Most likely, yes. We strive to keep sizing as consistent as possible across all styles and the length of the Primal sole is the same length as our standard adult sole shapes. The majority of our testers of the Primal RunAmoc wore the same size as they wear in our Dash RunAmoc, but a small percentage preferred one size smaller. Variations with the way the uppers are designed along with subtle differences in an individual’s foot shape can change how a shoe feels, plus many people have different preferences for how snug or loose they prefer a shoe to fit. We recommend trying the same size you wear for Dash RunAmocs and rest assured that we offer an easy return/exchange process if needed.
Adult PRIMAL RunAmoc
From $140.00
Are you ready to go wild? Then we’d like to introduce you to the Primal, a wildly healthy shoe with our boldest sole shape yet! This innovative minimal shoe has an extra wide toe box for the ultimate in free movement and natural toe splay.
Free Shipping to USA & Canada
Easy Returns within 45 Days
Looking for smaller sizes? Check out our Youth Primal RunAmoc.
With our groundbreaking Primal shoe, we’re busting boundaries and embracing the natural physiology of the human foot like never before. This minimal footwear design is the perfect marriage of modern innovation with a pre-shoe-era mindset when our feet could wildly roam the Earth, unencumbered.
As shoemakers, we understand that one shoe does not fit all. Over the years, some of our customers have been asking for even more toe room, and this design is an answer to that enthusiastic feedback. This shoe will be the ideal solution for anyone seeking to maintain or restore natural foot function.
This Primal RunAmoc is a versatile crossover that will seamlessly transition from athletic shoe and an everyday casual shoe. Whether you’re hunting for new adventures on a trail or gathering the kids from practice, this shoe will give you the flexible, strong foundation you need. And barefoot runners, tell your toes to get ready to flex, spread and party like it’s the Paleolithic era!
- Add no-tie elastic Lock Laces® to turn your Primal RunAmocs into a slip-on shoe. Also sold separately.
- Innovative sole shape with extra roomy toe box.
- Flexible, breathable materials for the ultimate in free foot movement.
- Made with premium, responsibly sourced leathers.
- Comes with either a 2mm or a 5mm VibramTM Sole.
- Zero-drop sole between toe and heel.
- Toe cap for extra toe durability made from upcycled bicycle inner tubes.
- Padded breathable tongue for snug, secure fit.
- Expanded lacing system with extra eyestays for a customized fit.
- Can be worn with or without socks.
- Made in USA: designed and handcrafted in Oregon.
Primal RunAmoc FAQs
- Should I order the same size in a Primal RunAmoc as I do for a Dash RunAmoc?
- How does the shape of the shoe change between narrow and wide widths? Which one should I order?
Both regular and narrow widths of the Primal RunAmoc keep the toe box as the widest part of the shoe. The narrow width is reduced most along the toe box, slightly less at the middle/instep portion of the shoe and has no change around the heel (see illustration below).
When to Order Regular Width
If you normally wear wide shoes, have a large midfoot/instep or have ordered wide Softstar shoes in the past simply because you wanted more room for toes to spread, then the regular width Primal RunAmoc will likely work very well for you. Regular width is also recommended if your feet are widest at the toes, or if you have been wearing Correct Toes or other toe spacers to restore a natural foot shape.When to Order Narrow Width
If you have a slim midfoot/instep then you may prefer the narrow width. Narrow width is also recommended for people who do not need the full amount of space in the toe box. For example, if you are new to minimalist shoes and have been wearing tapered (pointy) shoes most of your life, then your toes likely point inward and you may find the full amount of space from the regular width seems excessive, especially at first.
- Is the Primal RunAmoc also wider in the heel?
No. The heel of the Primal RunAmoc is the same size and width as the heel of our Dash RunAmoc. The heel size is the same for both regular and wide widths.
- Can I get the toe cap on other shoes?
Sorry, but no. The unique Primal toe cap is only available on Primal RunAmocs.
- Will the Primal sole shape be offered on more shoe styles?
Possibly. Currently this sole shape is only available for the Primal RunAmoc, but our designers are already testing it with some of our other existing styles. Depending on customer response to this shoe, we may add additional styles with this sole shape in the near future.
You can measure your feet or your child's feet at home using a book, a ruler and a wall. You can then see where the measurement fits on our sizing charts to find the recommended shoe size.
Measure Your Feet...
Note: we do not recommend tracing feet because doing so usually gives a larger measurement. Our sizing charts work in accordance with the following method:
Remove shoes and socks and place bare foot so that the heel is barely touching a wall.
Place a book on the floor, parallel to the wall, so that it is barely touching the front of the longest toe.
Step away carefully and measure the distance from the book to the wall.
... and Find Your Size
Once you have the measurement, look for it on the charts below to find the recommended Softstar shoe size.
- Wiggle/growing room is already taken into account.
- If your child is on the border between two sizes then we recommend the larger size.
- We recommend using the metric (cm) column with your measurement, since it is more precise.
| Child Size | Approx Age Range | Length in Centimeters | Length in Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 - 6 months | ≤ 10.2 cm | ≤ 4” |
| 3 | 6 - 12 months | 10.2 - 11.1 cm | 4” - 4 ⅜” |
| 4 | 12 - 18 months | 11.1 - 11.9 cm | 4 ⅜” - 4 ¾” |
| 5 | 18 months | 11.9 - 12.8 cm | 4 ¾” - 5” |
| 6 | 18 - 24 months | 12.8 - 13.6 cm | 5” - 5 ⅜” |
| 7 | 2 years | 13.6 - 14.5 cm | 5 ⅜” - 5 ¾” |
| 8 | 2 - 3 years | 14.5 - 15.3 cm | 5 ¾” - 6” |
| 9 | 3 years | 15.3 - 16.2 cm | 6” - 6 ⅜” |
| 10 | 3 - 4 years | 16.2 - 17.0 cm | 6 ⅜” - 6 ¾” |
| 11 | 4 - 6 years | 17.0 - 17.9 cm | 6 ¾” - 7” |
| 12 | 4 - 6 years | 17.9 - 18.7 cm | 7” - 7 ⅜” |
- Wiggle/growing room is already taken into account.
- If your child is on the border between two sizes then we recommend the larger size.
- We recommend using the metric (cm) column with your measurement, since it is more precise.
- Many of our youth sizes end at size 4. In these cases, you can find the next size up in our adult category starting with size 5U.
| Softstar Youth Shoe Size | Approx Age Range | Length in Centimeters | Length in Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Y | 4 - 6 Years | 18.5 - 19.4 cm | 7 ¼” - 7 ⅝” |
| 2Y | 5 - 8 Years | 19.4 - 20.2 cm | 7 ⅝” - 7 ⅞” |
| 3Y | 5 - 8 Years | 20.2 - 21.0 cm | 7 ⅞” - 8 ¼” |
| 4Y | 6 - 10 Years | 21.0 - 21.9 cm | 8 ¼” - 8 ⅝” |
| 5Y | 6 - 10 Years | 21.9 - 22.7 cm | 8 ⅝” - 8 ⅞” |
| 6Y | 8 - 12 Years | 22.7 - 23.6 cm | 8 ⅞” - 9 ¼” |
| 7Y | 8 - 12 Years | 23.6 - 24.4 cm | 9 ¼” - 9 ⅝” |
| 8Y | 12+ Years | 24.4 - 25.3 cm | 9 ⅝” - 9 ⅞” |
- If you are on the border between two sizes then we recommend the larger size.
- When possible, we recommend using the metric (cm) column with your measurement, since it is more precise.
- Wide or narrow? If you have never found you needed wide or narrow shoes in the past then we suggest sticking with our regular width.
| Softstar Adult Shoe Size | Regular US Shoes Size | Length in Centimeters | Length in Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4U | 3.5 - 4 Mens 4.5 - 5 Womens |
20.7 - 22.2 cm | 8 ⅜” - 8 ¾” |
| 5U | 4.5 - 5 Mens 5.5 - 6 Womens |
22.2 - 23.0 cm | 8 ¾” - 9 ” |
| 6U | 5.5 - 6 Mens 6.5 - 7 Womens |
23.0 - 23.9 cm | 9” - 9 ⅜” |
| 7U | 6.5 - 7 Mens 7.5 - 8 Womens |
23.9 - 24.7 cm | 9 ⅜” - 9 ¾” |
| 8U | 7.5 - 8 Mens 8.5 - 9 Womens |
24.7 - 25.6 cm | 9 ¾” - 10” |
| 9U | 8.5 - 9 Mens 9.5 - 10 Womens |
25.6 - 26.4 cm | 10” - 10 ⅜” |
| 10U | 9.5 - 10 Mens 10.5 - 11 Womens |
26.4 - 27.3 cm | 10 ⅜” - 10 ¾” |
| 11U | 10.5 - 11 Mens 11.5 - 12 Womens |
27.3 - 28.1 cm | 10 ¾” - 11” |
| 12U | 11.5 - 12 Mens | 28.1 - 28.9 cm | 11” - 11 ⅜” |
| 13U | 12.5 - 13 Mens | 28.9 - 29.8 cm | 11 ⅜” - 11 ¾” |
| 14U | 13.5 - 14 Mens | 29.8 - 30.5 cm | 11 ¾” - 12” |
| 15U | 14.5 - 15 Mens | 30.5 - 31.4 cm | 12” - 12 ⅜” |
Difficulty Taking Measurements?
Try Our Printable Stand-On Sizing Guides
Our printable guides provide another way to help you find the best fit for your feet. These are especially useful for small children who don't like to sit still. Just print the guide for the appropriate age group below and follow the instructions on the page.
Before you print these guides, make sure your printer settings will not shrink or scale the page. Uncheck any boxes labeled "Fit to Printable Area" and/or set scaling options to "None."
Care Tips for Full Grain (smooth) Leather Shoes
Includes Sublime, Nova, Shiny, LITE, Plonge and Vegetable-Tanned Leathers
WHEN THEY FIRST ARRIVE:
Softstar Shoes are made from eco-friendly leathers tanned in the USA. Leather is a natural product and some variation in texture and hide markings is to be expected. Because we use leather colored with non-toxic food grade dyes, there will likely be some initial color transfer to your socks or skin if your shoes become damp. This will decrease with use, but we don't recommend wearing your new Softstars with your favorite white socks the first time you take them for a spin.
If your shoes are a little snug at first in the toe box area, you can gently stretch them by stuffing the toe box with a dry cloth. Push the cloth tightly into the front of the shoe and let sit stuffed overnight to stretch. Do not use a damp cloth as the water can stain the leather or innersole of some leather types, rendering it non-returnable.
MAINTENANCE:
Most full grain leather we use is naturally water resistant, but our special vegetable-tanned leather (available only by custom selection on some of our design-your-own shoes) is a "naked" leather and will stain from water alone. You can clean shoes as needed with water dampened cloth and let air dry, but please note if you do this on vegetable-tanned leather then you will need to wet/stain the entire shoe to avoid water marks. Condition the leather as often as desired with any quality leather dressing, but be careful to keep it away from the edges of your rubber soles. Do not use mink oil on your shoes, as it can degrade the adhesion on bonded soles and cause the sole to separate from your shoe over time. We highly recommend Bee Natural Amore for general conditioning or Rain & Snow or Nikwax Full Grain Waterproofing on smooth leather for enhanced water resistance. The color on shiny metallic shoes will eventually patina with use into an antique wear look, which can be accelerated with repeated use to water and high wear (e.g. scuffing toes).
WASHING:
We do not recommend frequent washing of any leather product as it strips the leather of it's natural oils and tends to dry stiffer. For all of our leathers (except vegetable-tanned) you can clean by hand with a damp cloth, or if needed you can hand wash your leather shoes using a gentle shampoo and cool water. Let them air dry. Do not attempt to dry your shoes by exposing them to high heat, such as a clothes dryer, a hair dryer or by leaving them on a radiator or next to a fire. Doing so may damage leather or rubber soles.
We are often asked if our shoes can be washed in a washing machine. While not recommended as a normal course of action, when in dire straits the Elves have been known to toss a pair of shoes in the machine and generally have had good results. Just don't mix them with any other item because of color bleeding. Shoes with sheepskin can take 3-4 days to air dry if fully submerged in water, but you can speed up the drying by stuffing with old newspapers and replacing the paper twice a day.
Whether you need it for the trail, street, studio or workplace, we have the perfect RunAmoc for you!
RunAmoc Style Comparison
| Primal | Dash | Moc3 | |
| Summary |  Extra-wide toe splay for healthy, natural foot function. |
 Multipurpose minimal shoe: athletic, casual or dressy. |
 An ultra-light running "sock" with the durability of a shoe. |
| Features |
• Extra wide toe box. This shoe is widest at the toes, rather than the ball of the foot, and is ideal for people who want to maintain/restore natural foot shape and function. • Rubber toe cap, made from upcycled bicycle innertubes, adds durability to front of shoe—especially useful for hikers and trail runners. • Extended lacing system is designed to fit snugly around instep, yet allow toes to spread out as much as possible. • Underside of tongue is lined with a thin layer of Breathe-O-Prene, a breathable, neoprene-like material, to hold the shoe securely across the top of the foot. |
• A versatile minimal design that can function as an athletic shoe, a casual shoe or a formal shoe (depending on color choices). • Mid-level minimal shoe option for people who do not want the extra-wide toe box of the Primal RunAmoc, but prefer a shoe that is more traditional than the Moc3. • Short lacing system allows adjustable fit around the instep while leaving the front of the foot unencumbered. • Every component of the Dash is fully customizable for unique color, material and sole options. |
• Our lightest minimal shoe, and one of the lightest in the world! Designed to be as flexible and lightweight as possible. • Easily rolls up and fits into small spaces when not in use, such as a small bag or tucked under a belt. • Slip-on design allows quick on/off when you're on the go. • Breathe-O-Prene lining hugs your foot from all sides for a snug, but ventilated fit. • Sole pattern is cut sparsely to allow maximum flexibility and barefoot experience (see image below). |
| Sizes |
Adult Sizes 5U–15U Available in regular and narrow widths. |
Adult Sizes 5U–15U Available in regular, narrow or wide widths. |
Adult Sizes 4U–13U Available in regular width only. |
| Weight |
6.4–10.2 oz. Weight varies depending on size. |
5.0–9.5 oz. Weight varies depending on size and sole. |
4–6 oz. Weight varies depending on size. |
| Sole |
Primal sole shape:
Available in 2 sole options: • 2mm Vibram™ Street Sole |
Dash sole shape:
Available in 3 sole options: • 2mm Vibram™ Street Sole |
Moc2 sole shape:
The Moc3 is only made with 2mm Vibram™ Street Sole cut to a minimal patterned footbed. The sole is entirely covered with thin material, but the thicker 2mm sole covers the shaded areas above. |
| 2mm Street | 5mm Trail | Bullhide Leather | |
| Summary |  Minimal space between feet and ground. |
 Tread pattern provides additional traction on rough surfaces. |
 Extremely flexible sole for most unrestricted foot movement. |
| Features |
Very high level of groundfeel. Our thinnest and lightest sole. Minimal space between feet and ground. |
High level of groundfeel. Extra thickness adds durability. Tread pattern provides additional traction on rough surfaces. |
Our most flexible sole! 3–4mm thick (natural hides vary slightly). Pliable texture provides our highest level of groundfeel and most unrestricted foot movement. All-natural leather material allows grounding conductivity. |
| Use |
Perfect for running on smooth surfaces or for trail runners who have strengthened their feet to tolerate groundfeel of rough surfaces. |
Ideal for trail runners and those who want barefoot movement with protection while running over rough surfaces, such as gravel or rocky paths. Also a favorite for street runners who prefer durability over maximum groundfeel. Recommended for people new to minimalist running shoes. |
A favorite for people who prefer to run or walk barefoot. Like the street sole, it is recommended to have feet strengthened for barefoot-style running before using this sole on rough or rocky terrain. NOTE: this sole can become very slippery on smooth, wet surfaces. |
| Price |
No additional cost. |
No additional cost. |
+10$ |
Leather Material Comparison
| Suede | Smooth Full Grain Includes Nova, Sublime, Plonge, Shiny |
LITE | |
| Summary |  Soft and cozy. Matte appearance. |
 Smooth and semi-glossy topside (leather labeled as "shiny" is extra glossy with metallic finish). Underside is suede. |
 Smooth, thin and light. Perforated for increased breathability. |
| Features |
Pros: A favorite for its stylish look and extremely cozy feel. Cons: Not water resistant, unless treated with a suede protector leathercare. Requires more effort to clean (we recommend using a suede brush, such as those found in our Gifts and Accessories category). |
Pros: Naturally water resistant and easy to clean. Keeps feet warm and protected in cold, wet weather. NOTE: Vegetable-Tanned leather is a "naked" material and may stain easily, even with plain water or leathercare. Cons: May cause feet to feel warm in hot climates, depending on your tolerance for heat/cold—but still more breathable than most rubber or faux-leather shoes. |
Pros: Lightweight, keeps feet cool and ventilated. A favorite for running in warm weather. Easy to clean. Cons: Not water resistant... it has holes! |
| Use |
Our suede leather is a popular choice for casual everyday shoes that look and feel fantastic! Many people use it for athletic shoes as well, though it does require extra effort to keep dry and clean. |
Smooth leather provides the most protection from the elements. A popular choice for protecting feet from cold or wet weather. Also gives a classy look for dressy or formal occasions. While naturally somewhat water resistant, smooth leather can be made more waterproof with full grain leathercare (found in our Gifts and Accessories category). |
Great for athletes wanting to keep feet ventilated and cool. This naturally lightweight material minimizes shoe weight to maximize performance. Although it is not water resistant, the thin, airy material dries quickly and is easy to clean. |