Question: Do you really make the shoes?
Answer: Yes! Our workshop is in Corvallis, Oregon and our crew of elves makes each pair from scratch, including the soft soles. This allows us to design to your custom specifications, if you like. If you'd like to know more about the elves, click here.
Question: Why can't I just order my child's current shoe size?
Answer: In order for you to avoid the hassle of having to return wrong-sized shoes, we do not recommend this. There are many different shoe sizing standards in the U.S., and each shoe manufacturer sizes are slightly different from the next. As we custom make each pair of shoes for your child, we really appreciate it when you take the time to measure his or her foot before placing your order. You will be happier too, we promise! Of course, sizing problems do occur, in which case you can return your unworn pair within 45 days of purchase for exchange or return.
Question: How do your Moccasins compare to Robeez or Bobux shoes?
Answer: Soft Star Moccasins have been made with the same great fitting design for twenty years. Robeez and Bobux shoes were introduced later, and adopted our same great fitting elastic closure system which stay on your childs feet! However, the similarities stop there.
Soft Stars are the only shoes with soft, moisture absorbing NATURAL sheepskin soles. As children's feet sweat more than 2x that of adults (up to 1 cup a day!), the natural sheepskin is important in wicking away moisture. It is also one of nature's only homeostatic materials. Feet stay at a consistent, even temperature, whether it is a sweltering 90 degrees or a freezing 40 degrees below zero. (Synthetic fleece does not work this way!)
The sheepskin sole also provides more cushiony protection against toys, stones or other objects under your toddler's toes.
Our shoes are handcrafted here in the USA by our elves, unlike any other childrens shoes. All of our leathers come from US based tanneries, which have stringent rules and regulations for safety and environmental standards. No Formaldehyde or heavy metals are used in the tanning of our leathers (not the case with most imported leathers and shoes).
You can design your own shoe- picking your own unique colors, styles & motifs out of tens of thousands of possible combinations for a one-of-a-kind result - just like you!
Finally, our moccasin sizes don't stop at age 4 like the competitors-- we make them for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, youths and adults alike!
Question: How do I care for my Soft Star Shoes?
Answer: Smooth leather moccasins or rubber-soled Shoes can be surface cleaned and treated with any standard leather cleaning or protective product. We reccomend Bee Natural Leather Amore for cleaning, or Rain & Snow for waterproofing.
Suede moccasins look and feel best when left unwashed, but for those occasions where washing is necessary, they can be hand washed in cool water, or in the machine on delicate cycle with cold water using extremely mild soap. We reccomend hand washing, using a soft brush to scrub the leather. It is best to use detergents made especially for sheepskin or leather that will not strip away the natural oils, or a high quality moisturizing hair shampoo. We highly reccomend the Kookaburra Woolwash. Using a harsh soap will dry the suede and damage it. Do not mix in any other clothing as the dyes may bleed. Air dry. The shoes may feel a little stiff at first, but should become soft again with wear. The colors will fade with washing.
Question: My child's new shoes have stained her feet. Are the dyes safe? How do we get it off?
Answer: All dyes used in Soft Star Shoes are non-toxic and approved by the FDA. It is normal for some of the brighter colors to rub off onto socks or bare feet, and it is completely safe. Stains will wear off naturally in a few days. All of our leathers come from US based tanneries, which have stringent rules and regulations for safety and environmental standards. No Formaldehyde or heavy metals are used in the tanning of our leathers (not the case with most imported leathers and shoes - a quick whiff of our shoes vs. other brands will illustrate this). If you are concerned about color spread, consider choosing the smooth leathers vs. suede.
Question: My child has red marks on her ankles from the elastic ankle bands - what can we do?
Answer: First check to make sure your child has not outgrown his or her size. If toes are pressing against the front of the shoe, it is time to reorder. If the length is fine, but the elastic ankle is too tight - please send us the shoes with a note and we will make it bigger for you at no charge.
Question: What's the biggest shoe you've ever made?
Answer: To date, the biggest shoe was for a very tall man with size 16 tootsies. We also made a set of 8 for our toy octopus in the playroom. No job is too big or too small for the elves!
