diff --git a/py/mkenv.mk b/py/mkenv.mk
index b52dafbc9d..e59902df99 100644
--- a/py/mkenv.mk
+++ b/py/mkenv.mk
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ GDB = $(CROSS_COMPILE)gdb
 LD = $(CROSS_COMPILE)ld
 OBJCOPY = $(CROSS_COMPILE)objcopy
 SIZE = $(CROSS_COMPILE)size
-STRIP = $(CROSS_COMPILE)strip
+STRIP ?= $(CROSS_COMPILE)strip
 AR = $(CROSS_COMPILE)ar
 WINDRES = $(CROSS_COMPILE)windres