The Softstar Moc3 is a shoe that is about as minimal as minimal can get. Whether you are running, jumping, or climbing outside, or wearing them indoors, the Moc3’s will make you feel like you are barefoot any time you wear them. I love how these low-profile shoes feel on my feet – they are durable yet delicate and simply delightful.
The Softstar Moc3 is the optimal shoe for the active and experienced barefoot “shoe’r.” There’s no denying this shoe has some unique qualities. As an ideal shoe for any barefoot shoe enthusiast, runners, yogis, climbers, and gym-goers alike, I must admit the Moc3 left me feeling a bit conflicted. As this shoe is so comfortable to wear, on the one hand, I like to use them for running outside; on the other hand, I wish I could also keep them clean so that I can wear them indoors as slippers, especially in the colder months 😊
The Materials
I love the upper material of this highly lightweight shoe. In my opinion, it is one thing that makes this shoe stand out among other minimalist shoes.
Here are a few of its features:
- Genuine leather uppers, perforated for breathability
- Outer perforated leather with perforations for breathability
- Breathe-O-Prene>® liners wick moisture and keep dust and dirt away!
- Leather footbed
- Zero drop 2mm Vibram® soling
- Lightweight, less than 5 ounces
- Reflective strips for nighttime safety
The Sizing, Fit and Feel
The Moc3’s look like a moccasin shoe but they were designed with runners in mind. The leather upper is what sets them apart from the others, scoring some extra points for comfort, feel, and protection.
This shoe’s toe box runs medium-wide, so if you have very wide feet, I would consider going up a size or going with a different model altogether, such as the Vapor 4. I have a wide heel and think that part of the sole could afford to be a bit wider. Compared to other barefoot shoes, I think the heel of the Moc3 is a bit narrow.
If you have a high instep, like me, you might consider going one size larger than your usual size in the Moc3. If you have a lower instep, your regular size should fit perfectly, but you might benefit more from a shoe with laces. Alternatively, you can put some tongue pads in the upper part of the shoe.
Is the Moc3 a Good Barefoot Running Shoe?
Here’s a little bit about my experience so far running with the Moc3 to help answer this question for you.
I jog about 2 to 3 times a week. Per week that averages 12-15 miles total.
While running with the Moc3’s, I realized afterward how completely unaware I was about the fact that I was even wearing shoes. That is always a good sign for me!
Some people with a low instep have difficulty using running shoes without laces. I have a high instep, and this shoe is comfortable and stays in place for me.
I also like the grip of this shoe, and I was surprised by how thin the insole is. The only thing I felt worth noting is that I wouldn’t wear these shoes outside if it were snowing or raining heavily. Like many other barefoot minimalist shoes, moisture penetrates these quite easily. This is the main disadvantage of using a shoe with an ultra-thin sole. So you have to decide if you are willing to get your feet wet to maintain the super comfortable sole or choose other running shoes that can handle wet surfaces better.
Other Activities that the Moc3 is Great For
- The gym – This might be the best sock shoe to wear at the gym. Typically gyms require close-toed shoes for protection, which means sandals are out of the question. As I mentioned once already, the upper part of this shoe is quite comfortable. It is lightweight, warm, and offers relatively more protection compared to other barefoot sock-shoe types of footwear.
- Cross Fit – Click here for more Cross Fit recommendations.
- Hiking
- Climbing – Especially indoor climbing.
- Outdoor martial arts like Tai Chi – Indoor martial arts, on the other hand, is an interesting choice for this shoe
Activities that are Not Recommended with the Moc3
- Some indoor sports such as Squash. Click here to read our separate blog post on indoor sports.
- Beach or other water activities. The Leguano, Fyfs, Skinners, and Gosts are better suited for this.
Are the Moc3’s Water-Resistant?
After getting my Moc3’s wet on a couple of occasions, I noticed they took anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to dry completely, depending on how soaked they were. But the Moc3 is not a water-resistant shoe and does not claim to be.
I would recommend wearing a barefoot shoe other than the Moc3 for rainy days, stream crossing, beach life, and any other weather or activities involving wet surfaces. Skinners, Sockwas, and Fyfs, are all great examples of lightweight shoes similar to the Moc3 but are made from faster-drying materials that handle water better. The Gost is a great alternative as well.
All that said, they do score points for how easy they are to slip off when you do need to walk or run through any water!
What about Wearing Moc3’s in the Winter?
On dry winter days, the Moc3’s are relatively warmer than other barefoot sock shoes. However, if you intend to run in the snow or on wet surfaces, you might want to opt for a barefoot shoe with more water resistance.
Does the Moc3 Come in Different Colors?
Yes, the Moc3 comes in five different colors:
Black
Chocolate (brown)
Fuschia
Turquoise
White
Is the Moc3 a Good Choice for a Barefoot Shoe Beginner?
If you are wondering whether the Moc3 is a good option as your first barefoot shoe, that depends entirely on your plans and goals for the shoe.
If you are buying a barefoot shoe for the first time for everyday use, I do not recommend the Moc3. Instead, I would look into a list of brands known for everyday barefoot shoes, then opt for a more versatile shoe – something with a little more protection. This will minimize the threshold for you, which will, in turn, minimize the chances of you giving up on walking in barefoot shoes!
That said, there are instances where the Moc3 should be an obvious first choice for you, in my opinion. Suppose you work as a physiotherapist or yoga instructor and are looking for a shoe that you can wear in your practice all day long. The Moc3 would be a great choice for you.
I hope this helps a bit!
How Durable is the Sofstar Moc3?
I asked Softstar what they expect in terms of the lifespan of the Moc3; this is what they told me:
In most cases, we see the Moc3 wearing out is because the wearer gets in the habit of scuffing either the heel or the toe as they walk or run. It’s pretty easy for us to determine this when we see worn shoes because the wear is more noticeable in those specific parts.
Believe it or not, the fastest way to wear down shoes is not by running but walking on textured pavement. Most people who scuff their shoes when they walk are not aware that they do it. They walk on textured concrete sidewalks, which is like grinding your soles down with sandpaper. Runners, especially trail runners, often see greater durability than casual walkers.
While we don’t have an official mileage to answer the question of durability, with proper care and a gait that doesn’t scuff shoes, we’ve seen customers get more than 500 miles out of their Moc3s.
How Does the Moc3 Compare to Similar Type of Barefoot Shoes?
Please note, the following information and shoes mentioned are all based on my personal experiences. I compared the Moc3 with three shoes that I would place in the same category, meaning they are close to the Moc3 when it comes to functionality and user experience (a.k.a., barefoot feel).
Here is how the Moc3 sets itself apart among three categories:
The Moc3 is the only one with a leather upper, setting it apart from other models.
The Moc3 is much more appealing and comfortable to wear as an indoor shoe, much like a slipper, compared to other models.
The Moc3 is the only model with reflective stripes, which is a plus if you are looking for running shoes. This is by far the best shoe choice for running among three other minimalist shoes.
There are other models similar to the Moc3 that are suitable for water or beach activities, which I go into more detail in the comparisons below.
In terms of pricing, the Moc3 is the most expensive one in this group by far. So if the price is a major concern for you, or if you know you are looking for a cheaper alternative, that is something you can keep in mind when reading about how the Moc3 stacks up to its barefoot relatives.
Moc3 vs. Leguano Sneaker
The Moc3 and Leguano are close cousins 🙂 Both are barefoot sock shoe models. The Leguano is made more for water activities in mind, as it dries faster and has a wider and a little bit thicker sole.
The sole of the Leguano has a very specific texture with a little more protection. On the other hand, if you prefer a little more protection on the top of your feet, which is recommended in the gym or hiking in rough terrains, for example, then the Moc3 is a better choice.
I find the Moc3 to be a little more comfortable than the Leguano. I like the upper part of the Moc3 better and find it ideal for running and indoor use.
In terms of stack height and flexibility, these two are very close.
For the latest Moc3 price click here. You can find the latest price of the Leguano here.
Moc3 vs. Skinners
The sole of the Skinners is thinner than that of the Moc3.
As the Skinner clings a little bit tighter to the skin, you can even swim in them, making them a much better choice if you plan to use them in or near the water often, such as at the beach.
The Moc3 has a more slipper feel to it, and for running and indoor use, the Moc3 is more comfortable.
If you have a very wide toebox or heel, the Skinner may be a more suitable choice for you, offering more space in those areas.
For the latest Moc3 price click here. You can find the latest price of the Skinners here.
Moc3 vs. Sockwa
The Sockwas was designed more with beach enthusiasts in mind. The material of the sole and upper of the Sockwa makes it feel more like a water shoe, making it an excellent minimalist shoe choice if you are a frequent beach-goer.
Compared to the Sockwa, the Moc3 offers a more pleasant barefoot experience that is better for running, the gym, and other indoor activities. The Moc3 is a better choice if you need a minimalistic barefoot sock shoe for everyday use.
For the latest Moc3 price click here. You can find the latest price of the Sockwa here.
What if I want a Similar Shoe but with Laces?
Softstar makes minimalist barefoot shoes with laces, but because I have no personal experience with them, I cannot provide an honest comparison. Although, this Softstar model might be an interesting one.
That said, I have tried the Merrell Vapor Glove 4, which has laces…
Moc3 vs. Merrel Vapor Glove 4
If you are looking for a minimalist shoe with laces that comes close to the Moc3, I recommend the Merrell Vapor Glove 4. Although aesthetically, they look quite different, the feel and experience you have while wearing them are not all that different. They are also not far apart in weight, either. Like the Moc3, the Vapor Glove 4 has Vibram 2mm soles, but the soles vary in structure. And again, I cannot overstate how much the leather upper of the Moc3 compares favorably to all the other models mentioned in this article.
The Moc3 is more comfortable to wear indoors, as it has more of a slipper feel than the Vapor. I find the Vapor Glove 4 to be more suitable for outdoor wear.
The Vapor 4 has a wider Vibram sole which I enjoy, giving it more of a shoe feel rather than a sock feel.
Neither the Vapor nor the Moc3 is ideal for water activities or wet surfaces.
For the latest Moc3 price click here. You can find the latest price of the Merrell Vapor 4 here
Are there barefoot minimalist shoes that are even lighter? Ones that come even closer to feeling like you’re barefoot?
Yes, there are!
Feel free to check out the article we wrote exclusively to answer this question.
The Moc3, also mentioned in that article, remains one shoe that is the closest to being barefoot. As far as I know, only the Gost and the Fyfs barefoot are even more minimalistic barefoot shoe options. The main reason I say this is that these two models do not have any soling. These shoes are only made from one material, just like socks.
The bottom line on the Softstar Moc3
The Softstar Moc3 is one of the most comfortable pairs of sock shoes I have ever worn. I find these the best for running and indoor use, compared to similar models made by other brands. Not to mention, they make a great travel companion. They are lightweight and pack small in your backpack, a great shoe to carry with you after a day outdoors. All you have to slip them on and slip right into town and grab something to eat! The Moc3 has also been the perfect shoe for road trips in my camper, as it saves space and is a very pleasant alternative to flip-flops or slippers.
The only category in which this shoe scores lower than others is for wet surfaces, beaches, and water. There are other models that score higher in this category if water resistance is a priority for you.
In sum, what I can say about the Moc3 compared to these other models is that it scores higher on comfort and outdoor activities like running, climbing, and slacklining. As an added plus in the category of safety and practicality, these have reflective strips on the heel for nighttime safety.
Overall, the Softstar Moc3 is an incredibly comfortable shoe that feels like you aren’t wearing shoes at all. The Moc3 is by far my pick if you are looking for a sock shoe you can wear daily!