Merrell Barefoot Bare Access Arc Reviews
40 reviews
total
Overall Rating:
92%
4%
0%
4%
0%
38 are "Favorable"
Most Helpful Favorable Review
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.
vs
2 are "Critical"
Most Helpful Critical Review
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.
Additional 20 Barefoot Bare Access Arc Merrell Reviews
- Most Helpful First
- Newest First
2 people found this review helpful
April 10, 2012
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
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Felt true to size
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2 people found this review helpful
April 5, 2012
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.
Overall
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Fit Rating
Felt true to size
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2 people found this review helpful
April 14, 2012
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.
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt a half size smaller than marked
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
1 person found this review helpful
October 13, 2012
Cynthia T
from Atlanta, GA but have lived in the west for 18 years
I was completely shocked by the unexpected performance of this shoe. First, it weighs nothing. Second, I feel my foot flex and my toes engaged when I walk or exercise in it so there is an energizing feeling. Every time I go to my closet for something casual for knocking around, this shoe speaks to me and has become my "go to" solution. Didn't expect any of these attributes so I am completely happy and astounded every day.
Brands I'd also recommend: none- they should buy this one
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Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
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Runs Wide
1 person found this review helpful
August 24, 2012
Corinne M
from Connecticut
I like to wear these on semi-hard surfaces, like compacted dirt, but not so much for running a lot on hard pavement. That said, I do wear them when I run 5k races because they are light as a feather and offer just enough cushioning to make it through the race, but for my day to day pavement runs I have to go with something that has more cushioning in the toe/ball of foot area. These offer a bit of arch support, but not a lot. There's a little bit more than nothing, but less than your standard running shoe. Overall I think these are a great shoe for someone transitioning into barefoot/minimalist running, because there is enough cushioning that you can run with your heel hitting the ground first and you wont hurt yourself. I also love these shoes when I run in the rain. I ran in a downpour that made it hard to see, but the shoes stayed comfortable and still felt light and never felt water logged, even though I was running through moving water. I do want to note that these are very roomy in the toe and didn't fit as well as other Merrell shoes of the same size. I can't sprint in them because my feet slip in the toe, but jogging is fine. Oh yeah, for the colors, I got the smoke one. I wasn't so sure about it when I saw it online, but it's really nice when you get it out of the box. I dislike white shoes (they make me feel old), but these have enough color on them that they look cool.
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt a half size larger than marked
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
1 person found this review helpful
July 2, 2012
Anonymous
from Georgetown, SC
These are the most comfortable shoes ever: light weight with just enough support in the arch to be comfortable all day. I bought my first pair just before camping/hiking for a week and I wore them almost exclusively. I am on my feet for 10 hour days on concrete floors and these are comfortable. I've just ordered my second pair
Brands I'd also recommend: merrell true glove
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
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Felt true to width
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Runs Wide
1 person found this review helpful
June 28, 2012
Emily K
from MI
I love these running shoes! These did take some getting used to since they are a stepping stone to barefoot shoes. I had to take it easy my first few runs and walk a bit more rather than running right off the bat but it only took a few days to get used to them and my feet don't hurt after at all! It was worth the breaking and since I took it easy my feet never hurt! You can feel new muscles being worked for sure!
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
1 person found this review helpful
May 1, 2012
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.
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt narrower than marked
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
Fit Rating
Felt a half size smaller than marked
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt wider than marked
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
1 person found this review helpful
April 26, 2012
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.
Overall
Comfort
Style
Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt a half size smaller than marked
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
1 person found this review helpful
May 15, 2012
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.
Overall
Comfort
Style
Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt a half size smaller than marked
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
March 18, 2013
Anonymous
Super light, comfortable, breathable, and ultra flexible. Bought the green/grey color, Aluminum, and I think they look frumpy. But they are they comfy. Bought them to take to Disneyland, but tried them for a walk/jog session and they felt great. I've never used barefoot shoes before, so my running was a little different and a bit more difficult, but that's transitioning to barefoot running! My feet are a little wide and these fit fine width-wise and plenty of room in toe box. I pronate and have the Asics Gel with mega arch support for pronators and, while my feet feel stable and straighter in them, they starting causing me arch pain-like there was too much support. These have no arch support, but somehow felt awesome on my feet and no arch pain! I usually wear a 6 in Merrells, but had to go up half a size in these.
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March 14, 2013
Anonymous
from Madison, Wisconsin
This is my second pair of these lightweight, totally comfortable shoes -- liked the first pair so much I had to have another. They weigh nearly nothing, and they're perfect for anyone with bunion issues -- no pressure points anywhere. And I like the way they look, too!
Brands I'd also recommend: Ecco, New Balance, Tom's
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
February 15, 2013
Anonymous
from San Diego, CA
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this shoe! Super cute (doesn't make my feet look bulky), extremely lightweight, and so comfortable! They don't have a lot of arch support (they aren't meant to), but I love them.
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt a half size smaller than marked
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt wider than marked
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
December 5, 2012
Anonymous
from VT
For those who are uninformed barefoot running shoes aren't supposed to have a lot of arch or any other kind of support for that matter that is indeed the point. By wearing these and other similar shoes you are strengthening your foot by using it therefore making it stronger. That being said this is without a doubt the BEST minimalist sneaker yet! I have 3 pairs of Merrells alone and these are my favorite. Wow are they comfy. I wear them to hike and walk and jog and live and breathe and etc... I LOVE THEM buy them you will too, if you like barefoot sneakers.
Brands I'd also recommend: more merrells
Overall
Comfort
Style
Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
October 15, 2012
Anonymous
from United States
I love these shoes! Lightweight, great looking mesh-texture always foot to breathe. Color I purchased is in a deep-dark-grey...with purple accent. I love color! I would say they run about 1/2 size small; however, I did order my usual size and kept them. Super comfy, great style, breathable and will buy again!
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt a half size smaller than marked
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
October 8, 2012
Julie C
from Portland, OR
Very comfortable shoe. Feels like you're walking on flat ground, only more comfortable. I have a bunion and a neuroma on the same foot, and this shoe accommodates both very well. Another benefit: this shoe may have even helped relieve pain I was having in the back of my knee! The only issue I have is, please Merrell, can you make cuter color combos (like the Pace Glove)?
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
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Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
September 21, 2012
Anonymous
from United States
Super comfortable! For as light as these are, they give me better arch support than other barefoot shoes.
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
September 2, 2012
Anonymous
from Montpelier, VT
I spend all day on my feet and have plantar fasciitis and have tried every shoe on the market (as the good people at Zappos can attest to). None of the squishy shoes have helped my feet at all, nor have my custom orthotics. Because of my husband's half-joking suggestion to go barefoot, I decided to try these Merrells. I've been wearing them for a few days so far and am really enjoying them. I usually wear a size 7 1/2 in Keens and an 8 in Merrells and the 8 in these sneaks fit my medium/wide feet perfectly. I've not tried running in these shoes, only walking around at work, but am on my feet for about 14-18 hours per day and these felt great right out of the box. I never thought barefoot shoes could work for me but so far, so good with these shoes!
Brands I'd also recommend: Keen, Sanuk
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
August 31, 2012
Anonymous
from Napa Ca
This is my favorite pair of tennies - I wear them everyday. The are so light and so comfortable and provide just enough support. You have to order a half size bigger and if you have never worn barefoot shoes before they feel strange - you need to cinch in the laces at your ankle and just let your toes be free!
Brands I'd also recommend: is there another brand than Merrell?
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt a half size smaller than marked
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt wider than marked
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
August 25, 2012
Anonymous
from pittsburgh,PA
I was so happy with the fit and comfort of these shoes I came back and bought a second pair. I have problems with my heels rubbing the back of athletic shoes and causing blisters no matter how long I wear them, or no matter what socks I wear. I put these on out of the box without socks and had no blisters! My foot was held in place without being squeezed. The mesh top helps with ventilation so no sweaty feet. They are light weight and flexible so great to pack and travel with. The tread is not deep so when running on sand not a lot is dragged back into the house. I am sold hope you will give them a try.
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
August 20, 2012
TJ
from SLO
These are simply amazing! They are the most comfortable shoes ever. They provide great support and they feel great barefoot!
Overall
Comfort
Style
Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
August 15, 2012
Anonymous
from Texas
I love the shoes but am returning them in favor of Kalso Earth Prosper. It is my problem feet (bunions post surgery and fallen arches) that made the choice for something with more support. For someone without problem feet who wants a minimalist shoe with a little more between foot and ground, this is a great and comfortable shoe.
Brands I'd also recommend: Kalso Earth, Naot
Overall
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Was this review helpful? Yes
Fit Rating
Felt true to size
Runs Small
Runs Large
Felt true to width
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide



