Hey there, shoe lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for that perfect pair of kicks – you know, the ones that make you look effortlessly stylish while keeping your feet happy all day long. Well, I‘m excited to introduce you to a brand that checks all those boxes and more: Taos Footwear.
What is Taos Footwear?
Taos is a shoe company that believes you shouldn‘t have to choose between comfort and style. Born in 2005 in the creative heart of California, Taos takes inspiration from the artsy, laid-back vibe of its namesake town in New Mexico. Their mission? To create beautiful shoes with innovative comfort technology so you can look and feel your best with every step.
What sets Taos apart is their commitment to high-quality, sustainable materials and advanced cushioning systems you won‘t find anywhere else. They‘re the kind of shoes that feel amazing right out of the box – no painful break-in period required. Trust me, once you try Taos, you‘ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less.
Why Proper Footwear Matters
Before we dive into the goods, let‘s talk about why investing in high-quality, supportive shoes is so important. Your feet are your foundation, and how you treat them can impact your whole body. Wearing shoes without proper cushioning and support can lead to all kinds of issues, from aching arches to back pain.
In fact, studies show that wearing shoes with good arch support and shock absorption can reduce foot fatigue and pain by up to 60%! And if you have specific foot concerns like plantar fasciitis or bunions, wearing properly fitted shoes with the right support can make a world of difference.
That‘s where Taos comes in. Their shoes are designed with your foot health in mind, so you can look fabulous while treating your hardworking feet to the TLC they deserve.
The Taos Comfort Difference
So what exactly makes Taos shoes so incredibly comfortable? It all starts with their signature Curves & Pods removable footbed. This anatomically contoured insole is made from lightweight polyurethane with built-in arch support and targeted cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot. It molds to your unique foot shape for a customized fit that feels like walking on a cloud.
Many Taos styles also feature Cool Recovery Foam, an advanced memory foam infused with cooling gel. This magic material conforms to your foot while wicking away heat, so you stay comfortable even when the mercury rises. Plus, it‘s like getting a mini foot massage with every step – talk about luxury!
Of course, premium materials are also key to Taos‘ comfort equation. They use only the highest quality leathers and fabrics, like buttery soft suede, supple full-grain leather, and breathable canvas. These materials not only look and feel amazing, but they‘re also responsibly sourced from eco-friendly tanneries and factories.
Taos Bestsellers: Putting Them to the Test
Now for the fun part: trying out some of Taos‘ most popular styles! As a certified shoe fiend, I‘ve had the pleasure of testing quite a few Taos shoes myself. Here are my unfiltered thoughts on some of their bestsellers:
The Star Sneaker
The Star is Taos‘ signature sneaker, and it‘s easy to see why it has a cult following. This classic lace-up is the perfect everyday shoe, with a sleek silhouette that looks great with everything from jeans to dresses. I have the Star in three colors because I just can‘t get enough!
What I love most about the Star is how insanely comfortable it is. The Curves & Pods footbed provides just the right amount of arch support, while the cushioned heel absorbs shock with every step. I‘ve worn my Stars for everything from running errands to sightseeing on vacation, and my feet have never felt fatigued.
Another big plus? The Star comes in a rainbow of colors and fun patterns, so you can express your personal style. I get compliments every time I wear my metallic gold pair! At $100-$110, the Star is an affordable investment in comfort and style.
The Gift 2 Sandal
If you‘re looking for a chic summer sandal that won‘t sacrifice comfort, the Gift 2 is a gorgeous option. This slide sandal features a crisscross vamp with a subtle metallic sheen and a contoured cork footbed that molds to your foot. It‘s like the Birkenstock‘s cooler, dressier cousin.
I love the Gift 2 for its versatility – it looks equally at home with a flowy maxi dress or cutoff shorts. The adjustable strap ensures a perfect fit, while the suede-lined cork footbed keeps my feet cushioned and dry even on hot days.
Speaking of the footbed, it‘s equipped with Taos‘ signature arch support and metatarsal pad for added comfort. I have high arches, so I appreciate that the Gift 2 provides the support I need without feeling clunky or orthopedic-looking. Plus, the slight wedge heel adds a touch of elegance without sacrificing stability.
At around $140, the Gift 2 is definitely a splurge, but I think it‘s worth every penny for the quality and comfort. I reach for mine constantly during the warm months.
The Top Star Sneaker
If you love the look of high-top sneakers but hate how heavy and stiff they can feel, the Top Star is about to become your new go-to. It has the same comfort technology as the original Star sneaker, but with an ankle-height silhouette that adds a cool, sporty vibe.
I was a little skeptical about high-tops being comfortable, but the Top Star completely changed my mind. The cushioned collar feels soft and supportive around my ankle, while the Curves & Pods footbed keeps my feet happy for hours on end. I love that I can just slip them on and off without messing with laces, too.
The Top Star comes in both neutral and statement-making colors, but I‘m partial to the olive green suede. It‘s the perfect unexpected neutral that pairs with everything from black jeans to printed dresses.
Unfortunately, the Top Star has been discontinued (I‘m already mourning), but Taos has plenty of other sneaker options to fill the void, like the Star Burst or the Moc Star. If you ever spot the Top Star on a clearance rack, don‘t walk – run!
The Verdict: Are Taos Shoes Worth the Hype?
Now for the question you‘re all here for: are Taos shoes worth the hype (and the price)? In my opinion, 100% yes! I‘ve tried countless shoe brands over the years, and Taos consistently blows me away with their perfect blend of style, comfort, and quality.
I love that Taos never sacrifices aesthetics for the sake of comfort. Their shoes are genuinely cute and on-trend, with thoughtful details like metallic accents, embossed patterns, and fun embroidery. Every time I wear my Taos shoes, I get compliments from strangers and friends alike.
Of course, the real selling point is how amazing they feel on your feet. Taos‘ signature comfort technology, like the Curves & Pods footbed and Cool Recovery Foam, make a noticeable difference in how my feet feel at the end of a long day. I have fussy, prone-to-pain feet, but my Taos shoes never let me down.
Yes, Taos shoes are a bit of an investment, with most styles priced over $100. However, I truly believe they‘re worth saving up for. Not only does the premium quality construction hold up beautifully over time, but you‘re investing in the health and happiness of your hardworking feet. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
The Final Word
When it comes to shoe shopping, we‘ve all been burned by brands that prioritize trends over comfort and quality. But with Taos Footwear, you don‘t have to compromise. Their thoughtfully designed shoes deliver on both style and substance, so you can look and feel your best wherever your day takes you.
Whether you‘re in the market for a wear-with-anything sneaker, a breezy summer sandal, or a fashion-forward boot, Taos has you covered. Their innovative comfort features, premium materials, and effortlessly cool designs have earned them a devoted following – and I‘m proud to count myself among the fans.
So go ahead, treat your feet to the Taos experience. I have a feeling you‘ll be smiling with every step!
