The Splay Story

At Splay Athletics, we believe in freedom—the freedom to move, to grow, to be yourself. Our journey began with a simple question: Why should shoes restrict the natural strength and potential of our feet? In 2018, in the heart of Utah, Splay Athletics, LLC was born to answer that question with a bold vision: to create footwear that respects the foot, empowers natural movement, and makes barefoot living accessible to everyone.
It all started with a group of parents, innovators, and foot health enthusiasts who noticed a problem. Traditional shoes, with their narrow toe boxes, stiff soles, and raised heels, were holding back the natural development of children’s feet and compromising adult foot health. Inspired by the growing barefoot movement, we set out to reimagine the classic American sneaker—not just for kids, but for the whole family. Our goal? To craft shoes that feel like freedom, blending minimalist barefoot design with timeless style and unbeatable affordability.
We launched our first model through a crowdfunding campaign in 2018, inviting families to join us in rethinking footwear. The response was overwhelming—parents loved the idea of shoes that let their kids’ feet move, grow, and develop naturally. With wide toe boxes, thin, flexible soles, and zero-drop designs, our shoes were built to mimic the barefoot experience while providing the protection needed for everyday adventures. That early support from our community laid the foundation for Splay, and we’ve been running with it ever since.
From our headquarters in Centerville, Utah we’ve grown into a brand trusted by families across the globe. Over the years, we’ve listened to our customers, refined our designs, and expanded our lineup. From the vibrant, kid-friendly Explore to the sleek, adult-sized Freestyle and the stylish Rev, we’ve created shoes for every member of the family—toddlers to men’s size 14. In 2024, we relaunched our entire collection with improved quality, removable insoles, and a fresh commitment to balancing barefoot benefits with classic sneaker aesthetics.
Our mission remains unchanged: to make barefoot shoes that don’t just feel good but do good for your body. We’re passionate about promoting foot health—helping toes splay naturally, arches strengthen, and bodies align as they were meant to. Whether you’re a parent seeking the best for your child’s growing feet, a skater craving better board feel, or someone looking for a comfier alternative to traditional sneakers, Splay is here for you.
We’re more than a shoe company; we’re a movement. A movement for freedom in every step, for shoes that work with your body, not against it. With our commitment to value and our factory outlet deals, we strive to make Splay accessible, because we believe everyone deserves to experience the joy of natural movement.
Join us on this journey. Lace Up, Lets Go!