Soft Star Shoes have kindly supplied me with the Dash RunAmoc, to provide an honest opinion. They have had no input in the review.

Why do I believe in the Barefoot Lifestyle? (Taken from my post – “Barefoot Running”)

When I say Barefoot Running I don’t literally mean going out with nothing on my feet.

The standard terms/definitions are below.

Unshod – not wearing any shoes or sandals, dirty foot time.

Barefoot – wearing shoes or sandals, which allow your feet to act naturally. Yet there is some protection against the terrain.

I am a big audiobook consumer, and one of the audiobooks I gobbled up was Christopher McDougall’s – “Born to Run”. Not only does the book tell a cool story about American ultra-runners taking on the best of the Mexican tribes. It goes into scientific details, on why barefoot running may be superior to wearing normal trainers. This was important to me. As running is a part of a long term health goal, I do not want it to be detrimental to my health.

I have read numerous articles outlining how our bodies evolved to be amazing endurance creatures. For example our ability to sweat through our skin, or the length of our Achilles. There are numerous aspects of our bodies that suggest we are built to be able to walk and run long distances. If you accept this hypothesis, then you also have to accept that our feet would have been an important aspect of the evolution. So basically our feet are the best running shoes we can have?

Who are Soft Star Shoes?

They are a company that believe in making minimalist shoes that allow your feet to be happy and healthy. They make handcrafted shoes from their workshop in Oregon, USA. If you look on their website you will see they have a wide range of shoes, for a wide range of activities. I think their product range is unique and interesting. They also state they are a socially and environmentally responsible company, which I believe is important in these modern times.

http://www.softstarshoes.com/history

What are the Dash RunAmoc?

These really caught my attention when I first saw them. I initially thought they were a casual work shoe or an everyday shoe. Then the description mentioned they were for running too. This blew my mind haha. I personally think they look cool, smart, and it’s a win win if you can run in them too.

More specs can be found below from their website: http://www.softstarshoes.com/adult-dash-runamoc-lite-2.html (which is the colour I own).

“Ventilated and perforated leather uppers keep feet cool with quick-dry properties

Choose your zero-drop Vibram^TM rubber sole: 5mm Trail sole or 2mm Street sole

Spacious toe box allows feet to stretch comfortably

Can be worn with or without socks

Premium, responsibly-sourced leathers

Made in USA: designed and handcrafted in Oregon”

Style

The look of these RunAmoc really appeals to me. I do like to wear shoes that stand out a little from the crowd, but not too much. These are perfect for that. They kind of remind me of what I would think an English Gentleman running in the 1900’s would wear. This is a good thing in my book. Never mind these would probably go well with a tweed jacket, the same gentleman would wear afterwards!!!

I have worn these running obviously, but also camping, walking through forests, walking around my home town, as well as popping to the pub. Incredibly they go just as well with your running shorts, as they do some Chinos and a Shirt. Awesome.

Quality and Durability

The photos on their website almost don’t do the shoes justice. When you get them out of the box, you can feel the quality. The leather is so soft, and I checked all the stitching which was immaculate. The soles are soft and extremely flexible. However you never feel unsafe wearing them, you feel that your feet are protected at all times. I have also had no issues with grip.

I have only had these a month or so, so I cannot really comment on durability. However I would be surprised if there were any issues. You can often tell pretty quickly if something is well made or not.

Fit and Comfort

The sizing guide is really easy. You measure your feet and consult the chart. Do not just presume you are one size because you are that in a trainer or shoe. I was right on the borderline of a 9 and a 10. I emailed Soft Star and they advised taking the larger size. In this instance it was good advice.

I have worn the shoes with socks and no socks, on runs and walks. There have been zero issues with comfort. In fact I would imagine, the longer I wear them the more comfortable the leather will become.

Conclusion

I love the look of their products and website. It all just looks so fun and colourful. The modern world can be little cynical and dour, but not Soft Star shoes. I love that. Their products have vibrancy about them, and I hope they achieve the goals they have set themselves.

I am trying to bring a wider range of shoes into my barefoot lifestyle, as I just have running shoes at the moment. I want to get to a point where I am wearing barefoot shoes for everything.

I would love to try out other shoes in their range especially the http://www.softstarshoes.com/adult-hawthorne-chukka-2.html or http://www.softstarshoes.com/adult-moc3-runamoc-1.html

As well as my blog you can catch me on –

Instagram – @ketogenicendurance

Twitter – @ketoendurance

Facebook Page – Ketogenic Endurance

Reddit sub – r/ketogenicendurance

Strava Running Club – Ketogenic Endurance

Ketogenic Clothing and gifts – http://www.cafepress.co.uk/ketogenicendurance