If you have an eye for stylish men's footwear, you’re likely familiar with Taft. The brand has become a go-to for its unique blend of classic designs and bold personality, offering everything from distinctive boots to sleek loafers without breaking the bank. Their shoes are known for high-quality materials and craftsmanship that feel both modern and timeless.
But when it's time to expand your shoe collection, it’s always good to have options. Whether you’re searching for a more traditional look, a rugged boot, or just a different vibe altogether, we've rounded up 19 brands that hit the same notes of style and quality. Here are some incredible alternatives to Taft worth adding to your closet.
Vessi swaps traditional leather for innovative, waterproof knit materials, making them a go-to for stylish, all-weather sneakers. Their minimalist designs offer incredible comfort and practicality, perfect for the guy whose style leans more toward modern athleisure. While Taft excels in smart-casual leather footwear, Vessi has cornered the market on tech-forward, everyday shoes that can handle anything.
If you're looking for something that blends sneaker comfort with sleek, rain-ready performance, Vessi is a fantastic counterpart to Taft's dressier loafers and boots. Prices are generally accessible, making them an easy choice for a versatile, functional shoe. Shop now at vessibrothers.com
Meermin Mallorca is one of the best-kept secrets in men's footwear, offering handcrafted, Goodyear-welted shoes at an incredible value, typically between $150 and $250. They specialize in classic oxfords, loafers, and monk straps made from premium European leathers. Meermin provides the same high-quality construction you’d find in much more expensive brands.
Compared to Taft, Meermin’s aesthetic is more traditional and understated, focusing on timeless silhouettes that will never go out of style. If you love Taft’s commitment to quality but are looking for something a bit more classic for the office or formal events, Meermin is an unbeatable choice. Shop now at meermin.com
Oliver Cabell combines simple, clean designs with a commitment to transparency and ethical production. Known for their Italian leather sneakers and stylish boots, they offer a minimalist alternative to Taft with a similar price point of around $150-$250. Their focus on sustainable materials and high-quality craftsmanship appeals to the style-conscious man who also values where his products come from.
Where Taft brings bold patterns and textures, Oliver Cabell thrives on understated elegance. Their shoes are incredibly versatile, designed to work seamlessly with a modern, streamlined wardrobe. It's a great pick for guys who appreciate a clean aesthetic. Shop now at olivercabell.com
Hailing from Britain, Russell & Bromley offers refined, heritage-inspired footwear with a high-end feel. Their collection is full of classics like loafers, brogues, and oxfords crafted from premium leathers. With a price range from $200-$400, they are a step up in price but deliver seriously sophisticated style.
Their vibe is more quintessentially British and polished compared to Taft's contemporary cool. If you are looking for an impeccable dress shoe that leans more traditional, Russell & Bromley provides timeless quality and craftsmanship. Shop now at russellandbromley.co.uk
Thursday Boots made a name for itself with ruggedly handsome boots built for comfort and durability, all at a direct-to-consumer price point ($150-$250). They focus on quality materials like full-grain leather and sturdy Goodyear welt construction, ensuring their footwear is made to last.
While Taft offers stylish boots, Thursday’s core identity is built around versatile, hardwearing styles like chukkas and Chelseas that can handle city streets or a weekend hike. It’s the perfect brand for the guy who loves Taft's quality but needs something a bit more rugged and functional without sacrificing style. Shop now at thursdayboots.com
For those looking to make a true investment in their shoe collection, Alden has been the American standard for luxury footwear since 1884. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship and use of premium leathers like shell cordovan, Alden's shoes are built to last a lifetime. They sit in the luxury tier, with prices often starting at $500.
Unlike Taft's fashion-forward designs, Alden is all about traditional, heritage styles that are timeless. An Alden loafer or boot is a pinnacle of American shoemaking, appealing to men who appreciate history, quality, and legacy over trends. Shop now at aldenusa.com
A household name for a reason, Clarks delivers unbeatable comfort and classic, casual style. Famous for their iconic Desert Boot and Wallabee, they offer reliable, everyday footwear at an affordable price point, usually from $50 to $150. Their focus has always been on wearability and comfort.
Clarks offers a more laid-back and comfort-driven alternative to Taft's polished shoe lineup. If you're looking for a dependable and stylish casual shoe for everyday wear, you can never go wrong with a classic pair from Clarks. Shop now at clarksusa.com
Loake is another storied British shoemaker known for its high-quality, handcrafted dress shoes made with traditional Goodyear welting. With a focus on elegant, classic designs, Loake is a fantastic source for timeless oxfords and brogues in the $200 to $400 range.
Similar to Russell & Bromley, Loake captures that quintessential British sartorial flair. The brand appeals to men who want exceptionally well-made dress shoes that feel more traditional and formal than many of Taft's more contemporary styles. Shop now at loake.co.uk
Beckett Simonon operates on a unique made-to-order model, which eliminates waste and allows them to offer handcrafted leather shoes at a surprisingly accessible price, mostly around $150-$250. Their collection includes everything from sleek loafers to versatile sneakers, all made with premium, ethically sourced materials.
Their aesthetic is clean, modern, and versatile, much like Taft's, but with an added focus on sustainability. If you don't mind waiting a bit for your pair to be custom-made, Beckett Simonon offers incredible quality and style for the price. Shop now at beckett-simonon.com
Magnanni brings Spanish luxury and artisanal flair to men's footwear. The third-generation family business is celebrated for its sleek silhouettes, rich patinas, and distinctive Bologna construction, which provides incredible flexibility and comfort. Pricing is in the mid-luxury range, typically $400 to $700.
Compared to Taft, Magnanni is significantly more high-end and dressy, making it the perfect choice for formal events or for someone looking to make a serious style statement at the office. Their attention to detail and high-gloss finishes are truly next-level. Shop now at magnanni.com
French brand A.P.C. (Atelier de Production et de Creation) is the master of minimalist cool. Their footwear collection, from Chelsea boots to sneakers, embodies a stripped-down Parisian chic that is effortlessly stylish. Prices typically range from $150 to $300.
While Taft often injects bold patterns and unusual textures into its designs, A.P.C. keeps things clean, simple, and impeccably cool. If your style is more about subtlety and perfect lines, A.P.C.'s shoes are a perfect match. Shop now at apc-us.com
Another beloved French brand, Sandro provides a slick, contemporary take on men's footwear. Their designs often feature sharp silhouettes and on-trend details, from chunky loafers to sleek leather boots, perfectly walking the line between classic shapes and modern fashion. You can expect to pay between $200 and $400.
Sandro offers a more fashion-forward and trend-aware alternative to Taft. While Taft plays with classic designs, Sandro is often a step ahead, making it ideal for the man who wants his shoes to make a modern statement. Shop now at sandro-paris.com
For classic Italian luxury, Bruno Magli has been a trusted name for decades. Specializing in elegant dress shoes like bit loafers, oxfords, and drivers, the brand represents sophisticated, old-world craftsmanship with fine leathers and impeccable finishes. Their shoes sit in the luxury category, often priced from $400 to $800.
If you love the quality of Taft's dressier options but are looking for a more high-end and classically refined style, Bruno Magli is a go-to. It’s an investment in timeless Italian elegance. Shop now at brunomagli.com
Oliver Sweeney combines British cordwaining traditions with a flair for creative details. Known for tattoo-inspired sole engravings and unique material blends, their shoes have a distinct personality. From brogues to boots priced in the $200-$400 range, they craft footwear that feels both timeless and unique.
Like Taft, Oliver Sweeney isn't afraid to add a bit of personality to its shoes. However, their execution feels distinctly British and a bit more eccentric. This brand is for the man who appreciates expert construction but wants his shoes to stand out from the crowd. Shop now at oliversweeney.com
Sitting in the upper echelon of British shoemaking, Crocket & Jones is famous for producing world-class, Goodyear-welted shoes. Their styles are enduring classics - think perfect penny loafers and impeccably crafted oxfords - that are built to be worn and repaired for years. Prices generally fall in the $400 to $900 range.
This is a true step up into the world of luxury heritage footwear. While Taft offers excellent style for its price, Crocket & Jones provides an heirloom-quality shoe that is the definition of a long-term investment. Shop now at crocketandjones.com
Santoni represents the pinnacle of luxurious Italian craftsmanship. From the hand-coloring of the leathers to the sleek, artistic silhouettes, every pair feels like a work of art. Expect prices to start around $600 and soar, as these shoes are made for discerning wearers seeking ultimate refinement.
Compared to Taft, Santoni is hyper-focused on luxury and artisanal creation. Their shoes are ideal for milestone events and for professionals who want to project an image of confident, sophisticated style. Shop now at santonishoes.com
John Lobb is legendary in the world of men's shoes. A bastion of bespoke and ready-to-wear British footwear, their creations are synonymous with unparalleled quality, fit, and elegance. With ready-to-wear prices beginning around $1,200, this brand is the definition of aspirational luxury.
If Taft represents accessible style, John Lobb is the highest end of the spectrum, offering understated, perfectly crafted shoes for men who demand the absolute best. It’s a benchmark for what is possible in the world of shoemaking. Shop now at johnlobb.com
Paul Smith infuses classic British footwear with a signature dose of color and playful quirkiness. You will find beautifully made brogues, loafers, and sneakers that adhere to classic shapes but surprise with a colorful sole or a striped detail. Prices typically sit between $200 and $500.
This brand shares Taft's spirit for adding personality to classic footwear but does so with a different creative lens. A Paul Smith shoe is for the man with an artistic sensibility who appreciates well-made classics with a modern, joyful twist. Shop now at paulsmith.com
Grenson has been making shoes in England since 1866 and is famous for its distinctive, durable, and stylish footwear, especially its brogued boots. They perfected the triple welt, making for an extra-sturdy and weather-resistant shoe perfect for the British climate. Prices largely range from $250 to $500.
Grenson excels where Taft does: creating stylish, durable shoes with character. However, its aesthetic roots are firmly in classic British country style, giving its boots and shoes a chunkier, more robust presence. It's a fantastic choice for well-made footwear with a heritage feel. Shop now at grenson.com
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