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At Softstar, all of our different types of shoe soles are thin, pliable and zero-drop to give you the most barefoot-like experience possible. We are continuously on the lookout for the latest shoe sole materials that will maximize durability, traction and ground feel while keeping your feet naturally flexible and happy.
You will find several different types of soling materials on our products, as some work better on certain shoes than others. For example, some soles can only be stitched to shoes while others can only be bonded. The following guide describes all of the soles we use, along with a list of the flexible sole shoes that are made with them. Please note that the sole thickness applies only to the described outersole material and does not include the thickness of innersole or midsole material, which may differ between shoe styles.
Thickness: 3-4mm (natural hides vary. May be black or tan depending on the shoe style.)
Material: Smooth Leather—please note that this sole can become very slippery on smooth, wet surfaces
Our most flexible and unique outdoor sole! Leather soles are great for dancers or people looking for leather "foot gloves." The pliable texture of the natural bullhide leather provides our highest level of ground feel and most unrestricted foot movement. This sole is a favorite for people who prefer to run or walk barefoot—it literally molds to the shape of your foot! Like the street sole, if you are new to minimalist shoes then it is recommended to gradually strengthen your feet for barefoot-style running/hiking before using this sole for long distances on rough or rocky terrain (walking in this sole a little bit every day is a great transitional exercise). The natural material of this sole also allows grounding conductivity. While this leather material is not fully waterproof, it is naturally water resistant and will repel moisture to some degree.
Available on these shoes: Ballerine, Dash RunAmoc, Hawthorne Chukka.
The zero-drop Calliflex Sole, with its swooping plaid pattern, provides excellent durability, traction, and flexibility. Manufactured by Vibram®, the world's leading sole manufacturer.
Softstar does not use Flexgrip on our own shoes, but it is used by Nativearth on some of their footwear that we sell on our website. Cut from industrial conveyor belts, this rubber compound has a "gummier" texture than most rubber soles that provides excellent traction on flat surfaces.
Although the Geo sole is one of our thickest soles, its extremely light and flexible texture gives ground feel that compares to even our thinnest options. The Geo sole also provides a very high level of traction, making it an ideal shoe for helping you maintain balance when you're on the go. We use this sole in two thicknesses: 6mm and 8mm.
6mm Geo sole used for these shoes: Adult Ramblers, Child Phoenix Boots.
8mm Geo sole used for Adult Rogues. Also used with 4mm mid-sole for Hawthorne Chukkas.
Our thinnest soling material, Halcyon is a rubberized fabric used to cover other soles for added traction and protection against moisture. This very flexible sole is ideal for moccasins used as indoor slippers, though it may also be used for light outdoor use. We do not recommend heavy outdoor use of shoes that feature Halcyon soles as they will wear out quickly if scuffed on rough surfaces such as trails or textured pavement.
The Kletterlift is a dense and durable lugged sole designed for military, mountaineering and outdoor sport use. Its use is similar to our Megagrip soles, but the Kletterlift is slightly thicker and more dense, which also makes it a little heavier and less flexible than the Megagrip.
Used with Nativearth Voyager boots, larger Switchback sizes, and occasional specialty shoes.
VibramTM Megagrip soles are unparalleled in grip and longevity. Designed specifically to handle challenging terrain, these soles perform well in both wet and dry conditions and are a favorite among extreme trail runners. We add a 3.5mm midsole to shoes that use the Megagrip sole to provide an extra buffer from sharp rocks.
Used exclusively for Switchback Boots, Megagrip Primal RunAmocs and Custom Dash RunAmocs.
The Lightning sole is the most versatile sole for our athletic shoes... thin and flexible enough for groundfeel and proprioception, yet thick enough to protect your feet from sharp and jagged objects. The rubber texture of the Lightning sole provides a natural "stickiness" on smooth floors while the zigzag treat pattern helps hikers and trail runners cling to rugged surfaces. This sole has a strong appeal not only for outdoor adventures, but also casual, everyday usage. It also looks great on a black pair of RunAmocs for formal occasions.
Used for these shoes: Adult Dash RunAmocs, Adult and Youth Primal RunAmocs, and Adult Camino Sandals.
The Pyramid sole is a simple, universal minimalist sole for all ages. It holds up well for casual use and provides flexibility for both kids on the playground and adults running errands.
Used for these shoes: Baby and Child Classics, Baby and Child Sandals, Baby, Child and Youth Ramblers, Youth and Adult Merry Janes, Adult Solstice Sandals, Adult Primal Sawyers.
The Rugged sole is simply our 5mm Lightning sole bonded to an extra 3.5mm midsole. This thicker sole was designed specifically for children who are extra rough on the playground and tend to wear down their shoes quickly. Tested firsthand on the toughest children of Softstar's shoemaking elves, this extra thick sole is our recommendation for ultimate durability with your most adventurous little ones. Due to the thickness, Rugged soles can only be made for select shoes in child size 8 and up.
Used for these shoes: Child and Youth Rugged Ramblers.
Our thinnest and lightest pure rubber sole. Our Street sole keeps the space between your feet and ground as minimal as possible for a durable outdoor shoe. Perfect for walking or running on smooth surfaces or for trail runners/hikers who want a durable shoe with lots of ground feel. If you are new to minimalist shoes then it is recommended to gradually strengthen your feet for barefoot-style running/hiking before using this sole for long distances on rough or rocky terrain (walking a little bit in this sole every day is a great transitional exercise).
Used for these shoes: Adult Moc3 RunAmocs*, Adult Dash RunAmocs, Adult Primal RunAmocs.
*The Moc3 RunAmoc uses a unique minimally-cut pattern of the 2mm Street sole to allow maximum flexibility, available only for this shoe.
Thickness: 1-2mm (natural hides vary), plus sheep fluff.
Material: Suede Leather + Genuine Sheepskin
Our signature moccasin sole—soft and flexible! This incredibly lightweight leather material is lined with a genuine sheepskin innersole for an extremely cozy feel. Intended for indoor and light outdoor use, this all-natural leather material allows grounding conductivity and maximum ground feel for barefoot enthusiasts. It literally molds to the shape of your foot!
Used for these shoes: All ages/sizes of Roo Moccasins, Baby Buttercup Moccasins and Fireside Slippers.
Used exclusively for our youth and adult Phoenix boots, the Tundra sole features well-defined rubber lugs to help you navigate snowy and icy pathways. This sole is often used with a midsole for added durability on boots.
Used for these shoes: Youth and Adult Phoenix Boots.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I have purchased over 8 pair of 'minimalist' shoes in the past 3 years...none of them felt like walking barefoot to me......until now. Your leather is soft your soles are flat and my foot is relaxed!!!"
Janet in AshevilleNorth Carolina.
"My entire experience with Softstar has been nothing short of an amazing experience from beginning to end. Will not buy any other shoes...my feet no longer hurt at all."
Julie M. Oak Park, Ilinois
"This shoe is exactly what you would hope it to be. High quality leather and workmanship in a simple, natural stance running shoes made of all natural materials. Glad I found them."
Wayne B. Ann ArborMichigan
"I've never had shoes that have fit as well as these or received as many compliments… I wish I had found them sooner!"
Kirsten Q, BoltonConnecticut
"There are no other shoes like Softstar - strong, comfortable, pretty - the best choice of minimal shoes one can get. Thank you for making our lives easier and wonderful!"
MichalHaogen, Israel
"I am loving these shoes! They are just lovely to have on the feet. And I am not easily impressed... There's nothing on the market that I know of that allows full toe splay! To me, it's a beautiful thing to let the toes move with absolute freedom in the shoe. I cannot do that with ANY OTHER of the barefoot shoes."
RichardMegagrip Primal RunAmoc
"I spent SO MANY years searching for a shoe to fit my feet. At last, you have given me such a shoe! I am convinced that had I met this shoe 30 years ago, I would not have the deformed feet I have now, nor would I have had surgery done on one of them. Abundant thanks for this design that honors my feet."
TurtlePrimal Sawyer
"These shoes are absolute perfection… The toe box finally allows my pinky toe and big toe to splay naturally and has taken away all previous foot pain… My feet will accept nothing less now."
KrisPrimal Sawyer
"Finally something I will wear to work that is truly foot shaped… I usually take my shoes off as soon as I arrive home. I was so comfortable in these that I didn't think about it, and I left them on for hours into the evening."
FinnPrimal Merry Jane
"These are fantastic. Softstar showed themselves as the best minimal shoe company on the market with these. Functionally, they are the best fitting shoes I own, and they are the most stylish."
AshleyPrimal Merry Jane
"Blown away. These should be the standard. I work at a physio clinic and see multiple people come in with foot pain (bunions, flat feet, plantar fasciitis) and it's mostly because of the effects of improper footwear over time... These shoes are the perfect solution."
SaulPrimal RunAmoc
"These are the best shoes I've ever owned. FINALLY A TOE BOX SHAPED LIKE A HEALTHY FOOT… I can wear my toe separators in these without any squishing or pressure against the sides of the shoe. Finally, finally, finally... someone prioritized function over form in creating a shoe that feels great to wear."
