Switchback Minimalist Hiking Boots | Softstar Shoes

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The original version of Switchback minimalist hiking boots with SuperFabric^® uppers went on sale in October 2021. Then an all leather version was released in July 2023.

Softstar is raising the bar for minimalist hiking boots. The Switchback features slash resistant armored uppers, rugged Megagrip soles and a uniquely barefoot, lightweight design. Get ready for your next great adventure!

Switchback Minimalist Hiking Boots sitting on a tree stump

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Designed and handcrafted in Oregon, USA, the Switchback redefines minimalist hiking boots with a design that is lightweight, flexible, roomy, and nearly indestructible. Creating a boot that lives up to these goals required a bit of magic and a departure from our traditional shoemaking techniques, but we think it was well worth the effort. The original version of the boot uses upper material called SuperFabric^®, an innovative armored textile that is resistant to abrasions, punctures, and stains, yet is still thin and breathable. Merino wool lines the interior to keep feet comfortable and dry with its natural moisture-wicking properties. Like all Softstar shoes, the Switchback features a flexible zero-drop sole for a truly barefoot-like experience. These minimalist hiking boots are made with 6mm lugged Vibram™ Megagrip soles, which have been thoroughly tested by some of the world’s toughest ultrarunners to show unparalleled grip and durability on muddy, wet, and rugged surfaces. Fans of Softstar’s lineup of Primal shoes, which feature extra-wide toe boxes, will be happy to learn that the wide width version of the Switchback has a similar toe box to the wide width version of our Primal sole shape.

We can't wait for you to try yourself!

Qualities of SuperFabric^®

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I have purchased over 8 pair of 'minimalist' shoes in the past 3 years...none of them felt like walking barefoot to me......until now. Your leather is soft your soles are flat and my foot is relaxed!!!"

Janet in Asheville North Carolina.

"My entire experience with Softstar has been nothing short of an amazing experience from beginning to end. Will not buy any other shoes...my feet no longer hurt at all."

Julie M. Oak Park, Ilinois

"This shoe is exactly what you would hope it to be. High quality leather and workmanship in a simple, natural stance running shoes made of all natural materials. Glad I found them."

Wayne B. Ann Arbor Michigan

"I've never had shoes that have fit as well as these or received as many compliments… I wish I had found them sooner!"

Kirsten Q, Bolton Connecticut

"There are no other shoes like Softstar - strong, comfortable, pretty - the best choice of minimal shoes one can get. Thank you for making our lives easier and wonderful!"

Michal Haogen, Israel

"I am loving these shoes! They are just lovely to have on the feet. And I am not easily impressed... There's nothing on the market that I know of that allows full toe splay! To me, it's a beautiful thing to let the toes move with absolute freedom in the shoe. I cannot do that with ANY OTHER of the barefoot shoes."

Richard Megagrip Primal RunAmoc

"I spent SO MANY years searching for a shoe to fit my feet. At last, you have given me such a shoe! I am convinced that had I met this shoe 30 years ago, I would not have the deformed feet I have now, nor would I have had surgery done on one of them. Abundant thanks for this design that honors my feet."

Turtle Primal Sawyer

"These shoes are absolute perfection… The toe box finally allows my pinky toe and big toe to splay naturally and has taken away all previous foot pain… My feet will accept nothing less now."

Kris Primal Sawyer

"Finally something I will wear to work that is truly foot shaped… I usually take my shoes off as soon as I arrive home. I was so comfortable in these that I didn't think about it, and I left them on for hours into the evening."

Finn Primal Merry Jane

"These are fantastic. Softstar showed themselves as the best minimal shoe company on the market with these. Functionally, they are the best fitting shoes I own, and they are the most stylish."

Ashley Primal Merry Jane

"Blown away. These should be the standard. I work at a physio clinic and see multiple people come in with foot pain (bunions, flat feet, plantar fasciitis) and it's mostly because of the effects of improper footwear over time... These shoes are the perfect solution."

Saul Primal RunAmoc

"These are the best shoes I've ever owned. FINALLY A TOE BOX SHAPED LIKE A HEALTHY FOOT… I can wear my toe separators in these without any squishing or pressure against the sides of the shoe. Finally, finally, finally... someone prioritized function over form in creating a shoe that feels great to wear."

Ben Primal RunAmoc

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