Embodiments of soft latching solenoids comprise a coil assembly (24); a plunger assembly (26); at least one flux conductor (28) comprising a flux circuit. The coil assembly (24) is fixedly situated with respect to a solenoid frame (21). The plunger assembly (26) is configured to linearly translate in a first direction along a plunger axis (32) upon application of a pulse of power to the coil assembly (24). The flux conductor(s) (28) is/are positioned radially exteriorly to the plunger assembly (26) to form the flux circuit. The flux circuit comprises the solenoid frame (21), the plunger assembly (26), and the at least one flux conductor (28). The flux circuit is arranged and configured so that the plunger assembly (26) is held in a plunger detent position upon cessation of the pulse of power.