Merrell Barefoot Power Play Glove SKU: #7813452

Gerry

from Portland, Maine

I have a narrow to medium width foot so these shoes were not a problem to put on. Yes, they do that a bit longer, but anyone who has laced up Bean boots or high top sneakers knows what it is like. The top slide clip has Velcro on the back which can be released and adjusted for fit and getting your foot in and out.These shoes are great because you can adjust the straps and they stay put. A great shoe for for power walking. Fine either barefoot or with socks. The best!

Anonymous

from Minneapolis, MN

I won't lie, these shoes are difficult to put on, and if you have very muscular calves or are bigger bones individuals, you may not get them on at all. The cute little closure system is just that, cute. I wish Merrell would stop trying to make a good shoe more fashionable, thereby killing it's functionality. That said, though I can barely get it one, once it's on, it's a fabulous shoe. Very comfortable and gives good ground feel. If it laced up, I would give it 5 stars. These shoes have a little more room in the toebox than regular shoes, but if you are used to barefoot shoes, this is just right.

Anonymous

from Richmond, VA

I have to agree with the people who have reviewed and complained about the lack of give at the ankle. I like the design of these, but I have an ankle which tends to swell, and it was hard to get my ankle around.

Rosc

from Poconos, PA

One of the major things I've been looking for is something that covers the ankle, because I've had a sprain that has not healed completely properly, and anything pressing on the upper foot or around the ankle, like a regular shoe collar, causes a lot of pain. So when I saw these, I was excited to try them out! I ordered these in a size 8, my usual generic size is a 7.5, but I figured I could use the extra room when my feet swell up. These shoes are very, very snug right now, they need some breaking in. I will also have to purchase a shoe horn, because these are somewhat difficult to slide into just using hands to pull on the heel end. First time I've ever needed a shoe horn, but they can be purchased at the dollar store, and it will save a lot of wear and tear on the shoe material, and my hands! I took my first walk in these shoes today. They are not quite as "barefoot" feeling as I would like (I'd probably be happiest with just leather moccasins shrunk to form-fit!) They feel a little narrow, so I'm hoping with some breaking-in they will stretch out better. I had a little bit of pressure on the inside upper arch area, but that was resolved by kicking the heel on the ground and sliding the shoe in place better. My ankle was hurting from being on my feet all day yesterday in my old shoes, so I am very happy to report these new barefoot shoes with high ankles have made my feet and ankle pain disappear, and I feel quite comfortable in these. I found that loosening the lace all the way down to the toe made it a good bit easier to get the shoes on and off. It also helps to undo the quick release buckle to fully open the top of the shoe around the tongue. I've only had the shoes a few hours today but so far I am very impressed with the quality and comfort. I'll give them a week or so and if there is any problem I'll report back here! If there's no updated report, that means me and my new shoes are a happy pair! :)

Rosc

from Poconos, PA

One more update, and a minor warning: These shoes are slippery on wet asphalt, wet wood, and ice! Probably the same as sneakers, but it's something to be aware of.

Betsy V

I love this line of shoes by Merrell! I've already tried the Pace Glove and the Pure Glove, and the Power Play Glove is the perfect solution for colder weather. The only thing that would make these shoes better is if they had laces, because the strap system doesn't adjust very well. Some of the other commenters had trouble putting these shoes on / taking them off but I didn't find this to be a problem. I do have to say, though, that it's important to work into wearing barefoot shoes slowly. I hadn't worn any since last summer and went a little overboard with these when I received them last week, which bothered my knee. I know from experience, however, that if I let it rest for a couple of days and build up to regular use again that I'll do fine. Regularly wearing Merrell's Pace Glove shoes significantly helped me with plantar fasciitis and another tendon-related problem. Strong feet = healthy feet!

ST

Had to return these because the lacing is not very adjustable. There is a velcro piece towards the top that limits how much you can adjust and I could not adjust it small enough. Other than that - they seemed great!

Maria G

from Huntington, WV

These are great! I have wide feet but did not have any trouble fitting them in. Very confortable and stylish! highly recommend them! I have bunions and Achilles tendinitis and in spite of all of these issues, the shoes are working great. Get them and try them!

Brands I'd also recommend: Dansko

Anonymous

from Oakland, CA

I found the sizing to be fairly accurate. My size was not available, so I bought half a size up based on reviews here that they ran small, plus I normally buy larger running shoes. Half a size up was too floppy. The ankle could not be pulled tight enough to fit firmly; shortened as far as I could till getting stopped by Velcro. I am an average sized person, by the way. I think you would have to have fairly large ankles for these to be too small in that area, with the strap extended all the way. As to pulling on/off, it is just like any other boot. Easy as pie. I am really happy with these shoes. They are not quite minimalist enough yet due to a noticeable arch uplift and a a toe tip that sticks up in the air (as with nearly all athletic shoes), but this is the closest I have found to true barefoot running, with the added ankle support and grippy sole. My toes are happy and free. There was little to no break-in period. No burning soles worn with or without socks. Surprisingly little debris gets inside. I do not think that these will work for me for running. I tried these on a dirt track & still had ankle pain afterwards, but that is just me. I think most people would run like the wind wearing these! As for looks, people will think you are wearing wrestling shoes.