Customer Reviews Merrell Ember Bluff Strap

Okay, so real talk. These shoes are an almost exact remake of a style put out by Patagonia a good three years ago or so. The only difference is that the toe is completely solid, instead of a mix of solid and mesh; the cool nautilus shell pattern on the sole is even the same! It's very interesting. Having worn the crap out of my older pair (as the picture can attest to), here's my experience over the longer term, along with the remake thus far. Sizing runs a little on the larger side; I very consistently wear a 9 in Merrell, and these are just a little bit on the large side. If you're seriously between sizes perhaps consider sizing down, but it's not a requirement for comfort. Arch support is zero. The shoe is wonderfully light and the ankle strap helps it stay on very well, even with the sizing issue mentioned previously. It's a pretty good ballet flat even in the summer--since only the toe area is truly enclosed, you get a bit of ventilation. The insole is thick enough that you won't feel the ground, but it feels kind of "flappy" because it is not glued in. I am not so sure it would support putting in a custom insole without them falling out, but I suppose you can always give it a shot! It's still just fine for longer periods of walking, but I would very much not wear it on days when rain is in the forecast. Overall it's a perfectly nice lightweight ballet flat, and it should last you at least a couple years of light-to-moderate wear.

Great for wide feet like mine! I have a hard time finding cute, work-appropriate shoes that fit well and don't look orthopedic, but I really like these. I normally wear a size 7-7.5, and ordered these in a size 7 based on another review that said they run a bit large. The 7 was huge! The adjustable strap's tightest setting was way too loose, and my feet were swimming in these even while wearing thin socks. I intend to wear them barefoot or with tights, so I exchanged for a 6.5. Aside from a slight suction noise when walking (which I hope will lessen as I break them in), the 6.5 is perfect. I suggest ordering your normal size as well as a half size smaller for comparison (hooray for free returns!) Comfy, flexible, and great for walking city commuters who want practical comfort without changing into sneakers. Because honestly, pairing running shoes with a business professional outfit looks ridiculous and I'm still young enough to care about things like that...even when I'm on the subway.

These are great. The insole is removeable, so it can be replaced with your own or a basic flat insole to give it more of a barefoot minimalist feel. The leather feels fairly protective for a flat while still having some "give" and flexibility to the sole. Good quality. The strap is a bonus since you won't have to worry about it falling off your feet. The strap is also elegant and dainty, has a feminine look (not clunky or childish.) Runs true to size.

shoe very cute but very wide.

Super comfortable and cute! Wish they had them in a platinum-type color or colors other than black and brown. I'd buy more. I wear a 10.5 and it's so hard to find shoes manufactured that size. These are, and are a great fit!

Cute shoe, but I they hit my heel in a way I thought would be uncomfortable with all the walking in Europe that I would be doing.

Ordered both a 9.5 and 10 not knowing which size i would need. I wear a 10 in my hiking boots, but both pairs of flats were way too big.

Super cute and super comfortable! True to size.

I would also recommend ordering a half size larger. I ordered this shoe in two sizes just to be on the safe side and needed to return the larger. There was an issue with the refund amount, so I called customer service. I can't believe what a wonderful experience I just had! I can't remember the last time I was treated so well and so generously by a huge company (any company, actually). I am seriously impressed. I'll definitely be buying from Zappos more in the future.

Nice casual shoe that fits well. It was a little tight across the top of my foot but softened up after a few days.

Ugly, weird design. The toe box is too long AND too narrow. Makes these look like something a female clown would wear out for dinner.

Style kind of disappointing, but very like Merrell. I love Merrell sneakers, but this shoe did not do it for me.

They're cute shoes and I'm sad to send them back. I have skinny ankles and the velcro straps wouldn't cinch down enough to hold the shoes to my feet. They slapped the bottoms of my feet like sandals because the straps were so loose. I normally wear 6.5 so that's what I ordered and they fit in length and width. If only they'd held to my feet.....

I have been a long time fan of Merrell shoes for their comfort. These do not live up to the level of comfort that I have come to expect from this brand and the fit was just weird, too.

I really liked the look of these, so despite warnings on sizing I grabbed the 5 and hoped. I run between a 5 and a 5.5, so I was hoping the half size would be enough, but nope. These things run really large. It's a shame, they're exactly what I'm looking for in a flat.

Comfy, the back is super cushiony so if it rubs- which is does on my narrow feet, its fine. But I just dont like the way they look. I felt they are too "bubbly" looking.. and the straps just didnt look good in my opinion. I couldnt get used to it, so im returning and finding something else.

First let me say that I love Merrell shoes. But these just aren’t the same. I love the look and was specifically searching for shoes with an ankle strap as I have an awkward gait due to MS, but these just don’t fit right. The toe box lands in a weird spot. They strap is a weird length and there is zero in the way of arch support. It’s hard to explain but you have to hold your foot at an odd angle to prevent them from sliding around. Almost like you are wearing flip flops. Sorry Zappos. These are heading back.

Feels like it has a negative heel and the mid foot is flimsy so it doesn't fit nicely on the foot. Cute style though, just didn't fit right.