Softstar Shoes
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| File:Soft Star.jpg | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Handmade shoe manufacturer |
| Founded | 1984 Laguna Beach, California |
| Founder | Tim Oliver, Jeannie Oliver |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Owner | Patricia Salcido, Larkin Holavarri |
| Website | softstarshoes |
Soft Star Shoes is an American handmade shoe manufacturer and retailer based in Corvallis, Oregon.[1] Their shoes are made to order and designed to mimic walking barefoot to promote balanced and natural foot development.[2] The Soft Star Shoes workshop is located in a loft alongside the Willamette River. They sell all their shoes online, while local customers can also buy them directly at their workshop in Corvallis, Oregon.[1] The company was founded in 1984 by husband and wife, Tim and Jeannie Oliver. It is currently co-owned by Patricia Salcido and Larkin Holavarri.[1][3]
Company overview
The company is one of the last remaining footwear manufacturers that make all their products in the USA.[3] They also source raw materials as close to home as possible, with all their leather tanned in US tanneries. All shoes are made to order, with high quality leather, soling and sheepskin.[4] Soft Star Shoes also minimize their environmental footprint by reducing waste, reusing and recycling.[2]
History
Soft Star Shoes has been handcrafting quality, soft-soled shoes since 1985. Tim Oliver and his wife Jeanie started the company as young parents who wanted a soft, quality shoe for their baby girl. As their family grew and moved, so did their business.[5] They went from a garage in Laguna Beach, CA to the back of an old bus in rural Texas, before finally settling into a little workshop in Corvallis, Oregon. The Olivers raised their girls alongside them as they made shoes for mail order companies and local fairs.[5] Over the years they have sold shoes to families, Waldorf and Montessori schools, celebrities, and even President Ford.[3]
In 2005, the company was sold to Patricia Salcido and Larkin Holavarri.[1]
In 2010, Soft Star expanded its line of leather moccasins to accommodate the needs of minimal and barefoot runners.[1] They then called on their online community of fans to solicit input to design a new shoe designed specifically for runners that was lighter, more ventilated and featured running soles that were, thin, flexible and durable.[1] Customers provided valuable feedback and even ultimately voted to choose the name RunAmoc for this new athletic line.[1] Since the launch of the original RunAmoc, the company have also introduced the Dash and the Moc3 as well as many new casual wear styles for adults.[2][5]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Soft Star Launches New Minimalist Running Shoe Made in USA". PR News Wire. May 25, 2011. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
- ^ a b c "Minimal Shoes, Maximum Comfort: Soft Star Takes Barefoot Shoes from the Running Trail to the Boardroom". PR News Wire. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
- ^ a b c Hatch, Cheryl (May 15, 2010). "Local footwear company finds runaway success". Gazette Times. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
- ^ "Vegan Sandals by Soft Star Shoes". Baby Gadget. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
- ^ a b c "History of Soft Star Shoes". Soft Star Shoes. Retrieved 26 November 2014.