 |
|
Soft Star Soles - Designed for Healthy Feet
You may feel lucky when you put on a pair of comfortable shoes, but the Soft Star crew think comfort is no accident. We have spent years searching for the right soles to go on our shoes and moccasins. Here are some photos illustrating the differences:
Shoes
At Soft Star, we believe shoes should provide protection from the elements while doing the best to simulate barefoot conditions. Soft Star Shoes are designed wider, with flexible soft soles and natural breathable materials. All our soles are as lightweight and flexible as possible while still providing the protection needed.
For children in particular, this is important as the bones in their feet are still forming and not fully ossified until ages 9-11. Many children's shoes made today are simply scaled down versions of adult shoes with molded arch supports, stiff soles and foot beds that are too narrow to allow toes room to spread.
|
|
The Sof-TouchTM sole is low profile and non-skid to minimize trips when little ones are getting the hang of walking and running. These soles are durable and provide plenty of protection from outdoor elements. The Sof-TouchTM sole makes a very nice first shoe for your toddler and is used on shoe sizes 3 to 7.
|
|
|
Our classic VibramTM sole is lightweight and flexible, but tough enough to handle anything you can dish out. Vibram provides light cushioning while still giving a barefoot-like feel. It is a flat sole (no arch supports!) which will mold to the shape of your foot over time. The Vibram sole is used on shoe sizes 8 and up for children, and on the Rambler style for youth and adults.
|
Moccasins
|
Our moccasins start with a sheepskin fleece inner sole that works as a cozy cushion and naturally wicks away moisture. The wicking action keeps feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter. We then add an outer sole, of which there are several options.
|
 |
|
|
Our traditional suede sole is flexible and soft. Suede is naturally durable and non-skid. This sole works well both indoors and outdoors with a thick suede for protection. More than one baby has made their first steps on this terrific sole. For adults looking for a minimal shoe - this sole gives you the best "barefoot" experience possible allowing your feet to move naturally as if they were inside a leather sock.
Note: After extended wear, you may want to 'rough up' the surface with a wire brush to maintain non-skid properties. |
|
|
The T-rex sole is a non-slip rubberized fabric bonded to the suede sole above. T-rex is made with the same material used by mountain climbers to provide extra gripping on their gloves. As well, the black soles maintain a clean appearance even after a lot of wear. The rubberized fabric adds a moisture barrier keeping feet a little drier when you walk across a wet sidewalk. This is not a rubber sole - but a rubberized layer for non-slip purposes. Over time you may wear through the thin rubber layer in spots, but you will still have the same sturdy suede sole underneath.
|
|
|
For added protection and durability, a tough leather sole can be added to your moccasins for an additional fee. Because this sole is needed only in extreme outdoor wear situations, we ask you to please call or email us if you want this option. This sole is nearly indestructible, yet it's still light weight and flexible. Because they are light and tough, they make a great camp or hiking shoe! Sticking close to home, these soles are wonderful for walking the dog on damp mornings or just keeping you cozy on the couch. |
We believe soft soles not only feel good, but they are also good for you! Our feet are complex structures, with 19 bones and 126 muscles and ligaments. Podiatrists agree, the more time spent barefoot, the better for the development of a healthy and athletic foot.
|
|
|
The soles on our shoes are soft and flexible with non-skid surfaces.
|
Balance, strength and flexibility are maximized when feet are allowed to develop naturally. When you or your child can't go barefoot, a soft sole that mimics barefoot conditions is ideal. Soft soled shoes are critical for healthy feet. So whether you are looking for soft soled baby shoes for your precious little one's first steps or a health alternative to the common heavy, inflexible soles made for children or just a comfortable slipper for you to relax in after a long day, Soft Star Shoes has just the right sole for you!
"I am a pediatric therapist and feel that your shoes are the best at promoting natural development. They're the next best thing to bare feet."
-K.M., Lake Harmony, PA
"Research conducted at the University of Vermont concluded that toddlers stumble and fall more often in thick soled sneakers than in soft, flexible soled shoes. Children wearing soft, flexible soled shoes fell less and walked more naturally. The study showed babies trip five times more often in sneakers on carpeting and three times more often on tiles when wearing sneakers. Moreover, soft, flexible soles became more flexible with wear, thus ensuring a proper fit, while thick soles maintain their original stiffness.
-South Alexandria Buyer's Guide, August 14, 1995
For more on how our moccasins compare to Robeez or Bobux soft soled leather shoes, please see our "Frequently Asked Questions".
|
 |
