Great review! SoftStar really is a great company. Literally just next door in Oregon. Love supporting them! But as to the comparison: no, the Switchbacks are not A SMIDGE wider than the Boulder Boots. The Switchbacks are MUCH wider than the Boulder Boots. Lems (unless we're talking the Primals) are too narrow. The Switchback is wonderfully wide. A great shoe. A little lacking in interior volume, though. Needs interior space to be higher.
Thanks. I especially appreciate your commenting on the feel of the boot for a wide foot. I have wide feet, (ever wider after 15 years of barefoot footware) and shoes and boots often neglect to mention width in their sizing-so I have to guess -and end up buying shoes that are too long to get the width I need.
I wear Lems Primal everyday - just the regular shoes. I love them! I haven't looked for a boot, but your video was great at breaking down the pros and cons of each boot. I would be inclined to try out the Softstar boots because they are made in my home state in Oregon - yeah! I had no idea about this company. I will be researching this further. We should give a shout out for products made in the US.
Thank you for the thorough review! I just emailed softstar after reading all the reviews about the tightness in the toebox and they said they have just made a small adjustment that should help, I'm going to try them and hope for the best!
I have Lems and love them to death (leather, waterproof and more height in the toe area, not just width). I would like to try the Sofstar (amazing that they are wider), but I refuse to use non leather shoes.... Also like the idea of the merino wool liner and vibram soles.
Hi. I purchased a pair of the Lems waterproof boot after your review video. (Thanks for that video). I need a waterproof boot as I walk a lot in the rain and wet conditions. The Lems are comfortable for have held up to use well. The Softstar seems a pretty great boot and the employee care is excellent. Maybe they will develop a waterproof boot in the future.
I absolutely agree that the Lems Boulder boots are too stiff in the ankle. I ordered two pairs of the Lems Boulder boots when they were on sale, but I wish I hadn't. They look nice, but they are nowhere near as comfortable as the Lems Primal 2 shoes that got me hooked on Lems. The boot's "collar" (upper part that wraps around leg) is extremely uncomfortable and rigid on my legs no matter how loose I tie the boots. They also have nearly no grip, but then again I didn't expect they would.
I have had the Switchbacks on order (as well as a few other Softstar shoes), can’t wait to give them a try. I have high volume and extremely wide feet and Altra wides sized up half a size are the only shoe I’ve found to fit.
I have the same issue. High volume, super wide foot and toes haven't even started to spread yet. I need an inside width of 11cm, barefeet, and wider with socks. I also need square toes due to bunions on both interior and exterior of one foot. Waiting to order my Softstar primal low boot.
When I first turned on your video I thought “ oh great… another product review…” But I gotta admit that you really broke it down and made it interesting. I personally would prefer the waterproof boots because we often hike in the mountains ( hills ) in the SF Bay Area and along the coast. So you’re probably gonna encounter some streams or other wet areas. My question is, what do you think about orthotics in these boots? I’m not quite ready to go without them. After about 5 miles I can really feel discomfort.
The Softstar Switchback sounded like the perfect boots ... until you got to the cons! A cold weather boot with barely any water resistance? Are they working on a version that mitigates that?
To be fair, the super fabric IS water resistant. So when I was running around in the rain in them, my feet weren't getting soaked and uncomfortable. It's when I splashed water onto the tongue that the problem happened. The Softstar boots are not gusseted, so the water goes from tongue, under eyelets, and into socks quite easily. I do hope they have a fix in the works!
Softstar is making a leather version of the Switchback. Not sure if the tongue will be gusseted but I'm guessing it will be waterproof or easy to waterproof. My favorite barefoot brand by far, built on quality and principles.
I have had Softstar Switchback boots fall apart in 3 months of light use. Heal just pealed off from upper. They wouldn't warranty it. Their "elf lewis" wrote me back in support and said it was "loved a lot" or something. So every 3 months I have to pay 250 dollars for part time wear of the Switchback boot. And their support says it's normal. I also have had another "Sawyer" style by Softstar and the heal wore a hole right through bottom of shoe in same time about 3 months. Honestly very light use. Couple hours per day. I thought these would be good. I was excited for their products but unfortunately they died very fast and poor service followed.
Thanks for making this vid. I've tried the boulder boot and still too narrow. I wonder if there are any other 4E width barefoot brands besides softstar?
Hi Matt, I appreciate you addressing flat feet concerns in previous similar videos, and have some familiarity with your opinion on orthopedic inserts. However, I wanted to know your opinion on flat feet paired with bunions, as it may differ slightly? I'd appreciate your opinion on this... Thanks!
The Switchback's not being water resistant / waterproof is a problem unless you hike in a very dry climate. The Xero Xcursion Fusion is $100 less and waterproof.
Good concise relevant review, and includes *exactly* what I needed ot know. Thank you! I appreciate your values re *decently paid workers* and made-in-USA products. In addition, the amount of bunker fuel (low-refined, contaminated, tarry, highly polluting fuel) used by freighter ships to bring goods halfway across the globe is an environmental horror. For people with wide toes whose healthy movement needs just aren't met by made-in-USA footwear, I wonder if you might like to review boots made by Realfeet (a Czech company), Wyde (Swedish), and Duckfeet (Danish). Not boots, but...Lorena Ramírez has worn nothing but village-made huaraches her entire life. For the cost of a pair of European shoes, many Americans on the border could hop over to Mexico and get perfectly fitting huaraches from a cottage-industry craftsperson, or even learn to make their own at a cultural center workshop. Not waterproof, but then, neither are the Softstars. :)
Matt, not directly related to this video but leaving it here since this is the latest. I would be really interested in hearing your opinion on Prolotherapy, or specifically PRP, for those suffering with hip labrum tears or FAI.
I have flat feet/plantar fasciitis, are these boots good with arch support? My impression is that minimalist shoes are not made for people with these issues because it's considered unnatural to have artificial arch support but I really need to have it. What's your opinion?
Can anyone tell me if they have resoled either the LEMS or the Switchback? I love my LEMS, but I have not found a solution for resoleing them, yet the upper is lovely and soft and at its best. I’ve noticed the Swithback has a vibran sole, which I believe you can purchase. Any thoughts? Thank you
I've read of some people bringing their boulder boot lems to a cobbler and having them grind down the sole flat, and gluing a new sole glued onto the older ground down sole.
I recently ordered the Switchbacks, I hope they come up with a warm weather version but here in the desert I use SOM footwear hilites in the summer! You should review them also, very well made shoe! Only downside is the material cuts into the ankle if my socks are low… Thanks for a great review, I have some other softstar shoes so I know the quality will be there. I think a thin pair of wool socks will take care of the water issue for me so I am looking forward to giving them a proper test next week!
270 for a cold weather boot that isn't waterproof. In other words pointless. What are they smoking over there.. Not that Lems is a lot better making a waterproof version with a city sole that has 0 traction offroad in wet conditions..
Neither one would work for me. With my arthritis I need as much support as I can get for my feet. I don't even go barefoot in my house because I need the support for climbing the stairs, especially going down.
I have flat feet as well as arthritis and other issues in my left foot. I started using custom orthotics in my Lems Waterproof Boulder Boots a few days ago and they have been working great. The combination of the zero drop, flat and firm sole works as a great base for the orthotic and doesn't change its geometry.
Kewl and all, but I camp all the time without boots. How about my rig? Skinners and neoprene toe socks for warmth. Also, why not just go barefoot? EVEN in the cold with rocks and everything? Gotta get grounded dawg. But true story, I can't believe I didn't have the FAI surgery I was prescribed 5 years ago and that I feel this much better today. I never think about the hip anymore. BTW, I'm 42 YO Male :)
@@Uprighthealth well, I subscribed to FAI fix and stuck with it. I kept some things (can cans!), but the big thing was mindset. You can heal. Me? I do yoga classes, slackline, I have a float tank and use it 4-7 hours weekly, foot massage, and reiki :) I also like copper compression gear; try it all :)
Had the Switchback for about 6 months now and really love them. Snow, mud, granite, and they have help up perfectly!
How are they holding up all this time later? Did you get them with SuperFabric or all leather?
I was searching for minimalist boots this morning!!! And then this, thank you!
You're welcome, Fab Healthy Living!
Great review! SoftStar really is a great company. Literally just next door in Oregon. Love supporting them!
But as to the comparison: no, the Switchbacks are not A SMIDGE wider than the Boulder Boots. The Switchbacks are MUCH wider than the Boulder Boots. Lems (unless we're talking the Primals) are too narrow. The Switchback is wonderfully wide. A great shoe. A little lacking in interior volume, though. Needs interior space to be higher.
Thanks. I especially appreciate your commenting on the feel of the boot for a wide foot. I have wide feet, (ever wider after 15 years of barefoot footware) and shoes and boots often neglect to mention width in their sizing-so I have to guess -and end up buying shoes that are too long to get the width I need.
I wear Lems Primal everyday - just the regular shoes. I love them! I haven't looked for a boot, but your video was great at breaking down the pros and cons of each boot. I would be inclined to try out the Softstar boots because they are made in my home state in Oregon - yeah! I had no idea about this company. I will be researching this further. We should give a shout out for products made in the US.
Thanks, Leslie!
Thank you for the thorough review! I just emailed softstar after reading all the reviews about the tightness in the toebox and they said they have just made a small adjustment that should help, I'm going to try them and hope for the best!
Do you mean narrow toe box, or low height toe box is supposed to be improved?
I have Lems and love them to death (leather, waterproof and more height in the toe area, not just width). I would like to try the Sofstar (amazing that they are wider), but I refuse to use non leather shoes.... Also like the idea of the merino wool liner and vibram soles.
I have the Boulder Boots and love them, but for hiking I like the Xero (waterproof) Xcursion Fusion boots. I love the Softstar Mary Janes!
Thanks for your comment!
Hi. I purchased a pair of the Lems waterproof boot after your review video. (Thanks for that video). I need a waterproof boot as I walk a lot in the rain and wet conditions. The Lems are comfortable for have held up to use well. The Softstar seems a pretty great boot and the employee care is excellent. Maybe they will develop a waterproof boot in the future.
Thanks for your comment! Really hoping they do develop a fully waterproof boot!
I absolutely agree that the Lems Boulder boots are too stiff in the ankle. I ordered two pairs of the Lems Boulder boots when they were on sale, but I wish I hadn't. They look nice, but they are nowhere near as comfortable as the Lems Primal 2 shoes that got me hooked on Lems. The boot's "collar" (upper part that wraps around leg) is extremely uncomfortable and rigid on my legs no matter how loose I tie the boots. They also have nearly no grip, but then again I didn't expect they would.
how are the Switchbacks holding up 2 years later?
I have had the Switchbacks on order (as well as a few other Softstar shoes), can’t wait to give them a try. I have high volume and extremely wide feet and Altra wides sized up half a size are the only shoe I’ve found to fit.
I hope they end up fitting and feeling good!
I have the same issue. High volume, super wide foot and toes haven't even started to spread yet. I need an inside width of 11cm, barefeet, and wider with socks. I also need square toes due to bunions on both interior and exterior of one foot. Waiting to order my Softstar primal low boot.
When I first turned on your video I thought “ oh great… another product review…”
But I gotta admit that you really broke it down and made it interesting. I personally would prefer the waterproof boots because we often hike in the mountains ( hills ) in the SF Bay Area and along the coast. So you’re probably gonna encounter some streams or other wet areas. My question is, what do you think about orthotics in these boots? I’m not quite ready to go without them. After about 5 miles I can really feel discomfort.
Which boots are right for you? 🤔
Get your Softstars here: 👉 bit.ly/uhsoftstar
Get a free self-massage program at uprighthealth.com/diy 💪
I'm having the winged scapula can you please tell me the best sleeping positions with it & can i do diamond pushups with it.
Great review thank you. Would you recommend either boot for serious long-distance rucking? Thank you
The Softstar Switchback sounded like the perfect boots ... until you got to the cons! A cold weather boot with barely any water resistance? Are they working on a version that mitigates that?
To be fair, the super fabric IS water resistant. So when I was running around in the rain in them, my feet weren't getting soaked and uncomfortable. It's when I splashed water onto the tongue that the problem happened. The Softstar boots are not gusseted, so the water goes from tongue, under eyelets, and into socks quite easily. I do hope they have a fix in the works!
I'm a huge fan of Softstar! I have a pair of their ballerines and they are great quality. Will have to look at the Switchbacks for hiking!
The material reminds me of the textile material used in motorcycle jackets .. not as thick and hot like leather but durable
Softstar is making a leather version of the Switchback. Not sure if the tongue will be gusseted but I'm guessing it will be waterproof or easy to waterproof. My favorite barefoot brand by far, built on quality and principles.
Did you get them in leather? Are they to warm to wear in summer??
@@rangersuperior9910 I did not buy the boot. I would imagine probably too warm for summer.
My friend has the Lems and said they didn’t have much grip and was sliding every where ..
How hot are the softstars even with the liner would they be good for hot weather work?
I have had Softstar Switchback boots fall apart in 3 months of light use. Heal just pealed off from upper. They wouldn't warranty it. Their "elf lewis" wrote me back in support and said it was "loved a lot" or something. So every 3 months I have to pay 250 dollars for part time wear of the Switchback boot. And their support says it's normal. I also have had another "Sawyer" style by Softstar and the heal wore a hole right through bottom of shoe in same time about 3 months. Honestly very light use. Couple hours per day. I thought these would be good. I was excited for their products but unfortunately they died very fast and poor service followed.
I appreciate your comprehensive reviews! The Lems were on my radar but the Softstars were not... until now! Thanks!
You're welcome, Wendy!
Thanks for making this vid. I've tried the boulder boot and still too narrow. I wonder if there are any other 4E width barefoot brands besides softstar?
CA Need cool boots, great review!!
Hi Matt, I appreciate you addressing flat feet concerns in previous similar videos, and have some familiarity with your opinion on orthopedic inserts. However, I wanted to know your opinion on flat feet paired with bunions, as it may differ slightly? I'd appreciate your opinion on this... Thanks!
The Switchback's not being water resistant / waterproof is a problem unless you hike in a very dry climate. The Xero Xcursion Fusion is $100 less and waterproof.
Thanks for the tip. Unfotunately as my toe spread has improved, Xero shoes seem to be too narrow to be comfortable.
Good concise relevant review, and includes *exactly* what I needed ot know. Thank you!
I appreciate your values re *decently paid workers* and made-in-USA products. In addition, the amount of bunker fuel (low-refined, contaminated, tarry, highly polluting fuel) used by freighter ships to bring goods halfway across the globe is an environmental horror.
For people with wide toes whose healthy movement needs just aren't met by made-in-USA footwear, I wonder if you might like to review boots made by Realfeet (a Czech company), Wyde (Swedish), and Duckfeet (Danish).
Not boots, but...Lorena Ramírez has worn nothing but village-made huaraches her entire life. For the cost of a pair of European shoes, many Americans on the border could hop over to Mexico and get perfectly fitting huaraches from a cottage-industry craftsperson, or even learn to make their own at a cultural center workshop. Not waterproof, but then, neither are the Softstars. :)
what equipment/software do you use for recording your videos?? LIGHT/MIC/CAMERA/EDITING?
Shoe size 9
not many people knife their boots on video. did they give you a discount code to share?
Matt, not directly related to this video but leaving it here since this is the latest.
I would be really interested in hearing your opinion on Prolotherapy, or specifically PRP, for those suffering with hip labrum tears or FAI.
I have an article on this here: www.uprighthealth.com/blog/prp-injections-are-they-worth-it
Have you done any audits of RUBINO BOGS BOOTS for men?
I have flat feet/plantar fasciitis, are these boots good with arch support? My impression is that minimalist shoes are not made for people with these issues because it's considered unnatural to have artificial arch support but I really need to have it. What's your opinion?
ZERO arch support in these shoes. Check out this video: ruclips.net/video/1LogN1M_dyY/видео.html
Can anyone tell me if they have resoled either the LEMS or the Switchback?
I love my LEMS, but I have not found a solution for resoleing them, yet the upper is lovely and soft and at its best.
I’ve noticed the Swithback has a vibran sole, which I believe you can purchase.
Any thoughts?
Thank you
I've read of some people bringing their boulder boot lems to a cobbler and having them grind down the sole flat, and gluing a new sole glued onto the older ground down sole.
thank you! I will try that! @@SavageArms357
Would the Bolder waterproof be good for snow?
I haven't tried. I do know they have very poor grip when wet, so I would tread carefully.
Bowling shoes have more grip than boulder boots. Lems needs to go back to the drawing board on that one...
I recently ordered the Switchbacks, I hope they come up with a warm weather version but here in the desert I use SOM footwear hilites in the summer! You should review them also, very well made shoe! Only downside is the material cuts into the ankle if my socks are low…
Thanks for a great review, I have some other softstar shoes so I know the quality will be there. I think a thin pair of wool socks will take care of the water issue for me so I am looking forward to giving them a proper test next week!
let us know how it went!
270 for a cold weather boot that isn't waterproof. In other words pointless.
What are they smoking over there..
Not that Lems is a lot better making a waterproof version with a city sole that has 0 traction offroad in wet conditions..
Neither one would work for me. With my arthritis I need as much support as I can get for my feet. I don't even go barefoot in my house because I need the support for climbing the stairs, especially going down.
I have flat feet as well as arthritis and other issues in my left foot. I started using custom orthotics in my Lems Waterproof Boulder Boots a few days ago and they have been working great. The combination of the zero drop, flat and firm sole works as a great base for the orthotic and doesn't change its geometry.
Suggestion: build your foot strength: ruclips.net/video/1LogN1M_dyY/видео.html
They should go jungle boot on these
High top trainers
It's breaking my heart seeing this guy cut a 350€ boot 😅
Tabi shoes -another minimalist footwear with emphasis on big toe freedom.
Just don’t wear socks
Kewl and all, but I camp all the time without boots. How about my rig? Skinners and neoprene toe socks for warmth. Also, why not just go barefoot? EVEN in the cold with rocks and everything? Gotta get grounded dawg. But true story, I can't believe I didn't have the FAI surgery I was prescribed 5 years ago and that I feel this much better today. I never think about the hip anymore. BTW, I'm 42 YO Male :)
Hardcore! 😅
Tell us more about the surgery you never had!
@@Uprighthealth well, I subscribed to FAI fix and stuck with it. I kept some things (can cans!), but the big thing was mindset. You can heal. Me? I do yoga classes, slackline, I have a float tank and use it 4-7 hours weekly, foot massage, and reiki :) I also like copper compression gear; try it all :)