The Next Generation of Minimalist Boots: Switchback Boot II
We are extremely excited to unveil the next generation of minimalist boots with the Softstar Switchback Boot II! Since the original Switchback launched in 2021, we've gathered extensive customer feedback to improve the all-purpose barefoot boot. Here are five reasons why you should consider picking these up for your next adventure!
5 Reasons To Consider Barefoot Hiking Boots
1. Stronger Feet
It's no myth that barefoot shoes can help strengthen your feet by activating the joints, muscles, and ligaments that connect them to the lower body. The Switchback Boot II is a minimalist boot featuring a zero-drop design with no arch support (yes, you read that right!). By removing arch support and leveling the sole surface for your feet, the muscles in the feet can strengthen and support the body better over time. This not only affects your feet but also promotes healthy posture by engaging parts of the body that are fundamental for vertical stability and balance. Stronger feet lead to a secure foundation, allowing you to feel your best and tackle whatever path lies ahead.
To learn more about why we believe minimalist shoes can be great for your overall foot and body health, click here. If it's your first time wearing barefoot shoes, we strongly recommend a gradual transition to avoid injury!
2. Connected to the Earth
At Softstar, we're all about experiencing and connecting with this beautiful planet we call home. Our feet gather important sensory information about the surfaces we walk and run on, and transmit it to our brains to react accordingly. Like our other styles, the Switchback Boot II puts minimal distractions between your feet and the ground beneath them. Equipped with rugged Vibram™ Megagrip outsoles, they protect your feet from jagged rocks and slippery surfaces without sacrificing barefoot feel.
3. Comfortable Fit & Wide Toe Boxes
Featuring some of the widest toe boxes on the market, the Switchback Boot II ensures all-day comfort, no matter the adventure. With a gently contoured fit, these minimalist boots follow the natural shape of the foot, instead of the confined, narrow shape often seen in conventional footwear. This means your toes will have plenty of room to spread and flex naturally, providing a strong foundation to support the rest of your body from the ground up.
Minimalist shoes designed around the shape of the human foot are not only great for improving balance, but they can also help prevent foot health issues from arising in the future. Wearing footwear with tapered toe boxes for many years can lead to a range of uncomfortable ailments, like bunions, neuromas, and hammertoes. Opting for a truly foot-shaped shoe can help avoid those issues before they start.
Our regular width boot provides plenty enough width for many people, but if you are looking for an extra-wide toe box, we recommend going for the wide width, built on our Hybrid WIDE sole shape.
4. Full, Flexible Range of Motion
Have you ever seen those pictures of our shoes spun into tight rolls? We do this with all our styles to demonstrate the awesome flexibility of our shoes, and to emphasize just how much they can adapt to fit your feet comfortably. It comes as no surprise that the Switchback Boot II maintains this same, great flexibility and molds to the shape of your feet the more they're worn.
5. Style
Of course, we're biased, but we believe these minimalist boots are some of the most stylish ones you'll see on the trails! Between the supple Alpine leather and the cozy, yet breathable merino wool lining, the Switchback Boot II takes a step beyond traditional hiking boots. Choose between deep black volcanic Obsidian, or the rustic tones of Italian Umber to suit your style and conquer any terrain in your path.
We understand that hiking boots can be an investment, but we believe wholeheartedly that investing in your foot health is one worth making. All of our Switchback boots are handcrafted in Oregon, USA using high-quality, ethically sourced materials. They are also resolable, meaning that when the trails have worn them down, you can take them to a cobbler to extend their life even further.
Available for purchase today. Step into your next adventure with the Switchback Boot II!
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.