Splay 101 Review
As a long-time advocate of barefoot shoes, I have experienced many brands and styles over the years. When I first heard about the Splay 101, I was immediately intrigued by their blend of vintage style and modern barefoot functionality. Here’s my comprehensive review after a few weeks of wearing them.
First Impressions and Unboxing
The Splay 101 shoes arrived in professional, well-branded packaging, free from plastic, which immediately impressed me. The eco-friendly packaging was a nice touch. Upon unboxing, I was struck by the shoe’s appearance. They truly are the coolest barefoot shoes I’ve ever seen, exuding a retro charm reminiscent of the classic athletic shoes of the 70s and 80s. The build quality felt solid, and the materials appeared premium, particularly the leather.
Fit and Comfort
The initial sizing was a bit of a challenge, primarily due to my unfamiliarity with the U.S. size chart. I initially ordered the EU39, which turned out to be too large. However, the EU38 with a 24.8 cm insole length proved to be a much better fit. While they were slightly tight on the width initially, the natural leather stretched perfectly within a few days, accommodating my wide feet without any restriction. Breaking them in was hardly necessary; they became more comfortable with each wear, particularly around the outer edge of my right foot, which often experiences pressure in most shoes, even barefoot ones.
Usage and Performance
The Splay 101s quickly became my go-to trainers for everyday activities. From running errands at Costco to casual outings, they have proven to be incredibly versatile. Although I opted for wellies for a woodland walk to avoid getting them dirty, I found that these shoes can be paired with almost any outfit, from jeans shorts to dresses. The Splay 101s remind me of Adidas Sambas and even have a skate shoe vibe, drawing comparisons to Etnies and classic Vans. The sole design, although similar to Vans, is tailored to a more natural foot shape, enhancing comfort and performance.
Having worn barefoot shoes for seven years, I can confidently say that the Splay 101s are excellent for foot health. They allow my feet to function naturally as I walk, providing great ground feel and encouraging natural movement.
Durability and Maintenance
In terms of durability, the Splay 101s have exceeded my expectations. After several days of use, they show no signs of wear or creasing. The high-quality materials and construction give me confidence that these shoes will last a long time without needing significant maintenance.
Style and Versatility
One of the standout features of the Splay 101s is their style. They are highly versatile, pairing well with various outfits. I’ve worn them with jeans shorts, cycling shorts, and even considered them with dresses. They’ve garnered numerous compliments from friends and followers, further cementing their appeal.
Value for Money
The pricing of the Splay 101s is perhaps one of the most surprising aspects. At £85, including a mere $6 for shipping, they are significantly more affordable than many other barefoot shoe brands without compromising on quality. The blend of style, comfort, and affordability makes them a true bargain. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who values both fashion and foot health.
Comparison to Other Barefoot Shoes
Compared to other barefoot shoes I’ve tried, the Splay 101s stand out for their cool, mainstream appearance. They are less overtly “barefoot” than brands like Wildling but are on par with FeelGrounds and Barebarics in terms of style and comfort. I recently received a pair of Barebarics Wave and find them equally stylish, especially in green, making it a tough choice between the two. However, given the price advantage of the Splay 101s, they offer unbeatable value.
Minor Negatives
Despite my overall positive experience, there are a few minor negatives. The shipping time from the U.S. is longer than what I’m accustomed to, taking around 10 working days. The sizing was initially tricky, but this was largely due to my own misjudgment regarding the space I wanted in front of my toes. Additionally, the shaped insole, which has a raised arch, was not to my liking. It caused a sensory issue for me since my foot doesn’t naturally touch the floor in that area. However, this was easily resolved by snipping off the raised part of the insole, making it comfortable.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Splay 101s have impressed me with their stylish design, comfort, and affordability. They are perfect for anyone looking to combine fashion with the health benefits of barefoot shoes. While there were minor issues with shipping and sizing, these were easily manageable and did not detract from my overall satisfaction.
In conclusion, the Splay 101s are a fantastic addition to the barefoot shoe market. Their blend of vintage style and modern barefoot features make them a standout choice. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to enhance their shoe collection with a pair that offers both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.
Affiliate link: Get your Splay 101s here! and use code BAREFOOTBRIT for 10% off!
