Softstar Barefoot Shoes Review: From Extra Wide Primal Fit to Delicate Ballerinas
Looking for USA-made barefoot shoes? In this Softstar barefoot shoes review, I test their most popular styles—from moccasins to sandals—to see if they’re worth it.
Made-in-the-USA shoes are hard to come by, and that’s especially true for barefoot shoes. But, there is one brand that is carefully crafting a full line of barefoot shoes: Softstar Shoes.
I originally came across them years ago when I was searching for leather moccasins for my oldest child. I wanted something soft and flexible as he was learning to walk, and Softstar moccasins fit the bill perfectly.
Over the years, they’ve steadily expanded their collection to include everything from Birkenstock-style sandals and delicate ballerines to rugged hiking boots and their extra-wide Primal Amocs.
In 2025, Softstar took another big step in growing their line through the acquisition of another US-based barefoot shoe brand, SOM footwear, which focuses on sneakers.
In this review, I’ll share what makes Softstar Shoes so unique, plus my honest thoughts on the different styles I’ve tried along the way.
About Softstar Shoes
Softstar is a small, family-run company based in Oregon that has been handcrafting minimalist shoes for nearly 40 years. Their focus is on natural materials, traditional craftsmanship, and keeping feet healthy and free. Here are a few things that set them apart:
- Made in the USA – Every pair is handcrafted in their Oregon workshop by skilled artisans.
- Natural materials – They use high-quality leather, sheepskin, and Vibram soles, with many eco-conscious options.
- Customizable designs – Many styles can be personalized with your choice of colors, trim, and sole.
- Extra-wide options – Their Primal line is one of the widest fitting barefoot shoes available.
- Long barefoot legacy – They started out making soft-soled moccasins for kids back in 1984 and have grown into a full line for all ages.
- Handmade quality – Each shoe is carefully crafted in small batches with attention to detail you don’t often see in modern footwear.
Sizing Reference
Softstar using their own sizing convention, so be sure to check their size chart before you order. I’ve found their sizing very style-dependent, so recheck for each type of shoe that you order. As a reference, my feet are 23.3cm in length and medium width at just over 9cm.
Softstar Barefoot Shoe Reviews
Softstar Ballerines
The Ballerines are Softstar’s take on the classic ballet flat, and they’re easily one of the prettiest barefoot dress shoes out there. They’re handcrafted from soft, high-quality leather that stretches and molds to your foot with wear. You can choose from their rotating collection of 3–4 seasonal colors or go all out with a custom design from over 40 different shades. My pair is the shiny platinum, which in person looks like a light gold with a touch of warmth. The simple, elegant design works well for both casual wear and dressier outfits.
A thoughtful detail is the rubber patch on the back of the heel. It’s a spot that usually takes a beating on leather flats—I’ve had some get shredded from driving—so this extra layer goes a long way in keeping them looking nice.
The outsole is a 4mm Vibram Cherry sole paired with a 5mm foam insole—one of the squishier barefoot dress shoe setups I’ve tried. That extra bit of padding makes them softer underfoot than many other minimalist flats.
Fit and sizing: Fit-wise, the Ballerines are on the narrower side compared to other Softstar styles. The regular width has a slight taper and can feel a little tight in the toe box. They still have a lot more room than any of my old ballet flats and the leather is very soft, but my toes don’t exactly have room to wiggle. The shoe is also fairly low volume over the toes, so I sometimes feel pressure on my toenails. They do come in a wide width, but on my feet that option ends up feeling a little too roomy. I have a Softstar size 6 Regular, which is just long enough for my 23.3cm feet.
SOM Footwear Mesa Sneakers
I definitely can’t claim to know every barefoot shoe brand these days—new ones seem to be popping up all the time—but since the number of US-based brands is still relatively small, I was surprised when I heard that Softstar had acquired another American company…and it was one I hadn’t even heard of.
That brand was SOM (Sense of Motion) Footwear, based in Colorado. They specialized in wide toe box, zero-drop shoes designed to handle the rugged terrain of the Rockies. With the acquisition, SOM’s sneakers will now be produced out of Softstar’s Oregon workshop.
The SOM Mesa Sneakers are simple, casual canvas shoes with a moderate 15mm stack height (including a 5mm removable insole—so you can pare them down a bit if you prefer). The toe box is fairly rounded, but the taper happens late enough that my toes don’t feel pushed in.
I’ve been wearing them for the past few weeks, and they’ve been cute, versatile, and comfortable. While they wouldn’t be my top choice for hiking, they’ve been perfect for everyday wear and walks along our greenway.
Fit and sizing: I have plenty of width and volume in these, so I’d say they’re best for medium-width, medium- to high-volume feet. I’m wearing size women’s 7. Softstar’s size chart gives recommendations by foot length range, but since I like a little extra room, I went with the size just above—as I was at the upper end of the smaller size.
Primal RunAmoc
The Primal RunAmoc is one of Softstar’s most barefoot-friendly shoes, designed with their signature extra-wide Primal toe box. If you’ve ever struggled to find a shoe that truly lets your toes spread, this is about as wide as it gets. That said, like other Softstar models, they run low in volume over the toes. The end of the toe box is reinforced with a rubber layer for durability, which is great for longevity but also means it won’t stretch the way the rest of the leather does. Personally, I prefer a little more vertical space above my toes—especially in a running or hiking shoe.
On the upside, they’re lightweight and versatile. The leather upper is soft and molds nicely to your foot over time, while the flexible sole keeps ground feel intact.
Durability seems to be a mixed bag. I haven’t had any issues with my own pairs of Softstar shoes coming apart, but I did notice a few reviews on their site mentioning the sole separating. Since the Primal RunAmoc is designed for running and hiking, it may just be taking more of a beating than a casual everyday sneaker.
Fit and sizing: Best for extra-wide feet but with lower volume over the toes. I recommend sizing up from what the chart suggests, especially if you like a little more room to work with.
Camino Sandals
Softstar was one of the first brands to give us a minimalist take on the ever-popular Birkenstock Milano, while still staying true to the original aesthetic.
The Camino sandals come in two versions: a 15mm stack height and a 7mm stack height “Lite.” Many barefoot sandals are ultra thin, so the 15mm Camino stands out as one of the few options for those who want a cushioned yet still flexible sole. This version is built with a 5mm Vibram outsole, a 6mm Vibram midsole, and a foam-and-suede footbed. You do give up some ground feel and flexibility, but it’s still far less structured than a Birkenstock—making it a good transition shoe if you’re not quite ready for super-thin sandals.
The Lite version strips out most of that cushioning. While it’s thinner, it still feels a bit stiff underfoot compared to other barefoot sandals.
Fit & Sizing: I’m wearing a size 6U, and they’re just long enough. Because of the foam topper, the footbed isn’t completely flat, so you lose a bit of usable length compared to the outsole measurement. Softstar’s size guide lists size 6U for feet 23–23.9 cm long, but I wouldn’t recommend pushing the upper end of that range. My feet are 23.3 cm, and they’re right at the edge of the cushioned bump. For the best fit, I’d suggest sticking to the lower half of the size range, and if you’re at the upper half, size up.
Fireside Slippers
While I don’t usually look forward to cold weather, there’s something about sinking my feet into the warmth and plushness of a cozy slipper that makes me smile. And the Softstar Fireside sheepskin slippers are easily the coziest pair I’ve tried.
These barefoot slippers are fully lined with thick sheepskin fleece, right down to the extra-fluffy insole. The insoles are removable and replaceable (Softstar even sells replacements on their website), which adds to their longevity.
There’s no additional material in the sole beyond the leather and fleece, which makes them incredibly lightweight and flexible—but also means they’re best suited as true house slippers rather than something you’d wear outdoors.
If you don’t need something with quite this much warmth, Softstar makes several other barefoot house slippers including leather moccasins for adults and wool slippers.
Moccasins and Ramblers for Toddlers and Kids
Softstar began in the 1980s with moccasins, and they’ve stayed true to that heritage. Their toddler moccasins are some of the softest, most flexible barefoot shoes you’ll find—essentially a leather sock with just enough structure to protect little feet. They’re ideal as first-walker shoes when toddlers only need a touch of protection.
The moccasins come in a wide range of colors and can be customized for a fun, playful look. With a simple suede leather sole, they’re best for indoor wear or light outdoor use. Once your child is ready for a bit more durability, you can move up to the Ramblers, which swap the soft sole for a zero-drop 3mm Vibram Pyramid sole. Add a sheepskin insole, and you’ve got a cozy, all-season option.
Like many Softstar shoes, the moccasins and Ramblers are highly customizable—not just in color, but also in width. You can order regular, wide, or extra-wide. Softstar’s “regular” already runs wider than typical toddler shoes, and the wide/extra-wide options are perfect for what they affectionately call “potato feet.” If you’re unsure, their customer service is great for helping confirm sizing.
My son wore the Ramblers until he outgrew them, and they held up beautifully. They were easy for him to slip on, had solid grip, and even after the leather started to show wear, a quick polish made them look like new.
Final Thoughts
Softstar is a brand that really stands apart in the barefoot shoe world. They’ve built a reputation for handcrafted, made-in-the-USA shoes that combine natural materials, thoughtful design, and a barefoot-friendly philosophy. From delicate Ballerines to extra-wide Primal RunAmocs, there’s a sense of intention in every pair—they’re shoes that feel both personal and practical.
What I love most about Softstar is the variety: you can find slippers, moccasins, sandals, sneakers, and even hiking boots, all made with the same attention to foot health and comfort. Their sizing options (including narrow to extra-wide) and customization choices mean it’s possible to get something that actually fits your feet, especially for those who may have trouble finding something that fits from brands with more standard sizing.
That said, they aren’t perfect for everyone. Some models run low in toe volume, and the pricing is on the higher end. But if you value craftsmanship, ethical production, and shoes that let your feet move naturally, Softstar is one of the most reliable and versatile barefoot brands out there.
