Taft Men's Dress Shoe Review: Beck Oxford & Russell Loafer

About this video

The Gazette team reviews shoes from Taft, a menswear brand known for fashion-forward designs. They examine two models—the Beck and the Russell—evaluating the leather quality, construction, sole design, fit, and overall wearability. The team concludes that while Taft’s workmanship is solid, their bold patterns and modern aesthetic don’t align well with traditional menswear wardrobes, and they note potential fit issues for certain foot types.

Key takeaways

• The Gazette team finds Taft’s workmanship decent but unremarkable, with Blake construction and neat stitching comparable to mid-range competitors like Meermin
• The team argues that Taft differentiates itself through bold fabric patterns and modern designs, which limits versatility for those seeking classic dress shoes
• The Gazette team notes that Taft’s rubber-leather combination soles and foam inserts are hallmarks of cheaper construction compared to full leather or cork alternatives used in high-end shoes
• The team identifies fit concerns with Taft’s last shape, particularly for those with pronounced ankle bones, as the shoe’s collar height can cause rubbing and discomfort

Episode details: published July 8, 2020 · 10K views · 7:59 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The style guidance summarized here is the Gentleman’s Gazette team’s own teaching and opinion, presented for education; product recommendations are theirs, not ours. Summaries are written by Self Growth Videos from each video itself.

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