Customer Reviews Merrell Bare Access Flex

Love these shoes. They are minimalist running shoes meant to mimic something akin to barefoot running, so not sure what the reviewers complaining about lack of support expected when purchasing- barefoot/minimalist = little support and not made for orthotics. For me, these shoes actually have too much arch support, as i feel the bump under my arch. It's one of the only things I don't like about them. I got these because the Saucony Kinvara I'd worn for years were getting worse with every new version. Most recently an occasional ankle pain I've had for a while was becoming so frequent and acute that I saw an orthopedic doctor, and subsequently a physical therapist. The PT said I needed MORE supportive shoes and orthotics, though I told him I'd tried both in the past with bad results, which is one thing that led me to the more minimalist Kinvara. He insisted, so against my better judgment I succumbed, purchased orthotics and the more structured/supportive Saucony Glide. UGH! Within days the ankle pain became constant and unbearable AND I suddenly developed new pain in BOTH heels and arches that I had not previously had. The PT said it was plantar fasciitis! How'd that happen? Those stupid orthotics and supportive running shoes!! The only time I didn't get the pain was when wearing some completely unsupportive mary jane flats I had. After a month of worsening pain (every morning when I got up, my feet felt like the bottoms had been bruised and every time I walked in the Guides my ankle would get shooting pains), I gave up the stupid orthotics and started looking for a barefoot shoe. I found these. These shoes are awesome. Since wearing them I have had NO foot pain. None. And I have felt ankle pain only once, and it was a passing twinge. Amazing. I walked 8 miles in them the first day, and have walked about 60 miles total in them since getting them about 10 days ago. It's like walking with nothing but a protective tread on my feet. And my legs feel like they are working much harder than with the more padded and stiff Saucony. I would NOT recommend going from a supportive shoe straight to these. You need to transition. But I would recommend these to anyone that wants to strengthen their feet and legs, and help get rid of plantar fasciitis and other foot/ankle problems that may be the result of overpadded/overstructured shoes.

This was my first time trying a Merrell 'Bare' type of shoe. I am quite pleased with these. Comfortable out of the box (I don't do "need time to break them in" shoes anyway). Light-weight and I love the colors--I got the Paloma, and the color is a mix between salmon and orange (without being too orange). I'm not going to be using them for running, as I do need more support for that. But am trying them out for weightlifting and they seem to be working well for that so far.

These are beautiful and comfortable out of the box. Lots of toe room and good arch support. Soles are low and "barefoot" feeling, will see how they are for distance walking.

I bought these for work to replace my old, worn out Merrell Bare Access shoes. What I did like about them is that they have a little more cushion than the Bare Access without much added weight. I really like the lightweight feel since I am on my feet all day running around. These didn't last as long though. The sole is still good, but the mesh has torn where it connects to the part that says "flex connect". I probably wouldn't get them again because of that.