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Featured review · Splay

Splay Freestyle: the best barefoot sneaker to start with

A cotton canvas sneaker with a wide toe box, a flexible zero-drop sole and a removable insole. It looks like a classic skate shoe and costs $79.

8.8
0mm drop6.5mm soleWide toe box
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Splay Freestyle
Brand spotlight

Splay

Wide, flexible, zero-drop shoes that look like skate shoes and sneakers. Here are the four we'd try first.

Shop Splay
Splay Freestyle
Canvas sneakerSplay Freestyle
Splay REV SO
Canvas slip-onSplay REV SO
Splay Runner V1 '26
Retro runnerSplay Runner V1 '26
Splay Weekender
Hemp moc-toeSplay Weekender

Latest reviews

Splay Freestyle8.8
EverydaySplay FreestyleA $79 canvas sneaker with a wide toe box. A great fit for beginners and longtime barefoot fans alike.
6.5mmstack0mmdrop$79price
Splay REV SO8.5
EverydaySplay REV SOA classic canvas slip-on with room for your toes. Easy on, easy off.
—stack0mmdrop$79price
Splay Runner V1 '268.5
RoadSplay Runner V1 '26Retro nylon-and-suede styling on a flat, flexible sole.
—stack0mmdrop$89price
Splay Weekender8.5
EverydaySplay WeekenderA hemp moc-toe for weekends and travel.
—stack0mmdrop$79price
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV7.8
RoadVivobarefoot Primus Lite IVOur default recommendation for road running and the gym.
5mmstack0mmdrop$150price
Xero Shoes HFS II7.7
RoadXero Shoes HFS IIMore cushion than most, which helps if you are still transitioning.
5.5mmstack0mmdrop$150price
Xero Shoes Mesa Trail II7.5
TrailXero Shoes Mesa Trail IIGood lugs on loose dirt. The toe bumper needs to be stiffer.
6mmstack0mmdrop$140price
Lems Primal 28.2
EverydayLems Primal 2Light and easy to pack. It looks like a normal sneaker.
9mmstack0mmdrop$125price
Be Lenka Champ 3.08.1
EverydayBe Lenka Champ 3.0A clean leather look for the office, with a narrow heel.
6.5mmstack0mmdrop$129price
Vivobarefoot Magna Forest ESC7.3
HikingVivobarefoot Magna Forest ESCA waterproof boot that still lets your foot flex.
7mmstack0mmdrop$260price

New to barefoot?

Start here before you buy your first pair.

01Benefits of barefoot shoesA wide toe box and flat, flexible sole let your feet spread, bend and do the work they were built for.
02PerformanceFeeling the ground improves balance and stride. We test grip, flex and durability so you know how each shoe holds up.
03StyleBarefoot shoes no longer have to look like gloves. Plenty now pass as everyday sneakers, so you can wear them anywhere.