Softstar Primal Merry Jane

The Softstar Primal Merry Jane shoes have quickly become a favorite for those seeking a blend of minimalist design, comfort, and eco-friendly materials. Let’s dive into the details of what makes these shoes stand out.

Materials

The Primal Merry Jane shoes are crafted from sustainably sourced leather, ensuring an eco-friendly and non-toxic product. The leather is tanned without formaldehyde and dyed using natural food-grade colors. Softstar prioritizes sourcing from local tanneries, but they also source leather from Italy, Brazil, South Korea, and Germany when necessary. The sole is made from a 2 mm Vibram material, providing flexibility and durability.

Design

The Primal Merry Janes are designed with minimalism and foot health in mind. Here are some key design features:

• Zero Drop: There is no heel or toe lift, promoting natural foot movement.
• Lightweight: Each shoe weighs less than 5 ounces.
• Flexible Sole: The 2 mm Vibram sole offers excellent ground feel.
• Spacious Toe Box: The toe box is widest at the toes, allowing for natural toe splay. This design is especially beneficial for those with squared-shaped feet.
• Correct Toes Friendly: The design accommodates toe spacers.
• Turned Design: The seams are on the inside, giving the shoe a smoother appearance.
• Adjustable Buckle: The buckle features an adjustable fit with elasticized give.

It’s important to note that these shoes are not recommended for those with Egyptian feet, where the big toe is the longest and there is a steep slope with the rest of the toes. Instead, they are ideal for Greek, Roman, or combination feet, providing extra space for the 2-5 toes.

Sizing and Fit

Softstar offers two methods for finding the right size: measuring your feet or using their printable sizing guide. Here’s a detailed look at the sizing experience:

• My feet measure 24.8 cm in length and 9.5 cm in width.
• I typically wear size 8U in Softstar’s ballerinas (both normal and wide) and their Roos for winter.
• According to my measurements, I should wear size 8U. However, the printable guide suggested size 7U.

I initially ordered the 7U narrow, but found them too tight, with no wiggle room for my toes. After exchanging them for the 8U narrow, the fit was perfect.

Initial Impressions and Modifications:

• The midpart felt too wide.
• The leather was too loose around my toe joints but too tight on top of my toes.
• The sole felt too minimal.

To improve the fit, I made the following modifications:

• Added an extra hole to the strap.
• Stored the shoes with a last to stretch the leather over my toes.
• Considered adding an insole but ultimately found the minimal sole comfortable and supportive for my plantar fasciitis.

Width

One of the standout features of the Primal Merry Janes is their width. They are the widest shoes I own, even in the narrow version. The toe box is incredibly spacious, providing ample room for toe splay. This width makes them a fantastic choice for those who struggle to find wide enough shoes.

Looks

I was initially skeptical about the appearance of the Primal Merry Janes, fearing they might look too clownish due to their width. However, upon trying them, I was pleasantly surprised. They look stylish and versatile, complementing a variety of outfits from jeans and pants to dresses. Even my husband, usually critical of barefoot shoes, complimented their look.

Shoe Care

Due to the use of non-toxic, food-grade dyes, there might be some initial color transfer to socks or skin, but this should decrease with use. To care for the shoes:

• Condition the leather to enhance water resistance (avoid mink oil).
• Clean with a damp cloth (some users have even put them in the washer, though it’s not recommended).

Comparisons

Compared to other Softstar models like the Primal Sawyer and Ballerine, the Primal Merry Janes offer a much wider toe box and overall fit. The internal stitching and feminine design make them unique among women’s barefoot dress shoes.

Appearance and Style

The Primal Merry Janes are available in four colors: Elderberry, Blaze, Black, and Brown. I chose the Elderberry color, which is a deep purple. The V-shaped strap adds a feminine touch, and the leather material keeps the shoes on the dressier side.

Fit and Sizing

The shoes come in Narrow and Regular widths. My feet are 26.8 cm long, and I opted for the Regular width, which provided a generous fit throughout. For those with low-volume feet, the Narrow width might be more suitable.

Feel and Performance

The shoes are incredibly light, flexible, and comfortable. The minimal sole and leather upper allow for unrestricted movement, making them feel almost like walking barefoot. The strap provides gentle yet secure support without causing any discomfort.

Cleaning and Care

Softstar provides detailed cleaning and maintenance instructions on their website. Avoid using mink oil and clean with a damp cloth as needed.

Purchasing and Returns

Softstar offers free returns within the US, with taxes and shipping included in the price. International customers can benefit from free shipping on orders over $150. New customers can save 15% with the code WELCOME.

Conclusion

The Softstar Primal Merry Jane shoes are a fantastic choice for those seeking ultra-wide, foot-shaped dress shoes. They are well-made, eco-friendly, and comfortable, providing an excellent blend of style and functionality. Whether you’re dressing up for work or heading to the park, these shoes offer versatility and comfort without compromising on foot health.