barefoot-shoes
Primal RunAmoc
Handcrafted in the USA (Oregon), these shoes feature one of the widest toe boxes on the market. They use high-quality responsibly sourced leather and Vibram soles, which are rare in the barefoot world for their durability and resoleability.
Quality & Materials
Uses premium leather from US tanneries. The sole is a 5mm Vibram Megagrip or 2mm Vibram street sole depending on preference.
Evidence & Testing
Focuses on the 'Primal' shape which aligns with the natural splay of the human foot, backed by podiatric principles of foot-shaped footwear.
Brand Transparency
Completely transparent manufacturing; they show their workshop and artisans on their website. Made-to-order options available.
Value Assessment
Higher upfront cost for a handcrafted item, but the materials (leather vs plastic) last significantly longer.
Why Not Alternatives?
Most competitors use mass-produced cemented soles from overseas; Softstar uses a stitch-down construction that allows for better breathability and a more 'custom' feel for wide feet.
Sources & References
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