Taft Boots Review: Quality, Style, and Comfort in Every Step

If you want boots that stand out in a crowd and offer quality construction, Taft boots might be the answer.

These handcrafted footwear pieces combine unique designs with premium materials to create statement pieces that go beyond ordinary boots.

This comprehensive review examines everything about Taft boots to help you decide if they deserve a spot in your wardrobe.

Key Takeaways

• Taft boots are handcrafted in Spain and Portugal by skilled artisans using premium materials including full-grain leather, waxed suede, and unique textiles
• Most Taft boots feature a Blake stitch construction which creates a flexible, lightweight feel while maintaining durability
• Prices typically range from $250-$350 for classic styles, with limited editions and special collections reaching up to $395
• The brand was founded by Kory and Mallory Stevens in 2014, initially as a sock company before pivoting to footwear
• Taft offers distinctive design elements like floral patterns, unusual textures, and bold color combinations that set them apart from traditional boot makers
• Popular models include the Jack Boot (wool upper with leather toe cap), the Dragon Boot (waxed suede), and the Rome Boot (dressy leather with embossing)
• While not designed for heavy outdoor use, most styles are comfortable for daily wear with leather lining and cushioned insoles
• The company provides a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
• Taft boots run slightly large, and many styles are available only in whole sizes, not half sizes
• These boots excel as statement pieces for fashion-forward individuals looking for unique footwear options

The Story Behind Taft Boots

The journey of Taft boots began with an unusual starting point—socks. Founders Kory and Mallory Stevens launched Taft in 2014 as a sock company.

Their initial success with high-quality no-show socks gave them entry into the footwear market. Within a year, they pivoted to shoes and boots, focusing on creating distinctive designs with European craftsmanship.

What makes the Taft story remarkable is how this husband-and-wife team bootstrapped their way to success. With no external funding, no employees, and no prior e-commerce experience, they built a brand that now competes with established footwear companies. Their direct-to-consumer business model cuts out middlemen, allowing them to offer high-quality products at more accessible price points than traditional luxury footwear.

The founders’ vision centered on creating unique, bold designs that stand out from the sea of conventional footwear. Their signature approach combines traditional craftsmanship with unexpected materials and patterns. This dedication to being different has earned Taft a devoted following among fashion-forward individuals looking for statement pieces.

Taft Boot Construction and Materials

Taft takes pride in their materials and construction methods. Their boots feature premium materials sourced primarily from European tanneries and textile mills. The company uses full-grain leather, waxed suede, Portuguese wool, and other high-quality materials in their designs.

Most Taft boots use Blake stitch construction, a method that stitches the upper directly to the sole through the insole. This technique creates a more flexible, lightweight boot compared to Goodyear welted alternatives. The Blake stitch also allows for a slimmer profile and sleeker appearance, though it means resoling requires specialized equipment.

The leather used in Taft boots is often vegetable-tanned, a traditional process that creates a rich patina over time. Many boots feature leather linings for comfort and durability, while the outsoles vary from leather with rubber inserts to full rubber soles depending on the model. This attention to materials contributes to both the aesthetic appeal and performance of the boots.

One distinctive aspect of Taft’s approach is their willingness to experiment with unconventional materials. Their Jack Boot, for example, uses Portuguese wool for the upper with leather toe caps and heel counters. This combination creates a unique look while offering surprising durability and comfort.

Popular Taft Boot Models Reviewed

The Jack Boot

The Jack Boot stands as one of Taft’s most recognizable designs. This mid-ankle boot features a wool upper with leather toe cap and heel counter. The wool comes in various patterns, from subtle textures to bold floral designs, making each variant a statement piece.

Despite initial skepticism about wool’s durability, the Jack Boot has proven surprisingly resilient. The wool is naturally water-repellent, keeping feet dry in light rain, while the leather components provide structure and support. The calfskin lining adds comfort and helps the boot maintain its shape.

The Jack Boot excels as a style-forward option for casual to smart-casual outfits. It pairs well with jeans and chinos, adding visual interest to simple outfits. While not designed for rough terrain or extreme weather, it handles daily urban wear with ease and offers excellent comfort straight out of the box.

The Dragon Boot

The Dragon Boot represents Taft’s approach to creating a more rugged option without sacrificing style. Made from waxed suede, this boot has an eye-catching texture that looks both refined and durable. The wax treatment gives the suede a unique appearance while adding water resistance.

The Dragon features a Dainite rubber sole, providing better traction and durability than leather soles. This makes it more versatile for varied weather conditions while maintaining a sleek profile. The boot strikes a balance between dressy and casual, working well with both jeans and dressier pants.

Many reviewers note that the Dragon Boot feels substantial without being heavy, with good shock absorption from its rubber midsole. The boot’s silhouette remains slim despite its rugged qualities, avoiding the bulkiness common in work-oriented boots.

The Rome Boot

For those seeking a dressier option, the Rome Boot delivers elegance with distinctive details. This boot features hand-burnished leather with floral embossing patterns that create visual texture without becoming overly bold. The craftsmanship shines in the detailed finishing work.

The Rome uses a leather sole with rubber inserts, balancing traditional dress boot aesthetics with practical traction. The boots have a sleek, refined silhouette that works well with dress pants and suits while remaining versatile enough for premium denim.

Comfort-wise, the Rome includes a fully leather-lined interior and cushioned insole. The boot requires minimal break-in time, with many users reporting comfortable wear from the first day. The attention to detail extends to the interior construction, not just the visible exterior.

Comfort and Fit Considerations

Taft boots generally receive positive marks for comfort, though experiences vary across different models. Most styles feature leather lining and cushioned insoles that provide a comfortable wearing experience with minimal break-in time. The Blake stitch construction creates flexibility that contributes to day-long comfort.

One consistent note across multiple reviews is that Taft boots tend to run large. The company acknowledges this on their website, recommending that customers size down from their usual sneaker size. Additionally, most Taft boots come only in whole sizes, not half sizes, which can complicate finding the perfect fit for some people.

The width of Taft boots presents another consideration. Most styles have a medium width that works for average feet, but those with particularly wide feet may find some models too narrow. The lack of width options limits accessibility for customers with non-standard foot shapes.

For day-long wear, reviews indicate that most Taft boots perform well for urban environments and office settings. The Rome and Jack models receive particular praise for comfort during extended wear. However, these are not work boots or hiking boots—their design prioritizes style and everyday comfort rather than heavy-duty performance.

Style and Versatility

The distinctive design elements of Taft boots represent both their greatest strength and their most significant limitation.

These boots make bold style statements with unique patterns, textures, and color combinations that stand out from conventional footwear. For style-conscious individuals looking to elevate their outfits with eye-catching footwear, Taft offers excellent options.

The Jack Boot in wool patterns provides a conversation-starting piece that adds visual interest to simple outfits. The Dragon’s waxed suede creates a rich texture that catches the light in unexpected ways. The Rome’s embossed patterns add subtle sophistication to formal looks. These distinctive elements make Taft boots recognizable and unique.

However, this boldness limits versatility in some contexts. The more distinctive patterns work best with simpler outfits to avoid visual competition. The dressier models like the Rome can transition between business and casual settings, but the statement pieces like patterned Jack boots work best in creative environments rather than conservative offices.

Most Taft boots occupy the smart-casual to business-casual spectrum, with some crossing into formal territory. They excel as the focal point of an outfit, drawing attention and adding character to even basic clothing combinations.

Durability and Longevity

With proper care, Taft boots demonstrate good durability for their intended use. The quality materials and careful construction result in footwear that holds up well to regular wear in urban environments. While not designed for harsh conditions or heavy work use, they withstand daily office and city wear admirably.

The Blake stitch construction provides a solid foundation, though it lacks the heavy-duty durability of Goodyear welted work boots. This construction method can be resoled, extending the life of the boots, though the process requires specialized equipment not available at all cobbler shops.

Leather soles with rubber inserts, common on several Taft models, provide a good balance of elegance and practicality. The rubber portions enhance traction and wear resistance while maintaining a sleek profile. Full rubber soles on models like the Dragon offer even better durability in varied conditions.

One vulnerability noted in some reviews concerns the welt join areas, which may show wear sooner than other parts of the boot. Regular maintenance with appropriate leather conditioners and waterproofing products helps preserve the materials and extend the lifespan of the boots.

Value Proposition

Taft boots typically range from $250 to $350, with some limited editions reaching $395. This positions them in the mid-to-upper range of footwear pricing, above mass-market brands but below traditional luxury bootmakers. Their 365 line offers more affordable options starting around $190.

The value question depends largely on what you prioritize in footwear. For unique design and aesthetic impact, Taft offers excellent value, providing distinctive styles that stand out from both cheaper and more expensive alternatives. The craftsmanship quality justifies the price point for those seeking statement pieces with good construction.

However, if your primary concerns are rugged durability or traditional heritage aesthetics, other brands might offer better value. Taft boots excel as fashion pieces with good quality rather than as heavy-duty workwear or classic heritage designs.

The direct-to-consumer business model allows Taft to offer higher quality at lower prices than would be possible through traditional retail channels. This approach eliminates retailer markups, allowing more of the purchase price to go toward materials and craftsmanship rather than distribution costs.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance extends the life of Taft boots and keeps them looking their best. The specific care routines vary depending on the materials used in each model.

For leather boots like the Rome:

• Clean regularly with a soft brush to remove dust and debris
• Condition every few months with a quality leather conditioner to prevent drying and cracking
• Polish as needed to maintain shine and color on dress styles
• Use shoe trees when not wearing to maintain shape and absorb moisture

For suede models like the Dragon:

• Brush gently with a suede brush to remove dirt and restore nap
• Apply suede protector to enhance water resistance
• Clean stains promptly with a suede eraser or specialized cleaner
• Avoid saturating with water or cleaning products

For wool models like the Jack:

• Brush lightly to remove surface dirt
• Spot clean stains with minimal moisture
• Allow to dry completely if they get wet
• Apply fabric protector designed for wool to enhance stain resistance

All Taft boots benefit from rotation with other footwear to allow them to dry completely between wears. This practice significantly extends their lifespan by preventing the breakdown of interior materials from persistent moisture.

Customer Experience and Service

Taft offers a strong customer service experience that receives praise even from customers who encountered issues with their products. The company provides a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, demonstrating confidence in their quality standards.

The ordering process through their website is straightforward, with detailed product descriptions and quality photos showing the boots from multiple angles. The site includes sizing recommendations, though the lack of half sizes remains a limitation for some customers.

Customer reviews highlight responsive communication from the Taft team when issues arise. Many mention quick resolution of problems and a willingness to stand behind their products. This customer-focused approach helps build loyalty even when initial experiences aren’t perfect.

As a direct-to-consumer brand, Taft lacks physical stores where customers can try on boots before purchasing. This makes the return policy particularly important. Taft offers returns within 30 days for unworn shoes, though customers pay return shipping costs unless the return results from a defect or company error.

Comparing Taft to Competitors

Taft occupies an interesting position in the footwear market, competing with both traditional bootmakers and fashion-forward brands. Understanding how they compare helps place them in context.

Compared to heritage work boot brands like Red Wing or Wolverine, Taft offers more stylish, fashion-forward designs but less rugged construction. Their focus on unique aesthetics rather than heavy-duty performance places them in a different category altogether.

Against similar-priced dress boot makers like Allen Edmonds or Meermin, Taft provides more distinctive designs but potentially less conservative versatility. Their construction quality compares favorably, though traditionalists may prefer the Goodyear welting of some competitors.

Fashion-oriented brands like Thursday Boot Company offer a more direct comparison. Thursday provides more conservative designs at slightly lower prices, while Taft delivers more unique aesthetics with comparable construction quality. Both use similar direct-to-consumer business models to deliver value.

Luxury designer brands charge significantly more for fashion-forward boots, making Taft an attractive alternative for style-conscious shoppers seeking distinctive designs without premium luxury pricing. The craftsmanship meets a high standard without commanding the same price premium.

Who Should Consider Taft Boots

Taft boots appeal to specific types of customers rather than being all-purpose footwear for everyone. Understanding who benefits most from these boots helps determine if they match your needs.

These boots work excellently for:

• Style-conscious individuals seeking distinctive footwear that stands out
• Fashion enthusiasts who appreciate unique design details and materials
• Urban professionals wanting stylish boots for office and social settings
• Those willing to invest in quality footwear beyond mass-market options
• People with average-width feet who typically wear whole sizes

Taft boots may not satisfy:

• Outdoor enthusiasts needing rugged performance in harsh conditions
• Traditional style purists preferring classic, conservative designs
• Work environments requiring safety features or extreme durability
• Those with very wide feet who need specialized width options
• Budget-focused shoppers prioritizing lowest possible price points

The ideal Taft customer values aesthetic impact and quality construction while having lifestyle needs that align with smart-casual to business attire rather than rugged outdoor or industrial environments.

The Final Verdict on Taft Boots

Taft boots deliver on their promise of unique, well-crafted footwear that makes a statement. The quality materials, attention to detail, and distinctive designs justify their mid-to-upper range pricing for customers seeking something beyond conventional boot options.

The standout strength lies in their bold, unique designs that offer visual interest rarely found in other brands at similar price points. The quality of materials and construction provides a solid foundation for these aesthetic choices, ensuring the boots deliver substance along with style.

Their limitations primarily involve fit options and specialized use cases. The lack of half sizes and width options restricts accessibility for some potential customers. The focus on style over heavy-duty performance makes them unsuitable for rugged outdoor use or work environments.

For those whose needs align with their strengths, Taft boots offer excellent value and satisfaction. They excel as statement pieces that elevate everyday outfits while providing comfort and durability suitable for urban environments.

The direct-to-consumer approach delivers quality that would likely cost significantly more through traditional retail channels.

Ultimately, Taft boots earn a strong recommendation for style-conscious individuals seeking distinctive, well-made footwear that stands apart from the crowd. Their unique position in the market makes them worth considering for anyone looking to add character to their footwear collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Taft boots made?

Taft boots are handcrafted primarily in Spain and Portugal by experienced artisans using traditional techniques.

How do Taft boots fit?

Taft boots typically run large. The company recommends sizing down from your regular sneaker size.

Are Taft boots worth the price?

Yes, for those seeking unique designs with quality construction. The value comes from distinctive aesthetics combined with good materials and craftsmanship.

Can Taft boots be resoled?

Yes, Taft boots with Blake stitch construction can be resoled, though you’ll need to find a cobbler with the specialized equipment.

How long do Taft boots last?

With proper care and rotation, Taft boots can last several years of regular wear in urban environments.

Are Taft boots good for wide feet?

Most Taft boots have a medium width that works for average feet, but they may be too narrow for those with particularly wide feet.

What is Taft’s return policy?

Taft offers returns within 30 days for unworn shoes, with customers paying return shipping unless the return is due to a defect.

Does Taft offer a warranty?

Yes, Taft provides a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Are Taft boots waterproof?

Most Taft boots offer some water resistance but aren’t fully waterproof. Models like the Dragon with waxed suede provide better wet-weather performance.

What makes Taft boots different from other brands?

Taft boots stand out for their unique designs, including unusual materials, patterns, and textures rarely found in other footwear brands at similar price points.