Meet the Camino Lite: The Ultimate Minimalist Sandal for Natural Movement
Introducing the Camino Lite, a refined evolution of our bestselling Camino Sandal. With its wide toe box and flat, flexible sole, the Camino Lite is a minimalist sandal designed to facilitate natural foot movement and superior ground feel. This redesign not only strengthens the connection between the ground and the wearer but also reinforces balance with every step.
Camino
Camino Lite
When the original Camino Sandal debuted in May 2024, we were delighted by its warm welcome in the barefoot shoe community. Since then, countless happy Softstar customers have shared glowing reviews about the buckle-strap minimalist sandal. Even following a midyear release, the Camino quickly exceeded expectations by becoming our top-selling style of 2024!
Despite the Camino having an overwhelmingly positive reception, a common piece of feedback we heard came from barefoot shoe enthusiasts who wished for an even thinner sandal with slightly less cushion. We listened to this feedback closely and immediately got to work researching ways to innovate on the fan-favorite style.
Reimagining a Fan-Favorite
In its development, we sought to maintain the stylish look of the original Camino while shaving off some of the “squish” and overall stack height from the original footbed. The Camino Lite features a redesigned, minimal footbed that stacks less than half as tall as the original Camino (7 mm total stack height compared to 15 mm of the Camino). It is also considerably lighter in weight, weighing in at just 8.2 oz per shoe, compared to 9.6 oz of the original (using a size 8 Unisex for both styles – weight varies depending on size).
The New Footbed Deconstructed
Starting from the ground level, a 2 mm Vibram rubber Street outsole provides a durable layer of protection and slip-resistance. Bonded on top of this is a 3 mm Vibram midsole and 2 mm Vibram rubber innersole, which gives the shoe a uniquely flexible feel without sacrificing barefoot-like comfort. This all-new footbed is topped with the same, soft suede leather that has become a defining feature of the Camino. Check out the comparison table on our website for full details to help determine which sandal is best for you.
Walking in the Camino Lite will give your feet the luxurious experience they deserve, all while providing strong support to the rest of your body from the ground up. Whether you're headed to the beach or starting your daily commute, these lightweight sandals are the perfect travelling companion for any journey. Where will your Camino Lite take you?
Ryan joined Softstar near the end of 2024 and is a multifaceted team member involved in the realms of Marketing, IT, and Data Analysis. Outside of the workshop, he spends his time playing games with friends, bicycling around the Corvallis area, and performing music with several local ensembles. As a lifelong resident of the Willamette Valley, Ryan also loves to hike and explore the nearby forests throughout the Coast Range and Cascade Mountains.