Like a lot of people new to barefoot culture nearly all barefoot sneakers just "look weird" like duck shoes or something, you've heard that before haha. Well these are my first barefoot shoes ever purely because they looked the LEAST like barefoot shoes, and IRL it is amazing how you can really only tell from top down the wider profile they have, and at that it's really not that weird! Also purchased hoping they would help out with strengthening my knee while running which is going good so far. Material holds up surprisingly well, doesn't seem to be cheaply made and offer more support than expected despite being flat soled I assume.
So far I'm glad Splay and this model was the first introduction to barefoot shoes, would highly recommend to any beginners or people curious in trying it out - it is a WILD sensation to walk using your entire foot so flat and not the normal feeling of more narrow sneakers you've been used to your whole life. Will honestly forget you even have them on they feel so natural. Only thing I'd love to see from Splay is a thicker sole and sidewall in the same identical shape to the Runner. Asics are great because they do have a lot of cushioning for running on trails or uneven terrain, helps with knee impact. Thicken up the soles and you'd have the perfect natural running shoe I'm sure.
As for the fit I'd say its almost truly to size, except I like to lace one eyelet short so maybe my foot slightly moves forward sometimes and hits the front of the toe…