Customer Reviews Taos Footwear Star

Very pleased with these sneakers. They look cute with leggings and ankle jeans and provide lots of comfort thanks to the arch support that I and many others need and have not found in other sneakers of similar style. They're well made and stylish, and I love that the laces are cream-colored, not stark white, so the sneakers don't look too "lace-y." But make no mistake, these are sneakers, although really comfortable ones, not walking shoes. They're great for a day around town, but I think to expect them to carry you in comfort over miles and miles is unrealistic. For that you'll need your trusty Ahnus, Sauconys, or other more substantial footwear of choice. There just isn't the support in the sole and at the ball of the foot in these sneakers for serious touring. If you want this style to fill a wardrobe gap and you need the arch support, as I did, these sneakers are definitely worth the money. If you don't need the arch support...well, that would be a whole different ball game. Specifics on my purchase: The chocolate color is closer to gray than to brown (it's really nice), and the sneakers do run small--I ordered a full size up and it's a perfect fit. I usually wear a wide but the B width worked out just fine. A comfortable fit for me right out of the box with no rubbing or hot spots.

The first day I wore these, I wore them all day for walking around Williamsburg, VA. I knew that was taking a risk, but I bought them to take on vacation and relied on the reviews as to their suitability for walking/sightseeing. I was not disappointed. They were incredibly comfortable all day and the bonus was they were super cute as well! I did need to lace and tie them all the way up though or on me the heel would have slipped somewhat. I ordered my regular size even though some people had said to order a size up. When I first tried to put them on, I was concerned that I should have ordered up, but I went ahead and loosened the laces to get them on and they were actually exactly the size I needed.

These shoes are comfortable enough, but the sole is thin and they are not a good value. I have been wearing them 5 days a week for about a month, walking 2 - 3 miles a day. The sole is already starting to wear away and these won't last long enough to justify the price.

As other reviews have mentioned, the removable insole has a very cushioned heel and excellent arch support. However, the insole in the front half of the shoe is very thin. The sole is also thin with very little between my foot and the ground. This would be a shoe to maybe wear to the grocery store, but not for long walks while traveling. Sorry to say I had to return them. Also, I usually wear a 7.5, but could not even get my foot into the shoe. The 8 fit perfectly. I have very narrow feet and the width was perfect.

I love these shoes. I just got them today and I am currently ordering the other two colors. It has excellent arch support; so excellent that I can use them without my orthotics! And, they are stylish and go great with anything. I am so happy. Thanks, Zappos and Taos!

I really wanted this shoe to work, but it was too narrow and too stiff. I ordered a half-size bigger than normal and length wise it was fine, maybe a little longer than I needed, but my toes were rubbing the top of the toe box which is really annoying to me, it makes the shoe feel too small. I don't have wide feet, they are on the narrow to regular size, but these shoes hurt. I only wore them around the house and I have blisters on my heels from the narrow back of the shoe and the stiff canvas. The canvas is very rough and and the shoe does not feel like it lets your foot move and bend naturally as you walk. Guess I'll stick to my Teva Freewheel until I find something better.

Buyer beware: the sole is NOT as pictured. Description reads rubber with traction, but in fact the sole is actually a combination rubber and felted fabric. The only reason it is there is to benefit the manufacturer- it simply allows the shoes to be re-designated as slippers, for import purposes- it reduces the import tax fees. Not only are the felted fabric sections slippery, and potentially dangerous for the wearer, but the fabric also wears down quickly and shortens the life of the shoe. Boooooo.

I ordered both these (Star) and the Taos Plim Soul sneakers, and ended up sending these back and keeping the Plim Souls. I typically wear a 7.5 to 8 in regular shoes and I needed a size 8.5 in the Taos Star, where in the Taos Plim Soul I needed a size 8, so I would say to order a half to full size up in the Star, where the Plim Soul fits more TTS. I loved all the different color options in the Star and liked the look of the shoe, but ultimately liked the look of the Plim Soul better once on my feet (even though they look bigger and bulkier online and out of the box). This is really just personal preference, they are both very comfortable and supportive. The deciding factor for me was that the Star rubbed a bit on the back of my ankle, whereas the Plim Soul seemed to fit me better. Others have said that the Star feels very flat on the top of the foot, and I agree with that. I almost didn't even consider them because of this, because I don't even have a wide foot and it was uncomfortable. I found that the solution was to completely unlace the shoes, pull the tongue out, and then put your foot in the shoe and re-lace it. Once doing this, the shoe fit perfectly and comfortably across the top of the foot, and that squished, flat feeling to the shoe was gone. I think it's just something odd about the way they lace them for appearance when packaging them. Ultimately the reason I chose the Plim Soul instead was because of the fit in the heel/back of my ankle. The Star just hit me at a funny spot and felt like it was rubbing, but the Plim Soul hit perfectly. This could completely just be my feet, and should not dissuade anyone from trying them. They are very comfortable, supportive, and come in lots of fun colors and look good on.

I was searching for a simple, low grey tennis shoe after my two pairs of Keds failed me within a year. My Mom, who has bad feet, actually recommended these to me and as soon as I tried them on, I fell in LOVE. They are so comfy and exactly what I was looking for. The laces are an off white which took me by surprise, but I like them. I walk 2-miles every day to work and these have never rubbed, and are holding up great. I want to buy more in every color!

First, definitely order up 1/2 size. I did not heed the warnings, because I've thought most shoes seem to run big lately, and I ordered my usual size. Ha! Joke is on me. They fit but my toes touch. Second, you can REALLY feel the arch support - that's going to be good or bad, depending on personal preference. Third, someone else said the shoe was "all shoelaces", and I can see why she thought that. They are a little overwhelming in person. You look down at the top of your shoes and 90% of it is wide, thick shoelaces. This is either cute or dorky (depending on personal preference). Finally, for anyone interested in the khaki color - it's much darker in person, definitely a military khaki-drab color. I was expecting a lighter linen color.

After reading reviews I decided to order a wide. I’m very happy I did. Very comfortable & great arch support. The only down side is they squeak.

Zappos has been such a blessing to us rigjt now. Trying to find shoes for my 12 year old daughter who recently found out she needs very specific arch support to avoid pain but wants fashion. Thanks to your amazing customer service we have finally found the perfect pair. You allowed us to try and try again till we found the ones that will be perfect. This shoe is the one. Arch support that holds her ankles from turning in, and close to the converse style of her friends.

I read the reviews before i placed my order. A lot of people recommended to order a half size larger. I normally wear a size 6 and so i ordered a size 6.5. Glad i did because it fits perfectly. The arch supporr is amazing. I wore them all day with a lot of walking and never had issues. My feet didn't hurt at all. I also love the design. It's so chic. Thanks zappos for carrying Taos brand. My new favorite brand of shoes.

Looking for travel shoes that aren't just clunky running shoes. These are pretty cute, in keeping with a Chuck Taylor vibe, but about a thousand times more comfortable. They have good arch support, something I can almost never say about a shoe! (When reviews say "good arch support," I usually am thinking "What arch support? There isn't any!") They have good cushioning and support, while still looking like a fashionable, casual canvas sneaker. My only concern is the tongue comes up rather high. It hits me right where my foot flexes and is stiffer than I'd like. I have such a hard time finding comfortable shoes for my picky, overly-sensitive, high-arched foot, that I'm going to keep them and hope the break-in period will allow that one problem area to soften and loosen up. Fingers crossed.

Very cute shoes. Although they have terrific arch support, my feet start hurting after a while from the firmness.

After only a few months a whole was worn in the top of this shoe. Top material is made of this mess. Very weak material. Doesn’t hold up well.

I love this shoe and really wanted it to work out. It's super cute and comfortable with good support. I have bunions on the outside of my feet and need a roomy toe box. Unfortunately, this shoe didn't give me enough room in the toe area so sadly sending back. Taos, please make this in a wide!

I wear a 10.5. Most shoes only come in 10 or 11, so, even though the site suggested I order a 1/2 size larger, I ordered the 10.5. It was too tight in the toe box (I have long toes) so I returned it for an 11. The fit is excellent! I also have high arches and the arch in this shoe actually contacts the arch of my foot! Amazing! It may not be high enough for extremely high arches, though. I worse them today for the first time for several hours. I can already feel the footbed conforming to my personal foot shape. For those with high arches that don’t regularly wear inserts: know that your instep is a bit tender since it rarely contacts the arch in shoes. You may need a break-in period for YOU. Overall, I’m pleased with this shoes and would order it again!

Love, love, love these shoes! They are incredibly comfortable even when worn for extended periods of time. I have had issues with plantar fasciitis and these are the only shoes that i can wear without orthotic insoles. I like them so much that I bought a second pair. But - be advised- they do run 1/2 to a full size small. I usually wear a 9.5 or 10 and I had to get the 11 in these......

They do run short, the width is fine though. I felt light I could walk all day as soon as I put them on for the 1st time. I'm telling anyone who will listen how awesome these shoes are. I got them in two colors.

I really wanted to like these shoes, and I mostly do, but they look kind of weird from the top. The way they arrived, it looked like the giant shoelace was eating the top of the shoe. I swapped for different, smaller laces and there's still a strangely large amount of the tongue showing between the eyelets which makes it look like my foot is too fat for the shoe. They are comfortable and pretty cute, but a little weird.

Arch support is excellent but foot bed is very hard and stiff.Could not tolerate lack of cushion for any length of time. Really liked the look so was sad that they did not work out.

I travel periodically, and wanted something to wear with jeans, crops, etc., when on walking tours, and that did not look like my aerobic shoes. I chose this sneaker over other brands after reading the many positive reviews. They were right - it is a terrific shoe with excellent support! The inside lining is smooth, so wearing without socks is quite comfortable. I took the advice of reviewers and bought a half size up (6 1/2) instead of my usual size 6. Good decision. I love the gray, which will go with practically everything, but I do plan to buy another pair in a different color very soon!

These are my favorite shoes right now. I have wide feet and a high arch. I bought the “wide” option and they fit perfectly and provide the support I need for my arches. I loved these shoes so much that I also bought them in white.

I love this sneaker. It is my second pair that I’ve purchased. I had foot surgery and I need wide width and this sneaker is perfect. I love the style, it goes with any casual look and I even wear them all day standing at work.