Finding the perfect pair of shoes can be a challenge. With so many options on the market, it’s tough to know which brand and style will check all your boxes. Two popular shoe brands, Taos and Plim Soul, offer quality footwear designed for comfort and support.
But how do two of their top casual shoe models, the Taos Star and the Plim Soul, compare? Let’s take a look at the key features of each to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Taos Star | Plim Soul |
| Style | Slip-on with rounded toe | Slip-on with tapered toe |
| Silhouette | Wide with curved shape | Slim and streamlined |
| Upper Material | Leather (suede or nubuck) | Washed linen fabric |
| Outsole | Rubber with ripple texture | Vulcanized rubber |
| Comfort Features | Contoured cork footbed, arch support, rubber pods for shock absorption | Lightweight molded foam insole, padded heel |
| Sizing | Runs true to size, wide toe box | Runs narrow, order 1/2 to full size up |
| Ideal Use Cases | Casual everyday wear, travel, light hiking | Versatile from casual to dressy wear |
| Price Point | $$ ($125-$165) | $ ($98-$128) |
| Durability | Very durable leather construction | Durable fabric but may show wear faster than leather |
An Overview Of Taos Footwear
Taos Footwear was founded in 1987 in Taos, New Mexico. The brand aims to embody the spirit of the Taos community by promoting wellness and creative living.
Taos shoes feature comfort technologies like rubber pods in the outsole and cork footbeds. The shoes are creatively designed while keeping orthopedic health in mind. Most Taos shoes have a curved silhouette to mimic the natural shape of feet. They are aimed at customers seeking casual shoes for activities like travel, light hiking, and everyday wear.
The Taos Star is one of the brand’s most popular slip-on options. It’s known for its easy-to-wear relaxed style.
An Overview Of Plim Soul
Plim Soul got its start in 2017 in Venice, California. The brand focuses on elevating basics with thoughtful designs and high-quality materials.
Plim Soul footwear combines European comfort with West Coast vibes. The shoes feature details like padded insoles, vulcanized rubber outsoles, and washable linen uppers. With their laidback styles, Plim Soul strives to be an ethical, sustainable brand promoting creativity and positivity.
The Plim Soul slip-on is one of their core shoe styles. It’s frequently updated with new prints and colors while keeping the same comfort features.
Comparing The Designs
Both the Taos Star and the Plim Soul are slip-on shoes with an easy, fuss-free style. However, there are some key differences when it comes to their designs.
The Taos Star has a rounded toe and a wide, curved silhouette. It is made from soft suede or nubuck leathers. The outsoles are made of rubber and have a ripple texture for traction. Decorative whipstitching accents the front of the shoe. The Taos Star comes in both neutral and brighter colors like red or blue.
The Plim Soul has a low-profile, sleek look. It has a slightly tapered toe and a slimmer overall silhouette compared to the Taos style. The uppers are made of washed linen instead of leather. The outsoles are vulcanized rubber. The Plim Soul features minimalist detailing, with tonal stitching and a small brand emblem by the heel. It comes in a variety of muted, earthy colors and patterns.
Both options are slip-on styles that promote ease of wear. However, the Taos has a wider fit and style, while the Plim Soul offers a more streamlined, fitted look.
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Comparing Comfort And Support
Since both brands emphasize comfort in their designs, how do the shoes compare when it comes to all-day wear and support?
The Taos Star is known for its cushioned comfort. The footbed is contoured with arch support and has antibacterial properties to absorb odor. The rubber pods on the bottom provide shock absorption as you walk. The wider fit allows your feet to relax and spread out. Many wearers note the break-in time is very short.
The Plim Soul uses a lightweight, molded foam insole for arch support and heel cushioning. The natural linen upper is soft and forms to your foot as you wear it. The vulcanized rubber outsole has flexibility to move with your foot. Some do note the fit runs narrow, so it may not suit wide feet. The slim silhouette hugs your foot in a more fitted way than the Taos Star.
For those needing arch support or seeking a roomier fit, the Taos Star is likely the better choice. The Plim Soul offers a flexible, contoured fit but less width and structure overall.
Comparing Durability
How do these casual shoes hold up over time? Let’s compare the durability of the materials and construction.
The Taos Star is handcrafted and made to last. The leather uppers develop a worn-in look over time while resisting scuffs and stains. The seams and whipstitching are securely reinforced. The rubber outsoles stand up well to daily wear and provide traction on varied surfaces. With proper care, many wearers get years of use out of their Taos Stars.
The Plim Soul features linen uppers that are durable yet get softer over time. The washed fabric resists odor and is specially treated to be stain-resistant. However, the fabric likely won’t hold up as well to abrasions as leather.
The vulcanized rubber sole provides grip and flex but may be more prone to showing signs of wear than Taos’ rubber pods. Overall, the Plim Soul is a long-lasting shoe but may require more frequent replacement than the leather Taos Star.
For maximum durability, the Taos Star is likely the superior choice. However, the Plim Soul construction still promotes years of wear, especially when properly cared for.
Comparing Style Versatility
Which shoe transitions better for both casual and dressy occasions? Let’s explore the style versatility of each option.
The Taos Star has a laidback, casual vibe. It works well for activities like running errands, travel, and walks. The supportive comfort makes it suitable for light hiking and walking longer distances. You can dress the Taos Star up slightly by pairing it with a blouse and trousers for a dinner out. But the overall aesthetic remains CASUAL.
The slim silhouette and simple pattern options of the Plim Soul allow it to transition between casual and dressy affairs. It looks great paired with jeans or shorts for everyday wear. But it can also complement a midi skirt or blouse for the office or a date night. The sleek profile makes it a bit more versatile in dressy contexts compared to the Taos Star.
For pure casual versatility, the Taos Star may edge out the Plim Soul thanks to its well-cushioned support. But if you need a shoe that spans both laidback and elevated contexts, the Plim Soul is likely the more versatile pick.
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An Overview Of Sizing
Finding the right size is critical for slip-on shoes to avoid discomfort or heels slipping out as you walk. How do the Taos Star and Plim Soul compare when it comes to fit and sizing?
The Taos Star runs true to size for most wearers. However, the wide toe box design means you can often size down by half a size for a snugger fit if desired. The roomy silhouette will stretch to accommodate wider feet. Many note the Star is one of Taos’ most generously sized options.
The Plim Soul runs narrow, especially in the toe box. Most wearers recommend ordering at least a half size up from your regular size. There is not a lot of stretch in the linen fabric. The slim profile means these won’t work well for wide feet that need more room to spread out. Consider sizing up for a more comfortable fit.
For those with wide feet or who prefer roomier slip-on styles, the Taos Star will likely be the better choice. Go with your normal size or size down if you want a snug feel. For average to narrow feet, the Plim Soul can work well, but be sure to size up by at least a half or full size.
Comparing Price Points
You’ll want to consider budget when deciding between the Taos Star and the Plim Soul. Let’s look at the average pricing for each shoe.
The Taos Star typically retails between $125-$165 for adult sizes, with an average price of about $140. Given the handcrafted leather construction and comfort features, this represents a moderate price point for the quality. Taos shoes are considered affordable, everyday luxury footwear.
The Plim Soul retails between $98-$128, with most colors coming in right around $108 on average. This positions the Plim Soul as an inexpensive to average-priced casual slip-on. The linen fabric construction allows the brand to keep costs lower.
If seeking the most budget-friendly option, the Plim Soul wins out. But the Taos Star represents a reasonable price given the materials and construction. Those who gravitate toward leather footwear may find the extra cost worthwhile.
Making The Right Choice For You
Now that we’ve compared the Taos Star and the Plim Soul’s designs, comfort, durability, style versatility, sizing, and pricing, how do you choose? Here are a few key factors to consider when deciding between these two slip-on options:
- Fit – Do you have narrow or wide feet? Seek out sizing reviews to choose the right shoe.
- Support -Evaluate your arch and cushioning needs. Taos has more built-in comfort.
- Use cases – Will this be an everyday casual shoe, or do you need dressier versatility?
- Materials – Consider leather Vs. fabric uppers and which will suit your needs best.
- Budget – Plim Soul will be lower cost but still provides quality.
The Taos Star shines when it comes to cushioned comfort and durable leather construction. The Plim Soul offers a streamlined look at an accessible price point. Assess your personal needs and style preferences to decide which slip-on is your perfect sole mate!
Also watch this video of Plim Soul!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plim Soul is a footwear brand founded in 2017 and based in Venice, California. They create casual shoes and sandals from high-quality materials like linen, suede, and latex. Their shoes feature a slim, modern silhouette with details like vulcanized rubber soles. Plim Soul strives to be an ethical, sustainable brand. The Plim Soul slip-on is one of their most popular shoe styles.
Taos sneakers are known for being comfortable and well-cushioned. They have features like contoured footbeds, arch support, and shock absorbing outsoles that make them ideal for activities like travel and light hiking.
Most Taos sneakers are handcrafted from quality leather, so they are durable and supportive for all-day wear. Their wider fit also appeals to those wanting roomier footwear. Overall, Taos makes excellent casual sneakers that promote foot health.
Yes, Taos shoes are great for walking. Their rubber pod outsoles provide flexibility and traction on varied terrain which is ideal for walking both in urban settings and nature trails. Many Taos shoes also have a curved rocker profile that mirrors the natural shape of your foot, promoting an easier heel-to-toe stride. Cushioning around the collar, antibacterial footbeds, and arch support further make Taos comfortable for walking long distances.
Most Taos shoes run true to size. However, many of their styles have a wider toe box and overall silhouette to allow your foot to relax and spread out. This gives them a generously sized feel. For those wanting a snugger fit, you can often size down by half a size in Taos shoes without it feeling too tight. But those with wider feet may want to stick with their regular size. Overall the brand runs slightly large due to the wider profiles.
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Conclusion
Hopefully this overview has helped provide insight into how the Taos Star and Plim Soul slip-on shoes compare. Both offer quality construction with stylish detailing.
Make sure to consider factors like fit, comfort, durability, versatility and pricing based on your own lifestyle and needs. Either way, you’ll be stepping out in style and support. Happy shoe shopping!