Shoe is Customizable

Adult DASH RunAmoc

249 Reviews
From:
$170.00

Meet your new favorite casual athletic shoe! Between the thin, zero-drop Vibram sole for amazing proprioception and the super soft, premium quality leather for a glove-like fit, sporting the Dash RunAmoc is basically like being barefoot, but with super powers!

customize your colors
Size Guide
Free Shipping Options
Easy Returns within 45 Days

Dash Lightning Sole Comparison

Finally, a shoe you can slip on, lace-up...and forget about! From the streets to the trails, work meetings to the Leadville 100, these super soft, ridiculously flexible nonbinary shoes let you move lightly, strongly, and responsively through your daily journeys, no matter where they may take you. Available with multiple VibramTM sole options to let you choose your own adventure, your classic Dash RunAmocs will quickly become your new favorite mode of transportation!

  • Made with Premium, responsibly-sourced leathers
  • Zero drop 5mm VibramTM Lightning rubber sole (more sole options are available when you customize this shoe).
  • The spacious toe box uses our standard sole shape, allowing feet to stretch comfortably.
  • Can be worn with or without socks
  • Made in USA: designed and handcrafted in Oregon using US-sourced materials

You can measure your feet or your child's feet at home using a book, a ruler and a wall. You can then see where the measurement fits on our unisex shoe size chart to find the recommended shoe size.


Measure Your Feet...

sizing-feet-steps
Place bare foot with heel barely touching the wall and longest toe barely touching the flat spine of a book. Step away carefully and measure the distance from the wall to the book.

... and Find Your Size

Once you have the measurement, look for it on the charts below to find the recommended Softstar shoe size. Contact us if you have questions.

Note: we do not recommend tracing feet because doing so usually gives a larger measurement.

Softstar Adult
Shoe Size
US Shoe Size Foot Length Foot Width
5 Unisex 4.5 - 5 Mens
5.5 - 6 Womens
22.2 - 23.0 cm Regular: 8.1 - 9.8 cm
Wide: 9.9+ cm
6 Unisex 5.5 - 6 Mens
6.5 - 7 Womens
23.0 - 23.9 cm Regular: 8.4 - 10.1 cm
Wide: 10.2+ cm
7 Unisex 6.5 - 7 Mens
7.5 - 8 Womens
23.9 - 24.7 cm Regular: 8.7 - 10.4 cm
Wide: 10.5+ cm
8 Unisex 7.5 - 8 Mens
8.5 - 9 Womens
24.7 - 25.6 cm Regular: 9.1 - 10.8 cm
Wide: 10.9+ cm
9 Unisex 8.5 - 9 Mens
9.5 - 10 Womens
25.6 - 26.4 cm Regular: 9.3 - 11.0 cm
Wide: 11.1+ cm
10 Unisex 9.5 - 10 Mens
10.5 - 11 Womens
26.4 - 27.3 cm Regular: 9.6 - 11.3 cm
Wide: 11.4+ cm
11 Unisex 10.5 - 11 Mens
11.5 - 12 Womens
27.3 - 28.1 cm Regular: 9.9 - 11.6 cm
Wide: 11.7+ cm
12 Unisex 11.5 - 12 Mens
12.5 - 13 Womens
28.1 - 28.9 cm Regular: 10.2 - 11.9 cm
Wide: 12.0+ cm
13 Unisex 12.5 - 13 Mens 28.9 - 29.8 cm Regular: 10.5 - 12.2 cm
Wide: 12.3+ cm
14 Unisex 13.5 - 14 Mens 29.8 - 30.5 cm Regular: 10.9 - 12.6 cm
Wide: 12.7+ cm
15 Unisex 14.5 - 15 Mens 30.5 - 31.4 cm Regular: 11.2 - 12.9 cm
Wide: 13.0+ cm
  1. This chart accounts for growing room.
  2. Many of our youth sizes end at size 4Y. In these cases, you can find the next size up in our adult category starting with size 5U (adult unisex). Note that measurements differ slightly for sizes that overlap on both our youth and adult sizing charts because the youth chart accounts for growing room and the adult chart does not.
Softstar Youth
Shoe Size
Approx Age Range Foot Length Regular Width
1Y 4 - 6 Years 18.5 - 19.4 cm 6.4 - 8.0 cm
2Y 5 - 8 Years 19.4 - 20.2 cm 6.7 - 8.3 cm
3Y 5 - 8 Years 20.2 - 21.0 cm 7.3 - 8.9 cm
4Y 6 - 10 Years 21.0 - 21.9 cm 7.5 - 9.1 cm
5Y/5U 6 - 10 Years 21.9 - 22.7 cm 8.1 - 9.8 cm
6Y/6U 8 - 10 Years 22.7 - 23.6 cm 8.4 - 10.1 cm
  1. This chart accounts for growing room.
Child Size Approx Age Range Foot Length Regular Width
2 0 - 6 months ≤ 10.2 cm 4.3 - 5.9 cm
3 6 - 12 months 10.2 - 11.1 cm 4.6 - 6.2 cm
4 12 - 18 months 11.1 - 11.9 cm 5.0 - 6.6 cm
5 18 months 11.9 - 12.8 cm 5.3 - 6.9 cm
6 18 - 24 months 12.8 - 13.6 cm 5.6 - 7.2 cm
7 2 years 13.6 - 14.5 cm 5.7 - 7.3 cm
8 2 - 3 years 14.5 - 15.3 cm 6.0 - 7.6 cm
9 3 years 15.3 - 16.2 cm 6.4 - 8.0 cm
10 3 - 4 years 16.2 - 17.0 cm 6.7 - 8.3 cm
11 4 - 6 years 17.0 - 17.9 cm 7.1 - 8.7 cm
12 4 - 6 years 17.9 - 18.7 cm 7.5 - 9.1 cm

Want Sizing Detail by Style?

OR: Try Our Printable Stand-On Sizing Guides

Our printable shoe size charts provide another way to help you find the best fit for your feet. These are especially useful for small children who don't like to sit still. Just print the guide for the appropriate age group below and follow the instructions on the page.

Before you print these guides, make sure your printer settings will not shrink or scale the page. Uncheck any boxes labeled "Fit to Printable Area" and/or set scaling options to "None."

Shoe Care

We want you to get the most out of your Softstar shoes. Follow the guide below for tips on keeping your shoes clean and maintained.

Click these links to jump to tips for specific materials:

 



Care Tips for Full Grain (smooth) Leather Shoes

Includes Sublime, Nova, Dublin, Highline, Torino, Shiny, LITE, Plonge, Aged, and Vegetable-Tanned Leathers

WHEN THEY FIRST ARRIVE:

Softstar Shoes are made from eco-friendly leathers tanned in the USA. Leather is a natural product and some variation in texture and hide markings is to be expected. Because we use leather colored with non-toxic food grade dyes, there will likely be some initial color transfer to your socks or skin if your shoes become damp. This will decrease with use, but we don't recommend wearing your new Softstars with your favorite white socks the first time you take them for a spin.

If your shoes are a little snug at first in the toe box area, you can gently stretch them by stuffing the toe box with a dry cloth. Push the cloth tightly into the front of the shoe and let sit stuffed overnight to stretch. Do not use a damp cloth as the water can stain the leather or innersole of some leather types, rendering it non-returnable.

MAINTENANCE:

Most full grain leather we use is naturally water resistant, but our special vegetable-tanned leather (available only by custom selection on some of our design-your-own shoes) and Colorado leather are "naked" leathers and will stain from water alone. You can clean shoes as needed with water dampened cloth and let air dry, but please note if you do this on vegetable-tanned or Colorado leather then you will need to wet/stain the entire shoe to avoid water marks. Condition the leather as often as desired with any quality leather dressing, but be careful to keep it away from the edges of your rubber soles. Do not use mink oil on your shoes, as it can degrade the adhesion on bonded soles and cause the sole to separate from your shoe over time. We highly recommend Bee Natural Amore for general conditioning or Rain & Snow or Nikwax Full Grain Waterproofing on smooth leather for enhanced water resistance. The color on shiny metallic shoes will eventually patina with use into an antique wear look, which can be accelerated with repeated use to water and high wear (e.g. scuffing toes).

WASHING:

We do not recommend frequent washing of any leather product as it strips the leather of it's natural oils and tends to dry stiffer. For all of our leathers (except vegetable-tanned) you can clean by hand with a damp cloth, or if needed you can hand wash your leather shoes using a gentle shampoo and cool water. Let them air dry. Do not attempt to dry your shoes by exposing them to high heat, such as a clothes dryer, a hair dryer or by leaving them on a radiator or next to a fire. Doing so may damage leather or rubber soles.

We are often asked if our shoes can be washed in a washing machine. While not recommended as a normal course of action, when in dire straits the Elves have been known to toss a pair of shoes in the machine and generally have had good results. Just don't mix them with any other item because of color bleeding. Shoes with sheepskin can take 3-4 days to air dry if fully submerged in water, but you can speed up the drying by stuffing with old newspapers and replacing the paper twice a day.

 



Care Tips for Suede and Nubuck Shoes

WHEN THEY FIRST ARRIVE:

Softstar Shoes are made from eco-friendly, tanned in USA leathers. Leather is a natural product and some variation in texture and markings is to be expected. Because we use natural food grade dyes in our leather, there will likely be some initial color transference to your socks or skin if your shoes become damp. This will decrease with use, but please do not wear your new Soft Stars with your favorite white socks the first time you take them for a spin!

If your shoes are a little snug at first across the top of the toes, you can gently stretch them by stuffing the toe box with a slightly damp rag. Push the cloth tightly into the front of the shoe (don't worry, you won't hurt it). Let the stuffing sit in the shoes overnight to stretch the leather.

MAINTENANCE:

Use a suede brush to remove dirt. You can also choose to use a suede/nubuck leather care product to protect against stains and water absorption (we recommend Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof). While not necessary, it will help keep your shoes looking new over time. Do not use generic leather care products on suede, but only those specifically formulated for suede. Products for full grain or smooth leather will be too oily and may permanently darken and mat suede fibers. Please do not use mink oil on any Softstar shoes as it will mat the fibers of our natural leather and will break down the adhesive soling on styles that have bonded soles.

Over time, suede outsoles naturally develop a smoother surface with wear If you’d like to refresh the texture and add some extra grip back, a quick touch-up with a suede brush can easily restore the nap.

WASHING:

We do not recommend frequent washing of any leather product because it will strip the leather of it's natural oils and cause it to dry stiffer. When a suede brush is not enough, you can use a damp cloth or hand wash your suede shoes with a gentle shampoo and cool water, then let them air dry. Do not attempt to dry your shoes by exposing them to high heat, such as a clothes dryer, a hair dryer or by leaving them on a radiator or next to a fire. Doing so may damage leather or rubber soles.

We are often asked if our shoes can be washed in a washing machine. While not recommended as a normal course of action, when in dire straits the Elves have been known to toss a pair of shoes in the machine and generally have had good results—just don't mix them with any other item because of color bleeding. Be sure to give your wet shoes ample time to air dry. Shoes with sheepskin can take 3-4 days to air dry if fully submerged in water, but you can speed up the drying process by stuffing them with old newspapers and replacing the paper twice a day.

 



Care Tips for Sheepskin Boots

Softstar Phoenix boots are made from genuine, high quality sheepskin.

While genuine sheepskin is incredibly cozy and beautiful, it is also delicate and will stretch under strain. When wearing your Phoenix boots, use care to avoid stepping off the back or sides of your heels while you walk as doing so repeatedly can affect the shape of the boots and alter the way they fit. The best way to prevent this is by insuring you purchase the correct size. For adults, we recommend selecting a boot size that fits very snugly at first, as they will stretch over time. For children, growing room is important, so a little extra space is recommended. If possible, have your kids wear their boots the first few times on dryer days to give them time to form to their feet.

The boot uppers are made from eco-friendly leathers that are tanned in the USA. Our leather hides are natural products and some variation in texture and markings is to be expected. If you need to clean your boots, wash gently by hand with a damp cloth and let them air dry.

Condition the leather as often as desired with any quality leather care product, but take care not to get any oils on the edges of the rubber soles. Mink oil, specifically, will degrade the sole adhesion and can lead to separation of soling over time—we do not recommend the use of mink oil anywhere on our boots, as it can eventually seep down to the sole. For general conditioning we recommend Bee Natural Amore, For enhanced moisture protection we recommend Bee Natural Rain and Snow or Nikwax Full Grain Waterproofing. Be careful to use these products only on the smooth leather portion of the shoes and not on the suede cuffs (leather care products designed for the full grain leather uppers may permanently darken suede). It is not necessary to apply a suede protectant or waterproofing to the cuffs, but doing so may help keep that portion of the boot looking clean. If you do choose to add extra protection to the suede, be careful to use a product specifically made for suede leather.

Sheepskin boots can take 3-4 days to air dry if fully soaked with water. You can speed up the drying process by stuffing the boots with old newspapers and replacing the paper twice a day. If they become this wet, be very careful to avoid wearing them again until fully dry because the leather will be more susceptible to stretching and the fit may alter. Do not attempt to dry your shoes by exposing them to high heat, such as a clothes dryer, a hair dryer or by leaving them on a radiator or next to a fire. Doing so may damage leather or rubber soles.

Whether you need it for the trail, street, studio or workplace, we have the perfect RunAmoc for you!


RunAmoc Style Comparison

RunAmoc Style Comparison
  Primal Dash Moc3
Summary Primal RunAmoc Ultra wide at the toes for maximum toe splay and healthy, natural foot function. Dash RunAmoc Multipurpose athletic/casual shoe with a more traditional (but still roomy) fit. Moc3 RunAmoc An ultra-light running "sock" with the durability of a shoe.
Features
  • Extra wide toe box featuring our Primal Sole shape. This shoe is widest at the toes, rather than the ball of the foot, and is ideal for people who have particularly wide feet and/or want to maintain/restore natural foot shape and function.
  • Rubber toe cap protects front of shoe from scuffs and abrasions, useful for hikers and trail runners.
  • Extended lacing system is designed to fit snugly around instep, yet allow toes to spread out as much as possible.
  • Underside of tongue is lined with a thin layer of Breathe-O-Prene, a breathable, neoprene-like material, to hold the shoe securely across the top of the foot.
  • Highly customizable: Choose the Custom Primal RunAmoc to select your leather colors, outsole, lace colors, and more!
  • Spacious toe box featuring our Standard sole shape.
  • A versatile minimal design that can function as an athletic shoe or a casual shoe.
  • Mid-level minimal shoe option for people who do not want the extra wide toe box of the Primal RunAmoc, but prefer a shoe that is more traditional than the Moc3.
  • Short lacing system allows adjustable fit around the instep while leaving the front of the foot unencumbered.
  • Highly customizable: Choose the Custom Dash RunAmoc to select your leather colors, outsole, lace colors, and more!
  • Unique foot-shaped toe box for a glove-like fit.
  • Our lightest minimal shoe, and one of the lightest in the world! Designed to be as flexible and lightweight as possible.
  • Easily rolls up and fits into small spaces when not in use, such as a small bag or tucked under a belt.
  • Slip-on design allows quick on/off when you're on the go.
  • Breathe-O-Prene lining hugs your foot from all sides for a snug, but ventilated fit.
  • Sole pattern is cut sparsely to allow maximum flexibility and barefoot experience (see image below).
Sizes

Adult Sizes 5U–15U

Available in regular and wide widths.

Adult Sizes 5U–15U

Available in regular and wide widths.

Adult Sizes 4U–13U

Available in regular width only.

Weight

6.4–10.2 oz.

Weight varies depending on size.

5.0–9.5 oz.

Weight varies depending on size and sole.

4–6 oz.

Weight varies depending on size.

Sole

Primal sole shape:

Primal Sole Shape

Available in 3 sole options:

  • 5mm Vibram™ Lightning Sole.
  • 2mm Vibram™ Street Sole, available only when you customize this shoe.
  • 6mm Vibram™ Megagrip Sole with 3.5mm midsole.

Dash sole shape:

Dash Sole Shape

Available in 4 sole options:

  • 5mm Vibram™ Lightning Sole.
  • 2mm Vibram™ Street Sole, available only when you customize this shoe.
  • Bullhide Leather Sole, available only when you customize this shoe.

Moc3 sole shape:

Moc3 Sole Shape

The Moc3 is only made with 2mm Vibram™ Street Sole cut to a minimal patterned footbed. The sole is entirely covered with thin material, but the thicker 2mm sole covers the shaded areas above.

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Soling Material Comparison

RunAmoc Sole Comparison
  5mm Lightning 2mm Street 6mm Megagrip Bullhide Leather
Summary 5mm Lightning Sole Multifunctional sole for a wide range of uses. 2mm Street Sole Minimal space between feet and ground. 6mm Megagrip Sole Unparalelled grip on steep, rocky and muddy trails. Bullhide Leather Sole Extremely flexible sole for most unrestricted foot movement.
Features

Ultra-flexible in all directions, plus longer durability over thinner soles. Tread pattern provides sufficient traction on most surfaces.

Our thinnest and lightest sole. Minimal space between feet and ground.

Includes deep lugs that have been tested and proven by ultrarunners for performance on difficult trails.

We add an additional 3.5mm midsole to shoes that use the Megagrip sole to provide an extra buffer from sharp rocks.

Our most flexible sole! 3–4mm thick (natural hides vary slightly). Pliable texture provides our highest level of groundfeel and most unrestricted foot movement.

All-natural leather material allows grounding conductivity.

Use

A versatile sole for most uses. Rubber compound provides natural "stickiness" on smooth surfaces while zig-zag tread helps grip onto unnatural surfaces in nature, such as gravel or rocky paths. Thin and flexible enough for optimal groundfeel, yet thick enough to keep feet protected.

Perfect for running on smooth surfaces or for trail runners who have strengthened their feet to tolerate groundfeel of rough surfaces.

Designed specifically to handle challenging terrain, Megagrip soles perform well in both wet and dry conditions and are a favorite among extreme trail runners.

Megagrip soles are heavier than our other soles due to their extra thickness and density.

A favorite for dancers and people who prefer to run or walk barefoot. Like the street sole, it is recommended to have feet strengthened for barefoot-style running before using this sole on rough or rocky terrain.

NOTE: this sole can become very slippery on smooth, wet surfaces.


Leather Material Comparison

Leather Material Comparison
  Smooth Full Grain

Includes Sublime, Aged, Shiny
and Vegetable-Tanned Leathers

LITE
Summary Smooth Full Grain LeatherSmooth and semi-glossy topside (leather labeled as "shiny" is extra glossy with metallic finish). Underside is suede. LITE Perforated LeatherSmooth, thin and light. Perforated for increased breathability.
Features

Pros: Naturally water resistant and easy to clean. Keeps feet warm and protected in cold, wet weather.

NOTE: Vegetable-Tanned leather is a "naked" material and may stain easily, even with plain water or leathercare.

Cons: May cause feet to feel warm in hot climates, depending on your tolerance for heat/cold—but still more breathable than most rubber or faux-leather shoes.

Pros: Lightweight, keeps feet cool and ventilated. A favorite for running in warm weather. Easy to clean.

Cons: Not water resistant... it has holes!

Use

Smooth leather provides the most protection from the elements. A popular choice for protecting feet from cold or wet weather. Also gives a classy look for dressy or formal occasions.

While naturally somewhat water resistant, smooth leather can be made more waterproof with full grain leather care (found in our Accessories menu).

Great for athletes wanting to keep feet ventilated and cool. This naturally lightweight material minimizes shoe weight to maximize performance. Although it is not water resistant, the thin, airy material dries quickly and is easy to clean.

Customer Reviews

4.7

249 reviews

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Top customer reviews

  1. Verified Buyer

    softstar evangelist

    Rating

    The Dash RunAmoc (black) is my daily wear. Transitions easily from the office to getting out and about. Perfect for me. Currently flowing through life in my fourth pair...
  2. An outstanding and versatile minimalist shoe for all occasions

    Rating

    This is my fourth pair of Softstar shoes, and I’ve greatly enjoyed my experiences with their products. I’ve recently purchased another pair of Dash RunAmocs in black to satisfy business professional attire for an international conference in Washington, D.C. The shoes were perfect when paired with a pair of dress slacks and suit jacket. Furthermore, they offered tremendous comfort and style during long days on the floor. They were equally good when paired with a black pair of slim fit jeans while walking around DC – and many of others noticed as there was an abundance of compliments directed towards my shoes. These are outstanding shoes for any occasion and are perfect for those who adhere to minimalism.
  3. Verified Buyer

    Light and breezy

    Rating

    It took me a long time to find this shoe and I wish i would have found it sooner. It’s light, the leather feels great, and the sole is durable. Great, simple, well constructed shoe
  4. Verified Buyer

    Love the shoes, but wide in the heel for me

    Rating

    I wear a size 14/49 men's typically. The length and toe box are great. The heel area is too wide for me however. A LOT too wide. However, i get it; i think nearly all shoe companies have this problem, just blowing up a smaller shoe outline, increasing it in every dimension equally. Other than the heel width though, I'm enjoying the shoes. I've received several compliments from people on how they look. I wore them about hour a day and slowly worked up to being my primary shoes. Hiking on rocky ground worked ok. Good grip. I could feel the rocks but they didn't hurt me. It was a workout for my feet though, took several days for my foot muscles and balls of my feet to recover. They were easily cleaner, just wiped em down with damp cloth I would definitely buy again, just wish they made some with narrower heel
  5. Verified Buyer

    Best shoes ever!

    Rating

    This is at least my third pair of these, plus I've had the chukkas. Because I would otherwise have a bunion problem, I refuse to wear anything else for any length of time. People love my shoes, and I get a wide, so they look a bit odder than even the regular width ones, but they still love them. I've probably sent 10 people to this store in the past ten years. I do wear them into oblivion, too. Make sure you get the right size, then you'll never know you're wearing shoes.
  6. Verified Buyer

    I love them!!

    Rating

    Comfortable, durable, versatile, just what a pair of shoes should be!
  7. Verified Buyer

    Protector of the Realm

    Rating

    I recently purchased a new pair of these because my first pair wore out. The soles had holes and the cobbler wanted basically the price of a new pair. These carried me through the pandemic while I did rounds in a psychiatric ER and then through psych wards in jails. Well, I guess my feet have gotten more muscular since I first got my first pair in 2019 because they’re pretty tight. I double checked to make sure my first pair wasn’t “wide.” The new ones are still pretty good, and I expect them to break in well. I look forward to five more years of these wonderful shoes. And even if they don’t get as comfy as the first pair that’s okay. I have four other pairs of various SoftStar shoes to carry me through, including the primal ones and a pair of those sweet new brogues.
  8. First Softstar - Definitely not the last!

    Rating

    I've been eyeing up Softstar Shoes for a little while, but due to pricing, I had not tried any up to this point. When the Clearance sale rolled around last month, I saw a pair of obviously customized Dash RunAmocs with the 2mm Street sole in like new condition in my size, at a great discount; so I had to give them a try. I am so glad that I did! These are very comfortable without socks, the fit is great, the shoes are flexible, and there is plenty of room for toe splay. I do kind of wish the toe box was a little taller as my toes curve up slightly and you can see the ends of them poking up a bit. I hope this doesn't lead to any premature wear and tear. But, I am very satisfied with the quality of the materials and of the workmanship that goes into making these shoes! I am already eyeing up a pair of Rogues for my next purchase!
  9. Verified Buyer

    Favorite shoes!

    Rating

    I love these shoes and use them to work, on a run and on a hike. They are really well made, and are the best all purpose shoes I’ve ever had.

    Response from store

    Note from the Elves: That is so great to hear Raul! Thank you and glad your feet are happy.
  10. Verified Buyer

    Joy

    Rating

    Thank you for sharing your hard work with me by making the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I wear them everyday from sunup to sundown and regardless of temperature or distance walked they keep my feet happy. I have also gotten compliments from family and friends on how great the look.
  11. Nearly perfect shoes

    Rating

    I've tried Softstar shoes in the past, and I was always impressed with what they were, but they were not quite what I wanted. I ended up getting one of these Dash Runamoc shoes from the clearance section thinking they would be perfect for weightlifting. I was so blown away with how comfortable they were I bought a second pair in leather for daily wear at work. For pure comfort, I don't think there is a better shoe out there. The shape, the toe room, the leather foot bed, it's a great design. One of my biggest problems with Softstar in the past was that practically smooth sole that was used which was borderline unusable. You couldn't even walk on grass with them. These new Vibram zig zag style soles are a million times better. The traction with them is as good as I need. The only reason I'm giving these a 4 stars instead of 5 is because I still want to see an improvement in the sole. These style soles are absolute perfection for the weight room, and other things like that. They are not perfect for daily use. I would love to see a second option come out for something more for daily use. Specifically these zig zag style soles are going to wear out too fast. I'm ok with them being a little thicker, maybe 8mm thick, a little deeper thread, and in a design that will last a while. Based on what I'm seeing with my daily pair, I'm thinking they will be pretty bald in 9 months to a year.
  12. I feel like a queen on vacation in these

    Rating

    I got these shoes in the off white color with black laces. I have sensory issues especially with shoes, and these are one of the few brands I trust that I can be comfortable in all day long. I chose the size closest to my foot size in the size guide. Was worried about pinching in the toes but its perfect. I have a low/medium volume feet, skinny ankles, and a plateau foot shape. 26cm x 10.6cm and got the regular width, size U09. The leather soles feel durable and slightly “cushioned”? It’s quite lovely. They’re the most fashionable softstars I own (also have the ballet flats and primal runamocs). They look delicate and feminine on my enormous feet and go well with sporty/casual business attire. I paired them with sporty leggings and a long cardigan. Ugh LUXURY!! Thank you for making these friggin awesome shoes!!!
  13. Tough and Lightweight

    Rating

    I've put about 150 miles on these now, and really enjoy them. The transition to barefoot takes time for one's tendons, but I think has many benefits. As a wildland firefighter, I appreciate that these shoes are easy to pack in a personal gear bag - both for evenings of civilian dress while travelling, and physical training while in staging status. The soles are showing signs of wear, but I checked with a local boot shop and they agreed that they'll be easy to resole. This was a major point for me as I'm tired of having to recycle/toss standard running shoes after 500 miles. The leather uppers are showing some discoloration in the toe, but that's to be expected with any shoe after miles of trail running. Additionally, Ian's prompt customer service was excellent. Highly recommend this USA-made product!
  14. My Favorite minimalist shoes

    Rating

    I got these shoes in Feb of 2021 and immediately took them on a 12 mile hike and wore them for 8 miles. The fit is extremely comfortable. I wear 10.5 - 11 in other shoes brands and the sizing guide provided by softstar is accurate to the shoe size. I wear 11 in this style and it runs slightly larger than the "Adult Quick Dry DASH RunAmoc" in the toe box area. The shoes has held up very well through many adventures, hikes and work days. Some of my favorite minimalist shoes and worth the price. For minimalist close toed shoes and running shoes these are my go to.
  15. Verified Buyer

    My favorite pair of shoes!

    Rating

    These shoes look really, really good. The leather and shape both contribute to a sleek and sophisticated appearance while remaining comfortable throughout the day. You should buy these shoes if you want to have just one pair of shoes for everyday wear (they breathe well and don't ever stink) because they match well with any occasion. That said, the primal runamocs are better than these for rough play or tough work conditions. The leather uppers on the dash runamocs are so beautiful and soft that it grieves my heart whenever I scratch them on rough concrete while playing tag with my kids.
  16. Too Big

    Rating

    I wish they offered smaller sizes or custom sizing. I've had these shoes for around two years, and I would love to order another pair, but they're too big. I'm very disappointed. Please add women's size 5 to your sizes.

    Response from store

    Note from the Elves: Hi Nicole - thanks for your input. Please reach out to our CS team this week - they will be able to help you with this special request.
  17. Verified Buyer

    Wonderful shoes

    Rating

    I ordered a pair of these to replace some aging vibram five fingers shoes. The five fingers design sometimes hurts my toes. I am very pleased with these shoes. The leather is soft on my feet and I can feel the ground. I like that my toes are not cramped. I wish the toe box was a little taller as my.big toes stick up, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will last a long time. I have ordered customizable colors and some of the perforated leathers. These are my new go tos shoes for walking and other outdoor activities.
  18. Verified Buyer

    Love them

    Rating

    Basically my favorite shoes. I wear them to work in an office, walk around, bike, jog.... They're very pretty, comfortable and versatile.
  19. Verified Buyer

    Ms.

    Rating

    I’m 63 y.o. and have had problems with my feet and shoes since my 20’s. For the last 2 years I’ve had problems with my right knee. I do a lot of dance fitness and my knee issues were starting to wreak havoc with my dancing. My husband has been using minimalist shoes for years and was touting the benefits of them. He bought me some Softstar slippers for Christmas and I loved them. I was spending a lot of time in them at home and started to notice that my knee was feeling better. I decided to try the Dash Runamoc and I am so happy I did. These shoes are benefiting my feet and knees so much. I wish I would have tried them sooner. I think they are really cute too!
  20. First time experience

    Rating

    Spend around $300 on two pairs Amazing experience as well as getting lots of mentions on the shoes and the style of them! Fully satisfied until both pairs began having holes in the soles, after not even a year of use! granted I use them everyday all day, it really bums me out, for how expensive they are I’d like something that lasted longer
  21. Wide Foot Guy

    Rating

    7 years wearing this same item. Since no other zero-drop shoe company makes a wide enough shoe for my feet, I won't be hard. My only wish is that the leather was loose enough at the beginning, cuz it takes awhile to get comfy. I guess i mean that the leather is too tapered at the edge and I would prefer more height. My only other gripe is that I can't easily slide into the shoe. I have to raise the tongue & heel every time. Please continue to make these shoes for me, thanks. I can never fit into a normal heeled sole shoe/boot again(well, not comfortably).
  22. Best shoes

    Rating

    These remain the best shoes I ever had!
  23. Great for weights

    Rating

    I wear these to work out. Great flat flexible base. Perfect for compound, full body free weights. Can be used for running. These shoes are great for those purposes but look goofy as hell, wearing these in a non-exercise situation is like wearing soccer cleats with a suit.
  24. Feet, legs stronger than ever

    Rating

    Buy these shoes. Your feet will thank you. Ridiculously good, therapeutic feel. 8 months in, my feet and legs have never felt stronger.
  25. Verified Buyer

    Dash RunAmoc

    Rating

    Every day wear….Most. Comfortable. Shoes. EVER!
  26. sizing

    Rating

    im a big softstar fan. wear my primal runamocs and sawyers a lot. ditched other shoes. I wear an 11 in sawyer and primal runamocs. I tried an 11 in plan runamocs and it was kinda restrictive. not awful, so toe separation, but not toe spread. made me sad. then I bought a pair in size 12 to try. They work! they're a little long, but for some reason don't catch while im walking. i get FULL toe splay with a 12. so, if you're discouraged by nonsplayedness from your reg. runamocs, going up one size may very well be the answer. seems like I really need an 11.5, but i'm happy to take the 12 and spread out. thanks softstar. tl;dr sizing is definitely not the same from primal runamocs to regular runamocs....go up a size if its too tight
  27. Dr.

    Rating

    So far love these! I’m fairly new (3 months) to the barefoot/minimalist game. I’d had a plantar fasciitis issue for 3+ years and, based on doctor’s recommendations, started running in minimalist (not Softstar) shoes. When I made the transition, I quickly realized that expanding the experience to walking and daily wear would likely facilitate the strengthening and healing process. Discovered Softstar, bought a pair of the Dash’s, and have been wearing them daily for the past 2 weeks or so, including long walks with a backpack through airports and around the city. They’re great! Super comfortable, and my legs and foot feel stronger and healthier by the day. I’m now plotting what the design for the Softstar’s that will replace my current runners when they wear out!
  28. Verified Buyer

    Used to be the best

    Rating

    This was going to be the shoe I bought for the rest of my life but they ruined it. The last 3 pairs I've tried with the new omnifelx sole have had it delaminate from the leather within a week of wearing them. The old soles never had this issue and I was able to wear them until a hole wore through the leather or the rubber but never did the shoe itself fall apart. I miss the old trail sole and used to buy a pair or two every year. Going to have to return these again and find another brand. Honestly super bummed out.

    Response from store

    Note from the Elves: Hello Nick - we are dismayed to hear this and are reaching out with some test pairs to get to the bottom of what is going on. We won't leave you empty handed! (or should I say unshod :-)? Apologies for the frustration with the recent pairs - we stand by our quality and promise to make this right by you.
  29. Biking Adventures

    Rating

    In 2019 I took a 4,500-mile 90-day solo bike trip. In preparation for that trip I tried four different pairs of shoes before settling on Softstar DASH RunAmocs as my off-bike shoes. The RunAmocs dominated the others in terms of comfort, elegance, weight, and ease of packing. Because of the way the front of the shoe tapers without any toe box, it was a challenge to know what size to buy. One of the elves at Softstar advised me that the soft leather of the DASH RunAmocs would stretch to accommodate my feet, and that I could enhance the stretching by stuffing the fronts with washcloths. I also used shoe trees to enhance the stretching. The DASH RunAmocs were comfortable to wear even when wet, which was often the case when I was camping. I always wore them without socks. Since returning from my 90-day bike trip I have continued to wear my RunAmocs while walking in Manhattan. I love them!
  30. The best of the bunch.

    Rating

    A barefoot shoe that is light, comfortable, blends in well enough for casual wear and is made of good quality materials. None of the others have matched this, and I have tried many. Oh yeah and they can be re-soled. I couldn’t imagine a better shoe than this.
  31. So far they are staying on my feet

    Rating

    Although I'm between sizes on all models, the primal run amok is so far emerging as my favorite. Besides being laceup and the easy on foot bending bullhide sole, I like the the midsection of the sole is narrower. Although I have very wide ball of foot and high instep, I don't need the extra fabric and floppiness of a wide mid-foot region. An interesting tip if you are between sizes like me is to wear them barefoot even if you size up. This sounds counterintuitive and first I thought i'd wear thick socks to take up the extra length. But instead am finding that barerfoot, the shoes seem to cling to my feet despite the extra length whereas with the socks I was slip sliding around in them. Hey softstar, maybe you can devise a "Soft sole super sticky sock". If anyone has a tip on a thin but effective cushion to insert, please post; right now, I"m limited to soft surfaces unless I get a bit of cushion against impact pain of concrete. Also would love to hear those who have tried runamoks in both suede and leather in back for how they compare for walking support and comfort. (I got veg. tanned leather in back for this pair. Would love suede but maybe the drape of suede in back maybe less effective).
  32. Don't hesitate to buy!

    Rating

    I Just received these yesterday as part of the spring clearance sale. I have not taken them off my feet, except to sleep:) they are so comfortable! I have been looking at these for a while now and was a bit hesitant to purchase an Irregular shoe not knowing what to expect but the price was just too good to pass up and I'm so glad I did. The irregular details that the elves listed where so hard to find, and don't in any way detract from how great these shoes look and feel. I can wear my Correct Toes with these in the regular width. I did measure my width with my Correct Toes on before purchase and was within the acceptable range for not needing to go wide. Another Great purchase from Softstar!
  33. Verified Buyer

    My new favorite shoes

    Rating

    I bought the rainbow pride edition of these shoes, and they are amazing! I get tons of compliments on them. They're super fun and also the most comfortable shoes ever. I have two pairs of softstar sandals which I also love. You will not regret buying these!
  34. Happy Feet

    Rating

    I bought a pair of these with the rainbow leather for PRIDE month and they are Beautiful! They’re also super comfortable. I love them.
  35. every day

    Rating

    The leather is so soft They are handmade I can wear them in the summer and in the winter To work, to explore, to play...
  36. Verified Buyer

    My travel buddy

    Rating

    Adult DASH RunAmoc / my second pair of shoes 1st i have the 5mm vibram the 2nd is a bullhide still in order i cant wait to fit in on my foot.. I like it made it on right on my backyard USA....
  37. Best for Daily 10K’s

    Rating

    I have found these to be my go to shoe for longer road runs. The The comfort is unsurpassed by others - there is no pressure or rubbing on the tops of my toes from either the shoe’s structure of the supple/soft leather used. My distances have increased and I now do a daily 5mi run in these 7 days a week.
  38. Verified Buyer

    Comfort

    Rating

    I really enjoy wearing these... Very comfortable and there is no going back to a real shoe...
  39. Verified Buyer

    my all around kick around shoes

    Rating

    since I got my Adult DASH RunAmoc I wore it for 8 hrs at work /then afterwork hike /run on the rugged trail awesome..easy to clean and it looks so good.. I ordered another pair same but Bullhide sole this it.. One shoes for everything I travel a lot /workout awesomeness.. thanks Elves.... eeljay
  40. Verified Buyer

    Goldilocks n shoes

    Rating

    This is my third purchase of minimal style shoes and I finally feel the "ah-ha" moment of yes these are what I was looking for! 10/10 they are made in America and no duties to ship to Canada Right away of putting this shoe on it was a match. Sizing was easy to find/match with the Adult DASH RunAmoc. I'm not a runner but work on my feet all day so I am excited to have these as my new work shoeees. 10/10 shoes are not separated by GENDER! It's just adult and kids ! I dunno, but I find other shops/shoes annoying cause I have small feet for mens sizing so I never know if the mens sizing will fit. 10/10 upon receiving the package was pleeeased by the minimal amount of shipping attachments. Just the shoes in a bag with a parchment paper to keep them safe. I'm excited to wear them in and see how they evolve. I'm wondering if the soft leather on my big toes will tear sooner than later though? My toes go UP a lot at ends and soft leather, so we will see .
  41. Verified Buyer

    10+ years

    Rating

    I absolutely love my RunAmocs. I have been buying them for 10+ years. I own them, and a pair of rain boots and a pair of sandals and that is it. I wear my RunAmocs everywhere. Work, play and dress up (I don't really dress up too fancy, obviously). I am not a runner, but walk for miles in them. They last me about 2 years with my semi-active lifestyle. Usually the soles wear out first. Excellent quality and excellent customer service this entire time.
  42. Good Shoe

    Rating

    Very good shoe for hiking, walking, running, slackline. I prefer to wear mine barefoot, but sometimes wear thin socks in winter. #naturalfeet
  43. Verified Buyer

    the best shoe out there

    Rating

    these shoes are ridiculously good...I’m on my 3rd pair they’re even better and lighter now with the new sole thank you for designing such a great shoe!
  44. Verified Buyer

    owner

    Rating

    Very comfortable. Nice fitting. I can wear these shoes all day.
  45. Best shoes ever

    Rating

    2nd pair of Dash, third pair of Softstars. If you are on the edge, just do it, your feet will thank you! Durable, simple, comfortable, ethical. My first pair are over 5 years old and don’t stink!
  46. LOVE

    Rating

    Just received these shoes in the mail and they are as soft as butter! True to size (use their measurement method), and I was happy to be able to choose the narrow option. Very pleased with these. I’ve had the moccasins for a long time and they’ve helped with my back issues for around the house . Happy to have something to wear when going out.
  47. Verified Buyer

    I never want to wear anything else again

    Rating

    Working from home in our ~new reality~ has me remembering how much more comfortable I am barefoot. Now that I have free feet most of the time, any time I have to wear shoes is uncomfortable and restricting.... But these shoes are the exception! All the comfort and freedom of bare feet, but with protection to the sole and also stores will let me in this way (haha). Soft leather, fits beautifully. I also appreciate that the oxblood colors are snazzy -- not goofy or too casual-looking like so many other athletic/minimal shoes. I still have to strengthen my feet more before I can run in them, but for now walking is a dream. My first order of these the left and right shoes were off by almost a whole inch. Luckily customer service was prompt in responding to my inquiry and got the ball rolling to switch out the pair for a matching set without any trouble. It took an extra several weeks before I got the correct pair (as I understand it takes them a couple of weeks to make shoes to order, plus the current delays in USPS), but worth it for a quality product made in the US.
  48. Great Shoes!

    Rating

    I love these shoes. I bought them for walking and light running. I previously wore toe shoes for this but didn't like how they felt in summer (too hot). These are great and have the same feeling of being barefoot yet also protected. I am very happy with my purchase!
  49. Verified Buyer

    My Softstar Review and Sizing Info

    Rating

    Softstar makes my favorite shoes. I hope this review persuades you to pull the trigger and buy a pair. I also hope this helps you avoid sizing problems. Quality of material 11 out of 10 - I’ve never felt better quality leather. Btw Softstar, any plans to make wallets? Comfort 11 out of 10 - The most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. Fit 11 out of 10 - Fits like a glove, when you get the right size. Weight 11 out of 10 - The lightest shoes I own. I bet the only more lightweight shoes are those high-performance running shoes for athletes. Customer Service 10 out of 10 - They are so friendly, helpful, and quick whenever I have a question or a problem. Environment 10 out of 10 - They’re so committed to the environment. And I love that they only use ONE piece of paper for my entire order. Construction 8.5 out of 10 - The soles are starting to get unglued on my oldest pair (Primal RunAmocs). No real problems yet, but I’m concerned it will get worse. Sizing 6 out of 10 - Pretty all over the place. Part of the reason I’m writing this review. I have the Primal RunAmocs in 10U, the Primal Sawyers in 11U, and the Dash RunAmocs in 12U. They all fit amazingly! I got the Hawthorne Chukkas in 11U wide based on a review I read, but I should have gotten the Hawthorne Chukkas in 12U WIDE (they’re too tight, but I wore them a bunch before really realizing it - going to keep trying to stretch them out once it’s not so hot out). Repairs 5 out of 10 - I think only the Chukkas can be resoled. It might be just a limitation of minimalist shoes. I’d love it if they came up with some ingenious way to make all of them resole-able, though. My SoftStar shoes: Primal RunAmoc 10U Regular - on clearance in 2019 (probably from 2018) Adult Hawthorne Chukka 11U Wide - SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN 12U WIDE - During a sale November 2019 Adult Primal Sawyer 11U Regular - During a sale July 2020 Adult DASH RunAmoc 12U Regular - During a sale July 20, - Originally bought 11U Regular, then exchanged for 12U Regular Overall, my favorite shoes and one of my favorite groups of people to give my hard-earned money to. Softstar for life!
  50. Verified Buyer

    Love these, wearing them every day

    Rating

    New to minimalist footwear. I tried one other brand before these but the other brand felt more like clogs really. I'll be sticking to Softstar in the future. So glad these shoes look normal enough that I can wear them to work every day. I'm prone to joint pain and my joints are increasingly happy. Corns are gone. Softest, most comfortable shoes ever. I never want to wear any other shoes ever again.
  51. Good shoe so far

    Rating

    This is the most minimal shoe I’ve ever bought. The fit is fine 9U, I have had them about a month and wear them both with and without light socks for office and everyday wear. I don’t quite trust the leather over the toes just yet, the bit right at the front where the upper meets the sole in front of my toes. I’m hard on my shoes always, chasing hard after our child and carrying our toddler, and I’m nervous that this area will scuff the worst and wear through first. Time will tell! The look of the shoe is great - I was looking for something super minimal that could still pass on the street and in the office and these work fine.
  52. They are my favorite of all shoes I have ever owned.

    Rating

    These shoes are fantastic. They are my favorite of all shoes I have ever owned. They can be both casual and classy. I love the narrow fit shoe. It conforms great to my foot. I also go with a snug fit because the high-quality leather stretches with time. I can comfortably wear converse, Nike's and vans era shoe and would recommend the narrow sole to anyone else. The normal size sole feels more like a slipper.
  53. Solid Shoe

    Rating

    I’ve been looking for a barefoot shoe to wear to work for a while. I tried Vivobarefoot and Xeroshoes but they both don’t work due to a lack of longevity and function. I love my Softstar shoes and I plan to wear these for my every day shoe. I like that the suede inner sole gives good traction so that you don’t have to rely on the shoe’s upper transmitting force from your foot to the ground, that tends to damage the shoe over time. Softstar told me that the shoes can be resoled when you wear through the outer sole which is GREAT news since this extends the use you can get out of the shoes greatly. The leather they use is very soft and comfortable. Wearing these feels like wearing socks. They are very flexible and allow your foot to move around freely in all planes of motion you would need. The negatives I’ve experiences are that the suede inner sole grabs onto your socks a lot when you put the shoe on which makes your sock pull tight on your toes, but the positive side of the suede inner (mentioned above is worth it). The leather used is very thin and soft which while comfortable, worries me that it will get ruined if I stub my toe on a rock while wearing these. I think there needs to be extra reinforcement in the heel so that the leather doesn’t get stretched out when you pull on the heel to slide your foot in. This last part is mostly a pro: these shoes offer a lot of flexibility in the sizing, and because of how the toe box tapers down in the front you need to be very thorough in using the sizing guide to make sure you get the right size.
  54. Dope shoes

    Rating

    Love how was able to customise my own personal pair. In actuality they look as expected. There is a thin layer of some material between the sole and the leather, which was not in the picture and looks a bit industrial, but not a big deal, and that shouldn't be a dealbreaker. Have a rather narrow foot (widest at 10.4 cms with 12U length), but initially ordered regular width, and wrote in comments that I don't know if I should get narrows. The elves hit me up and consulted me, I sent them pictures of my foot as well. Concluded on the narrow ones in the end, and they do fit perfectly. The leather on top is snug so my big toe comes through a little, but it's not a big deal and the leather will stretch and otherwise it wouldn't fit so well on the foot. Shipping to northeast Europe was quick - 1,5 weeks. Had to pay customs of 50 eur, take this into consideration, but I do not regret. Would love to see more designs and more customizability.
  55. Nice Shoe, Not nice Size.

    Rating

    I really like the shoe. My problem is in the size. I am a true ten and one half. I called Softstar and they said one half size is no big deal and either size 10 or 11 would work. So I tried size 11 and found myself stumbling around in them. I never tried running with them for fear of falling on my face. So then I tried size 10 and now both of my big toes are badly blistered. I can’t understand why Softstar refuses to make half sizes.
  56. Like a fine wine

    Rating

    They only get better with age. I’ve had these guys (with the street sole) for at least three years now and they just keep on impressing me. I have found new ways to wear them and use them. They’ve molded to my feet (even the rubber soles), stretched out just the right amount, and they still don’t stink longer than a few hours after I take them off (and without socks my feet can get stinky; not my best trait). When j first got them I was skeptical about the fit (both the length and the heel cup) and the slapping noise they made. But now, the fit is perfect and the slapping noise is barely noticeable since it forced me to learn to walk correctly. Good biofeedback right there. They work in every situation I can imagine; chiropractic office, out on the town, dinner party, fancy business stuff, long walks, hikes, and probably running if I wanted to (I still haven’t done that). I’m working my way up to both the primal and the moc3. I just have to wear out my other shoes before I go and replace them. I like to use my stuff til it fails. Unless someone would like to take a couple pairs of shoes off my hands then I’ll gladly grab a couple more soft stars;) Two thumbs up for these shoes and for the company.
  57. Really comfortable

    Rating

    These shoes with the 2mm sole are really comfortable. So far (less than 2 months) I haven’t used them for running, but wear them a few hours a day for general activities including walking. I’m female and over 70. The leather is really soft. I do not use socks and so far the shoes are a pleasure to wear. I do have one or 2 reservations at this point. My 2nd toe is slightly longer than my big toe and even though my foot’s longest measurement was 24.2 cm making me a size 7, the second toe does hit the end of the shoe a little bit. So far it’ not a problem but maybe could be when I start using the shoes for running or walk longer distances than 1/2 mile at a time? Also my big toenail acts like it could cut a hole in the leather upper eventually. I keep my toenails trimmed short but notice the leather upper is dented right over the big toenail. The width is fine. I ordered 7U. The shoes are not in any way uncomfortable however, and as already stated they are a real pleasure to wear. I’d like to see a white “rubber” sole of some sort added as an option, if feasible.
  58. 5 Years of use!

    Rating

    I love the style, comfort and fit of the DASH RunAmoc. I will say that when I got them I had to stretch the toe box with a wet dish rag, and there was a short break in period. I got the 2mm sole and I really like it for regular everyday activities. If you do a lot of walking I would get a thicker sole (5mm) but 2mm has great ground feel. My Dash RunAmoc are almost 5 Years old and other than the leather being scuffed these are still some of my favorite shoes.
  59. Another great pair of softstars

    Rating

    The softstarelves gave worked a Christmas miracle! They shipped my shoes from the clearance sale got from the West Coast to the East coast so fast I got whiplash. Dashes are my favorite softstars and these are no different. They look immaculate! Thanks elves!!!
  60. Best shoes I've had so far

    Rating

    They fit just right, they look amazing, they hold up well. I did find out they don't respond well to breakdancing - when the top of the shoe makes excessive contact with the floor, it can scratch at the leather on top (surprises no one, I would imagine). Anything where the top of the shoe doesn't abrasively rub against the floor has been fine - even activities that have destroyed the soles of other shoes. I normally hate wearing shoes, even if minimalist, but these are pleasant to wear.
  61. Verified Buyer

    Very Happy

    Rating

    I am super grateful for the return policy. I initially ordered a 13 but felt to much pressure on my big toe. I sent them back no questions asked and reorder a 14. I am very pleased. The shoe is a little bigger but the pressure is gone. Add in the elastic shoelaces and I slip on an go. I was skeptical to wear without socks b/c of odors. Its been about a week of everyday wear and no shoe odor of any kind. My only change now is I make sure my ankles are not ashy before I leave the house.
  62. My second pair of Softstar Shoes

    Rating

    The Dash RunAmoc in Black/Black is my second pair of Softstars. I first purchased the Ballerine about 10 months ago. I'll just compare the two in a few aspects; the Dash is wider in the toe box, and the tread is more uniform than the Ballerine. I prefer the grip of the Ballerine's tread. I fit in the same size (9U) in both styles, so they are consistent size-wise. I could probably have ordered the Narrow in the Dash because it is so much wider than the Ballerine. I am getting used to the wider toe box aesthetically. It is just wider than anything I've worn before, but I find them very comfortable. I like the laces and so far, having worn them in wet grass, and in the rain, they've been water-resistant too, which makes them cozy on colder days. Now, I just need a winter boot from Softstar and I'll be ready for the next season here in Glens Falls, NY.
  63. Patriotic Shoes

    Rating

    I typically wear a mens size 10. The printable sizing chart measured me at size 10 as well. However, that shoe was just a bit too short. I returned it and ordered an 11 instead, which fits perfectly. I cannot say enough good things about their customer service. All of my questions had prompt responses, and I did not feel that it was a burden whatsoever to return and order a different pair. As for the shoe... I will be wearing Softstar products from here on out, as will my family. The craftsmanship and quality are top notch. I have been into minimal shoes for a few years now and every other brand out there (I've tried just about all of them) left something to be desired. This is a true minimalist shoe and mimics being barefoot. One last big thing. It's a shoe made in America, by Americans. That's a big deal.
  64. Verified Buyer

    Absolutely love them

    Rating

    I have worn my shoes everyday since receiving and absolutely love them. (I walk a minimum of 3 miles a day. ) I ordered a 6U Wide and they fit like a glove. I have extremely difficult feet to fit in shoes and these work for me. I have a very wide foot and narrow heel. Random note: my feet sweat a ton and these shoes do not stink but smell like leather.
  65. Totally worth the money.

    Rating

    These are among my top five shoes I’ve ever owned. I’ve walked a lot in my 36 years, and wherever I walk I wish I didn’t have to wear shoes. These shoes are pretty much the closest thing to that! Very comfortable, even from the first day out of the reusable packaging. I got them for work — I work overnights in the Emergency Room, so my feet are important. No swelling, no hot spots, and I move so soft I don’t wake up the patients. I get compliments regularly. Totally worth the money.
  66. Barely noticed I was wearing shoes!

    Rating

    I am so very pleased with my cute and comfortable Adult DASH RunAmocs! These shoes are even better than I expected. I've already walked and run miles in them and barely noticed I was wearing shoes. I am also so grateful to the elves for working through some problems with my order. What excellent customer service!
  67. I've never been so shoe-popular!

    Rating

    These shoes are comfortable, but do take some getting used to. Not in the sense that they are minimalist shoes but in the amount people take interest in them. People tell me all the time that they like them. I've never been so shoe-popular! The shoe is very sturdy, but the thin sole does wear rather quickly. (I opted for the thinner rubber "street" sole) Aside from that, they last a long time. I would recommend these shoes to anyone.
  68. Quality!

    Rating

    This is the second pair of shoes I’ve bought from Softstar. I will buy a third pair in the future! The high quality of these shoes are awesome!
  69. Love them!

    Rating

    The only shoes I wear, love them!
  70. Felt Great at first but don’t wear on cement for 6+ hours

    Rating

    I really enjoyed these shoes at first. I got the street sole. I wish I had gotten the trail sole, because after 34 years on this earth and my own idiocy of wearing my Dash RunAmoc’s to Universal Studios Orlando (and a year of wearing them pretty much everywhere), I developed this: Plantar Fibroma A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot (nodule) in the arch of the foot. It is embedded within the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot. A plantar fibroma can develop in one or both feet, is benign (nonmalignant) and usually will not go away or get smaller without treatment. Definitive causes for this condition have not been clearly identified. I think the Fibroma is from the lack of arch support, or perhaps I walked wrongly or funny on them and developed two nodules, one on each foot on the arch. Up until last weekend they were asymptomatic but this past weekend one of them was painful and I felt a sharp pain in my toe and the nodule. Since then I have ditched my street sole amoc’s and switched to my trail sole blue ones, and regular sneakers. I originally got the shoes to help reduce static electricity shocks which they worked beautifully to reduce. I am scheduling a podiatrist appointment soon, may update later.
  71. Assistant Professor of Career and Technical Educ ation

    Rating

    I love wearing shoes without socks. The DASH RunAmoc remind me of men's leather ballet slippers, so incredibly comfortable! Terrific customer service, first pair were too wide. I returned them for a smaller size without conflict.
  72. Engineer

    Rating

    Love the shoes! Definitely a head turner. The shoes feel very minimal and the soles are hard but I feel my feet getting stronger. The leather also authentic and stretch well. I initially bought them way too small but kept wearing them until they fit. Now they're great!
  73. bullhide soles are the best!

    Rating

    especially for house shoes and dancing...the bullhide soles are irreplaceable...much more comfy than the street sole or trail shoe. perfect for glove fit barefoot wear..the most perfect shoes i have ever worn (i'm 62 and have been zero drop for years, initially in response to a foot injury.). i like to add the poron insole to all my softstars, as my bony feet appreciate a bit more cushion..
  74. I've tried barefoot shoes of all kinds, xero, vivo, vibram toes, lems... Softstar are my favorite

    Rating

    Honestly, I've tried barefoot shoes of all kinds, xero, vivo, vibram toes, lems. These are my favorite so far. I'm rough on my shoes so I'll report back how it goes on durability. They definitely look better on my feet then in the photos, I got all black and don't regret it, almost tempted to get a few more colors
  75. Awesome!

    Rating

    Finally bought a pair after over a year of consideration. I'm glad I did! TRUE minimalist shoes in every sense of the word. Very comfortable and flexible and I don't feel restricted in any way at all. The shoes are a perfect fit and very snug while not annoying. It's like wearing nothing in the best possible way. They mold to your feet which is a big plus in my book. I ordered the aged poblano/aged acorn and love the way they look, and have already received several compliments on them. Highly recommended!
  76. These are not like the old runamocs

    Rating

    Something has changed in the design of the sole and cushion of these shoes. I have a pair of runamocs that I purchase 3-4 years ago and they were comfortable right out of the box. They're still comfortable, but the sole is pretty worn out. I bought an exact replacement. Sadly, the new pewter leather looks like literal tin foil on my feet. NOT the look I was going for! The leather also feels a lot thinner and echoing what another reviewer said about the leather being stretched too thin- I agree. There isn't enough leather to allow the toes to move or those of us (like me) with toes that stick up a little bit not to risk a tear in the two box. I don't know what I'm going to do now... I guess try another brand. Lastly, the cushioning is non existent. It literally feels like i'm talking on very stiff cardboard! I recently bought a new pair of sandals to replace my worn out ones. I thought my new soft star sandals seemed less cushioned than my old ones, but I don't have them to compare. I am confident something in the cushion of soft star shoes has changed and it's extremely disappointing because prices have not dropped to reflect the change in quality. When I have spoken with Elves about such questions, I am told nothing in the design as changed, but I have a literal comparison before to suggest otherwise! I wouldn't recommend these at all. I'm feeling very sad to be needing to find another vibram handmade shoe company because Soft Star shoes are a far cry from what they used to be.
  77. Work in them

    Rating

    I’ve been wearing size 12 Wide XL Softstars for a year and a half now. I’m 300 pounds and have used these to roof my house and also with my job as a professional mover. I absolutely love them. I wish they came in a more aggressive tread and heavy duty work line. Still I’ve had good longevity although they need replacing now.
  78. the usual

    Rating

    6th shoe since I started wearing flat shoes almost 4 years ago. These are better than the "original" slipper-style shoes and I love 'em cuz they're the only wide flat shoes in existence...I haven't tried XXXXXX or the knockoff in England....XXXXXX...but I need 4E width. OUtside of that the shoes are not easy to slip on, cuz they collapse, and they are unfortunately not water resistant so little driplets of sidewalk rain get into your front socks. I want a leather sole, but I'm too clumsy to try it. Still looks elven with shorts, nice with pants. I'd like to upgrade to the Primals, but I'm still not sure about the width. Also you can get rocks in your shoes when you walk, but Ihaven't had that problem since this last purchase, I don't know why
  79. Instantly fell in love

    Rating

    I got these shoes in the mail and instantly fell in love! I needed something for my business casual clothing when it came to slacks or anything really that I wore to work. They fit perfect! I can put my Vermont, USA made socks, with them and not get over heated in them like I would on other work shoes with socks. Very comfy and stylish. After months of reserach I am so glad I stuck to my gut and purchased these based on what I read from multiple other individuals and what Katy Bowman recommended. They are worth the price, you get every bit you pay out of these great shoes. I bought mine in all black so that they are appropriate for work but once these wear down some I will probably buy a more fun style kind later.
  80. Perfect for winter!

    Rating

    My first pair of Softstar shoes were black ballerines with the sport strap, which I bought this past summer. I liked the ground feel and roominess they provided so well that I didn’t want to go back to my other shoes. When our Midwest winter rolled around I dreaded wearing my nearly zero drop athletic shoes, not only because of the much thicker sole but especially because the narrow toe box now felt incredibly restrictive. So when the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale rolled around I bought a pair of the DASH RunAmocs in black for me and a pair of shoes for my daughter. I wasn’t sure if I should go with the narrow or regular, because I was right on the edge of both. After sending my measurements and talking with the elves about how the ballerines fit, as well as how my husband’s PRIMALs fit me (we wear the same size), they recommended the regular width. I went with that and they fit perfectly. I was happy with the all black pair, and my husband liked them too. So much so that when the winter clearance sale rolled around he scoured the 9U DASH selection for a color combo that interested him. Because they go so quickly, he missed out on all the more masculine colors but he saw a pair of all shiny pewter DASHs and asked if I’d be interested in them, and then he’d take the black pair I’d purchased for myself. I was hesitant since I was do happy with the black pair but said yes so we could both have a pair at the discounted price. The pewter shoes arrived quickly, and they look fantastic! I actually like them better than the all black ones since I already have the black ballerines to wear if I need something for dressier occasions. Thank you to whomever returned these gorgeous shoes! Also, they’re working out perfect for winter. I’ve even been wearing them without socks on days above 40 degrees!
  81. Good Option

    Rating

    After I had success with the Rambler shoes I bought a few weeks ago, I took another leap of faith and bought the Dash in black. Although they are not suitable for the tennis court (I wish!), they work very well at the gym (for weight lifting) and on the treadmill. . They are surprisingly snug mid foot and ankle. For that reason, I did take them on the tennis court and found they were useful for serving and drills (minimal movement), but the sole is not suitable for an actual game--and I became very concerned about ripping and scuffing the leather. . It is winter here, so I won't use them outside. I might get another pair for outdoor when Spring comes. I am not a runner so cannot evaluate them as a running shoe on a treadmill. As a walking shoe and a "dress" shoe for the office (with slacks or trousers), I think they are a good option.
  82. They are comfy, even with a very sore toe :)

    Rating

    I stubbed my big toe just before these shoes arrived. They are comfy, even with a very sore toe :). Highly recommend
  83. Tai Chi Shoes

    Rating

    I alternate among three pairs of these shoes for tai chi practice and teaching, all with leather soles. I love them, and I’m considering adding to my collection - but where is the leather sole option? I don’t see it. Tai chi players, like dancers, need SMOOTH soles ...
  84. Custom Dash

    Rating

    I was looking for shoes without a rubber sole to help me stay grounded that would comply with the rules at work. They require closed toed shoes with laces. Also I work in a culture that places a high value on the shoes people wear. Based off of the picture I thought they would be ugly so I did my best to pick a combination that would work well for my uniforms. I can't tell you how often people complement me on my shoes. Strangers have rolled down car windows to ask where I got my shoes, kids that I don't think even like me complement me on my shoes. I got the metallic leather and I was concerned that it would fade but I think I've had them about 8 months, wear then 2-3 times a week and it still looks metallic. Also the leather soles are holding up well. I live in hot humid FL and as long as I don't tighten the laces real tight they aren't hot or noticeably sweaty, only closed toed shoes other then my vibraham 5fingers that I am comfortable not wearing socks in.
  85. Verified Buyer

    Smooth vs. LITE

    Rating

    I have had the all black runamocs for a year and 8 months and have had the LITE black/oxblood runamocs for a few weeks now. The shoes are both good quality. However, I do not understand why the LITE runamocs' leather is thinner than the regular ones. Since it is perforated for breathability, it is already more susceptible to damage/tearing. It does say in the materials comparison page that it is 'smooth, thin and light' but I didn't see it at the time. Either way I wished it was of the same thickness as the regular runamocs or even thicker. Otherwise great shoes and craftsmanship, and great customer service Softstar.
  86. Not my favorite Vibram sole, but can be replaced!

    Rating

    The main reason I'm writing this review is to tell everyone looking at these (and probably other Softstar shoes) is that Dave Page, a Cobbler in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, WA, CAN resole these! It cost me $45 to do so and I could not be happier with that. I was told in-person by a Softstar employee that they cannot be resoled, but perhaps they didn't know how to? This has greatly extended the life of the Dash RunAmoc Lites I bought about 2 years ago now since the sole that is initially on the shoes leaves something to be desired in my opinion.
  87. I can't stop raving about them

    Rating

    These were my second pair of 'barefoot' shoes, the first being a pair of Fitkicks I bum around in from time to time. The Softstars are SO comfortable - I can't stop raving about them to people. I love that I can wear my toe spacers inside and have lots of wiggle room. Although they're a tiny bit wide, they're still comfortable, and don't feel loose (my feet are on the narrower side). I wear these to lift heavy things at the gym, to hike around outside on trails, to walk around on the street, and to work with my more casual outfits. My only feedback would be for a better custom fit, to offer half sizes - although I realize this is a big undertaking. I'm in between sizes and would love to be able to order a 6.5U. Still, downright my favourite pair of shoes. Well done!
  88. Not water resistant

    Rating

    Great shoes, you can see it's quality when you receive it. I thought it was a great investment from the reviews here. But they are not water resistant!!! It was one of the reasons I bought them, I didn't expect to have dry toes in super heavy rain but in light rain I thought it would be OK. My first minimal shoes, so I haven't worn them in extreme situations to warrant any tears or damages, all I've done is walk on concrete with them, and not even daily nor for long. Two weeks in, it rains and my toes are SUPER wet. Elve tells me that it's normal and that water resistance weakens with time and damage (two weeks and only walking a bit to get used to minimalist shoes, in my case) then proceeds to link the waterproofing products of softstar. Super disappointed, I feel cheated on because I legit bought them to prepare for this very rainy spring and now I barely wear them because of the rain. I also worry that waterproofing them will block the sweating's dispersion and make the shoe stinky. On another note, I'm now a month in and the leather is still soft and the shoe still smells like leather.
  89. Rating

    I absolutely LOVE these shoes! I recently started wearing minimalist shoes and have a couple of pair from other companies. These are my favorite. I can tell they are made with with quality leather. They're soft (and they smell good too). I purchased a pair of the Primals first but ended up sending them back because they were too wide. I wasn't hassled at all about the return. The narrow version of the RunAmoc fits perfectly. I love these so much I immediately ordered a pair of Ballerines. (Only problem is that they take a little longer than I am used to to arrive. I totally get it though because they are handmade. I'll gladly wait for these amazing shoes.) I should also mention that I used the printable size guide and the fit was perfect.
  90. Best shoe ever!

    Rating

    I have owned mine for 4 years. Yes I am cheap. I wear these shoes everywhere here in Alaska and in Tennessee. Fit tight so snow don't get in, work great with waders for fly fishing, great for trail hiking, walking running, working. These don't weigh anything and have a natural in nature feel that allows me to maneuver obstacles like wet rocks and narrow trails with confidence in every step. My back has even felt better since making the switch to these minimalists shoe. The only complaint that I have is that if these ever break I am going to have to pop for new pair.
  91. Impressed in all aspects!

    Rating

    I've had a lot of trouble finding even minimalist shoes that offer wide enough toebox for my feet (I suffer from neuromas that flair up with any toe-squeezing), so I was unsure whether to get the regular or wide. I contacted the Elves, and they walked me through measuring my feet and then offered advice based on my measurements and foot history. I'm usually a women's 8 reg., and I ordered the U7 in wide. I was concerned the heel would be too wide as well, but when I got my Dashes, all my fears were washed right away. First of all, I could immediately tell that they were very high quality and made with care. The leather is so soft, especially on the inside. I'm not sure if this is on the regular shoes as well, but the heel has an extra padding that made it so the toebox could be wide without my heel slipping out too. I got the ones with extra tread, which has great grip without compromising ground feel. These shoes can be casual or dressy. So far I've only worn them without socks, and it's very comfortable that way, although I will probably be ordering some of the sheepskin inserts soon for extra warmth. I'd been exclusively wearing Lems Boulder Boots for about a year and a half now because they were the only shoe I could find that didn't aggravate my neuromas. Now, I have a pair of non-boots that are extremely comfy and versatile and cute ...and USA made! I almost cried when I tried them on for the first time, because it seemed too good to be true. Thank you, Elves! Never stop cobbling!
  92. Mmm Mmm . . . :-)

    Rating

    I believe another reviewer described pairing these with cozy socks as foot heaven?. Cozy socks or not , yep, that about sums up my Run-A-Moc Dash experience. I wear them as casual shoes as well as athletic shoes paired with workout gear or a track suit. Their good looks, good fit, and functionality make transitioning from casual wear to actually working out (or just dressing like you are) quite seamless. I took them on a long walk. My feet had no complaints . I will try and see if I can pull off a dressier look in a custom style.
  93. Love them <3

    Rating

    I bought these in August last year and it wasn't really love at first wear... I'd been wearing open-toe sandals all summer and in the sweaty and sweltering NYC summer heat I didn't find these comfortable. I think a combination of wearing them sockless and the fact that really no shoe feels great when you've been wearing sandals for months put me off. Now I've been wearing winter boots for months, I put these on and it's LOVE. I can't take them off. I wish we didn't keep having snow and rain so I could wear them all the time. Pairing them with lovely cozy wool socks is foot heaven. My only concern is how the leather is wearing at the front. I got the thinner sole, so I'm not sure if a thicker sole would alleviate some of that problem, I'm not sure how many months they will last before I wear through that part. I also love the aesthetic of these. I got them in black and they don't look like clown shoes. I've never had any comments or even weird looks.
  94. Amazing

    Rating

    I totally love them. The thicker vs thinner sole choice is better for wearing to work where i am on my feet on concrete for much of the day. I have a pair with the thinner sole which I prefer to wear outdoors on the ground.
  95. Great for summer

    Rating

    Perfect for keeping cool on summer runs/walks and they look so good I've been wearing them for all sorts of other occasions (well, pretty much all the time) because they look great too.
  96. Great Company, Great First Minimalist Shoe!

    Rating

    I can't remember how I found Softstar, but man, am I glad I did. I used to have a lot of foot pain when wearing traditional shoes. I have high arches (which lower with age - I've grown a size in the past year from age 22 to 23!) and have been wearing only mocassins before these arrived since April because they're my only other shoes that fit. My little toe always seemed to be cramped and I kept having to buy wide shoes to find a toe-box that would accommodate my feet without making my little toe turn bright red. Funnily enough, I work in a podiatry office where we sling orthotics left and right and give out cortisone injections like candy, but I noticed that our patients were still coming back regularly. Enter Softstar. I originally bought the Roo mocs in an 8U, but they were wayyy too wide for me. Lots of loose fabric on the sides that would bunch up. The Elves were super quick to respond to my frantic emails about sizing and exchanges. On a whim, I decided to exchange them for my Dashes instead. I ended up getting an 8U Narrow, which is amazing when you realize that I was wearing a women's 9W in traditional shoes before! The leather is super, super soft. When I'm wearing these shoes, it feels like I'm not wearing shoes at all. I wear really thin socks with them if I wear socks at all, but if I preferred thick socks, I would size up. I've worn these babies every day for about two months and haven't really seen any signs of wear, which is impressive because I live in the Midwest and all of our walkways are salted to oblivion. I actually give these shoes credit that I haven't fallen yet this winter. With my 2mm sole, I have so much ground feel and I can feel the muscles in my feet working to stabilize me when I step. It's great to feel secure for once. I never felt that way wearing thick boots. The one thing about these shoes is that they're super polarizing in terms of appearance. My grandmother hates them and calls them the "ugliest shoes" she's ever seen. When she sees me put them on, she calls me Granny Clodhopper. BUT, at work today, I had four people compliment them. One even asked for a link to the website. A few people have told me that they remind them of ballerina shoes. Because they're not traditional, they're going to be a conversation piece because people like to talk about things that are different. I wouldn't trade my dashes for the world. :)
  97. Definitely My Favorite Daily Shoe!

    Rating

    Fits well, looks professional enough to war at work, and is so minimal and flexible that it makes my feet happy!
  98. Dashing Feet

    Rating

    Solid construction Very soft Fits my wide foot well I like that can wear them to my office I have recently switched to a minimal style shoe and I find this very comfortable - I am already stepping much lighter and it feels normal or natural, not forced Great for my walks, jogs trips to the gym My feet breath so well in these shoes I did not want the laces at first, I was looking for slip-on; However, I find the laces better because I can adjust the hold through the middle of my foot as it suits my activity Great customer service I can't speak to the longevity on this product but my roo moccasins have held up to allot of Native American style dancing with no problem; moreover, I noticed a few reviews where people were very hard on their dashs and they have endured I own several different kinds of softstar shoes and plan on getting more in the spring Thanks to the elves
  99. Quite Comfy

    Rating

    With winter setting in I haven't gotten to wear these a lot yet, but after adding a small insole for padding, I'm very happy with the shoes.
  100. I've worn these all day, every day, for basically everything, for two months.

    Rating

    I'm a student who works in the service industry, commutes by biking, and spends a lot of time outdoors. As far as the aesthetics go they seem to be the perfect cross section between casual and kind of dressy? They look good enough to wear at my waiting job which is fairly strict on their dress-shoe only policy. They dress down enough to pass as a sneaker, and fit well enough to run in at the gym! I've been pretty impressed with their durability as well. There is some wear and tear, but considering the abuse I've put them through I'm pleasantly surprised. The leather on top, while a bit scuffed, does a great job at repelling water on wet commutes to work. While my Lems Boulder boots would be soaked in these instances, water glides off of these. The trail sole has worn down considerably which is understandable considering the relentless cement of daily walking in the city, the time I used my feet to stop my bike's front tire when my bike's breaks failed, and the 60k steps I put them through a week. If a new set of soles and a visit to the cobbler in a few months time can keep them operational, these suckers will continue to be the only shoes I ever wear. Very comfortable, even on days where I'm on my feet for 10+ hours. Much less fatigue in my feet, and simply feels like I'm always wearing slippers. Before the sole wore down, the light nature of these shoes with the grippy trail sole actually made them perfect for serving! I'm curious to see how they work in a Canadian winter paired with wool socks, but so far even at zero degrees there hasn't been much discomfort on the commute. The fit is a bit tight when you first get them, but the leather does stretch considerably. Let them break in, mine fit as comfortably as my Boulder boots now.
  101. Extremely pleased with my purchase!

    Rating

    I chose to get the 2mm soles on my pair and love them! I have different pair of minimalist shoes from another company with 6mm (ish) soles and wasn’t thrilled with the ground feel I get. The 2mm soles are outstanding for my usage, primarily indoor work on carpet and vinyl flooring and casual walking day to day. I ordered the wide and it gives me plenty of room to wiggle my toes (I wear wide in most shoes). Between the flexible soles, soft supple leather uppers, and extremely comfortable fit, they are like wearing slippers to work! I’ve already ordered a second pair of Softstar shoes (the new Primal version) since these are so pleasant to wear.
  102. Great Fit and Durability

    Rating

    I bought these shoes and applied two coats of the Rain & Snow beeswax product available on the Softstar website. I also ordered the elastic laces so that I could slip them on and off. I ordered the 2mm sole and find it incredibly comfortable for walking, especially on off-road surfaces (grass, trails, pebbles, forests full of rocks and uneven ground - they’re so soft that I can make full use of all my foot muscles). On the hard pavement sometimes the repetitive force can be a bit uncomfortable (I often veer to nearby grass instead). I wear them with the Correct Toes and they work great for that. If you will only be walking on pavement you might want to get the thicker sole. I measured right on the 7U line and the 7U fits great. I have a narrow ankle and heel so my one qualm is that I can’t use the shoes for quicker or lateral movements because my heel will slip, and when walking in the forest I often have to stop to pull twigs or small pebbles or leaves out that make their way in the gap by my ankle. If it annoys me too much I will get the ankle material taken in by a cobbler. I couldn’t buy the narrow shoe because my forefoot is not narrow and I needed the toe box to accommodate my Correct Toes. Looking forward to the primal version of this shoe which will have a more snug heel, for doing more athletic things. Women generally have a more pronounced ratio difference between heel and forefoot (on average, 21% narrower heel than the standard last used to build men’s shoes), so looking forward to better fit options in the future! The Elves were very helpful in helping me find the best fit despite my little heels. I should mention that my heel slipped a fair bit more at first but the 2mm sole and the leather eventually moulds to the shape of your foot because of its thin and suppleness, which meant that after a couple of weeks of daily use, the I wasn’t really slipping. I have quite a high arch and the sole actually also has a high arch now too as it mirrors the shape of my foot quite well. I get many compliments on the style and was happy to buy a shoe that I wasn’t embarrassed about wearing to the office (previously I only owned very athletic looking barefoot / minimal shoes or minimal sandals). If you are suffering from heel pain and are just starting out in minimal shoes I would recommend getting the thicker sole at first or getting the Hawthorne Chukkahs - I also bought them and the shoe is just as soft but has a much more cushioned sole without being too stiff.
  103. Amazing

    Rating

    My entire experience with softstar has been nothing short of an amazing experience from beginning to end. Will not buy any other shoes than from them. Everyday shoes, winter boots, summer shoes etc. The run a moc shoes are Seriously fantastic. My feet no longer hurt at all. My feet can move and breathe and I can tell the shoes are improving my balance, squat position and overall foot health. Thank you soft star representatives for working with me several times to make shredded the sure literally fit!
  104. Great shoes

    Rating

    I have a hard time finding shoes that don't kill my toes. These are great. Went back and bought another pair from softstar afterwards.
  105. Well Built - Versatile

    Rating

    Wearer: 6'0" tall, 225 lbs, foot size 12.5-13 4E width Use: business casual work environment & Racewalk (rw) training Softstar shoe size: 14U, Wide Awesome width, wear with CorrectToes, sometimes with 2 pr toe socks. Gotten compliments in business setting. They look good. RaceWalking training limited to <10 mi. Required heel strike technique in racewalking makes longer distances somewhat painful on hard surfaces. Recently resoled first pair. SS Elves sold me the material and local cobbler reshod them. Very pleased with the shoe. Favorite use off road walking (e.g. woods, etc.)
  106. Well Built - Versatile

    Rating

    6'0" Height, 225 lbs., Measure 12.5-13 4E width Softstar size 14U Wide. Own two pair. Wear them in business casual work setting. Also train short distances (<10 mi.) for racewalking (rw). Required heel strike racewalking technique makes longer training somewhat painful without some sort of padding. Recently ordered Vibram replacement sole material from the SS elves and had local cobbler resole my first pair. Very satisfied.
  107. Perfect....but please go vegan

    Rating

    This shoe is of all the shoes i have the most comfortable. I love the barefoot feel of thin sole and the upper, which makes it perfect for the whole summer. I wish There could be a solution in the future making this Uebershoe without using Leather. For vegans there should be an option in the future, Simply because all other barefoot shoe brands are just a poor alternative to these Lite Runamocs
  108. Not for me

    Rating

    I love Softstar's philosophy and want to support them in growing the minimalist shoe market. I have the Phoenix boot and the Solstice sandal and love them both. I was looking for a dressier shoe for work and ordered the Dash. Unfortunately after a few hours of wear, my big toe starts hurting because the shoe is pushing down on the toenail. You can see the outline of my big toe's toenail on the front of the shoe. My toes will ache for a few hours even after removing the shoe. I've tried stretching it out by stuffing it with wet rags, I've tried just wearing the shoes (despite the pain) to stretch them out. After a year of off and on use I've decided to give them away the shoes. I have many other pairs of minimalist shoes that don't hurt.
  109. FINALLY! Shoes that FIT!

    Rating

    After 4 months of hard use on concrete, hiking trails, and life in general, I can say that these are the best-fitting shoes I've ever had. I have feet that are almost comically wide (9.5 5E), and finding shoes that don't start hurting within minutes is an exercise in frustration. Enter my RunAmocs. I've never worn shoes that don't eventually become painful before. I typically spent a lot of time barefoot before buying these shoes, but now, I sometimes forget I'm even wearing shoes. Once I wear these out, I'm going to buy another pair. Maybe some boots for the winter, too? Hopefully soon.
  110. Look nice and super comfortable

    Rating

    These are now my everyday shoes. I am on my 6th pair of Soft Star shoes. I started looking for a minimal sole, flexible running shoe because my well-padded standard running shoes were making my toes go numb as I trained for my first marathon. I was careful to break into a more flexible shoe to make sure I did not damage my feet, but the slightly thicker trail tread sole allowed me to work my way through the transition. I have recommended Soft Star shoes to other runners and friends.
  111. The breathiest, softest, and most comfortable shoes I've worn.

    Rating

    I love these shoes. I wear them to work every day (sockless) and my feet barely sweat at all. I can run in them if I need to get somewhere quickly and the sole truly is 0 drop and minimal. I've never owned leather before, so maybe this is just a fact of life when it comes to owning leather, but I wish the shoes didn't smell so much like leather. Actually, I'm most concerned with whether or not the chemicals are okay for me to be inhaling all the time because they definitely reach my nose when I'm sitting at my desk. I know the website says food-grade dyes are used, but there's a lot more that goes into the curing process of leather than the dye. Regardless of my qualms with leather, this is a wonderful product. :)
  112. Repeat customer

    Rating

    This is the second pair I've bought (or fourth, if you count the same ones with the other sole). Utterly satisfied. Again.
  113. Should have gotten the Ballerines instead

    Rating

    I own a pair with the thicker soles on them; just ordered them about 4 weeks ago. Full disclosure: I am not used to minimalist shoes, but I am used to walking quite a bit. I made the mistake today to take them on a 3.5 mile walk on a paved road, my home-stretch so to speak. I barely made it home. While these shoes have indeed enough room for feet as wide as mine, I will never wear them again for a walk like this. They were the most uncomfortable thing I've ever worn; I have blisters now and my joints hurt. I guess I should have stuck with my normal athletic shoes and just worn these casually. That said, thinking about it, I should have bought the ballerinas I initially leaned towards; now I'm stuck with these, having worn them outside. Oh, and do NOT wear any light-colored socks in them if you do not want them to get discolored. Mine are now bright blue. :(

    Response from store

    Thanks for your review Dolunaykiz and sharing your experience. For people who are not accustomed to minimalist shoes, we strongly recommend a slow and gradual transition to prevent pain and injury. Wearing minimalist shoes activates muscles and tendons that are largely unused by conventional shoes with lots of cushioning. Think of it like taking a cast off a broken leg after several weeks... if you go on a long run the next day then you run the risk of pain or injury, but building up your walking/running strength gradually will get you there. You can find doctor-approved tips on our website for a safe and careful transition (look under the "Learn More" category in our header). In the meantime, we hope your feet are back to happy soon and that you will enjoy wearing them casually.
  114. Verified Buyer

    So comfortable!

    Rating

    This is my first pair of minimalist shoes and I love them. I got the RunAmoc in size 6 regular width with the 5mm sole. I measured right on the line between the 5 and the 6. I emailed the elves with my measurements and they suggested I go up to the 6 and I am glad I did. I have wide toes and narrow heel. These fit great with or without socks. They are so comfortable that I hate wearing any other shoe now. I wear them for everyday walking, shopping, walks on trails in the woods. I like the thick sole - it bends easily. The only issue I have is that my socks slide down in the shoe at times, but the shoes are great without socks so it is not a big deal. I want to get the Ballerina Flat when I have the money.
  115. Great shoes/Great people

    Rating

    These shoes are my new favorite and go-to shoes. I've worn them every single day since receiving them and they are only getting better with time. My feet usually stink pretty bad, which means my shoes will stink: not the case with these guys. They still smell of fresh leather (something you will most likely hear every other customer say). The perforated leather is awesome on breezy days and keep my feet cool. I am an intern in a chiropractic school clinic where we need to dress professionally and these shoes are the perfect fit. It is the closest to barefoot I can get, and I would practice barefoot if I could. I get the occasional, "What are those shoes?", or "Those are weird shoes", but otherwise they fit right in. I got the thinnest sole they had and they are holding up beautifully. I do, however, have a couple of complaints: first, the left shoe seems to be longer for some reason and I tend to drag the tip of the shoe on the ground. The soles are equal length, and my feet are equal length, so it must just be the way the leather is glued onto the sole and possibly the heel cup placement. These are handmade shoes (one of the things I love most about them) so I don't expect perfection, nor do I want it, but the extra space does bug me (it hasn't stopped me from wearing the shoes more than any other shoe I own). The second complaint is the shape of the sole. It still tapers in on the medial side such that only someone with a longer second toe would be accommodated. My toes taper down from big toe to small toe. My ideal shape would be a sole that is widest at the end, not at the ball of the foot as these are. That being the case, it looks like the soles are too wide for my feet and they flop a little on the instep. I apologize for the detailed negatives of the shoes. All things being equal, these are the best, most economically friendly, stylish, comfortable, multipurpose shoe I have ever had and I plan on purchasing more shoes in the future.
  116. Great shoes

    Rating

    Good fit, comfortable, easy clean shoe. I wear them for work and am on my feet a good bit. Very pretty too.
  117. These are the best, but still could be wider, better laces

    Rating

    These shoes are the best I've worn, but it'd be cool if they came in an even wider, block-esque variety. Also, the laces come undone easily.
  118. I love these shoes!

    Rating

    I find that minimalist shoes are the best choice for my 65-year-old feet. I can walk and stand in these all day comfortably, and I have trouble with more structured, built-up shoes. The dashes are cute and the black leather is soft and great with or without socks.
  119. Amazing

    Rating

    Love these shoes, my hubby and I both have a pair and they are so light and comfortable. We both have wide feet and the fit is fantastic. I love how minimalist they are but the style is so versatile. I live on a farm and they have been so durable, my hubby uses them in every aspect. They are wonderfully made, they've lasted quite a while, and the fit is great.
  120. Minimalist shoe for grown-ups

    Rating

    I've worn minimalist shoes for years, but now I'm out of school, so I needed something that wouldn't draw undue attention to my feet. These can pass in an office setting, are comfortable for both walking and running, and have held up well (at ~4 months of daily wear). I'm a happy customer.
  121. Love my black DASH RunAmocs

    Rating

    I've had mine for 2 years now and love them. I had the suede brown RunAmocs before and loved them as well. But these I prefer because I find they stay on my feet better, and go with everything. My various jobs have required black shoes, and these have worked for all of them. They are not no-slip-grip unfortunately. But, I just walk carefully when necessary. I walk for miles in my RunAmocs with no problems, summer or winter.
  122. Another great pair!

    Rating

    I bought my first pair of Dashes in 2012 just before I started residency. I still have that basic black pair-a little beat up looking but still going strong. My blue on blues were a treat to myself and I 'm pleased to report that they are every bit as comfortable and cool. I love telling people about Soft Stars and how awesome they are!
  123. Awesome

    Rating

    I first found Soft Star Shoes after having a sensitivity to chemicals.... wearing normal shoes was awful and also so uncomfortable! I am now on my second pair of Dashs and they are the best shoes ever. I had never worn barefoot shoes before so it did take a bit at first to get used to them but now I cannot wear anything else. Thank you so much elves for these awesome shoes... that are so comfortable and also don't make me feel sick!
  124. Great shoe so far

    Rating

    I really apreciate the fact that I was able to send the shoes I origionally ordered back and that the elves replaced them with the next larger size so quickly. I have Morton's toes and hammer toes that happened in my youth when I grew into my shoes too fast. Now the room in the shoes is a godsend!
  125. Great shoe

    Rating

    These DASH shoes are just what my feet were looking for. My feet run a bit narrow, so it's always difficult finding a shoe that I can really lock my feet into. Why don't more minimalist shoe companies have narrow sizes? These shoes fit great and I love running in them, mostly on roads and regional trails. Great product made locally in USA. And the leather. I love the way the leather hugs my toes without constricting them. Just makes the shoes become more of an extention of my feet. Great product
  126. awesome!

    Rating

    Love these shoes. I previously had the Run Amok LITEs, which I love, too, but these a) are way more pretty and b) seem like they are going to hold up better. i've had some difficulty with the LITEs wearing thin where my big toe hits the upper part of the shoe
  127. Favorite shoes

    Rating

    I love these shoes! They are the most comfortable I have ever owned. When rock climbing or hiking, I feel my shoes are flexible enough for proper balance. Also, the ground feel is quite good. I have the 5mm and hope to try the 2mm soon, but these ones are great. I wear them everywhere.
  128. Best Shoes Ever

    Rating

    I've been wearing these same shoes for years now. I wear them every day, for walking, running, the gym, indoor, outdoor. They're sturdy and lightweight and elegantly simple. I've noticed a significant difference in my posture now that I'm wearing these simple no-rise shoes (i.e. no heel), and I love being able to feel the ground while walking. They're definitely the best shoes that I've ever owned.
  129. My 2nd pair of Dash Runamocs

    Rating

    So, I finally bought a new pair of Runamocs. I wore the other pair for 3 years. And then I lost over 40lbs and my feet kind of shrank. So this new pair is 9U Narrow. They fit like jazz shoes, and are super comfortable. They are stretching out a bit, and my toes never felt squished. My previous shoes were 10U in regular width and they kind of looked like clown shoes, lol. The next pair I buy may be 10U again, only in narrow. I would like just a little more toe room. The issue is my foot is right on the line between the 2 sizes. In the Merry Jane, the 9U narrow is just too short. I've ordered the Metro in that size and am eagerly awaiting their arrival tomorrow. Overall, I adore this shoe and will buy more as I can afford them.
  130. No pain!

    Rating

    I have had patellar tendon pain which really slowed me down. I noticed that when summer rolled round and I'd limp down to the beach, once I was barefoot, I could walk the beach comfortably. I began reading about barefoot running and researched all the shoes out there, but when I got to the Dash, I took a chance. I've had them two weeks, and have not had them off during the day. They are so comfortable, and the best is I'm back to exercising with only the aches and pains associated with getting back in shape. No problem with the patellar tendon pain! Thank you, elves!
  131. Trails, rocks, and everywhere. All day long.

    Rating

    I ordered these after I saw someone wearing these on the Camino de Santiago. "With all the mountains and rocks?!" Yes! I was walking in sturdy trail running shoes. I ordered these (with the lightest sole), and have been wearing them on the trails and rocks. And in the house and down the road, and shopping,... They are amazingly comfortable. No break-in time. The first few days, my calves were sore. I figured out from using muscles I didn't know I had. Looking forward to getting another pair--once I can decide on colors. :-)
  132. So comfortable!

    Rating

    Amazing quality shoes! I'm so happy with my Soft Stars, they are warm and dry and soft, the perfect everyday shoe for me. I've worn them hiking in very light snow and rain, so far they have stayed warm and dry the whole time. Feels like being barefoot, without all the thorns and gravel. Once i have the funds I intend to buy more pairs to keep around.
  133. Love these shoes!

    Rating

    These shoes are amazing so far! I have had them for a month and walked in them plenty. They are comfortable and stylish and my feet never seem to get tired.
  134. soft

    Rating

    these shoes are very good for most purposes. I am glad they are being made, very hard to find these. only drawback is that its less suitable for a child who plays rough games outside, as there is no protection of the toe area which in our case resulted in a torn front.
  135. top quality shoe

    Rating

    Buy 1 or two pairs of DASH RunAmocs a year, they are all I wear. The rest of my family enjoys a little more of the elves variety ;-) Fell in love with them while training for my first and only marathon at age 54.
  136. Simply my favorite shoes, from a simply wonderful company

    Rating

    I'm on my second pair now of these babies and could not be happier with the product or the service I've received. Softstar stands by their product like no other company I've ever seen, and for good reason. I normally can't stand shoes, I just run around barefoot, but these are so nice I don't want to take them off! Great job guys, seriously I've recommended y'all to everyone who will listen!
  137. Awesome

    Rating

    These are awesome shoes, very well made, comfortable and look pretty normal at work under my casual cords or jeans. I'm still, apparently, transitioning to minimal shoes, (5 months in) because my feet are stiff and sore for the first 15-20 steps each morning. But I long for the day I can walk miles in these.
  138. My favorite shoes!

    Rating

    I bought my Dash Runamocs 3 years ago, from the yearly sale, along with a pair of Metro Merry Janes. I've worn nothing but these 2 pairs of shoes (and occasionally the Ballerines). I worked in retail for one of those years, and for a university for the past 2 years. The trail sole on the Dash shoes is wearing the tread off, but still no holes. My feet are between sizes and narrow, and these are actually too big, but since they lace up, nobody notices. I've lost some weight since last summer and my next pair will either be a size down or narrow. I just love these shoes!
  139. So comfortable!

    Rating

    Put these on and my feet breathed a huge sigh of relief. At last something that fits and is comfortable.
  140. LOVE these shoes

    Rating

    I have been a lover of Soft Star since I got their chukkas a while back. This is my third pair (I also have the ballerines, which hurt me terribly in the heel) and possibly my favorite. I wear them for running and, increasingly, just getting around. My only problem, and this one is on me: I I think I should have sized down for the run amoks. I have a size 7 in the chukkas, which is quite roomy for me (I'm normally a women's 8), but I always wear them with socks that take up the extra space. I think the chukkas have also shrunk a bit to fit my feet more perfectly after wearing them through rain and snow. The run amoks I like to wear barefoot. I've been wearing them out in the rain to get them to shrink a little, but the leather is so glorious the water just runs off them. For those of you with scrawny feet like mine: do a better job than I did about figuring out your size! These shoes are extremely roomy in both the toe and heel. I continue to wear them because I love them despite my feet flopping around a bit inside. That's how awesome these shoes are.
  141. My new favorite shoe!

    Rating

    WOW! I can not say enough about the comfort of this shoe. I own ballerines, and chukkas, and just when I thought Soft Star could not get better, I try this! I ordered the 2mm street sole and I feel barefoot. My toes are not cramped at all and have all the wiggle room they need. I also love the new flint color. I had some problems working out sizing on this shoe as my foot is really low volume and barely touched the size 8U. After 3 or 4 I finally got the perfect size in a 7.5. I had no idea that soft star could make half sizes! I will order many more of these in many colors. I also found that the sheepskin insert helps take up the room from my low volume foot. Thank you soft star! I appreciate you being so customer service oriented and allowing me to try multiple sizes. I am a life long customer, as well as my husband and kids. These look really cute with jeggings too!
  142. comfortable and good fit!

    Rating

    these shoes are comfortable and fit great!
  143. Fantastic shoes for variety of uses

    Rating

    By way of background I purchased a pair of Run Amoc Dash shoes (all black) in summer 2016 as I wanted something with a completely flat sole to wear at work and have waited to post a review until I have had them for 6 months so that I can give a proper assessment. Although I felt that the shoes were expensive for what they were (especially factoring in importing them to Europe), the delivery process and customer service was excellent, I received email updates, they arrived quickly and were exactly as advertised. My first impressions were good, the leather is very soft and clearly of good quality. You can see they they are hand-made with care. I personally found the fit to be true to the template and the area for the forefoot to be just about right in terms of width. The shoes are very light. Visually they are a little shapeless compared to normal office shoes (I work in a commercial law firm where suit and tie is the dress) but in all black they are perfectly acceptable with suit trousers, although I keep a pair of more normal looking shoes under my desk for client meetings. Initially, for the first day or so, I found the sensation of wearing them slightly strange - largely because of the way the leather lies over your foot instead of being held up by the structure of the shoe in the traditional way. However I very quickly got used to this and found these to be the most comfortable footwear I have ever owned. I initially purchased these just to wear in the office, but found myself wearing them pretty much all the time - with the exception of sports specific activities and dressier/more formal occasions. Having worn them in all kinds of weather from hot sunshine in Barcelona to frosty days in the UK winter, I would say that they are comfortable year round although I would advise wearing thick socks in winter because the soles are thin (I went for the thickest 5mm vibram, which allows me to feel the ground but gives ample protection from stones/roots and enough cushion that walking on concrete isn't a problem). I suspect that if you live in an area with very cold winters then these are probably not suitable for that season. The build quality is fantastic, having worn these shoes for 6 months almost every day, there is not a stitch out of place and although the leather has aged as you would expect, it is not worn at all and if anything has just become softer. The sole has worn slightly over the ball of the foot, but this is to be expected and there is enough thickness in the 5mm sole that I'm not concerned at this stage. It's worth noting that I have a dropped metatarsal head on my middle toe, which is why the sole is worn, I suspect that a healthy foot wouldn't cause anywhere near as much wear, as the rest of the sole is still in excellent condition. I can't recommend these shoes enough - whether for casual wear or for running (which I have also used them for - they wipe clean very easily). I haven't had any issues with smell, although I try to avoid wearing them if it's raining hard, which probably helps. I've been so impressed that I bought a pair for my mum and will almost certainly buy a replacement pair if and when the current pair either wears out entirely or becomes a little too worn to wear at work - which based on current wear I would imagine might happen in a year or so from now, or 18 months from purchase, wearing them daily. I'm trying to think of downsides to these to give a truly balanced review, but I honestly can't think of anything negative to say with the exception of the lack of waterproofing and the fact that they do look distinctly different from normal shoes, which is not really a negative, but it does mean that you get questions from time to time about them, especially if you choose to wear them in a more formal office environment.
  144. Beautiful Products

    Rating

    These really are exquisite shoes! However, I returned them because they fit too close over my toes and would stretch to conform which would make noticeable "bumps" in the otherwise smooth toe box. I would prefer a more relaxed slack fit and double leather in the toe box.
  145. Wonderful Anytime Shoe

    Rating

    I have had my Dash RunAmocs for about 5 weeks they are wonderful anytime shoe. The feel and comfort is amazing,casual or dress, this shoe is a 5 star plus shoe. Thank You SoftStar!
  146. made by 'my people' in the woods!

    Rating

    yeah, i'm an elf wannabe...and now i look the part a bit more truly, being clad in these fine foot huggers. looks (which are wonderful) aside, these are the best shoes i have ever worn...and i have been a comfort seeker for most of my 59 years. i look forward to a ridiculous excess of soft star shoes. i sound like some kind of sole saving missionary when i get to carrying on about the dashes, i really do. simply put, they allow me to be barefoot with just enough protection from the elements and surfaces of the world. perfect!
  147. nice looking shoe

    Rating

    I liked the look, but when I tried them on, I noticed my heel was slipping too much to wear them, so I returned them. I have tried a few other shoes from soft star shoes and my favorites are Original RunAmoc with leather soles. My advice is if you don't like one style of shoe, try another one.
  148. Shoes... Let's get some shoes

    Rating

    1) I get compliments and inquiries all the time - "Hey man, what kinda shoes are those? I thought you were like a gymnast or something." 2) Unlike most shoes, these you actually have to take care of. In return, they TEACH you how to move and your feet will thank you. No dragging your heels and no heel strikes!
  149. they are good but there is few but

    Rating

    In all they are very good, comfortable and very precise crafted shoes from premium leather. From five star review is there few details which I dislike. The detail how is the sole glued to shoe. The sole is little bit bigger than circuit of shoe and too firmly for barefoot feeling (I have chosen 2 mm street rubber). My second problem is aestethic. I don't like how I see the outline of my feet in the shoe. There are empty spaces and the leather is there saggy.
  150. Most comfortable shoe I've ever owned

    Rating

    I love the DASH RunAmoc shoes! I'm on my second pair and I'm blown away how consistently comfortable they are. I can walk pretty much any distance in them - from around the block to 10 miles and beyond - and they are the same, which is comfortable. I have a very picky right foot (I have scoliosis and a weak right hip) but have had no problems with these shoes. That's saying a lot. And they look nice to boot! Thanks for making such a great shoe!
  151. The most comfortable shoes especially with the sheepskin soles and toe separators.

    Rating

    Theses shoes are the best! I ordered these shoes especially to wear inside with my toe separators (similar to well make custom slippers with better soles). So I ordered a sizer larger. I use my custom made inserts (insoles) off and and on with inside. The only shook was the $45. extra at the door from Canada Customs (and 3 extra weeks to clear customs). It was nothing to do with Shoe Star Shoes. But, Canadian needs to know about the addition change at their door! Note from Soft Star Shoes: Dear Evelyn - Your order should have had a NAFTA sticker on the invoice and package, because you do not need to pay Canadian customs for items made under the North American Free Trade Act. Usually they catch this, but sometime you need to point it out to the customs folks. If you take your invoice back to them, it states these are NAFTA goods and you should have your customs fees returned.
  152. Perfect

    Rating

    Seriously love these shoes. I think I prefer the leather sole, but the 2mm vibrams are really close, and i figure they will be about the same after they are good and broke in. my leather sole pair were still in fairly heavy rotation after 3 years untill the incident... note: keep out of reach of pups.
  153. inconsisten workmanship in every detail

    Rating

    Five pairs total ordered over time. First pair perfect; Second pair replaced due flaw, new last completely different than first; fourth and fifth pairs ordered together, both seriously flawed. No two pairs are ever the same. Buying shoes and clothes over the internet requires consistency in sizing. It is an embarrassment that even a non-craftsman could not get better at the job. Note from the Elves: Sorry we could not help you Mitchell.
  154. Wonderful running shoe

    Rating

    This is minimalist running done right. I got these to replace a pair of Merrell Trail Glove 2s, and there is no comparison. Plenty of room for toes to splay, the perforated leather is breathable, and the "street" sole provides more than enough protection without sacrificing ground feel. I wore these for a half-marathon, and my feet felt great. They've also become my go-to casual show. Next up is a leather sole.
  155. I may have found my forever shoe!

    Rating

    I've been looking and looking for over a year for a pair of shoes that would fit my feet and tick all the boxes for minimal footwear. I love my Kigos but they're made of cotton fabric and definitely aren't wearable if it's wet out (I've suffered through a lot of very soggy hikes!). My RunAmocs are possibly the perfect compromise between warmth and protection from the elements and a barefoot feel. When they first arrived the leather was a little tight over the tops of my toes, but this is down to the method of construction and quickly (within a week) stretched out to become comfortable. I love the fact that there is no heel drop, no toe spring, and even though I got the thicker sole it is very flexible while still providing good insulation in cold weather. I ordered the wide shoe in a size larger than recommended and I'm glad I did because regular would definitely have been too narrow (I don't have particularly wide feet). With the wide shoe I'm able to wear thick winter socks and still have enough space. The reasons I gave four stars instead of five are that I would like the last to have been cut ever so slightly wider on the outside edge to give my smaller toes a bit more room (it's a little too pointed), and also I live in the UK and I was liable for customs charges that I had not realised I would have to pay, which with the additional shipping costs added up to make the shoes pretty expensive. However, for a winter barefoot shoe this comes very close to perfection and is definitely orders of magnitude better than any other shoe I've tried (and I've tried a LOT of shoes!). Go for it, you won't be disappointed.
  156. True minimalist

    Rating

    This is my truest minimal shoe. More comfortable than my merrell vapor gloves. The leather is SO soft. I like when I wiggle my toes the only thing I feel is the soft leather, making toe movement completely unrestricted. I have the 2mm sole which is great for feeling the ground. My only complaint is that the very tips of the toe scuffs easily on me.
  157. I love these shoes for everything but wet conditions

    Rating

    I held off on writing this review because I wanted to see if I had any different experiences from the other reviewers. I have a pair of the all black ones with the bullhide soles, and they do show some wear, especially on the soles. However, I would not expect anything different since I wear them all the time. I do not run in these shoes; I purchased them for everyday casual wear and for work. They may be a little on the casual side for work, but I can usually get away with wearing them with a polo shirt and a pair of khakis. Depending on what kind of shoes you have been wearing, you may need to get shorter pants to prevent them from dragging on the ground! These are true minimalist shoes. They're not dress shoes: they are MUCH more comfortable than that. Mine fit like slippers and the ground feel is amazing. I believe that the Vibram soles probably wear less quickly than my leather ones. Although I have really become attached to the leather soles, I have finally worn a hole in them under my big toe on both shoes. It has been a few years and I put a lot of stress on them, so, I think that is pretty good. (I have worn holes 3x in my 20-year old formal shoes that I only wear a few times a year) I have worn these shoes all over the world both with and without socks and can confirm that wearing them in the rain is not the best idea. For one thing, the leather soles on mine get a little slippery. For another, the shoes are not waterproof, nor do I think they are marketed as such. In addition to walking on cobblestone streets in Europe and trails in the US, I have spent a lot of long hours on my feet wearing these shoes at trade shows (much less exciting!), and I swear that I feel less fatigued at the end of the day than when I am wearing any other shoes. I am looking at getting another pair, although a little patch has been working for now.
  158. Best Purchase I've Made in Years!

    Rating

    I have been struggling with bad foot pain, compartment syndrome in one leg, and hip pain for years. I finally got to the point that my foot was bothering me so much that I was constantly taking off my shoes and going barefoot even at work, which is not smiled upon. About this time, I discovered the minimalist footwear movement and found great reviews about SoftStar shoes so I decided to buy these shoes in the hopes that I could get some relief from all this pain. I can't believe how much better I feel already after only wearing these shoes for about 4 weeks. I have minimal foot pain and the pain from the compartment syndrome has gone down significantly. I feel like my body is actually self healing! I can't say enough good things about these shoes. I love them so much that I have already bought two other pairs of SoftStar shoes which I equally love. Thank you SoftStar!
  159. Verified Buyer

    The best shoes I have ever had In my entire life.

    Rating

    These, quite simply are the best shoes I have ever had in my life. Every other shoe I have worn has given me foot, knee and back pain. But these shoes are so comfortable I sometimes do not want to take them off. And with a sheepskin insert these shoes are like wearing warm clouds on your feet. Even after hours of hiking, I do not feel like taking them off. They are that good. I also love the fact that I can feel the ground intimately, and that my toes can splay out as wide as needed. These are the ONLY shoe I wear, whether working, walking, hiking or running. These are a very thin shoe, a moccasin, not a steel toed boot, so if you drop something on your toes, you will feel it. I wear these in my workshop anyway though. It is worth the occasional banged up toe. With thin shoes you do have to be extra careful not to smash your little piggies. The only downside of these shoes is that the smooth sole does not grip on ice or mud, wet smooth tiles, or playground slides.(Yes, I am 40 and I still climb up playground slides with my son.) You can't have everything. The smooth sole does grip very well on every other surface though. Oh yes, and with the elastic laces...they are a lazy man's dream. They slip on, stay secure even when sprinting through rough country, and slip off. I am a 10.5 the 10 fit me well and is looser now after a year than it was when I bought it. The leather will stretch over time. So if you want a snug fit like a sock, you may need to size down. I also have very wide feet , and no other shoe is as wide, with a perfect wide toe box like these shoes. I cannot recommend this shoe enough.
  160. Expect wet feet if it rains

    Rating

    Supremely comfortable when dry out. If it rains, like it did for 3 days on my honeymoon in Italy, you will be very unhappy when your feet are soaked from the bottom up. Had to buy another pair of way less comfortable boots in Italy just to keep my feet dry. Also, the shoes cost around $25 more than 4 years ago yet are missing features like the reflective pull-tabs on the earlier shoe. Still love that they're handmade in USA, with cheerful and fast service. Note from the Elves: Thanks Ulysses and congrats on your honeymoon! We still do offer reflective tabs on the custom shoes, but removed them from stock shoes as the majority of our customer overwhelmingly asked us to leave them off for more versatility as a cross-over work shoe.
  161. Wonderfully Comfortable

    Rating

    I use these shoes as frequent daily wear, as opposed to running. The shoes fit well and work with many styles of dress. The elves were extremely helpful in determining the appropriate size, as I have large narrow feet.
  162. Deceptively simple

    Rating

    To look at the shoes you would think that it's simply a moccasin with a rubber sole but you would be wrong. When you run with them you instantly notice how smartly designed they are and how well thought out they are. Definitely my favorite running shoe of all time!
  163. what i have been waiting for!

    Rating

    long a lover of comfort, only the past couple of years into zero drop. lots of barefootin' but found i needed some cushioning against harsh surfaces for my bony, late 50's feet. started with oesh and loved them. but as i have evolved my relationship to my feet and the ground, i wanted to explore more options...katy bowman's shoe advice led me to try a number of barefooty shoes. soft star is my absolute favorite. i have dashes with the 5mm sole, as well as the leather sole. for my spread-out yet low volume feet, the laces are a must...i can't use the moccasins - too sloppy. i am beguiled by the custom colors... now when i put my old altra or oesh shoes back on, i feel cut off from my fuller reality. in touch with all surfaces,my feet have gotten stronger and more able. i am thrilled with your shoes!
  164. My fav

    Rating

    Love these shoes. Very comfortable and I need more than one pair.
  165. Disappointing

    Rating

    I hardly ever write reviews but really feel like I need to comment on these shoes. I have transitioned to shoes over the last year that have a wide toe box so my toes are not cramped up. Even though the footprint/sole of these shoes seems like there should be a lot of room for the size of my feet, the leather over the toes is pulled so tight that my toes can't spread and the top of my toes get red when I wear them--and I can only wear them with no socks. I thought the leather might stretch and I have stuffed the toes but they don't seem to stretch at all. I watched the video and used the sizing guide (checking with a ruler first). I bought size 7 (I usually wear a 7.5 in dress shoes and an 8 in runners so I thought this size would work). A lot of money for an unwearable pair of shoes.
  166. My go to running shoe.

    Rating

    6 years ago now I purchased my first pair of Runamocs and have never looked back. this is my second pair of dashes, due to the first finally breaking down. I love them for running and general strength training and have done several distance races, including a marathon in them.
  167. Strong trail shoe!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Rating

    These shoes look like pretty dainty shoes, but they are as tough as any minimalist shoe I have worn. I put my Dash RunAmocs to the test. I wore them backpacking into the Havasupai Reservation 10 miles each way with a full pack and tent on my back. They hung strong without a single blister. I am an avid wearer of minimalist shoes. I've worn the Merrells barefoot shoes, the VIbram toe shoes, and I have a pair of semi-formal minimalist Timberlands that I adore, but I wouldn't wear any of those on the steep switchbacks into Supai Village. These shoes rock.
  168. Unreal

    Rating

    I had serious foot problems with my arch and heel. I was looking at 6 months in a medical boot or even surgery. I started wearing the dash and after the first couple days all foot pain is gone.. I have since purchased shoes for my wife and 2 kids as well as another pair for my self. Only shoe I will wear from now on.
  169. Love these so much!

    Rating

    The only shoe I've ever worn that was actually wide enough for my feet, I can feel my toes spreading out happily when I wear them. Light, comfortable, good ground feel, and lace securely to my feet. This is my favorite shoe for walking distances or sprinting.
  170. Great shoes, great service

    Rating

    I bought these shoes with the 5mm trail sole, and had the issue with the sole coming loose too. When I asked how to get this fixed locally as I live overseas, I immediately got offered an exchange pair. The shoes really are as comfy as everyone seems to suggest - I sized down and bought a narrow so they were quite tight at first which wasn't bad, but after wearing for some time they stretched and now they feel as good as wearing no shoes at all. I find them most comfy without socks, after some months of almost exclusively wearing these shoes they keep smelling like leather, nothing else. These shoes will be my only pair when I go traveling for about 2 months (plus a pair of barefoot sandals for showers / beach use). The 5 mm sole does feel quite thick, as it's glued to the shoe (so total thickness is more than 5 mm I guess), I found these very comfy during (short) hikes on rocky trails and in the woods, I am considering getting a pair with 2 mm soles for use in the city for a more barefoot feel. I live in Holland so buying these shoes costs me a lot more than just the retail price, as shipping, local taxes & local handling fees add up quickly, but still I wish I bought them sooner. I've exchanged my first pair for a smaller size, the exchange pair was marked an exchange pair so no more taxes - same for the replacement pair. Perfect service!
  171. Improvements needed

    Rating

    DashRunAmocs feel fine, but the sole on toes started separating from the shoe very soon, after few weeks on normal street use. None of my shoes has ever done that, so you must use a very bad glue. I noticed that many customers gave the same feedback. Should you draw a conclusion? Better glue or stitches would solve the problem. I also don' t understand why you make Chukkas with such a thick sole. It's not a barefoot shoe anymore. I can buy cheaper leathershoes with that thick sole from any shoe store, so you give me no reason to buy Chukkas. I want Chukkas with thin sole, 2-5 mm. Otherwise it makes no sense buying them because the price is insane. With these improvements I' ll be your customer forever.
  172. Great shoes

    Rating

    I like these very much. They are buttery soft right out of the box and just get softer with wear. I usually wear 8.5 in "regular shoes", narrow when I can find it. I ordered both the 8U Narrow and Regular to try on, and kept the narrow. Either would have worked and was comfortable, but the regular had a little too much extra leather that gathered in the middle when I laced them up. As with all three of my SS shoes so far, they stretch out quickly, so I'm glad I got narrow. I like the little bit of 2mm sole when the ground is rough, like cobblestone streets.
  173. Favorite shoes!

    Rating

    Bought a pair of the Dash Lites with the 2mm "road sole" in Dec 2015 and have about 700 miles on them. There are a couple spots where the sole has finally worn through to the leather footbed but otherwise these shoes have held up great. These are my favorite running shoes ever. Ran in the traditional running shoes for a long time, developed knee pain, tried minimalist shoes for a while and that helped. Once I switched to Soft Star my pain has practically disappeared. These are very comfortable to my feet and I look forward to my next pair. I also have a pair of the Dash in a brown leather, they allow me to go minimalist at work and don't look out of place with my business casual attire. Keep it up Soft Star!
  174. just what i was looking for!

    Rating

    long years of devotion to comfort have led my 59 year old feet through many modes of transport. i never traveled the path of deforming my feet with pointy shoes or high heels. i landed in many comfy shoes but never have i found a covered shoe that so allows me to enjoy my primate heritage! i am not a runner yet i do dance about...i love to go barefoot but i have found i require some protection from the hard surfaces of life...just enough. i still want to feel where i am going, to flex and grip my toes. i am so happy to have the space and freedom to enjoy my feet. and i think these shoes are good looking. my big feet look smaller, though i try not to care!
  175. Awesome

    Rating

    I recently purchased these for my husband who has a ton of issues with his feet. He was extremely reluctant to try these out, but said he would give them a chance at my persistence. He absolutely LOVES these shoes! He wears them on our walks, at the gym, and to work. He doesn't have any pain in them, which was a huge pleasant surprise. We would recommend these to anyone and everyone!
  176. Why did I wait so long to get these?

    Rating

    I have the original DASH RunAmoc with the street sole and another one with the leather soles. I also had a Moc3 RunAmoc when they first came out. I think my original RunAmoc was from 2010 and I still run with it to this day, mostly with the November Project running up and down the Harvard Stadium steps. I decided to get these with the trail soles for summer runs. I normally run with sandals since my feet get hot but since I've ordered these, I have worn them practically everyday and definitely on every run. I even wore them to a conference where I walked a good bit, ran in the mornings, and then walked around some more in the evenings. My feet have never been happier and all this time I've been asking myself why I waited this long to get the perforated leather with the trail soles! I'm going to Iceland and France this summer for a couple of weeks and I am planning on taking just these and my original DASH RunAmocs. I should be all set! Thank you, Soft Star, for creating such a great shoe and providing wonderful customer service as always.
  177. Amazed

    Rating

    The leather is super soft, my wide feet have never felt so comfortable, and they're super cute. I love the strategic cushioning in the heel. This is the shoe I always hoped I would find.
  178. Best all around shoe!!!

    Rating

    I have tried Vibram Fivefingers, Sockwa, Vivobarefoot and Soft Stars various models, and for everyday commuting/working I find this pair to be the most comfortable. I am very happy with my purchase.
  179. Most comfy shoes I own

    Rating

    I’ve had these (in black) since November 2014 and let me tell you - they’re the best shoes I own. When I got them they were tight - comfy, but my toe outline showed through the top of the leather at the front of the shoe. Months of wearing them stretched this leather out and now you barely see the tip of my big toe. These shoes are so comfortable! The combo of thin but soft insole and the 2mm Vibram sole is my favorite to date. I have super wide feet, and these fit perfectly. They really shape themselves to your feet and become a second skin. The day they finally wear out I will most likely cry. I feel like part of my soul is in these shoes. They are the shape of my feet, and we’ve been through a lot together. A fantastic investment!
  180. DYO Adult Original RunAmoc - Good but odd

    Rating

    Month 11 has ended re: my test of wearing the "original" RunAmoc shoes. After 16 years of wearing orthotics, I jumped into minimalistic shoes. Thank you, it's great. This shoe has attracted a lot of attention. Others think i'm going to the surgery room in my scrubs. Others say it's "nice." Originally it hurt until I learned to walk flat. The laces also felt like they were choking my ankle. Anyways, no problems after a few weeks. Unfortunately the seam has finally torn on the front big toe of my left shoe. Time for a new one. BUT, the sole is still thick(too thick). I will go to the 2mm street style this time. What's cool is you can see your footprint on the bottom of your soles. These are rather rain-resistant, but yeah your front toes will get moist in wetness. They are great in cold weather, but in the summer they can be a bit warm while I'm waiting for the bus stop. Biggest, BIGGEST problem...I get rocks/dry debris in there because it's a moccasin. I wanted to upgrade to the Hawthorne chukka, but that's a 12mm total sole! I wanted it in case I had to go back to my security job, so that's a letdown. ANOTHER thing....is there a way you could custom-insert a metal piece WITHIN certain points of the sole for EARTHING! Also it took at least 6 months before I noticed wear on the sole. I only have wear in spots related to the footprint. Whoosh. that was a lot to say. Oh yeah, the 14U wide was good for my flat footed wide (size 13 feet). I WONDER if it can fit the toe spreader thingies.
  181. Amazing!

    Rating

    My older sister got a pair of these shoes and got me hooked. She described them as the most comfortable shoe she had ever worn, and how the quality was so good, ect ect. I had to try for myself, especially after looking at all of the reviews it already has on this site. Leather is real quality, as well as the craftsmanship. I was skeptical about them feeling comfortable because I usually wear thick soled shoes, but this is freeing~ lightweight and gentle to the feet. When I put in my order for the 8U I put in the notes what I felt like my true size is(9.5 slim) so I'd switch size based on recommedation, and the elves took care of me by changing the order to 9U~ and they are perfect for me :) Thanks so much!
  182. I never want to take them off!!

    Rating

    I was a bit suspicious about what to expect with the fit and style. Fear no more! The shoes by far, are the most comfortable and versatile I've experienced. I wear a light wool sock and it's just perfect. Thank you for providing a well made shoe. I hope to have many more feet adventures!
  183. Good when they fit, but inconsistent sizing

    Rating

    My first pair of these were fantastic from day 1. Unfortunately they're 3 years old now and have a hole worn through them. I've ordered 2 pairs since then, and each pair seems to be made more form fitting than the last, to the point that I had to return the most recent one for a bigger size at my own expense. I'm nearly 30 so it's not like my feet have grown, and my second pair are over 2 years old now and still haven't stretched to be as comfortable as the first so that's not the issue either. The soles have all been the same size but it seems like they've taken leather out of the toe area, making it tighter. If you can get a pair that fits they're really good shoes though. Not great for wearing during/after rain or for standing on hard floors for an extended period of time, but the most comfortable thing for walking or wearing to the office that I've ever found. The soles do start lifting away from the uppers a little bit after a few months but it doesn't seem to cause any problems in terms of functionality. Note from Soft Star: Thanks Rhys for your review! You are correct that we did a sizing change to our patterns back in 2013 between the time you ordered your first pair and your second in order to make the sizing graduation the same from size to size and make the fit more consistent across all sizes and widths - and while the length in your case did not change, the shape of the sole and how the upper fit did change - which is what you noticed. We hope that the new, bigger pair you recently got is working well for you - please let us know if not and how we can help you. Thanks!.
  184. Love, love these shoes!!!

    Rating

    The Elves did an excellent job! These are exactly what I was looking for in a shoe. Fit perfectly the first time I put them on and just seemed to be getting more comfortable every time I wear them.
  185. Love, love these shoes!!!

    Rating

    The Elves did an excellent job! These are exactly what I was looking for in a shoe. Fit perfectly the first time I put them on and just seemed to be getting more comfortable every time I wear them.
  186. The best shoe!

    Rating

    What makes RunAmoc dashes the best? 1.) The wide, flat, flexible sole with no interior arch support, no toe spring, no extra heel material. It let's your foot hit where it needs to and maneuver naturally (as is evidenced by the foot-shaped pattern of worn-out tread that eventually appears on the sole. Try finding this on conventional shoes--you can't!). At first, it may seem like the sole material under your arch is pointless since it's not being touched by your foot (the treads don't get worn out), but as soon as a shoe maker takes this material away, the resultant shoe shape starts to manipulate your foot position/strike. Also, inflexible sole materials manipulate your foot strike. 2.) The wide toe box. It lets your toes spread out and function normally. It's the only truly comfortable and healthy option for toe boxes, in my opinion. 3.) The soft, pliable leather uppers. The material doesn't constrict or rub your foot. It stretches to maximize comfort over time.
  187. Best minimalist shoes out there

    Rating

    I've tried nearly every brand of minimalist shoe out there, and the RunAmoc dashes are by far the best in my opinion--by that, I mean they're the closest thing to being barefoot I've ever found, and they provide the protection you need from sharp things and extreme temperatures without any of the unnecessary and damaging-to-your-foot design features that all other shoe brands seem to cling to (even the minimalist brands). I wear RunAmoc dashes for all of my hiking, running, or general walking activities, so they get used every day, year round, in all conditions, in all terrains. For summer (dry conditions), I wear these in wide with the street soles—this version feels the best to me. In wet conditions, I wear wides with the trail soles because they're far less slippery. You lose some ground feel, but it's worth not breaking yourself with a bad fall. In winter, I go up one size, still wides with the trail sole, and I wear one or two pairs of thick wool socks. I wear them for my daily outdoor adventures, and as long as the treads are in good shape, there are no traction problems at all. I've never felt the need to wear winter-specific shoes for hiking/running after buying these. I've backpacked parts of the Appalachian Trail, trails in Colorado, trails in Hawaii, etc. and have never had any problems wearing only my RunAmocs (wide, regular size, trail sole, with socks). I couldn't ask for a better shoe. No comfort or functional problems whatsoever. No blisters, no purple toenails, no "support issues," nothing. Plus they're lightweight. Hiking boots just seem silly to me now. The only downside is that RunAmocs aren't water resistant at all, really. Your feet will be soaked if conditions are wet. It's annoying, but I've given up caring because every other aspect is so amazing. You do have to let them dry overnight or it's bad news bears as far as smells go. Also, if you're new to minimalist shoes, it might be helpful to know that I experienced a long, mildly painful break-in period after I started wearing these shoes all the time. But I finally adjusted, and I'm so glad I didn't give up. Also a downside-- RunAmocs are not exactly stylish-looking. Oh well. They're still totally worth it. I don't think I can wear any other brand of shoe again!
  188. Nice while they last...

    Rating

    I bought a pair of these last winter and was very happy with them until the soles began separating from the shoes. Granted, I run almost entirely on unimproved trails, lots of mud and water crossings, but they only lasted a couple months. I would love to see y'all offer a running shoe with stitchdown construction. Maybe a Roo with a beefy sole?
  189. Most comfortable shoes I ever had.

    Rating

    These SoftStar DASH RunAmoc shoes are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. They feel absolutely heavenly on my feet. I wear them everywhere, indoors and out year round. I got my first 2 pairs 3 years ago and recently purchased 3 more pairs. I am not a runner but I love to take long walks in them. My shoes all have the 2mm street sole because I like to feel the ground as I walk. It's like getting your soles massaged. I highly recommend these shoes.
  190. comfortable shoes

    Rating

    Very comfortable shoes, and I got the tough leather sole. Good for me for walking on concrete as the leather has some cushioning. What I do to the shoe is oil it to preserve it. But the way I did it was the old Indian method. Took 4 or 5 egg yolks (no whites), in slightly warm water and whisked for a good while to make an emulsion, and then I twisted and squeezed and churned the shoe in the water for about ten minutes to absorb the very fine oil, then let dry. When dry completely, in the Indian method was to put a few coals in a cast iron skillet, and then lay some rotten punky wood that I found in the woods. It just smokes lightly with no heat, and kept the shoes hanging in the grill on the left side, with the coals on the right, and let it smoke. This way, when the shoe gets wet, a quick stretch and it stays soft (I got the suede leather). And if you're careful you can lightly oil the suede and with this method doesn't ruin the look of it, and I oil the bullhide sole, and with the oil it makes the sole soft and springy for concrete.
  191. Most Comfortable Shoes I Own

    Rating

    I own 8 pairs of SoftStars and two pairs of Sockwas and all of them are 500% more comfortable than the traditional shoes I wore before my barefoot conversion a few years ago. I don't run but my foot and leg pain has vanished and I will never wear heels again! I got the Dash RunAmocs in smooth black to be a sort of loafer for work. They are also probably the most comfortable of all my shoes. The sole is slightly thicker than the Moccassins or the Sockwas, plus they have a laced-up, more traditional look than those others. But I do have to admit that for a woman's shoe they are pretty homely! When I want to dress it up a notch, I'll wear my Ballerines or my pretty SoftStar Sandals, but when I am in black pants and just want to be comfortable, I wear my Dash RunAmocs. Also, they are better for cooler weather over the more ventilated type shoes. The thicker soles mean I can walk over gravel without saying "Ow ow ow" every step. All my SoftStars are holding up very well with lots of wear over the past few years. I love their shoes!
  192. Fabulous

    Rating

    I bought these in the fall and have worn them daily since. After a short break in period they stretched and my wide-ish foot is very happy. Once it turned cold i put some sheepskin insoles in them and am amazed at how warm they keep my feet. I opted for the 5mm sole and am happy with the ground feel. I wore them for a hike in the snow this weekend with wool socks and my toes stayed warm and i had great traction! My first pair of minimal shoes and I am hooked.
  193. Very good shoes

    Rating

    I bought these shoes because I needed a pair of minimalist shoes I can wear in the office, these shoes fulfill that purpose perfectly. They look good, they are comfortable and I can wear them at work.
  194. Super Excited

    Rating

    My husband bought me a pair for my birthday and I'm so excited to wear them. They fit perfectly when I tried them on and I know we are both going to be long term customers.
  195. For Work & Woods

    Rating

    I was looking for a minimalist shoe I could wear to work without attracting any negative attention, and a bonus to me is a shoe I can wear walking in the woods (thus I got this pair with Street tread and leather laces). These shoes quickly became very comfortable as the leather fit to my feet. I wear them to work and find they blend in fine. I wear them in the woods and am happy with them too! Not as much traction as some of my deep-treaded boots but if you mind your step you should be just fine. I love how well I feel the ground in these shoes, and how I can use my toes and natural foot mechanics in them. The minimalism of these does take getting used to but if you spend lots of time barefoot and on your feet it won't be a problem at all. Wearing these is a lot like being barefoot but with a little tiny bit of insulation, and just enough padding to keep glass or sharp rocks and sticks out of the bottom of my foot! I have worn these in the rain and stepped in puddles and I am impressed by how well they keep water out, but nonetheless they are a low-riding shoe and I managed to collect water in my shoe. These also get wet if you don't treat the leather before hand (with wax or something similar) and then let it get soaked. After about 5 months/a summer season of putting hard wear and tear on these, they hold up just fine (no tear!). The leather can get scuffed but otherwise cleans up well - this is good quality. I do notice the leather in the very front of the shoe is getting stretch marks (only noticeable looking closely and holding in a certain way), but it is holding up well for how hard a time I give them and I'm surprised how the leather and sole has stuck together with not one problem. Even the leather laces are impressively tough given all the wetness, dragging, getting stomped on, and occasionally getting stuck due to my own negligence, that they've endured. Will be getting another in the future. Probably all black to be even more discrete when in the spotlight presenting at conferences for work. Not that I don't want to show these shoes off! Just good to enjoy them in peace and quiet without judgement from folks who are put off by the unique simplicity and minimalism of these.
  196. yes

    Rating

    Soft Star Shoes, the purveyor of things sweet!
  197. Excellent

    Rating

    Very well constructed shoe! Comfortable and functional as well.
  198. Excelente calzado!

    Rating

    El servicio de esta compañía es profesional, amable y muy honesto. Los zapatos son muy cómodos, fieles a la experiencia de andar descalza. Desde que los recibí, son mis zapatos favoritos! Muchas gracias a los Duendes!!! Translation: The service of this company is professional, friendly and very honest. The shoes are very comfortable, true to the experience of walking barefoot. Since I received them, they are my favorite shoes! Thank you very much to the Elves !!! (You're Welcome Rebeca - De nada!!)
  199. Awesome

    Rating

    Since I started wearing these and running in them my back issues have disappeared. These are the best shoes I have ever owned. Thank you guys so much for making such a great product.
  200. Superb, very happy!

    Rating

    I got my pair as a gift, and initially the size wasn't quite right for my foot, as usually my feet are so wide I have to run a size larger. When I returned the shoe and requested a different size they sent me a new shoe in a timely manner and I am beyond happy now that I have the size that actually fits! The shoe is very comfortable, allows for an enormous amount of feedback from the ground, which I love; its elegant and unique, I've gotten quite a few compliments on them; and they're my favorite shoe to train in as well. As a powerlifter and fitness enthusiast these are fantastic for everything from squatting/deadlifting to running. Additionally they don't smell after a long day, if anything my foot only smells like leather after a long day. Best shoe I've ever had.
  201. World's most comfortable (and cutest) running shoes ever!

    Rating

    I went to the Central Park last weekend wearing my new pair and could not get over how comfortable they were. It is like walking barefoot but still protected by quality leather, which somehow is so airy that I did not feel any heat or moisture walking around and that is great for muggy summer NY weather! I liked them so much that I am getting a pair for my sister in Tokyo.
  202. Durable, comfortable and great for my feet

    Rating

    My RunAmocs have lasted for 2.5 years through everyday usage. I was not sure what to expect, but now I know. They are comfortable and great for my feet, which also means they are great for my overall skeletal-musculo structure. In other words, they are good for my legs, back and posture. My feet are wide and it is difficult to find shoes that fit. It takes a shoe like these or something more custom, which do exist, to fit correctly. Since these have little structure they conform to one's feet, and are very capable and durable. Importantly, they allow one's feet to condition and support the body in a natural way. For the fun of it, my next pair is the Dash. The only problem there is the sizing is different from the RunAmoc so it is recommended to speak with one of the Elves. Not sure why the sizing variation rather than standard sizing, it should be reorganized and consistent. However, this does not take away from the fact that Soft Star Shoes are an excellent choice.
  203. Comfortable but not for rainy weather

    Rating

    These shoes make you feel like you are walking on clouds (at least with the sheepskin innersoles), but they have one fatal flaw. They allow water to seep in between where the sole joins the leather upper. I own two pairs of this model (one in black, one in chocolate), and they both share this flaw, so I assume the flaw is inherent to the design. Any time you step in a puddle deeper than 7 mm thick, the shoes will start to soak up water like a sponge and your feet will be wet. This makes these shoes a bad bet for anyone who lives somewhere where it rains from time to time. I hope Soft Star chooses to publish this review, because I really love their shoes but I want everyone to know their limitations as well. Note from Elves: Thanks Peter for your excellent review and taking time to share. You are absolutely correct, these are not terrific puddle stompers and this is a good point to share with others. They are made with soft leather uppers which will soak up water eventually when you step in a puddle deeper than the sole. You can apply water proofing / seam sealing chemicals to improve this, but inherently they are not designed as for puddles. The leather is water resistant and fine with rain - but not deeper standing water.
  204. I love these shoes

    Rating

    I have other Soft Star shoes, these are my first Dashes. I love them! I decided to try the narrow width, as my Metros that are regular width were a bit wide in the toe area. The narrow width fits great on my feet, I'm so glad I decided to give narrow a go. The shoes had a stiff feel on my feet at first, but after a few days the leather loosened a bit and now they feel wonderful. I wear these shoes with thin socks, and use them for walking my neighborhood and going out and about, I am not a runner. I got the trail sole and it is working out great for my purposes. Thank you Elves!
  205. Verified Buyer

    Excellent with Tough Leather sole

    Rating

    This is my 2nd pair of Dash (first has 2 mil vibram sole) and these may be even more comfortable than the first. Have only used them in dry conditions so far but they seem to have more traction than the rubber soled version and better ground feel. Am already thinking of another pair ...
  206. Not good for toes

    Rating

    I initially really liked these before I was aware of the design flaw, they were great for mountain hiking/running and going for long walks, and I could clean them off and they might be passable for dress shoes. However, after a few weeks of regular use I noticed my big toes were getting cramped, and seemed to be getting compressed against the outer edge of the shoe. I then looked closely and found that the toe box of these are tapered on the inner side where the hallux rests, compromising toe alignment. It even seems like my big toes now point in slightly more than they used to before I wore the RunAmoc Dash, so I stopped using them for fear of getting bunions. I am sadly disappointed that a company that promotes foot health and barefoot lifestyle would overlook this... These would have been great shoes if they had no big toe tapering and allowed the toes to spread freely- like Lems. From now on I will stick to wearing Lems and Vibram Fivetoes, and try to straighten out my toes with their correct toes and yoga toe spacers. *Note: I don't have wide feet, and the RunAmoc Dash would definitely be too loose to wear in a wide size, only problem is the lack of space by the big toe in these shoes. Note from Elves: Thanks Evan for your feedback and sorry they did not work for your feet. We have put considerable effort in designing our sole shape to be as healthy and naturally shaped as possible, and this is atypical feedback on Dash sole design. If you would like to send us a tracing of your foot, we could do further assessment to understand how we can make your toes happy.
  207. Love the Dash!

    Rating

    I love love love this shoe. Fit perfectly out of the box both with socks and without. Wear these to work when I am not wearing my Ballerines.
  208. 5+ Stars!

    Rating

    This Shoe Will Carry You Around All Day. No More Carrying Your Shoes Around. All Day Every Day Shoe.
  209. Just great

    Rating

    I've been looking for barefoot running shoes that can be worn at business scenes for ages, and at last found one! --- note for Japanese customers --- As we Japanese are known to have wide width feet, I ordered "Wide Width", but that was not necessary. Just order "Normal Width", my countrymen. But that being said, "Wide Width " have their own charms. At first glance they look like Micky Mouse shoes (i.e. too wide and thus too awkward for business) but they are really "wide" which makes them so so comfortable to wear. And once you get use to them, you'll start believing they are actually quite smart! I've now been wearing them for about a month and no one around me seem to think they are unsuitable for business. So all in all, it seems my choice of "Wide Width" wasn't such a bad one. I hope my review would be some help..
  210. AMAZING SHOES!

    Rating

    my first pair of RunAmocs sported vibram 2mm soles. though i do very little running,i have put a lot of walking miles on them and they have allowed my OLDER feet to strengthen remarkably! i decided to try the shoe with a leather sole. this sole has afforded me a little more comfort than the vibram! though i walk trails on ridges, i rarely encounter wet conditions,and have had NO problem with traction! thank you for the GREAT concept and GREAT execution!!! i try to spend the majority of my time in these and other shoes from your product line! i am VERY happy! THANK YOU!
  211. Only comfortable shoes

    Rating

    I've got rather small, duck-shaped feet and these are the only closed-toed shoes I've ever found that don't either rub the skin off my heels or make my toes hurt. My first pair is about two years old now and has accounted for probably 65% of my shoe wearing since I got them. After about a year they started looking a bit rough but even now they still get the job done. The only running I do is if I'm about to miss the bus so I can't say how they are for that, but they're fantastic for walking and daily wear, and survived a week at archaeology field school last summer. Only real problem I've had with them is that they leak like a sieve. Even just walking on wet grass water soaks through. I've got another pair where this hasn't been quite so noticeable, but it could just be that I don't wear those ones outside as much. The second pair also hasn't stretched out as much as the first. They're the smooth brown type that they don't appear to make anymore so maybe it's just a difference in leather. Either way I'm planning to get yet another pair with the perforated leather to wear this summer. I usually hate spending money on shoes but if you've got odd shaped feet like mine these ones are totally worth it.
  212. Verified Buyer

    Amazing

    Rating

    Maybe the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn, and I've tried all kinds of barefoot shoes. Before these my favorites were the Merrell Vapor Glove with Vibram EL-X close behind.
  213. My feet don't hurt anymore!

    Rating

    After suffering with plantar fascitis, Achilles tendinitis, and achy feet at the end of the day, I knew something had to change. I had been buying shoes with more arch support, more padding, more everything and nothing helped. I bought the Runamoc Dash and within 2 weeks, no more foot pain for the first time in years. I now have 2 pair of these (smooth black and hot pink/black) and wear them every day when I am not wearing my Roos. Love these shoes!
  214. Excellent shoe

    Rating

    I have 5 pair of Soft Star shoes, so I think I qualify as an official fan (possibly fanatic). The worst thing I can say about the shoes is that they will RUIN YOU for any other shoes besides Soft Star. Truly, they are a pleasure, and all the different styles I own are excellent. I think the Dash (I own 3 pair of them) are the most versatile, however: you can truly wear them with anything (I don't use mine for running, but rather casual wear, lots of walking and hiking). A comment about the soles: I own several kinds. My very first pair was the 2 mm street sole. It's incredibly durable; after one year it still looks new, and considering how much I wear them that's pretty amazing to me. My favorite sole in terms of comfort for everyday wear is easily the trail sole -- which I was reluctant to purchase because of the tread. I assumed I'd feel that under my feet walking on pavement. But I don't. It's an extremely comfortable sole, and in my humble opinion it's the best for everyday use; it also happens to be extremely versatile. Soft Star shoes are extraordinary, and given their quality and ethics they are an incredible value, too.
  215. Great for wide post bunion surgery feet!

    Rating

    I had bunion surgery a year ago and although I am glad I had the surgery, I still have to be careful about footwear. I don't want the bunion to return so I must only wear shoes with a wide toe box. I wear a women's wide 11 in most shoes and the 10U wide in these is perfect! Solid black or black and brown ones are perfect for work. I prefer leather soles but am buying a 2mm sole for days when it is wet out and I don't want to risk slipping.
  216. best shoe!!

    Rating

    Great shoe, first shoe I've ever bought a replacement pair.
  217. Sweet Comfort

    Rating

    I bought this shoe with the thin sole, and totally love it. I went with the wide width, as my feet love to have lots of room and no cramping. They are perfect. I do, however, prefer to do long walks on cement in the Portlander. It has the thicker sole.
  218. Comfortable "Dress" Shoe

    Rating

    I purchased my shoes to use as a dress shoe while wearing suits or just a shirt and tie to work. They are so comfortable and have great ground feedback. I never want to wear tight, scrunched up toed, rigid uncomfortable dress shoes again. I do run and jog around in them, but will typically run barefoot or in my Vibrams. My shoes have stretched only minimally and are wearing on the bottom like normal. Thanks for your help with the many questions that I had. I am going on 18 months with these shoes.
  219. Fell apart after only a year.

    Rating

    Would not buy again. Toe and heel stitching came apart. Too expensive for how long they lasted.

    Response from store

    Thanks Jlbraun for your feedback. We are sorry you are disappointed in the durability. For more information on how long you can expect a pair of Soft Stars to last compared to a traditional running shoe, please see this link: http://www.softstarshoes.com/index.php/quickfaq#how-long-will-a-pair-of-soft-star-shoes-last
  220. Feels Great

    Rating

    I bought a pair a year ago with the lite leather upper and street sole. I have found them to be extremely comfortable and have great ground feel. I will order another pair soon.
  221. wonderful

    Rating

    I finally bought a youth wide Dash with laces during the recent sale. They are nutmeg with honey and very cute. I have worn them alot since February, to work etc, so I fear they've gotten a bit beaten up already. I have some concerns, like a few spots where the sole is separating from the spongy layer, and the bottom of the leather at the spongy layer border, the brown leather has completely worn away. Should I have put some shoe protection on? I also found that the wide are too wide, although it was recommended. My feet do slip and slide a bit depending on the terrain. Now for the good....I have very small odd feet with a wide high instep and wide toes. Barely size 34, so have grown up in poorly fitting shoes-if only my parents knew about Soft Star!! I've tried all types of shoes, always hurting, aching, ooohing and aching when going for walks. My toes are mangled, I had endless foot pain, and I noticed over the past few years that my arches have been falling. Standing all day at work on hard surfaces was torture. These shoes are so comfortable and wonderful! I have almost never had anything like them except a pair of zero heel wide boots that I wore out. My feet really do prefer zero heel and the shoes are so light, I am no longer dragging my feet around. I love them, they are so fun and I am sure my husband is relieved that I am not moaning and groaning every five minutes and in fact seem keen to go further! They are wonderful walking on everything except maybe big rocks where I have slipped a bit and the 5 mm sole is a bit clunky. I've walked all day on hard surfaces, gone for long long hikes in pacific northwest forest and beaches, stood all day at work. I have not really tried running, but I had to run in my phoenix boots the other day and that was fun. I only wish I had more pairs of the dashes/bolts! The plan is to get rid of, sell my wonderful but unwearable shoe collection and stock up on soft stars.
  222. Very comfortable

    Rating

    It´s all I want. I run and walk everyday with them. I feel great and when i put my old shoes I feel like on a trampoline. I will buy others one in the future, for me and my family.
  223. Verified Buyer

    Quality Leather Gloves for my feet!

    Rating

    I have been running in Soft Star Dashes for 3 years now - and while I do wear other brands depending on the trail, the Dash definitely are my go-to favorites. They are like a leather glove for my feet - ground feel is outstanding and definitely the closest feeling to barefoot of all my shoes. The craftsmanship is beautiful and the durability is better than I expected for running in a leather glove... I get 600-900 miles per pair before they start to wear down. I agree with other reviewers that they are not as durable as a synthetic traditional running shoe, but that is not what I am buying. I also do not agree that they stretch - I have had no troubles with this. On top of everything, the customer service is the best - real people who really care about their product. Elves, keep doing what you are doing!
  224. Comfortable but not long lasting

    Rating

    I have had three pairs of the dashes now. I think that the shoes solve many problems not solved by competing minimalist shoes: for example being made from natural materials, sourced in the US, and looking good enough to be worn casually without too many raised eyebrows. Moreover, the shoes are very comfortable and feel great when running when first taken from the box and after breaking in. However, while suitable for light running or casual wear, these shoes are not suitable for serious running over a period as long as a season. The material, gluing and stitching are not secure or strong enough to withstand even the occasional scuff; a few toe scuffs are enough to tear a hole in the toe, which is not satisfactory for any type of running, even on relatively smooth roads in the city. The second problem with these shoes is that even if one buys a size below ones actual footsize, the shoes gradually stretch to the point at which one may no longer run in the pair. Shrinking the leather by wetting the material and drying works for a short period, but the shoes quickly stretch out again. Why did I buy three pairs, you might ask? Because I support the feel of the shoe and the fact that these are non-factory made shoes. I would try an upgraded version which incorporates a more secure stitching, strengthening around the toe area and a solution to the stretching problem, for instance by using a mixture of leather and a less malleable fabric, for instance, on the middle of the upper, which is most subject to stretching due to the motion of the foot. Until this model is in stock, however, I will not continue purchasing this shoe.
  225. Magical shoes

    Rating

    I can't praise these shoes enough. I now wear the Dash RunAmocs more than all my other shoes combined. As a teacher, I am on my feet a lot. The Dash RunAmocs make the ordinary motions being on one's feet feel delightful. After work, if I forget my Vibram FF shoes, I happily go out on the trail in the Dash RunAmocs, which are my "dress" shoes in the classroom. May Soft Star and its Elves live long and prosper. Thank you for a remarkable product!
  226. New Favorite Running Shoe!

    Rating

    Street sole provides lots of ground feel, "lite" leather breathes well - feet stay cool/dry and the shoes never smell! Couldn't be happier. My first order from soft star but won't be my last.
  227. Don't change a thing

    Rating

    I've had these a month now and absolutely love em. I have the 2mm sole. I'm a road runner logging in 50 to 55 miles a week, almost all barefoot. However I need something for the rough and gravelly section of the road I run on. I've tried many "barefoot" style shoes: Five Fingers, Road and Trail Gloves, Hattori's and nothing compares to the Dash. They weigh 5oz (size 9). They have a naturally shaped toe box with plenty of room for your toes to splay out, not at all based on the traditional pointy foot manner. Ground feel is superb. And the soft inside of the leather feels luxurious. I put Lock Laces on them so I can get them on and off quickly but I don't even cinch them. I just wear them loose and they're great, not sloppy feeling at all. And I would never do this with a traditional running shoe. I have also run in these for 10+ miles at a time to let my feet recover from stepping on a rock while running barefoot and they still felt amazing. No chaffing, blistering, or hot spots, just pure comfort. They are not just for the short run. I have to admit that my Dash's are making it hard to continue running barefoot because when I put them on, I don't want to take them off. If you're a true barefoot runner, you will not find a better shoe. Soft Star if you're listening, please do not redesign or change a thing!
  228. I love these shoes

    Rating

    As the owner of two pairs of totally custom made mocs I was skeptical at first but had to give these a shot. I am not a runner in the least bit but that shouldn't stop you from getting these. I put them on right out of the box and honestly don't want to take them off. They are light and comfortable and yes my feet got an alive tingly feeling after walking in them. I would highly recommend these to anyone who cares about there feet.
  229. over a year and I still love them!

    Rating

    I've had my first pair of DASHes for over a year and they are still going strong. The sole doesn't have much traction (not that it ever did), but other than that, they wear very well. I pretty much haven't touched my five fingers since I got into SoftStar shoes and one of the distinct advantages is that they don't get nearly as smelly as my five fingers. I run w/o socks with these Dashes, although I do wear socks when I wear them for work. My five fingers got stinky quickly and none of the fixes -- letting them sit in the sun (yeah, right in Oregon!) or soaking and scrubbing them w/ denture cleaner -- resolved the problem. As long as I let my Dashes dry out properly, they're not stinky.
  230. not natural for wide feet

    Rating

    I loved my first pair but that was when I wasn't fully aware of my feet. But after running in them for many months I noticed pain in my first metatarsal. I start to do some research and based off that, it seems like my feet are in the early stages of forming bunions (both my big toes are pointing inward) As I become more aware, I have realized it is the tightness of the toe box on the shoes that is the problem. Don't get me wrong, I stuffed my shoes when I first got them and they naturally stretch out after repeated use also. But my toes still feel tight. I even ordered a new pair, one size bigger to accommodate this problem since I liked these shoes. But no such luck, still tight, even after repeated use. The problem is the toe box. It is shaped in the traditional "pointy foot" manner which will restrain your smaller toes, curving them into the shape of the shoe over time. do your research and you will see this shoe does well in providing minimalist needs, but doesn't cater to the natural shape of the foot. I wanted to avoid those 5 finger shoes when I first got into barefoot running but now I regret not starting with those from the beginning...plus some models are cheaper then what they got here. so do your research before you buy this product.
  231. Like wearing slippers to work

    Rating

    I am on my feet all day at work and I wear these every day. To me they are like wearing slippers to work. They don't irritate my feet even though I don't wear any socks with them. And they customer service of Soft Star shoes is very good and has that personal touch to it that I like when ordering online.
  232. First time buyer and user

    Rating

    I've been wanting to buy these shoes forever and i finally did. I got my shoes on Feb 6, 2013.I have to say that theses are very comfortable shoes. The materials is good quality, the craftmanship is amazing and the overall job make my feet very happy. I'm already looking for my next pair. I wear them for work and easy walking. I will wear them for running in a few weeks too.
  233. work

    Rating

    simply the most comfortable business causal minimal shoe available
  234. Amazing

    Rating

    Really amazing shoes. I got the 5mm trail sole, and it is great in the snow, it provides extra insulation. I was surprised at how warm my feet were. I am really sick of brand name shoes with thick soles and heels that make you walk unnatural, these RunAmoc's are a breath of fresh air.
  235. showing signs of wear

    Rating

    I love these shoes to no end. I wear them without socks and the leather feels deliciously smooth against my feet. It took about a week for them to mold to my feet and they keep getting better. I didn't find them all that attractive at first but as they molded to my foot they became cuter. My only concern is that I've had them less than 2 months and there's already a lot of chafing at the front of the shoe and I'm worried I'll wear holes in them fairly soon. I don't even wear them for running.
  236. Great running shoes

    Rating

    I am a women size 9 with skinny feet, so I bought the size 8U in narrow width with a trail sole. They fit perfectly. They could be a little bit tighter around the ankle, but at least I am not losing them. I use them for all my runs when I need to wear socks, on asphalt or on trails. They are warm (my feet are never cold when it is 30 degrees or less) and my feet stay dry. My only issue is that I don't have a good grip when running on muddy trails or on very wet asphalt. So I just use a different pair of shoes depending on the weather.
  237. the most comfortable shoes I have ever had

    Rating

    top quality shoes, breathable sole and upper, keep your feet cool, perfect for summer wear, ample toe room, some people would like to think the shape of these shoes "unorthodox", but think about it , it is the modern shoes with narrow top, limited toe room are "un-natural"!! look at your little toes, are they look like squeezed? LOL However,like any other "minimalist" shoes, you need time to get used to them, after a while, you will find out your feet has less pronation, and the muscle on your legs are more stronger and stances are more stable...again best shoes, I don't care what my co-worker says, I wear them to work almost everyday, since my wife bought for me a year and half ago!!
  238. Ready for snow and ice!

    Rating

    I have been running in the Moc3 since last spring and have nothing but good things to say about them. Looking ahead to winter, I wanted a minimalist shoe with more tread. I previously tried the original RunAmoc, but found them too sloppy a fit and ground through the outer heel. Today, tried out my new Dashes - great hold around heel and midfoot with space for toes to do their thing in front. The heel counter also seems stable enough to prevent rolling back onto leather. Between Moc3 and Dashes, got every season/every condition covered!
  239. An Amazing Shoe

    Rating

    I am Absolutely in love with my new pair of Dash RunAmoc shoes. They are simply the most comfortable pair of shoes that I've ever worn and they are made with excellent craftsmanship. I have been looking for shoes like this for a very long time. I will definitely be back for more. Thank you!
  240. Great Running Shoes!

    Rating

    I have had these for about 3 months. I wear them rain or shine, turf, trail, and sidewalk. They are the most comfortable running shoe I've owned. The longest run I've done is ~16 miles, and I turned around because my lungs hurt, not my feet. They're a little expensive but definitely worth it; the craftsmanship is top-notch. I log about 20-30 mi/week on cement and the 2mm soles are in great shape. I have a feeling these shoes will last a long time yet, and I'll definitely be getting more in the future.
  241. Wonderful Shoe and Company

    Rating

    First, my customer experience was first rate. I ordered these in 8 and it was too small. I called and talked with the Elves who were so helpful! I upgraded to an 8 1/2 and that has been great. I love the softness of these shoes and I love trail running in them. Pavement running has been a challenge even with the thicker sole but this may be an adjustment to barefoot running style. Would love to know what other runners experience is. Either way, I'm a fan for life.
  242. Love these shoes, but wear socks!

    Rating

    I use these shoes mostly as work shoes. I work a moderately physical job and I am on my feet the entire shift. However, I first used them without socks and began to find the smell unacceptable. I tried placing them in the freezer, which helped. Another trick I used was baking soda. I didn't clean all of it out and I went back to bare feet with some baking soda left in. After the sweat built up I noticed the inner sole ripping. I ended up tearing it out and now there is a slight hole on the side of the shoe. Beyond my experimental failures, the shoes are amazing and I plan to buy another pair. After walking 5 miles a day at 4 to 4.5 miles per hour my feet will hurt. This means my feet are getting a work out. If you want socially acceptable, highly functional barefoot shoes made in America, you can't beat these.
  243. A great product and great customer service

    Rating

    I received the Runamoc Dash Size 12. The package made it to me with no problems and in a timely fashion. I wanted to say thank you to all involved in this process, Soft Star makes a great product. (thanks for the custom order!) Their customer service was wonderful; and combined with the high quality product and devotion to the customer have earned them my business for a long time. Thanks again! Sincerely, Anthony Reilly
  244. Awesome shoe!

    Rating

    Received my dash 2 days after ordering. They were so comfortable from the minute I put them on. Can't wait to go for my first run in them. I actually have worn them continuously since I got them--except while sleeping! I will definitely be getting more soft stars in the future!
  245. Great but no grip

    Rating

    I wear these shoes as school shoes and they are great However I Have the street soles and They have lost their grip really quickly and are very slippery on our basketball court Can anyone tell me if the trail soles keep their grip better?
  246. Great shoe

    Rating

    These shoes do everything they say they do and more. I got the street soles and love them. They give me great feedback and I find they improve my barefoot technique. (I still consider myself a beginner) I want to get the perforated leather ones for hotter days. *bows to the Soft Star elves* You guys make a great product. Thanks!
  247. great for work & fun

    Rating

    I originally got these as a work shoe -- they look ok w/ a suit -- not particularly stylish, but acceptable. They proved to be so super comfy that I decided to start running in them and they quickly replaced my Vibrams as my running shoe of choice. With the street sole you get incredible ground feel. I run on both streets and trails with these.
  248. Incredible

    Rating

    I am very impressed with these shoes. These are my every day shoes both casual and formal. I normally run in my Moc3 but today was wet. So I ran in these and they were great. They gave great ground feel (I was running in mud and on gravel) while keeping my feet dry. Now that I have found soft star shoes I will be sticking with them in the future.
  249. love my soft star

    Rating

    No additional comments
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You're reviewing: Adult DASH RunAmoc
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Customer Questions

Use our Sole Shape Comparison Tool to visualize how the Regular vs. Wide widths differ between many of our adult styles including the Dash, Hawthorne, Merry Jane, Oxford, Phoenix, Solstice, Switchback, Primal Merry Jane, Primal RunAmoc, and Primal Sawyer.

Softstar shoes that are still in brand new condition may be returned for a refund for any reason within 45 days of receipt from any country in the world. This also applies to shoes that you customized with your own unique colors and motifs. We will refund the full cost of the shoes, but customers are responsible for all return shipping charges.

Visit our returns page to learn more.

There are some exceptions to this policy: shoes treated with leather care products, shoes purchased from our biannual clearance sales and shoes made with advanced requests are non-returnable.

Your refund will be applied after the shoes arrive at our shop. If you would like to exchange your shoes for a different size/color/style then you can simply place a new order at your convenience.

Please let us know if you need help with a return. Softstar also has a Happy Feet Guarantee which outlines replacements/returns for workmanship, fit or durability concerns. 

We 100% guarantee we will repair or replace any defects in leather, sheepskin or workmanship free of charge within 30 days of receiving your shoes. This does not cover wear and tear or misuse on behalf of the consumer. Wear and tear is damage that naturally and inevitably occurs as a result of normal use.

We stand by our product and will send you a return shipping label and either repair or replace your shoes if they fail for durability as described below:

  • Peeling of leather finish or print within the first 6 weeks, excluding our shiny leathers which naturally scuff and/or develop patina appearance with normal wear.
  • Stitching defects within first 3 months.
  • Heel support detachment within 3 months.
  • Innersole bunching, coming loose or developing bald spot within 3 months.
  • Sole delamination within 3 months.
  • Leather inlays coming loose within 6 months.
  • Non-functional closures (VelcroTM, buckles, elastic failures, zippers) within 12 months.

Click here for more details about our guarantee.

It depends on what you mean...

If you want one of our existing shoe styles made with your own unique color combinations and motifs, then YES! You can choose these custom options for any style that shows the swirly "CUSTOMIZABLE" rainbow icon in the upper right corner. When you are selecting colors for these shoes you will see a "Customize Your Colors" button below our collection color options.

This is part of our everyday fun to see what creations you design as we handcraft each pair for you here in our Oregon workshop. These custom shoes are also fully returnable according to the terms of our return policy.

If you are looking for customization beyond the shoe shoe designs, colors, or sizes available on our website then we do offer limited services for special requests. Special requests such as longer straps, special motif colors, split sizes or single pairs can often be done. Click here for more details.

All Softstar shoes are 100% designed and handcrafted at our workshop in Philomath, Oregon, USA. We don't outsource any of our manufacturing processes, but instead do it all under one roof. All of our order fulfillment and shipping happens directly from our workshop, too. For more information and to see how our shoes are made, visit this page.

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