Last year I introduced you to Soft Star Shoes’ North Star boots. Kay wore those boots through close to two whole winters before she outgrew them. But we’re getting ready for summer now, which means it’s sandal weather. Luckily, Soft Star Shoes makes sandals too!
Like all their minimal footwear, Soft Star sandals are handcrafted in their Oregon workshop from locally sourced, breathable, and formaldehyde-free leather dyed with food grade dyes. Of course Kay doesn’t put things in her mouth the way she used to, but it’s still important to me to minimize my family’s exposure to toxins.
Kay received this pretty pair of Design Your Own Child Sandals in white smooth full grain leather with a shiny pewter strap and this pretty little flower and leaf detail. I picked a Velcro closure for the ease of putting them on and off as well as adjusting the tightness around her ankle.
When you design your own sandal you can choose from 19 colours of leather, 9 cutout motifs or a sewn on leather flower, plus you have the option of laces, Velcro, or an elastic closure.
All their lightweight sandals are made from buttery soft, full grain leather. The innersole is leather too, and the thin Vibram Geo soles are made from durable, flexible soft rubber that allows for natural foot movement, mimics barefoot walking, and supports the normal development of the foot bones and arch. The entire shoe flexes with Kay’s foot.
Kay loves her sandals. She says her favourite part is the flowers, and she seems very comfortable in them. She runs and plays in them with ease. If you’ve ever experienced the problem of your child’s foot slipping through the front of their sandal, you’ll be happy to know that the toe openings on Soft Star sandals are smaller than most other brands to prevent precisely that.
I can show you how her shoes flex and tell you what I think, but I can’t really tell you how they feel to wear, right?
Oh, but I can. Soft Star sent me an adult pair of sandals to try too! These Design Your Own Solstice Sandals are made from shiny platinum full grain leather with a flower applique in shiny pewter leather. Just like the children’s sandals, I was able to choose from 19 colours. Vegetable tanned leather is also available as an upgrade.
Like most of us, I’m used to “breaking in” shoes. I expect new shoes to feel stiff, rub in the wrong places, and take some getting used to. I honestly can’t remember the last time I tried on a new pair of shoes and didn’t feel some discomfort for the first few days. But these shoes? I was so impressed by how light and comfortable these Solstice Sandals felt from the moment I put them on. (And look, my shoes flex too!)
I do wish there were some options for the colour of the leather insole. The standard yellow colour doesn’t go that well with the platinum leather I chose, and I suspect it might show dirt and sweat stains more than a darker colour. I’d love to see the option to choose a dark gray or neutral dark brown insole instead.
In terms of sizing, Soft Star sandals tend to run big since they are open-toed and open-heeled, so Soft Star suggests buying one size down from your regular Soft Star Shoes size. I followed their extensive sizing advice on the website and both our pairs of sandals are just right. And if they hadn’t been, Soft Star accepts returns and exchanges, even on design your own footwear!
About Soft Star Shoes
Unlike many other shoes out there, Soft Star Shoes are made in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner. 100% of their power usage comes from solar or wind energy, they use minimal and recycled packaging, and their employees are even reimbursed for bicycling to work. They give back to the community through in kind as well as cash donations.
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Shop
Go shopping at Soft Star Shoes for summer sandals for you and the kids! Children’s sandals start at $48, and adult Solstice Sandals start at $102. You can design your own pair for $15 more, and you can still return or exchange them if they donβt fit.
Canadian shoppers, you’ll be pleased to know that Soft Star adds a βNAFTA: Made in the USAβ sticker right on the box so you wonβt have any surprise duty charges when you buy your shoes.
Win a Pair of Children’s Sandals!
One lucky reader will win a pair of Soft Star children’s sandals. The winner will be able to choose either this pair in turquoise and ocean or this flamingo pair. Enter to win in the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US, 18+. All entries will be verified.
Check out my other open giveaways listed in the right sidebar (or in the menu if you’re mobile) and scroll down for even more!
Disclosure: I received sample items for review purposes. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ.
I LIKE THE Baby Classic with Velcro – Flamingo π
I love the child roo moccasins, they look soft and comfy.
I really like the Child Roo Moccasin with Laces – Suede Burgundy, these are so cute!
I would like to have the Child Vegan Rambler – Pink for my granddaughter
i’d like to try the Adult Solstice Sandal – Cheetah.
I love the ballet flats!
I really like the Child Classic with Velcro in Flamingo. They’d be perfect for my youngest who will probably be walking soon!
I like the Child Roo Mocassins in smooth elk leather!
I would love to try the child classic or ramblers! They look so comfortable. π
Love the ballet flats! Super cute! Thanks so much for the opportunity! π
I really like the Child Roo Moccasin – Smooth Purple / Lavender.
I like the Phoenix Boots for a child. They look so cozy and warm for fall and winter. π
I love that you can design your own shoes. I love making things custom for my daughter π
I love the Adult Ballerine Flat with Sport Closure – LITE Turquoise .
I would love the youth portlanders for my son!!! I have a pair of the adult runamocs and theyre the comfiest things ever!
I really like the Adult Flora Solstice Sandal – Turquoise. The Adult Solstice Sandal – Suede Moss is pretty nice too π
I also like the Adult Merry Jane in Chocolate.
I love the baby buttercup moccasins! Thanks for the giveaway.
Love the Child North Star Boot – Nutmeg! Little beauty!
Child Roo Moccasin – Smooth Purple / Lavender
I like the Baby Sandal with velcro in aged walnut and orange, and also the adult Solstice sandal in aged walnut.
Love the Child Roo Moccasin with Laces – Suede Burgundy. too cute
today I want the moccasins for my baby daughter.
SO Cute! thanks! oxoxoxoxo
I love the Child Sandal with Velcro – Flamingo. Adorable!
I like the Child Roo Moccasin – Suede Red / Leopard
I really like the Child Rambler – Smooth Flamingo / Nutmeg, so cute!
I like the Child North Star Boot – Yellow
I like the Adult Ballerine Flat – LITE Chocolate / Cork for me.
I love http://www.softstarshoes.com/adult-shoes/sandals/special-edition-adult-solstice-sandal-cheetah.html
I really like the Child Roo Moccasin in Suede Moss / Royal, cute colors and star accent and looks very comfortable!
The Padraig Cottage Womens Blue Slipper would be perfect,thanks for sharing.
I love the Child Roo Moccasin β especially the Purple / Lavender.They have so many unique and special designs.