Taft only carries their shoes and boots in full sizes, and only in standard D-width. Taft sizing is closely aligned with common dress shoe and sneaker sizing, so take whatever you wear in most sneakers and dress shoes and find the next closest size (go down a half size if needed). If you wear a size 10.5 in dress shoes, choose a size 10 for Taft.
There’s nothing like the smell of new boots.
And you’re about to experience it.
But the smell of boots that you’re about to return because they’re too big or small is terrible. What a hassle.
Don’t worry: in this Taft shoes sizing guide, I’m going to show you everything you need to know before getting a pair of Taft shoes or boots. Plus, I put together a handy Taft size chart so you can compare Taft’s sizes to common brands.
How to Get the Correct Boot Size from Taft
I’ve been a long-time fan of Taft, and I own three of their boots: the Jack, the Dragon 3.0, and the Dylan.
One of the things I hear complaints about consistently on the BootSpy YouTube channel is that Taft doesn’t offer half sizes.
I’m a half-size (10.5), and I’m here to tell you that you can find a Taft shoe or boot that fits well. And it’s pretty simple.
While Taft boots are style-forward, they've got the substance to back it up. With high quality construction and materials, these boots have as much under the hood as they do on the outside.
Major things to note: Taft only offers full sizes. I’ve found that their lasts have a bit of room in them, so even though I’m a half-size, all three of my boots still have a solid fit and aren’t too tight or loose.
Also, Taft only offers their shoes and boots in standard D-width. If you have a wide foot (E/EEE) then you’re pretty much out of luck. If your foot is only slightly wide (E), then you’ll likely feel comfortable going with the next size up.
Another important note: Taft’s shoes and boots fit the same—unlike other brands that have varying sizes between their shoes and boots (looking at you, Allen Edmonds), Taft’s sizing is consistent across their models.
To get the correct Taft size, it’s easiest to compare to other brands you have in your closet. Taft boots fit like most dress shoes and sneakers. What do you wear in Converse, Nike, Reebok, Allen Edmonds dress shoes, Cole Haan, or any other major shoe brand?
That’s likely the size you’ll want for your Tafts (i.e. you’re a size 10 in Nike, so get a size 10 in Taft).
But what do you do if you’re a half-size like me? I wear a 10.5 in dress shoes and sneakers. This is where you’ll need a little faith: order the next size down. For me, I ordered all my boots in size 10, and they all fit perfectly.
If you have a slightly wide foot, or your closet is half and half 10.5’s and 11’s, then you should order the next half-size larger. You may have some extra room, but a thicker pair of socks will take care of the issue.
The waxed suede upper and close fit through the ankle give the Taft Dragon a distinctive style, and while it’s a bit pricey for a direct-to-consumer brand, there’s no denying the overall build quality of this boot.
Taft x You Sizing
If ordering a half size smaller or larger is giving you the jitters, you can try Taft’s new made-to-order service, Taft x You.
Because these shoes and boots are made to order, you can get the specific size you want—they offer every size and half size from 6-16, plus you can order the special E wide width if that’s what you need.
It takes around eight weeks for you to get your boots, though. That’s because someone literally has to hand-make your new boots in their Spain factory.
Also, there’s no returns on Taft x You shoes and boots.
But the service is a fantastic way to get the exact size you want, so long as you have some patience.
Break In Period for Taft Boots
I’ve noticed with Taft boots that there’s a bit of a break in period, at least for me.
It’s because the best possible size for me would be a 10.5. The 10 still fits me well, but it’s snug, especially at first.
All Taft shoes and boots stretch a little as you break them in. It’s perfectly natural and is common among all brands.
Before you go thinking that your boots are too tight and throw them in the back of your closet, understand that there will be a few weeks with uncomfortable rubbing and soreness. Taft’s break in isn’t nearly as bad as some other brands, but it’s there.
Either the Taft Jack Boot speaks to you, or it doesn’t. The material quality is excellent, and the construction is on par with what you’d find in any high-quality dress boot. But with such a distinctive boot, it’s awesome as part of a collection, though it’s not quite your “everyday” stomper.
However, if you try your boots on and after 20 minutes your feet start to tingle, then they’re too tight and you should return them for the next largest size.
Taft Size Chart
If you’d like to compare Taft’s sizing to other brands and other common sizes, check out the Taft size chart below:
If you know your UK or European sizing, you can easily translate it to the correct US size you’ll need for your Taft shoes.
This sizing chart is accurate for Taft’s boots and shoes, though their sneakers are a little smaller, so you’ll want to follow the brand’s sizing guidelines for sneakers.
Taft Return Policy
Taft offers free exchanges if you find that your new boots don’t fit the way you hoped. You should always try on your boots at home and wear them for an hour or two on the carpet.
Once the soles are scuffed or the upper becomes creased (which usually happens during the first wear), you won’t be able to return or exchange your shoes. I always wear my new shoes for at least an hour before going outside just to make sure that there’s no obvious discomfort like tingling in my toes, or my heel is banging around with too much room.
Taft makes it easy to print out a pre-paid shipping label for exchanges, though they do require a $10 re-stock fee if you want to get a refund on your boots.
You have 30 days to make your return or exchange, which is on par with what many other brands offer.
That said, the Taft x You made to order boots, gift cards, clearance, and factory seconds shoes are final sale, meaning that you can’t get a refund or an exchange, so factor that in when you’re buying.
While Taft boots are style-forward, they've got the substance to back it up. With high quality construction and materials, these boots have as much under the hood as they do on the outside.
Conclusion
You know everything there is to know about finding the right size for your new Taft shoes. It’s time to take the plunge.
Again, Taft’s return policy is generous, so even if you accidentally get the wrong size, you can easily exchange for the correct size. But honestly, I don’t think that’s going to happen with you.
Just take the most common shoe size you have in your closet and order that. If it’s a half-size, then order the next size smaller. Simple.
My personal favorite Taft boots is a tie: I love the Dylan for dressy occasions and the Dragon for more everyday wear.
With its woven texture, the Taft Dylan is a one-of-a-kind boot and a total showstopper at that. If you want to stand out with a boot that looks as rich as a gilded cheesecake, then the Dylan is right for you.
What kind of Tafts are you getting?
FAQs
Does Taft offer half sizes?
Taft only carries full sizes, but their shoes and boots typically have a little more room in the toe and waist, so if you’re a half size, you can order the next size smaller and usually get the perfect fit.
Are Taft shoes handmade?
Taft’s shoes are bench-made, so it’s a mix of handbuilding and machine work. There’s a genuinely impressive amount of craftsmanship that goes into each Taft shoe.
