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:

...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 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!

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 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.
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.


Martin is a lifelong runner who began wearing minimalist shoes over 10 years ago when he found they alleviated his chronic foot pain, which eventually disappeared completely. He further studied proper running form through a series of workshops taught by the inventor of Correct Toes Toe Spacers, Dr. Ray McClanahan DPM. Martin has collaborated with several health care professionals to collect and share peer-reviewed studies that show the benefits of minimalist footwear. In his personal life, Martin loves living in the Pacific Northwest because it allows him to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities year-round, including hiking, cycling, rock climbing, surfing and snowboarding.
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!
The search for a non-custom legit minimalist hiking boot continues.
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Now, if Softstar could make a shoe for court sports (tennis) that would compete with my Babolat.
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! :)
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... )
I've never met a waterproof boot that didn't soak out with sweat.
Can't wait to check out these new boots!
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!
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