Tucked into the lush Willamette Valley, Oregon, Softstar Shoes has specialized in handcrafted, barefoot-inspired footwear since 1985, all proudly designed and made in the USA. Now, as Softstar marks its 40th anniversary, the company announces another major milestone: the acquisition of fellow minimalist shoe maker Sense of Motion (SOM) Footwear.
A Legacy of Minimalist Craftsmanship
Founded in Montrose, Colorado, SOM Footwear built a niche in barefoot-style outdoor shoes, with founder Olie Marchal and his dedicated team delivering rugged, flexible, and comfort-focused designs—trusted for everything from everyday adventures to mountain terrain and high-intensity training.
After more than a decade, SOM’s founders Olie and Natalie Marchal are stepping into new chapters centered on endurance running and travel. Their decision to entrust the SOM legacy to Softstar ensures that the spirit of made-in-USA, minimalist footwear will live on for future barefoot enthusiasts.
“We’re proud to bring the SOM Footwear brand under the Softstar umbrella. This acquisition allows us to preserve what made SOM special while offering their designs to a wider audience through our platform. It’s a natural extension of our mission to support healthy footwear and ethical manufacturing,” says Keita Beard, Chief Operations Officer at Softstar.
Shop the SOM Collection at Softstar
Following the acquisition, Softstar has relaunched two of SOM’s most popular styles:
- Mesa (formerly the Briquette): A casual minimalist sneaker designed for flexibility, all-day comfort, and resilience.
- Graciano: Engineered for those who crave versatility, these sneakers are ready to transition from city streets to more challenging landscapes.
Both models will be available exclusively at Softstar.com starting August 19, 2025. As with all Softstar footwear, the Mesa and Graciano feature zero-drop soles and flexible construction to nurture healthy foot function and natural movement.
Why Minimalist Footwear?
The barefoot shoe movement champions flexibility, ground feel, and minimal drop—encouraging natural posture and strong muscles. Brands like Softstar and SOM are beloved in both running and lifestyle circles for empowering feet to move and flex as nature intended. Customers praise the shoes for comfort, durability, and ethical production values.
Softstar brings decades of expertise with its line of minimal leather footwear, carefully crafted by artisans in Corvallis, Oregon, using sustainable materials and methods.
Ethical Manufacturing and B Corp Certification
A key differentiator for Softstar is its commitment to responsible production. The company is a certified B Corporation, a mark of its dedication to transparency, environmental stewardship, and community-minded business practices.
From ethically sourced leathers to local manufacturing, every Softstar shoe supports a healthy planet and happy feet.
Looking Forward
Led by Olie Marchal’s pioneering designs and now carried forward by Softstar’s trusted team, the Mesa and Graciano mark the start of an exciting new chapter for minimalist footwear.
Explore the full line of Softstar Shoes and shop SOM Footwear at softstarshoes.com. Celebrate 40 years of barefoot style, quality, and ethical manufacturing with the newest collection—made in the USA and ready for a lifetime of movement.
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