Splay FREESTYLE 2.0 Azalea Review

Brand: Splay
Model: FREESTYLE 2.0 Azalea
Category: Casual Footwear
Style: Classic Street Style Canvas Shoe

Fit Type: Narrow
Material: 100% Natural Cotton Upper
Sole Thickness: 6.0mm-7.0mm (depending on size) with a 3.5mm removable insole
Season: Summer

BarefootBrit 👣 Rating (1-10): 7

First Impressions

Splay’s shoes are renowned for blending barefoot functionality with classic street style, and the FREESTYLE 2.0 Azalea is no exception. When I first unboxed these shoes, I was immediately struck by the colour. The dusty pink is both subtle and stylish—perfect for those looking to add a pop of colour to their wardrobe without being too bold. It’s a versatile shade, working well with just about any summer outfit, and matches my branding beautifully.

The design itself is a fresh take on the original FREESTYLE, which took the barefoot world by storm in 2021. This updated version promises the same lightweight, foot-friendly comfort with improvements in aesthetics and quality—and I could see that from the start.

The Good

One of Splay’s standout features has always been their foot-shaped toe box, and that holds true here. While these shoes have a more tapered design compared to the 101s, the FREESTYLE 2.0 still allows your toes to move more freely than many other shoes on the market, and that’s a huge plus for promoting natural foot movement.

The canvas upper feels durable and breathable—ideal for warmer months. As a vegan option, it’s fantastic to see Splay continuing their commitment to using materials that are kind to the planet. The flexible rubber sole is another winning feature, offering that barefoot feel while being sturdy enough to handle everyday wear.

With a zero drop construction, these shoes allow your feet to stay in their natural position, promoting balance and better posture—key factors in any good barefoot shoe.

And if you’re someone with narrower feet, I think these would be an amazing fit! The FREESTYLE 2.0 is sleek and minimal, with a design that hugs the foot more closely compared to the 101s. So, if you’ve found other barefoot brands too wide, these could be your perfect match.

The Fit

Now, for me, the only issue came down to fit. My feet are on the wider side and I usually manage fine with narrower shoes, but in this case, the canvas material had no stretch. While the toe box itself is nicely shaped, the overall width was a bit too snug for my comfort, especially around my tailor’s bunion.

To be clear, this is entirely down to my foot shape, and I’m sure those with a narrower profile will find these shoes perfectly comfortable. If you have wide feet like mine, I’d suggest double-checking the width measurements before ordering. That said, I really wanted to love these because the design is so appealing, and if they had been just a touch wider, I think they would have been a fantastic everyday option for me.

Style and Versatility

A major highlight of the FREESTYLE 2.0 is its versatility. The minimalist street-style design works with just about any casual outfit, from jeans to dresses. I can easily see these being a go-to shoe for summer outings, providing comfort without compromising on style. The dusty pink canvas and clean white accents give them a fresh, modern look that’s effortlessly cool. Whether you’re heading to the park or meeting up with friends, they’re a great addition to any wardrobe.

Conclusion

While the FREESTYLE 2.0 wasn’t the best fit for my wide feet, I still think these are fantastic shoes for anyone who fits the bill in terms of foot shape. They stay true to what makes Splay such a loved brand—lightweight, flexible barefoot shoes with excellent design. For narrow-footed barefoot lovers, these will hit all the right notes: they’re stylish, breathable, and give your feet the freedom they need.

If you’re in the market for a sleek, minimalist barefoot shoe with a bit of summer flair, and your feet aren’t particularly wide, the FREESTYLE 2.0 Azalea might just be your new favourite pair. And for those with wider feet like me, don’t despair—Splay’s 101s remain one of my top picks for daily wear.

Affiliate Link: Splay FREESTYLE 2.0
Discount Code: BAREFOOTBRIT

Brit👣