Softstar Blog

April happens to be National Foot Health Awareness month, and it also happens to be the time of year when many people dust off their running shoes to enjoy a sunny day outside. Unfortunately, that's also when foot problems often come up. It’s easy to take our feet, the foundational body parts that move us through our day, for granted...

Spring is right around the corner here in Oregon! This is such a special time of year. The sun starts to peek out from behind the clouds, flowers bloom, and everything feels fresh and new again. Something else that always rolls in this time of year is wedding season. Whether you are getting married or you know someone who is...

It's time again for PLAYDAY at the Softstar workshop! Once or twice a year, we set aside a day to stop working on shoes and let our staff jump into any creative project of their choosing. We're allowed to use any of the tools and leather scraps in our shop, or work on something totally unrelated to leathercraft. The purpose...

We just finished our much-anticipated movement retreat with Katy Bowman, and it was a blast! The biomechanist, author and founder of Nutritious Movement came to our workshop on Saturday with 30 participants from across the country. The class consisted of people from all walks of life, including physical therapists, librarians, entrepreneurs and full-time parents (also two expectant mothers) with ages...

The winter international competition is here, and we just can't contain our excitement! (Due to trademark restrictions, we can't use the "O" word.) We know it's not just competing athletes who strive to do their best, so we're celebrating the 16-day event with a giveaway for you! Whether you're working, parenting, studying or chasing your own fitness goals, we think you deserve...

It’s no secret anymore: sitting is bad for you. Sorry, it just is. Prolonged sitting has been linked to many health issues, including muscle degeneration, neck and back pain, high cholesterol, increased fat and obesity, slower brain function, poor circulation, varicose veins, increased risk of disease (including heart disease, diabetes and cancer) and premature death. Yes, death itself is actually...

Larkin Holavarri, a Softstar co-owner since 2005, is transitioning to a different role at our workshop as she pursues a new passion...