Vote for Our New Hiking Boot Name + Sneak Peek

Vote for Our New Hiking Boot Name + Sneak Peek


Update October 2021: It's here! Switchback boots are now available for sale.


A few months ago, we asked our fans to tell us which features they wanted to see in Softstar's new hiking boot. Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback! After sorting through an abundance of responses, our shoe designers did their best to make the boot that YOU want to wear on your next outdoor adventure.

We are now finalizing the boot's design and a few lucky testers are currently wearing prototypes while exploring Oregon's beautiful wilderness. There are still some details to work out, but one big decision needs to be addressed right away: we need a name for our new boot!

We narrowed the boot name down to three options and we are asking for your help once again to guide us to the best decision. Before you cast your vote, however, it might help to get to know the product.


First Look!

Here's an early preview of the final design:

New Hiking Boot Preview

...and here are some key features of this new hiking boot:

  • Armored Fabric: yes, you read that right... armored! Our fans wanted our new boot to be durable and protective, but also lightweight, flexible and breathable. To meet these demands our shoe designers had to look beyond our usual leather uppers and test a variety of new materials. After quite a bit of R&D, they finally found one that checks all the boxes. The uppers of our new boots will be made from a seemingly indestructible new textile that is highly resistant to punctures, abrasions, fire, water and stains... yet is breathable, flexible, quick-dry and ultralight. Sound too good to be true? Just wait until you try it!
  • Merino Wool Lining: our new proprietary layered upper material may be armored on the outside, but the inside is lined with 100% merino wool. Naturally moisture-wicking, this wool will keep your feet cozy and dry while also naturally regulating temperature to help you stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not only is our merino wool lining made using ecologically-sustainable methods, it is also sourced from humanely-treated sheep and is Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified.
  • Zero-Drop Megagrip Soles: the new boot will be made with the same great rugged soles used on our Megagrip Primal RunAmocs. Made by VibramTM, this Megagrip sole features a unique lug pattern for unparalelled grip on muddy and wet surfaces, and it's durability has been proven by some of the world's toughest ultrarunners.
  • Healthy Sole Shape: hikers who want to encourage natural, barefoot-like foot function on their treks will be very happy with this boot. Fans of our Primal shoes with extra-wide toe boxes will be thrilled to learn that a wide boot option will allow their toes to splay out unencumbered.

More details about our new boot will become available as we approach its launch this fall.


Help Name the Boot

Now that you know the gist of it, we hope you can help us pick the most fitting name for this boot. We want a name that will embody the outdoor adventures we hope this boot will bring you. We already narrowed it down to three options: Metolius, Switchback and Boreal.

A little info about the origins of these names:

Metolius River

Metolius is the name of a river in central Oregon, not far from the Softstar workshop. It is a beautiful, scenic waterway that many members of our staff enjoy as a hiking and fishing getaway. It's no wonder our elves associate it with a hiking boot!

Switchback Trail

Switchbacks are known well by outdoor enthusiasts. These zigzag paths help hikers transcend steep mountains and hillsides. They often precede breathtaking views and a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top of a challenging trail.

Boreal Forest

Boreal forests, found in northern climates, feature distinct biomes of coniferous trees. The greater Taiga boreal forest, which spans across both North America and Asia, provides innumberable adventures for hikers around the globe.

Let us know which name you like best by voting below. Voting ends on August 9, 2021.

Voting has Ended

Thank you to everyone who gave their feedback. The winner by a landslide was... SWITCHBACK! Keep following us to learn more about our new Switchback Boot, which will be available this fall.

Boot Name Vote Results

30 Comments

  1. John Bennett
    I recently converted to minimalist footwear in response to chronic bunion pain and deformation. I have always been extremely healthy and conscious of proprioception. I have also suffered from herniated and torn discs in my lower back for 26 years. I wear a size 12, 6E-8E width, which excludes nearly all minimalist shoe companies, except for you guys.

    In 3 months, I have completely replaced all of my shoes with minimalist shoes (4 of 5 pairs are Softstars) and go barefoot as much as humanly possibly. I'm proud to say I've had zero bunion pain waking me up in the middle of the night, and my chronic lower back pain is diminished due to lengthening of posterior chain.

    Bottom line, I'm missing a hiking/all weather boot that will fit into my minimalist shoe array. This is the one. If you want an extra wide foot guy to test it out... let me know!
    Reply
  2. Z
    I'm voting for "switchback"--fits the "get back to your bare feet" kind of message and will, I hope, broaden the audience for this company and its approach because it's also just a recognizable name. Metolius unfortunately sounds a bit like a disease, or maybe a microscopic organism and will be hard for people to spell, put in search engines, etc. Boreal will immediately set "limits" on this footwear geographically for people (who will assume it's a guide to where exactly/what conditions the boot is intended for.) I have a pair of lightweight barefoot hikers and a pair of "heavy duty" barefoot hikers from two other companies already but am really really excited about this one! Can't wait for the launch!
    Reply
  3. Jeg
    LOL. Did you guys even bother to so much as glance at the feedback you solicited some months ago? FAIL.
    Reply
    1. Elf Martin
      Hi Jeg. Can you explain what you mean? We know we couldn't please everyone, but we broke down and categorized all the feedback we received and incorporated as much of it as we could into this boot's design. We are actually very proud of how many requests we were able to fulfill, such as wool lining, a Primal-like toe box option, reinforced toe cap, etc.
      Reply
  4. Meghan
    I also vote for “switchback.” Metolius feels already owned by the climbing gear company. I live in the boreal forest in Alaska and my shoes you already make do fine down here near the house. It’s up in the rougher “switchback” territory that they are not tough enough to survive. Bring on the tough boots!
    Reply
  5. DanM
    Switchback! I hope there is an option for a stiff midsole? I have Halux Limitus which means too much flexing and my big toe joints become inflamed.
    Reply
  6. Ingrid
    Hello! I usually don’t post comments but this new concept for a soft but foot-hugging boot is so exciting that I can’t help but tell you that “these look like my shoes”! I have long and very narrow feet and have trouble finding shoes in general. I am looking forward to the “Switchback” boots....yes, I would love to see that name on them, too! Best wishes from New Zealand!
    Reply
  7. Jeg
    "Elf Martin": For example, virtually *everyone* requested some level of waterproofness, whether by use of a membrane, treated leather or otherwise. And combing back through the posts, I see very few actually requesting a merino lining specifically.

    The search for a non-custom legit minimalist hiking boot continues.
    Reply
    1. Elf Martin
      Hi Jeg. Thank you for explaining. By our tally, less than half the comments mentioned water, and those that did were a mix between requests for waterproof vs some degree of water resistance vs quick dry materials. Regardless, we’re happy to say that this boot is not only quick dry but will also have a high degree of water repellency, as mentioned in the fabric description above. We are still testing the boots and are not yet ready to make claims on how waterproof they will be, but we think they’ll satisfy most of the concerns about hiking in wet conditions.
      Reply
  8. Linda and Rod
    Switchback it is! We agree with the sentiment of getting back to comfort; feeling the ground without wearing boots that weigh about as much as your pack….
    Reply
  9. Stephanie
    I'm SO excited for this! I've literally been looking for the perfect minimalist hiking boot for years and it has been a unicorn so far, but this looks like it may be it. I'm looking forward to the release.
    Reply
  10. Todd Lazar
    I am so excited for the Switchback. Living in Taos, New Mexico, I spend a lot of my time in hiking boots. I have been loving all of mr Softstar shoes, but we have a very muddy season here that makes it hard to wear the low cut shoes much of the time. Plus, I like some ankle protection for the terrain in the mountains around here. Thanks! Can’t wait!!! Also, thanks for the primal option. Once you go primal, there’s no going back!!!
    Reply
  11. Kathryn
    That boot looks like I would expect, or hoped. Not sure what the negative comment means. Being in Michigan, waterproofness is a must. I love the Softstar shoes I have, (they've been a foot saver!) but they are not in any way waterproof. I am looking forward to trying this out.
    .
    Now, if Softstar could make a shoe for court sports (tennis) that would compete with my Babolat.
    Reply
  12. Barbara Walter
    Barbara Walter
    Thank you for continually trying to improve healthy foot ware.
    Reply
  13. Cara
    Does this mean the boots will be offered in a wide size with a Primal-like toe box, or will the wide option fit more like the Primal regular?
    Reply
    1. Elf Martin
      Hi Cara. The wide option for this boot will fit more like a Primal regular. Due to the structure and design of this boot it will not be exactly the Primal shape, but close to it. And the lacing system will allow much more adjustability for insteps of wide or narrow feet.
      Reply
  14. Jimmey C
    Greetings Elves!

    Will I be able to order them in black? When will you have a release date? I want my future favorite boots! Take my money lol!!!

    I hate most shoes and boots, but I love yours. Thank you! :)
    Reply
  15. B T
    Hi softstar elves , looks good.
    I'd love to buy this shoe. You say there is a primal - like fit. Please please please make an option for the same shape as a primal shoe toe box. Primal is the only shoe that I can wear that is made anywhere in the world due to my foots toe shape and I'd love to be able to wear this shoe ! :) Please if it is even an option I'd pay more to add it as an extra /modification so my toes fit! (My feet are totally square short and wide - so any rounding to the toe box squashes them... )
    Reply
  16. Audrey Baillargeon
    Audrey Baillargeon
    Looking for a fall boot this year. When will this be available?
    Reply
  17. Chris Nordyke
    I, for one, am very glad you didn't waterproof these.

    I've never met a waterproof boot that didn't soak out with sweat.

    Can't wait to check out these new boots!
    Reply
  18. Kim k
    I vote for Switchback..... though I think the wire obvious name for it would be StarTrekker.
    Reply
  19. David Tieu
    I was really looking forward to this boot (I am an electrical technician, need a workboot really bad) but am disappointed that this won't be available in the primal wide size. The wide primals are the only option for many of us who have been doing minimalist for years, who have grown a wide toe spread.
    Reply
  20. zj
    Good Evening Softstar Elves!
    The ONLY shoe I have found that fits my wide toebox (10cm) and small length (22cm) is your Youth PRIMAL RunAmoc, size 4 youth.
    Please tell me, will this hiking boot fit me and if so what size?
    Many thanks!
    Reply
  21. Nancy
    Living in Southeast Alaska, my next boots must be waterproof. I hope your new hiking boot will be or you can tweak them to make them so. I agree with the earlier comment that a high percentage of people requested waterproofness as a necessity. The people who didn’t mention waterproofness, will be happy with breathable, even if it’s also waterproof. But a non-waterproof boot is a deal breaker for the rest of us. I’m open to the wool linings, if they dry out quickly, but can’t imagine why you’d create a non-waterproof boot for potential winter use.
    Reply
  22. Jared Corry
    I love my original runamocs, but always felt unable to wear them on any seriously dirty or slippery trails because of the way they are made, dirt can get in a lowtop.
    The first attempt at the "Dash" used the narrow toe box instead of the original runamoc

    The primal looks great, but I couldn't see myself wearing them much until I totally wear out my 3 pairs of original Merrell trail gloves

    Now the "Switchback" if it's made with dyneema or turtleskin or some other fancy fabric, and has the original runamoc footbed shape, then I'll certainly be getting a pair, or two to wear all the time except in my concrete floor machine and wood shop where I don steel toe boots.

    I think that it would be nice to have a couple of other sole options for this boot so it can be used as a day to day casual boot. Maybe the Vibram Sierra or even the microbob sole like on my original runamoc. Something that doesn't pick up mud or grass clippings, or gravel would be nice so I don't get yelled at every time I walk through the house without taking off my shoes.

    If they turn out as nice as I think they will, I'll need probably 3 pairs in 3 colors
    Reply
  23. Veronica
    Why is it that there aren't more boots in your repertoire that have a sole that grips but a body like the Moc3. The Moc3 is a true barefoot shoe that fits my feet like a glove and I can wear everywhere. However, I sometimes work with good fire as well as wild fire and would like to have a boot like a Moc3 that I can put on like a glove and not have to have laces. Could that ever be a possibility?
    Reply
  24. John jones
    I hope you produce this boot in the more foot shape designs you have, (The one with the mega group Vibram sole) It has a more oblique toebox, more ergonomically~anatomically~ ergonomically correct, that will be suited to fit a diverse feet / foot shapes. ((Biomechanically correct-for a human beings healthy foot)) I have plenty of Birkenstocks and plenty of Altras, and I just ordered my first pair of Splays. So please whatever you do with this hiking boot make it in the Wide version also, And with normal earth tone colors, suggestion-> Granite gray- contrasting- ox blood cardover brown, Or Red rust- contrasting- olive drabgreen, Or dark brown- contrasting canyon red mars, (my ideal colors will be) granite gray soul, Medium brown toebox, uppers burnt orange with overlays of canyon rust:) Thanks for reading
    Reply
  25. Geoffrey
    I love the look of the switchback. I would really love it If you could make a version that is 8” high in coyote brown with brown soles. Then I could wear them for work with my uniform and after 20+ years of wearing ill fitting uncomfortable Army footwear, I could finish my career in comfortable boots.
    Reply
  26. John Jones
    You’re right on spot-Target:-) That’s why the Department Of Veterans Affairs is inundated with people with severe back problems(Average combat load is about 80 pounds) It would be nice if the soft star shoe company produced such a boot. It would have to be tested at the(Army new product development Natick lab in Massachusetts ) I wore some Birkenstock boots-footprints, Rockford’s in Afghanistan that I picked up in Germany, I am aware that the average Soldier could not Do that. I was with one of those units that allowed us to wear aftermarket footwear non-military issue.
    Reply
  27. Abby
    I hike often in muddy, wet, rainy terrain here in oregon and I've been looking everywhere for a waterproof (for deep puddles) boot that has chunky tread to grip in mud and enough width for my toes. I'm not sure if that's what this is but it looks very promising.
    Reply

27 Product(s)

Leave a Reply