Merrell Barefoot Bare Access Arc SKU: #7879542

Anonymous

from Lee, Massachusetts

I found these to be amazingly comfortable and breathable. I have a wide foot as a result of a bunion and there isn't any squeezing that I get with other shoes in general. I wear them in Crossfit class for an hour at a time so I can't comment on prolonged wear comfort. My mother-in-law (who recommended these to me) wears them constantly and ordered a second color.

Anonymous

from Eau Claire, WI

Really good transition running shoe, or an every day "sneaker," for those looking for minimal footwear. There is some arch support and heel padding, but minimal ball padding. Very roomy foot bed, but the design is great because it narrows in the heel and once the shoe is tied, it's not going to slip off. Aluminum color hides dirt easily. Good for a half marathon but wouldn't run more than that due to lack of cushion.

Anonymous

from East Bay, CA

I've always been a fan of the Merrell brand. Their products can be a little more expensive than comparable items, but they seem to have good longevity. I have a wide foot, but not wide enough to warrant getting a wide width. The regular width on these is just right. Plenty of arch support which I really appreciate. My only concern is that the white sole may eventually look dingy, but only time will tell.

Anonymous

from Oklahoma CIty, OK

These shoes are AMAZING! I have a few pairs of the Vibram Fivefingers and the Merrell Pace Glove, Lithe Glove, and Pure Glove. These are by far my favorite to work in as I stand all day at my workstation. They are great for the early morning runs on the treadmill (when it is too dark/scary to run alone at 4:00 am).

Brands I'd also recommend: Vibram Fivefingers

Anonymous

from Prescott, AZ

I really like these shoes overall. They were a bit short so I had to send the first pair back and order a half size larger. The toe box is nice and wide, but I wish it was a little taller. They give just a little arch support, which is great for me.

Anonymous

from Walla Walla, WA

Love these comfy shoes! Do order 1/2 size larger than normal. The lightest shoes ever with good support and they will be my go to shoes this summer.

Leasa S

from Hanska, MN

I really like the Merrell Barefoot Access Arc shoe. I did need a 1/2 size larger, but they are great. Also, was impressed with Zappos' free shipping both ways.

Kay P

from Utah

A note on width: Another review mentioned that the regular width (the only width Merrell offers on this shoe) was fine for wide feet. I disagree. It's been my experience with every Merrel shoe I've tried that their normal width is actually a bit on the narrow side. They are definitely too narrow for my slightly wide feet. The length was perfect. I ordered my normal size (a 10) and had just a tiny bit of room at the toes. If they came in a wide width, they'd be the perfect shoe.

Tori

from NYC

These are amazing. I am consistently a size 9, and the 9 fit perfectly (barefoot - no socks). I've been running for a few months, training for a half marathon that is two weeks away at this point. I started training with Vibram FiveFingers shoes (the ones with separate toes and intentionally no arch support or cushioning) and I love them, but about a month ago, I started having IT band problems (strained tendon) and even with rest, it wouldn't get better, so I needed new shoes fast. These were perfect because they let me keep running without socks, and with barefoot type feel, but with some cushioning and arch support. I think my IT band problem was that I was overpronating, and my first run today was great because these shoes prevent overpronation, but they don't prevent the correct amount of pronation, or restrict motion at all. The shoes are super lightweight, and stiff in the back, but flexible in the front to allow your forefoot more movement. The toebox is roomy so your toes can spread out and grip, and help prevent blisters. You could wear them with socks, but they're super comfortable without them, and were clearly designed with minimal seams to accommodate bare feet. Get them! I got the color that is white with grey and blue accents and think they look pretty cute - definitely better in person than in the pictures. Oh, and these would be great for walking as well - they have a good amount of heel cushioning as opposed to some barefoot style shoes that work for running but not walking because of the lack of cushioning (you land more forward on your foot while running than walking - or at least I do).

Brands I'd also recommend: Vibram FiveFingers, New Balance

Anonymous

from near Boston

I normally wear a 9 in a running shoe like Brooks or New Balance and in Merrells a 9 in sandals/8.5 in shoes. I need a comfortable pair of white shoes for an upcoming outdoor event. These were too wide in the toebox, but too short in length -- especially for a 9. I was very surprised, since I typically find a Merrell shoe 9 to be pretty generous. Style-wise, I gotta say, these looked pretty dorky. Despite the cool yellow soles and fun laces, I felt 30 years older wearing them. Thank you Zappos for letting me try them. They go back.

Brands I'd also recommend: Merrells still, but another shoe style.