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What do you call that funny looking running shoe?

C.Elf.O Tricia
March 16 2010

The Elves have been busy working on our latest product... a minimal running shoe. This has been an exciting project that has brought us in touch with an amazing group of people - barefoot enthusiasts!

We have prototypes of "the shoe" on the feet of a few runners. They are putting some serious miles on all types of surfaces so we know how this shoe will perform. Based on their feedback, we are fine tuning the design and expect to launch in April.

Here at the shop we have been referring to this new shoe as 'the running shoe', but we think this name needs a little work. A couple names we are considering are "Run-A-Moc" and "Phidippides". What do you think? Please reply to this post or send us an e-mail to vote or suggest a new name. We can't wait to hear your ideas!

P.S. Here is a quick peek at what it looks like as of today...

Soft Star Shoes is a family friendly company located in Corvallis, Oregon. Viewpoints in this blog are those of individual workshop elves, and do not necessarily represent those of www.SoftStarShoes.com

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64 Comments

  1. Nate
    March 15 2010 at 11:29 PM
    Phidippedes is cool, but kinda hard to say... can't wait for these to come out, love that vent thingy!My vote is for Run-a-Moc, but of course, I'm sort of biased.
    Reply ↓
  2. Dashing!!
    March 16 2010 at 5:39 AM
    I like the "Phidippides" but I don't know how marketable that name might be. I do like the way they look.

    Whatever it is called, I just hope I can get them for my pre-teen, size 5.5 in men's.
    Reply ↓
  3. Nate
    March 16 2010 at 5:42 PM
    Looks sweet! My vote is for Run-A-Moc, but of course, it's a little biased.No elastic closure? Will it be available in other colors?
    Reply ↓
  4. Ms. Carden
    March 16 2010 at 5:47 PM
    run-a-moc is better than anything i've thought of, very catchy and funny! they look like really great shoes.
    Reply ↓
  5. AmyL
    March 16 2010 at 5:55 PM
    I vote for calling them 'Forest' as in...run Forest run!
    Reply ↓
  6. Alex
    March 16 2010 at 5:59 PM
    Looks great! I can't think of a good name, but I'll be buying a pair regardless of what you call them. Just please, please make them in big sizes!
    Reply ↓
  7. ArdelChisholm
    March 16 2010 at 6:07 PM
    My favorite runs are in my Vibram five-fingers on hiking trails. I'd love to see how these compare. How can I be part of your testing group?
    Reply ↓
  8. David Henry
    March 16 2010 at 6:20 PM
    I like the look of this very much and already own a pair of Soft Stars as well as currently run barefoot and in Vibram Five Fingers. I would definitely buy a pair of these when they come out as I am partial to natural materials and simple design whenever possible. I like the Phidippides name as well.
    Reply ↓
  9. Sonja
    March 16 2010 at 6:23 PM
    Wow, I can't wait to try these out! I have a pair of your vegan hotcakes, which I wear for everyday wear, but I mostly run in Feelmax Kuusas. The Feelmax line has one big drawback though - too narrow in the toebox, which Soft Star shoes are not. When my Kuusas wear out, I was planning on getting a pair of adult Roos for running, but these running mocs would be even better, of course. I'm fairly active on the minimalist running google group (and I've recommended your shoes to many people). Naturally, I'd be happy (and honored) to test these out for you if you're looking for more testers. As for a name, since you guys are elves, how about something to do with deer? Can't think of anything witty, but "deer" came to mind. Will these be in childrens sizes too?
    Reply ↓
  10. skates
    March 16 2010 at 6:55 PM
    I have a suggestion rather than a name.I think the ankle closure should be a velcro flap. Much easier to open and close and will be easily adjustable and will stay on the foot when running.
    Reply ↓
  11. Rabbit in the Rain
    March 16 2010 at 7:03 PM
    Run-a-Moc absolutely! The shoe looks great (just like all the shoes I've bought for my little one from you). I'll have to feature you guys on my blog soon.
    Reply ↓
  12. Joya
    March 16 2010 at 7:03 PM
    i'd love to join your testing group, too! and i love run-a-moc.my dad will be so excited about these!! ((he just read Born to Run))
    Reply ↓
  13. Kevin
    March 16 2010 at 7:05 PM
    I like Run-a-Moc.

    I'll throw a suggestion in anyway: you can look like an elf while running fast, so how bout the Elfast?
    Reply ↓
  14. Niki F.
    March 16 2010 at 7:19 PM
    I'm a huge fan of both the FiveFingers and your vegan shoes. Wondering if this new running shoe will be available in a vegan version.
    Reply ↓
  15. Sarah Leigh
    March 16 2010 at 7:19 PM
    I vote "imps" because imps like to jump, skip, run, etc and the shoes won't make you "gimp".OK, a little cheesy, but I am sticking with it!
    Reply ↓
  16. Jayce from Rochester
    March 16 2010 at 7:28 PM
    Attributing a quote from The Princess Bride to "barefoot shoes", "I do not think that word means what you think it means." To this "barefoot enthusiast", "barefoot shoes" makes one look like a fool..That said, Run-A-Moc sounds good to me. Relatedly, "Moc-a-skin" gets the point across too. Not really practical as a name but useful nonetheless is the phrase, "mid-foot landing gear".---Jason Olshefsky
    Reply ↓
  17. Tim Butterfield
    March 16 2010 at 7:33 PM
    Just checking word associations...

    Pheidippides - ran a marathon, but died: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheidippides

    Run amok - murder indiscriminately: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_amok

    Hmm. Maybe "Runner Moc" would work.
    Reply ↓
  18. skates
    March 16 2010 at 7:44 PM
    SockMoc, Man Friday, Terra Nova,
    Reply ↓
  19. Janice in GA
    March 16 2010 at 8:09 PM
    My only grip with Soft Star shoes has been that I run through the soles relatively quickly! So make sure the soles are tough enough to stand up to lots of running. I just walk in mine, and I've walked through the soles of two pair so far. :( But only the right shoe, which says something about how I walk, I guess!I love minimal shoes, and except for the soles, the Soft Stars are the best I own.
    Reply ↓
  20. TwelveBirds
    March 16 2010 at 8:34 PM
    How about Marathon? Or TrailMoc? I'd love to buy a pair of these! :)
    Reply ↓
  21. Jay Weber
    March 16 2010 at 9:54 PM
    Run-A-Moc!! Let us know when we can order - I run in Vibrams now but would like options. Keep up the great work!!
    Reply ↓
  22. Shallay
    March 16 2010 at 10:26 PM
    I like Run-A-Moc. And I would also like to see an elastic closure.
    Reply ↓
  23. James
    March 16 2010 at 10:43 PM
    how about the Soft Star Squanto?
    Reply ↓
  24. eve
    March 17 2010 at 12:03 AM
    i love it!!!!!!!please make in adult sizes, and i love the name run-a-moc, very clever!!!!!!!
    Reply ↓
  25. ainulindale
    March 17 2010 at 12:19 AM
    Looks great -- will the Run-a-Moc have a vegan option?
    Reply ↓
  26. J.S.
    March 17 2010 at 12:54 AM
    my first thought for a name-- before even seeing it-- was "zoom" :) quick and to the point, plus easy to remember!
    Reply ↓
  27. Dave
    March 17 2010 at 2:09 AM
    Super! Put me down for several pair. Love your mocs for running. Have used the rubberized sole and also the barge sole, both are great. Can you make the Phidipiddes also available with a barge sole? And I like Phidipiddes as a name!
    Reply ↓
  28. Aaron
    March 17 2010 at 2:09 AM
    What sole material have you been using so far? I think you currently use Vibram sole material on the Rambler and of course cherry on the sandals, so is it one of those two or a different product?
    Reply ↓
  29. Kristal
    March 17 2010 at 2:12 AM
    I would also like to be a part of your testing group, we live near a river, I would be interested to see how they hold up.No elastic closure?Run-A-Moc is great,Another idea is "Pan" as in the Goat God, God of the forests, Land, Animals, Nature...
    Reply ↓
  30. Anonymous
    March 17 2010 at 4:05 AM
    what about 'almost naked', or bare bones.or light foot, or tread soft, or tender tread or tender toes shoes that movesmove with the shoesflex the solesfeel the earthalive feet
    Reply ↓
  31. Dollars to Yen
    March 17 2010 at 5:39 AM
    I just bought a pair of the Vegan Roos for running. I'm very happy to see the vents in the top because the Vegan Roos are hot in the toe area when I run!
    Reply ↓
  32. Brandon
    March 17 2010 at 1:25 PM
    always in favor of more options for minimalist running! any chance we can get a glimpse of the bottoms of these guys? i assume it's a tougher material than the standard moc's to handle running on pavement, trails, etc.
    Reply ↓
  33. Boris Terzic
    March 17 2010 at 1:59 PM
    sounds cool can't wait for them to come out.
    Reply ↓
  34. Anonymous
    March 17 2010 at 5:23 PM
    Running in Vibrams is hard on my pinky hammer toe - I am excited about these! I like Forest for the name!
    Reply ↓
  35. baendorfn
    March 17 2010 at 6:55 PM
    I still like "Pheidippides", since he probably ran in something similar, but it is kinda long. So what's a name that sounds like a native running in mocassins? I've really enjoyed my Soft Star barefoot runners. It's important to slowly work up in mileage when going from traditional running shoes to these.Thanks, I love my shoes.
    Reply ↓
  36. Anonymous
    March 17 2010 at 9:03 PM
    I hope the laces are for show - that type of lace is a PITA.I also hope these will come in "women's" width. My current, grippy suede roos (which I love) are too wide to run in.
    Reply ↓
  37. Anonymous
    March 18 2010 at 1:22 AM
    Looks great and like the name run-a-moc.
    Reply ↓
  38. Oscar
    March 18 2010 at 4:03 AM
    The shoe looks like a Run-a-Moc to me. It doesn't look like it has enough vents though. Also please provide various color options, especially the basic shoe colors: black, white, brown. That way we have the option to not stand out that much ... Well, I think we'll all be noticeably different anyway. Maybe for those who want to stand out even more, offer bright sporty colors: screaming reds, tasty oranges, and sunny yellows.
    Reply ↓
  39. Kina Mist
    March 18 2010 at 5:33 AM
    Cool name ideas. Different direction but you could consider calling them Zolas or Bikilas. After famous Olympic runners who ran sans shoes.
    Reply ↓
  40. Kina Mist
    March 18 2010 at 5:39 AM
    How about zolas or bikilas? After famous barefoot Olympic runners.
    Reply ↓
  41. Cheryl
    March 18 2010 at 4:27 PM
    I like run-a-moc. I'm so excited to see you coming out with these! I've tried vibrams, but find them uncomfortable. I run in my soft stars now, but these look even better.
    Reply ↓
  42. Jennifer
    March 18 2010 at 6:42 PM
    suggestion, run-n-bare or bare-run-n. sort of similar tot he run-a-moc, but something you could have fun with! Looking forward to them.
    Reply ↓
  43. julie
    March 19 2010 at 12:41 AM
    what cool looking running shoes !!! i vote for run-a-moc, i love that name :)can't wait to try them !
    Reply ↓
  44. Janice in GA
    March 19 2010 at 1:32 AM
    A running shoe is a great idea, but make sure the sole is sturdy enough.I've worn a hole completely through the bottom of my Rambler Chocolate vibram sole in just 4 months, and that's just with walking outside through this winter. And I don't even walk THAT much.:(I love the Soft Star shoes, but wish the soles lasted a little better for me.
    Reply ↓
  45. Jennifer
    March 19 2010 at 2:01 AM
    name suggestion - run-n-bare or bare-run-n. or use bear. similar to the run-a-moc but something else you could have a little fun with!
    Reply ↓
  46. Anonymous
    March 19 2010 at 2:29 AM
    Love Run-A-Moc!
    Reply ↓
  47. Sean
    March 19 2010 at 2:40 AM
    I thought of a couple suggestions.Forerunner - which is sadly already trademarked for a Garmin device.Talaria - name for Hermes' winged sandals, unfortunately already used for a Nike shoe model.Hoplight - not being used for any products as far as I can tell. Hoplites were greek militia, and were more into marching than running, but I think the name works.
    Reply ↓
  48. Josh Leeger
    March 19 2010 at 4:43 AM
    I like the "Dash"
    Reply ↓
  49. Mick
    March 19 2010 at 4:52 AM
    The PRIMAL PADS!they are Practical and invite Play with the land.Barefoot Sensei,Mick Dodge
    Reply ↓
  50. Rabbit in the Rain
    March 19 2010 at 2:37 PM
    Definitely Run-A-Moc. What a great new idea! I featured you on my blog today - go take a pic, there's GREAT pictures!
    Reply ↓

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