Finding a barefoot boot that is genuinely wide enough for very wide feet can be surprisingly difficult. And even when you find one with the right shape, you don’t necessarily want to compromise on style.
Enter the Softstar Astoria Boot.
I’ve been testing these boots, and they are a particularly interesting option if you have very wide feet, a high-volume foot or a broad toe splay.
Softstar designs and handcrafts its footwear in Philomath, Oregon, USA, and the company has been making minimal leather footwear since 1985.
At a Glance
- 👣 Barefoot design
- 📏 Zero drop
- 🦶 Available in two widths
- 🐾 Excellent option for very wide feet
- 🧦 Higher-volume fit
- 🥾 Soft leather upper
- 🌿 Leather interior lining
- 🔄 Removable foam insole
- 🇺🇸 Designed and handcrafted in Oregon, USA
Extremely Soft Leather
The first thing I noticed about the Astoria is the leather.
It is exceptionally soft and feels lovely against the foot. Rather than being a stiff boot that needs a long breaking-in period, the leather has a supple quality that allows it to mould around the foot.
The upper is leather, with a leather interior lining, so there’s no synthetic material rubbing against your feet.
Softstar uses soft, high-quality top-grain leather across much of its footwear, with the leather naturally conforming to the foot over time.
For anyone who prefers natural materials like me, this is a big plus.
Great for Very Wide Feet
This is probably the biggest reason I’d recommend taking a look at the Astoria.
It comes in two width options, and the wider version provides considerably more space for your feet.
Softstar’s Astoria is available in its Standard and Wide sole shapes. The Wide version is part of Softstar’s Hybrid Wide shape.
And this isn’t simply a case of making the shoe slightly wider at the sides.
The shape gives your toes room to spread naturally, making it particularly interesting for people whose feet have a very broad natural splay.
If you’ve struggled to find barefoot boots that don’t squeeze your forefoot, the Astoria is definitely one to investigate.
Higher Volume
Width isn’t the only consideration when finding footwear for wider feet.
Some people have feet that are both wide and high volume, meaning they need additional space around the top and sides of the foot.
The Astoria has a higher-volume fit, making it a good option for people who find standard barefoot shoes restrictive even when the width looks sufficient.
Softstar itself notes that people with thick feet who need more room around the instep may need to consider the specific style and fit carefully.
As always, check the measurements carefully before ordering.
Two Widths – But Which One?
Softstar has made choosing between its different sole shapes considerably easier with its Sole Shape Comparison Tool.
You can compare the shapes of different Softstar shoes and see how the various widths relate to each other. The company’s measurements show that the Hybrid Wide shape is approximately 9mm wider at the widest point than the Standard Regular shape.
This is a really useful tool if you’ve already tried Softstar shoes or are trying to work out which shape might suit your feet. I’d definitely recommend using it before ordering. I wear the wide fit, and my feet are 24x10cm.
Zero Drop and Flexible
The Astoria follows the barefoot/minimalist approach with a zero-drop sole, keeping the heel and forefoot at the same level.
Softstar describes its soles as thin, pliable and zero-drop, with the aim of allowing natural foot movement.
For me, this is an important part of what makes a barefoot boot a barefoot boot.
You don’t have to give up that natural, flat feel simply because you want something more substantial for colder or wetter weather.
Removable Foam Insole
The Astoria also has a removable foam insole.
I really like having a removable insole because it gives you some flexibility over how the shoe feels underfoot. You can remove it if you prefer a more minimal feel, or keep it in if you want a little additional cushioning and comfort.
Softstar also sells replacement removable insoles for its adult footwear, with the Astoria included among the compatible styles.
A Boot That Doesn’t Look Too Huge
One of the things I particularly like about wide barefoot shoes is when they manage to accommodate a genuinely wide foot without looking ridiculously bulky. The Astoria has a lovely boot aesthetic while still giving your feet the space they need. And because the leather is so soft, the shoe doesn’t have that rigid, structured appearance that you sometimes get with wider boots.
Who Would I Recommend the Astoria To?
I’d particularly recommend looking at the Astoria if you:
- Have very wide feet
- Have a high-volume foot
- Have a broad natural toe splay
- Struggle to find boots with enough toe room
- Prefer natural materials
- Want a soft leather boot
- Want a zero-drop boot
- Prefer a more classic boot aesthetic
If your feet are narrow or low volume, this probably isn’t going to be the first boot I’d suggest.
My Verdict
The Softstar Astoria is one of those shoes that I’d particularly recommend people look at if they’ve been told their feet are “too wide” for most barefoot footwear.
The combination of very soft leather, two width options, a higher-volume fit and a foot-friendly shape makes this a particularly interesting option for wider feet.
I also love the fact that it’s made from natural materials, with both a leather upper and leather interior lining, and that the insole can be removed.
And, of course, there’s something rather lovely about wearing a boot that has been designed and handcrafted in Oregon, USA, rather than mass-produced.
If you’ve struggled to find a barefoot boot that actually gives your feet enough room, the Astoria should definitely be on your list to investigate. 👣
Shop Softstar Astoria Boot here
Disclosure: This is an independent Barefoot Brit review based on testing the product. Barefoot Brit may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links.