all over the world! However, expect slightly longer delivery times (1-2 weeks) and know that you will be responsible for any taxes, duties, or customs fees upon delivery.
Q: What is Taft‘s return/exchange policy?
A: Taft offers easy returns and exchanges on unworn items within 30 days of purchase. Simply email customer service, and they‘ll send you a free prepaid shipping label to send items back for a full refund or exchange.
Q: What styles are most popular?
A: Taft‘s Jack Boot in various colors is a perennial best-seller, as are the Jude Chelsea Boot, The Kennedy Double Monk, The Mack Boot, and The Hiro Boot. Check out the "Featured" section on the site to see what‘s trending!
Q: Are all Taft shoes made of real leather?
A: The vast majority of Taft shoes are made with full-grain leather, though some boots and sneakers may have suede, wool, or rubber accents. You can find complete material details on each product page.
Q: How often does Taft release new designs?
A: Taft operates on a "drop" model, meaning limited-edition designs are released every 4-8 weeks in batches of 50-100 pairs. Subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss out on the latest launch!
Q: What if I‘m between sizes?
A: In general, Taft recommends that you size down if you‘re between sizes. However, certain styles like the Kennedy and the Jude run more true to size, so going with your regular size may be preferable.
