If you're an outdoor enthusiast, like many of our shoemaking elves, then western Oregon is a giant playground. We consider ourselves very fortunate to be within easy reach of mountains, oceans, rivers and moss-ridden forests that look like they belong in Middle Earth. Our location offers us a wealth of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, surfing, rock climbing, kayaking, camping, hang gliding...

I know, the title of this post may sound condescending. After all, you probably have a lot of experience walking—several decades, even. But bear with me, because even though I’ve been walking since the late 1970s I recently learned I wasn’t pulling it off as well as I thought. I had the honor a couple years ago to take a series of...

Do you suffer from foot cramps? If so, then you’re not alone. Cramping feet and toes are extremely common, especially in our modern culture (for reasons stated below). It can be a painful condition that may interfere with your ability to relax, sleep or exercise. Fortunately, there’s hope. Our favorite podiatrist, Dr. Ray McClanahan of Northwest Foot and Ankle, treats...

Want to Stay Out of the Chiropractor's Office? It May Be Easier Than You Think... Like many people, I've had my share of lower back pain. For me, it started way back in high school. I threw my back out playing lacrosse and spent most of my senior summer lying on a chiropractor's table while he jumped on my spine...

Soft Star's Marketing Team Dishes on the Highs and Lows of Standing Desks I love my job. I'm fortunate enough to come to work every day in a fun, passionate workspace and dream-up creative ways to get the word out about a company that I truly believe improves lives. Even more exciting, there has never been a wider ranger of...

Shoes that are pointy and/or have heels can cause serious health problems from toe to head. Here's why you should kick the tight shoe habit for good

We were honored yesterday to have a special visitor at the Soft Star workshop. Katy Bowman. M.S. has earned an international reputation for educating the general population on alignment and load science. She has written several books about restoring health through natural movement and the importance of healthy feet. She is also the director of the Restorative Exercise Institute, the...