Freet Durham Review: Wide Barefoot Chelsea Boot for Everyday Wear

Durham is a barefoot Chelsea boot for wide feet. The choice is huge when it comes to barefoot Chelsea boots. But most are too narrow for me. Freet Durham proves it can be different. I tested the brown leather version, and in this review, I’ll share my honest experience.

What makes the Freet Durham special?

The Durham is a barefoot Chelsea boot from Freet. It’s made from supple leather with a wide toe box, flexible sole and zero drop. It looks like a stylish ‘regular’ boot you could wear to work or out in the city, but it still gives you that pure barefoot feel.

I like the colour choice as I love how brown leather develops character over time. The colour just gets better the more you wear it. The boot doesn’t have a zipper but instead uses elastic side panels, just like a traditional Chelsea boot. Slipping them on is surprisingly easy, and the heel stays nicely in place. The sole is thin (around 7–9 mm) but doesn’t feel hard or cold. You still get the barefoot experience, but with a bit of extra comfort and warmth for colder days.

Strengths

• Wide fit: Generous toe box, even for wide feet or people with bunions.
• Flexible sole: Thin, bendable, and with great ground feel.
• Stylish leather: Looks great with jeans, chinos or even a smarter outfit. It only gets better with wear.
• Zero drop: No heel lift, promoting a natural posture and gait.
• Versatile: Perfect for city walks, work, hospitality jobs, museums or light outdoor use. 

Points to consider

• Leather takes time to break in: It can feel a bit stiff around the ankle at first.
• Not fully waterproof: It’s water-resistant, but not a rain boot.
• A bit heavier than sneakers: It’s a boot made of leather, so that makes sense. 

Who is this shoe for?

The Freet Durham is a great match if you love the barefoot feeling but want something that looks a bit more refined. It’s perfect for people who value space for their toes, a flexible sole and natural walking.

If you have wide feet — or even deal with bunions — you’ll likely find these extremely comfortable (like me). The Durham gives your toes room to move freely without pressure points.

This boot suits anyone looking for an all-rounder to wear during fall, winter, and spring. It’s ideal for city life, commuting to work, light walks, or even a relaxed day out.

It’s not meant for long hikes, but for most casual and urban situations, it performs beautifully. You’ll especially appreciate this shoe if you love real leather; material that becomes softer, more flexible, and more full of character over time. The design is made for casual, business or just everyday wear.

That said, it might not be your best choice if you have narrow feet or prefer a tight-fitting shoe. It’s also not ideal if you walk long distances on rough trails or prefer vegan or maintenance-free synthetic materials. And if you’re looking for something super light for summer, you might want a more breathable model.

In short: the Freet Durham is for anyone who wants one stylish, barefoot-friendly leather boot that works for almost any occasion.

Conclusion

The Freet Durham is one of the few wide barefoot Chelsea boots that truly look great while still being barefoot. It’s built for comfort, with a wide toe box, zero drop, a flexible sole, and high-quality leather.Durham is a stylish, roomy, natural walking feel, and a top choice if you want barefoot Chelsea boots that fit wide feet comfortably. Perfect for anyone looking for a single, versatile boot to wear daily.

Thanks to Dion - www.barfusshelden.de - for this review.