Published on January 10th, 2024 | by Kirsten Borrink
24Taos Crave Boot for Taking on the Day in Comfort and Style
This review of the Taos Crave boot is sponsored by TaosFootwear.com. The opinions are completely my own based on experience.
This is the boot that all the other boots envy: gorgeous on the outside, yet supportive and gentle on the inside; dependable, tough and incredibly versatile. That’s the Taos Crave boot.
Taos calls the Crave an “urban” boot–but my SUV-driving, Target-shopping suburban feet crave the comfort of this boot every bit as much as urban feet. Tonight I took them for a spin around our neighborhood as my youngest went trick-or-treating. First off, I love a lace-up boot with a side zipper. Who’s got time to tie their boots every time they leave the house? Adjust the laces once and be done with it!
Once the Taos Crave was laced-up, zipped and ready to go, the second thing I noted was the toe room. Since I’m the lucky recipient of both bunions and hammertoes, I detect immediately if a toe box is too narrow or shallow. While the Taos Crave’s toe box isn’t as wide as what you’d find in a Dansko Professional, my toes didn’t feel cramped. However, I will stick to a thinner sock until the leather stretches out over time. While on the topic of toe room, you should know that I ordered a euro size 41 for my size 10 feet (occasionally I’m a 9.5). I’m happy with the snug fit, but if you have significant bunions, wider feet or plan on wearing the boot with thick socks, I’d order up a size.
Arch support, sweet arch support–the Taos Crave has just the right amount for my medium arches. But if you need more, just remove the footbed and insert your favorite insole or orthotic (you could try a Tread-Labs 3/4 orthotic if you’re concerned about crowding the toe box). The dual-density cushioned insole adds to the overall comfort of this stunning boot.
Another feature I noted as I walked the neighborhood is the 2″ heel height. This is just slightly higher than most casual shoes and boots I wear. Thankfully the 3/4″ platform offset the total elevation from toe to heel. I think this would be beneficial for someone with plantar fasciitis or achilles tendonitis who needs a little lift to alleviate discomfort. The rugged rubber outsole offers excellent shock-absorption and traction.
Do you live in a climate with temperate winters around 40 degrees? The Taos Crave might be the only winter boot you need. It has a soft faux-fur lining that keeps toes cozy and warm (and would look perfect with a pair of colorful Smartwool socks peeking out). Truly the designers of this stunning boot thought of everything–just look at the distressed leather and soft suede uppers in rich fall hues from ink blue (pictured here) to bordeaux to teal. The attention to detail is noteworthy: cap-toe stitching, buckle embellishment, and metal eyelets.
The Taos Crave boot is available in ten colors, euro sizes 36-43 from TaosFootwear.com (as noted above, you may want to order up a size if you have a wide foot, significant bunions, or plan to use an orthotic). Also available from Zappos, Walking Co. and Amazon.
I prefer the Taos to Dromedaris. I get a nice snug fit around the ankle. The more I wear them, the more I love them.
I have had my Taos Crave (in teal) for more than a year and they are my one of my two FAVORITES! (I also love Ahnu Sugarpine boots.) I have trouble with hallux rigidus with slight bunion in both feet and these are SO comfortable & supportive, stylish (fun) and offer a little height…I am petite! Plenty of toe room & nice arch support… I get LOTS of compliments on them (…and I’m considered a senior citizen!) LOL Was excited to see that TAOS has added a tall version this year! Those may be too young for me but…maybe! 🙂
I say go for it with the Tall Crave boots. I love my Crave boots more and more each time I wear them (as the leather softens and comforms to toes), the footbed is so comfortable.
i was in a car accident and fractured my right ankle so both side was injured so my both side get swollen and kind of painful, also my toes are in bad shape from the surgery damaged my nerve endings so two of my toes are like retrieving, and also at the ball of my foot also hurts when i walk for more than a half hour, on the left leg i fell and broke it so that too i have a problem, so right now the only thing i can wear is flip flop and i would love to find a decent shoes that i can walk and also be worn with skirts or dress, i was wandering about the price point of your shoes, and what you suggest with my problem, i take my dogs for a walk and tennis shoes are out i buy wide and one size bigger still it hurts to walk, right now when i walk my dogs once in awhile i wear flip flop and my feet are getting worse, i hope you have a suggestion i cant weare any thing with straps because of my toes, and right now wearing close shoes is a misery to walk in it, i need help and my budget sucks any stores around me have your shoes? i actually would need to try them on to see if it will work, 🙂 how is the return polocy?
Just wondering what colour boot you are wearing in the top pics. It doesn’t look like the blue ink or the teal. Did you get them last year? Perhaps they offered a different colour??
They are the ink color 🙂 Which to me is really navy. The laces are a maroon-brown color.
Oh perfect. Thank you!
I bought the Taos ‘Crave’ boot in black (based on the recommendation here) & I like them A LOT. Pros: They are a rugged/casual boot that hold their own in slushy & snowy weather. They’re comfortable for driving. No break in period required; the leather is soft, the toe box is roomy and the heel fits well. (I wear thick socks with these boots. The zipper is great. Not-Quite-Cons: They have a thick sole and are a little bit clunkier than the boots I’ve been wearing–I just have to get used to them. They’re warm, especially with heavy socks. It seems that this style is designed for feet with volume – I wear a 6.5 or 7 & these boots provide a ton of space in the toe box. Bottom line: Great colors, cute casual look & very practical.
Hi Beth! Thanks so much for the feedback on the Taos Crave. I’m glad you like them. I get a ton of wear out of mine as they go with so many of my casual outfits. I agree, the sole/heel is definitely sturdy–verging on clunky as you say 🙂
i bought these for my daughter and they did not fit and I am about to return them. I thought they were too young for me at age 56 but i decided to wear them around the house and I am liking them…a tad snug on one foot but not lengthwise and i feel that would break in…is there any way you can show more examples of how to wear these as i am not a leggings kind of person but cannot figure out another way to wear them except longer wider pants but then that covers the beauty of the boot…
Hi! I have RA pretty severe in both feet and have not been able to wear any shoe with a heel… do these boots put pressure on the ball of your foot? Thank you for your help! I’ve bern searching for a site like this for years:)
Hi Angela, They are a little high–could put too much pressure on foot. I highly recommend the Rockport Cobb Hill Bethany boot as an alternative–slightly more roomy toe box and lower heel–good support and cushioning. Here’s my review:https://www.barkingdogshoes.com/cobb-hill-bethany-boot-review/
Awesome! Thank you so much ?
Thanks for the great review. I’ve seen these boots advertised online, and your review along with other positive comments I’ve read have convinced me to give the Taos Crave a try. They are so cute! However, I’m torn…can’t decide between the teal and bordeaux. I think they are both gorgeous and the colors would go equally well with my closet. Not having seen them in person, any recommendation? Also, I’m 47 and hoping these boots will give me an edgy look without trying to be trendy. Any thoughts on age-appropriateness or feedback on colors? Thanks in advance, and I look forward to reading more of your blogs!
Hi Kim. I think you’ll love them. The teal is REALLY teal. Personally I’d go with the bordeaux. Let me know what you choose 🙂
I love your comment because Ahnu Sugarpines are my absolute favorite shoes! I found out they were being bought by i forget who now, so I ordered two more pairs. I have both low and high. Just bought a pair of craves after eyeing them for a year. They’re actually a little wide for me. but i’m also a senior citizen now. Wear whatever the heck makes you happy! Just ’cause we’re older doesn’t mean we’re less fun!
I’m 60 and I wear these! Any age can wear boots! If you can walk you are not too old! Can you wear skinny jeans? I don’t like wearing them with tennis shoes, but I wear them with the crave boot and fold a little cuff just above the top of the boots. Also great with a skirt and tights, even a longer skirt!
I just got some and they seem loose to me at the instep and ankle. I have them laced as tight as they go. I normally don’t wear “narrow” shoes so I’m a little bummed.
Unfortunately Teva absorbed Ahnu. Sugarpines are still around, but after reading customer comments, I think the quality has decreased. Ahnu had such a great thing going from hiking boots to sandals…why did they discontinue???
I’m 54 and 5’1″. I just got the Taos Crave in black. A young girl at the office told me combat boots were going out of style, but when I look at the trend for Fall 2019 boots, I read that combat boots are coming back in. Which is it? I would love to see more pics.
hi! I bought these alongside the “work it” lace up boots …
i’m not sure how these are suppose to fit?
the sides of it kind of gently hugs the width of my foot – so i’m not sure with Taos leather shoes if it’ll stretch or if I should just do a 1/2 size up (but the length currently is good)
also do you have experience with the style “work it” by taos ?
I have pain in my right ball of my foot / big toe and I can see a bunion forming // left foot overpronation—- as a reference to what is going on with my foot health.
Thanks from me too. I love the look of the Crave and like Taos in general but that heel is a little much for this old gal. I’ve never been a heel fan or wearer. Going to check out the Rockport. I had been concerned about quality-if they were as “good” as Taos but sounds like it’s fine.
What color is this the photo with the cream colored boot socks?
That would be the Taos Crave in gray leather..