Softstar Fireside Slippers
On January 19, 2022 by Noelia
I received these as a gift, but my opinion is my own.
I do have to confess that I am a big fan of Softstar and I was dying to try these Fireside Slippers. A couple of years ago, I found a pair of their Youth Roo Moccasin Suede Leather slippers in size 8 for sale on a secondhand page and I wore them for a year: their sheepskin is so luxurious, I knew their Fireside Slippers were going to be amazing. I am not disappointed!
Company
Softstar was founded 30 years ago by Tim and Jeanie Oliver when they wanted to create barefoot shoes for their daughter.
Throughout the years, it has evolved to an amazing company. Their main goal is to produce high-quality shoes while minimizing their environmental footprint.
They built a new green workshop:
- they repurposed building materials,
- uncoated wood construction (no drywall, paint or chemicals),
- use green energy (100% sourced from sustainable wind and solar),
- added an electric vehicle charging station and a permeable parking lot.
They prioritize sustainability:
- Zero waste packaging,
- Recycling in the workshop,
- Upcycle leather,
- Reuse hand and shop towels.
- Compost
- Encourage the resale of their shoes in order to reduce waste.
They are an ethical company:
- using materials that are non-toxic, including their glue, making sure their employees are not exposed to harmful gases.
- Creating a community where there is mutual respect and dignity.
Design
- Slip-on design: I do not need my hands to secure them, which is definitely a plus for me.
- Adjustable cuffs: They can be rolled up or down.
- Replaceable sheepskin innersoles, which ensures they will last you a long time.
- Left and right slippers are symmetrical when new and will shape to your foot with wear. You can use the star tags as reference.
- Recommended for indoor use.
- The sheepskin leather will stretch with wear and Softstar recommends a snug fit when new.
Materials
Softstar Shoes are made from eco-friendly, tanned in USA leathers.
Their sheepskin is unaltered (they are cleaned and naturally dyed, of course) and still attached to the original leather hide.
- Lining: Short wool sheepskin
- Soles: Brushed suede
- Trim: Buttery soft buffed cow leather
Sizing
I ordered my traditional size for Softstar (8U) when they actually recommend ordering a smaller size. I was nervous about them being too big, but they feel like a perfect fit.
Outsole measurements for size 8U:
- Length: 28 cm
- Width: 11.3 cm
My measurements:
- Length: 25 cm
- Width: 10 cm
Fireside Slippers are made of genuine luxurious sheepskin fleece that compresses with time. That is why Softstar recommends a close fit at first, so the sheepskin forms to your feet.
In my case, my Fireside Slippers did not feel tight at the beginning and, even though, I have worn them every day since I got them (3 months), they have not stretched out. The sheepskin on the sole has compressed, but not enough to make them feel loose.
I also have to state that I am NOT hard on shoes, especially slippers. I would recommend you reach out to Softstar if you are undecided on what size to try.
Care
Softstar recommends you use a suede/nubuck leathercare product to protect against stains and water absorption, but it is not necessary.
I prefer not to add anything to my slippers because my daughter likes to wear them to bed and I don’t like the idea of adding chemicals to them. I have worn them in my 106-year-old house, with two dogs and wooden floors. I have stepped on water and I had food splatter on them. The sole does show use and the uppers have a couple of spots, but they still look immaculate.
I would recommend applying suede leathercare products if you want to protect them against stains.
Opinion
They are an expensive option: $125, but if you wear your slippers a lot, you might as well invest in a good quality pair that will last you a long time.
These are made with non-toxic materials, luxurious sheepskin, insoles that can be replaced to elongate their life, in an ethical company.
If you want slippers that will stay with you for a long time and that will keep your feet warm, these are a great investment.