Softstar Ballerine Flats

I’ve been an admirer of Softstar shoes for a while. I love the quality of the materials, the craftsmanship, and the values of the company.

I bought several Ballerines secondhand and was able to determine which size and width I prefer. I received these new ballerines as a gift, but my opinion is my own.

Materials

• Uppers: Premium leather
• Innersole: Suede
• Sole: Vibram cherry 4 mm
• Trim: Elasticized leather

1. Leather is sustainably sourced and eco-friendly. It is non-toxic, tanned without formaldehyde and colored with natural food grade dye
2. Softstar buys from local tanneries, but if supply is short, they will buy from Italy, Brazil, South Korea, or Germany.
3. Because Softstar uses leather colored with non-toxic food grade dyes, there will likely be some initial color transfer to your socks or skin if your shoes become damp.

Design

• Elasticized leather collar trim for easy on/off (looser than their previous design)
• Reinforced heel (new).
• Suede innersole is super soft and comfortable from the first wear.
• Toe box is wide (I ordered the wide version) but a little sloped. 
• In the wide model, the ankle feels wider too. My ankle is low volume so the fit feels a little loose.
• The glue that holds the sole and midsole together is visible but it does not bother me.

Barefoot qualities

• Zero drop: no heel nor toe spring
• Flexible
• Total stack height: 9 mm (4 mm vibram sole + 5 mm innersole)
• Wide (9.5 cm for size 8W, but leather can expand wider than that)
• Correct toes friendly.

Sizing and Fit

There are two ways to find your size: one is going by your foot measurements and the other one is using their printable stand-on sizing guide.

My measurements:

• 24.8-25 cm in length and 
• 9.8 cm in width

Softstar’s size 8W recommended for:

• 24.7-25.6 cm in length
• 9.1-10.8 cm in width

Since I transitioned to barefoot shoes, I bought three pairs of Softstar ballerines secondhand with their old design, one was 8U, one 8W, and the other 9U. I prefer how the 8W fits, therefore, I ordered size 8 wide. 

The two models (new and old) definitely fit differently. The new model feels looser, which is great for high volume feet, but it’s not great news for me, with low volume feet. I prefer the old model over the new because of this.

Don’t get me wrong, I can still wear them all day with no issues. I can even run and they stay on my feet, but the overall feel is not one that I favor.

I wish I had requested a wide toe box with a narrow heel, a tighter elasticized leather, or their sport closure.

Things to know:

• The toe box looks slanted, but my toes have plenty of space to splay. 
• I am able to wear them with correct toes.
• The leather is soft and malleable, which makes the ballerines comfortable from day one. The leather molds to your feet beautifully.
• The wide model comes with wider heels, because I have low volume ankles, they do not feel very secure, but I haven’t had an issue with them slipping off.
• If you want to stretch the leather on the toe box, you can stuff them with socks for a day or two.

New Ballerine vs. old Ballerine

Differences:

1. Heel:

• New ballerine has a reinforced heel.
• Lower height.

2. Elasticized leather trim is looser on the new model 

Shoe Care

Because Softstar uses non-toxic food grade dyes, there could be some initial color transfer to your socks or skin, but will decrease with use. I have not experienced this, but don’t wear them with your favorite socks without testing them first.

You can condition the leather to enhance the water resistance, but they do not recommend using mink oil.

Do not wash your shoes, clean them by hand with a damp cloth.

Opinion

From all the different flats I’ve tried, my Softstar ballerines are my favorite. 

• The leather is soft and malleable. 
• The look is clean and presentable.
• You can choose the color of your flats.
• I love the wide toe box.

If I was going to get a new pair, I would:

• Request a wide toe box with narrow heel, a tighter elasticized leather, or their sport closure OR
• Get their traditional width and stretch the toe box.

You can buy them here.