A year without an answer to the question "is it soft underfoot?" I too would like to know the answer.

hi and thanks for your question. The rug your asking about is a 100% jute woven area rug. Jute is an interesting material which at first is slightly firm (some would describe as scratchy) but breaks down and softens over time. So to answer your question, at first it won't be soft underfoot - but overtime (2-3 months) it will soften considerably.

Thank you for your response.