Softstar have been on my radar for several years and I am delighted to finally be writing about one of their boots. I first met the team in May at the USA Expo in Denver and was impressed by their use of natural materials and their flagship Primal Merry Janes. I’ve long recommended Softstar to my audience because of their reputation for producing one of the widest barefoot shoes on the market.
So when I got the chance to try their latest release – the Switchback boot – I was thrilled. The timing couldn’t have been better: autumn mushroom foraging season had just begun, making it the perfect chance to test them on long woodland trails.
Fit and Sizing: Finally Enough Room
My feet are 10 and 10.5cm wide (thanks to a tailor’s bunion on the right), so most “wide” shoes aren’t wide enough – even barefoot brands. Softstar’s regular width caters up to 10.4cm, so that’s the option I went for, although I would have loved to check the regular width to compare.
[In the above image, I am wearing Creeper’s merino wool toe socks, which are the perfect accompaniment to the Switchback boots!) The space in the toe box is unlike anything I’ve experienced in a boot. I can fully splay my toes in every direction without restriction, and yet the midfoot fits securely. For wide-footed people, like me, this is a revelation.
Admittedly, the aesthetic is very wide, which may put off barefoot beginners. But as someone who embraces her natural foot shape, I’ve happily worn these both on forest trails and the school run!
Comfort From Day One
The Switchbacks require no break-in period. They fit like a sock straight out of the box thanks to:
- Soft full-grain leather uppers that mould to your feet
- Moisture-wicking merino wool lining that keeps feet warm yet breathable
- Minimal internal structure for slipper-like flexibility
At £280, they’re an investment, but the quality and comfort are obvious from the first wear.
Warmth Without Sweat
The boiled wool lining has been a game changer for me on long autumn walks. My feet have stayed cosy and dry, never sweaty, thanks to the natural breathability of wool and leather.
Softstar uses Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified merino wool, which is both skin-safe and sustainable. It strikes the right balance between insulation and airflow—exactly what you want in a barefoot winter boot.
Trail Performance: Built to Move Naturally
The Switchbacks are designed for rugged outdoor use.
Key performance details include:
- Vibram™ Megagrip outsole: outstanding traction, even on muddy banks while mushroom hunting.
- Stack height of ~17mm: 6mm outsole, 6mm midsole, and 5mm insole. This gives protection from rocks and roots while keeping enough ground feel for barefoot responsiveness.
- Soft suede-covered Poron® foam insole: removable and adds just the right touch of cushioning.
- Gusseted tongue: keeps out trail debris and moisture—a must on forest walks.
- PFAS-free water-repellent finish: eco-conscious protection against the elements.
These details make the Switchback a true barefoot hiking boot: protective, flexible, and still grounded.
Lightweight and Easy to Wear
Despite their rugged sole, the Switchbacks feel remarkably light. At around 13oz per shoe (size 8 unisex), they don’t weigh you down like conventional boots.
Practical touches include:
- Generous pull tabs for easy on and off, even with gloves
- Standard lace-up closure that opens wide (elastic laces could be swapped in, but I’m happy with the originals)
For everyday wear, they’re simple and fuss-free.
Style and Aesthetic
The Switchbacks have a primal, handmade look. It’s clear they are crafted in small batches rather than churned out in factories. Personally, I love this authenticity—it fits the outdoor, back-to-nature vibe.
That said, the wide profile and earthy aesthetic may not suit everyone. If you prefer something sleeker, the Softstar Chelsea Boot offers a more conventional silhouette while still providing barefoot benefits.
Quality and Durability
At this price point, you expect longevity, and Softstar delivers:
- Handcrafted in Oregon, USA by skilled shoemakers (or “elves,” as their packaging playfully says).
- Sturdy stitching and natural full-grain leather that should last years.
- Resoleable by your local cobbler, extending the life of the boots.
I’ve already worn mine through mud and trails and they still look fantastic—just a quick wipe down brings them back to life.
How They Compare to Other Barefoot Boots
The Switchbacks feel like a fusion between two worlds:
- Lang S Kombat boots: rugged, structured combat boots with a durable sole [code: BAREFOOTBRIT10]
- Wildling wool shoes: ultra-minimalist, soft wool uppers with thin soles [code: AWN_barefootbrit]
For me, the Switchback combines the minimal, cosy feel of Wildling Shoes with the rugged sole of Lang S Kombat, offering the best of both worlds.
Ordering and Delivery Experience
Ordering from Softstar was easy and stress-free. Their team gave me helpful sizing advice, the checkout process was simple, and shipping was fast.
- DDP shipping (Delivered Duties Paid) means no hidden taxes or customs fees.
- Free DHL shipping makes international delivery smooth.
- 45-day returns at a one-off cost of $20 give peace of mind.
My pair arrived in under a week, neatly packaged, and ready for adventure.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional width (true barefoot fit)
- Zero break-in, instant comfort
- Warm and breathable merino wool lining
- Rugged Vibram Megagrip sole for trails
- Handmade with natural, sustainable materials
- Lightweight for a hiking boot
- Resoleable for long-term wear
Cons:
- Wide look may not appeal to all
- Water-resistant, not fully waterproof
- Price (£280) is high, though justified
Final Verdict
The Softstar Switchback boots are some of the best wide barefoot winter boots I’ve ever tried. They combine natural materials, exceptional comfort, and rugged outdoor performance in one package.
For mushroom foraging, woodland trails, or simply keeping your feet cosy on the school run, they tick every box for me. If you’re looking for warm, foot-shaped barefoot shoes that are breathable, durable, and truly wide, the Switchback deserves a spot on your shortlist. Excellent for wide, pizza shaped feet.
They may not be the sleekest boots on the market, but they more than make up for it in function, comfort, and authenticity. Softstar has created something unique here – a primal yet practical barefoot hiking boot that feels as good on the trails as it does in everyday life.
Brit 👣