Merrell Women's Barefoot Run Bare Access Arc 2

I don't like buying shoes on the internet, but I needed new treadmill shoes (I walk at a fast pace on an incline, because I hate running with a passion of a thousand suns), and I wanted ones that looked nice and weren't neon and hideous, so after reading the reviews of these I went ahead with the purchase. About 3 minutes after putting them on, I got right back on Amazon and ordered the men's version for my husband. Now we walk around singing "I Love My New Shoes" from that cat book that our young children love to have us read to them at bedtime.Pros:These are seriously lightweight shoes. It makes your feet feel so light compared to my old tennies, that I bolted up the stairs like a gazelle.They are nice looking and not hideous. Granted, this isn't the most important thing while exercising, but I'd like a shoe that I can wear on long days on your feet activities (going to Disneyland, the zoo, etc.), and have a shoe on that doesn't scream "I am Fitness Machine!" nor "I am a bloody American, dangnabbit!" (This seems to apply to European adventures.)The arch support is amazing. They suck onto your feet like you wouldn't believe, and fit great through the heel and arch (and I have narrow feet which often make my feet feel like they are sloshing around regular shoes), but the toe box is not cramped, with plenty of toe wiggle room.The material is very thin and lets air through to cool your feet. I must admit that I have not tried these shoes on without lightweight socks on as well. I don't like wearing enclosed shoes without socks, they seem to make my feet sweat even more, which is a problem for me when it's hot. In the summer, even though I exercise in my air-conditioned house in the basement, my feet get so hot when doing my treadmill walk that last summer I abandoned wearing tennis shoes at all and just wore the cushie bottomed Teva flip flops instead. I haven't worn these in the summer, but I can tell they let a lot more air in and I have high hopes that I can wear these without serious foot-overheating. I can't see myself liking any tennis shoe as well as these. I foresee myself getting these as they wear out over and over again.Cons:I had to wait two whole days to get them.

This purchase is the second purchase I made. The first time I purchased these shoes, I found them at a brick and mortar store and tried them on. I fell instantly in love. They are extremely comfortable, and lightweight. They have no bulky features, and they provide ample space for toe movement. The vibram soles provide ample traction, and I've yet to slip in these shoes. I purchased the black pair in a size 8, and they are true to size. I was so happy to find a pair of running shoes that weren't hot pink or neon purple/yellow/green/*insert annoyingly bright color here* that I could wear running and for casual wear around town and not be a beacon for an airport landing strip.I've been wearing my first pair for the past 7 months on and off. There is hardly any signs of wear, except for the plastic ends of the laces. They have worn off and are now frayed. I've washed and dried them several times. Worn them barefoot while kayaking (completely soaked them in the lake/stream), hiking, running, walking, etc. I've put these shoes to the test. The only reason why I purchased a second pair (which are still in their box) is the fear that Merrell will stop making this brand and I'll have to go for another shoe hunt for the perfect shoe. The thought of that disaster makes me consider purchasing a third pair so I'm set for life….I'm not joking - they really are that good.I have gotten endless compliments on these shoes, even after the torture I've put them through, and recommended Merrell Barefoot Bare Access to everyone looking for a pair of high quality comfortable shoes; except for my worst enemy. I advised them to purchase Sketchers Shape-Ups so I can laugh at them.I'm not one to double purchase, or stock up on anything. I'm also not one that raves and raves about any type of clothing, I'm super picky and hate most clothing styles. I'm a tech geek; my raving is saved for tech geek stuff. However, these shoes I just can't stop raving about. They aren't for everyone, but you'll never know how great they are if you don't give them a try and find out if you'll be raving about them too.

I absolutely love these shoes! I have fibromyalgia and arthritis- both of which affect my feet which makes finding comfortable shoes VERY difficult. I bought my first pair of Merrel Barefoot Run Bare Acess Arc 2 shoes almost two years ago and have worn them almost every day since. Even after several washings, hundreds of hours in the gym, etc- they still look really good. But- I can tell they are just starting to loose their form. So about a month ago, I started my search for a new pair of shoes. After trying on numerous pairs- including being fit at specialty shoe stores, trying several pairs with more structure and support that professionals suggested I might need given my conditions, my feet just couldn't handle it. I even bought a couple pairs- wore them around the house for a couple weeks and after constant foot cramps for two weeks- I took them back. SO- I gave up and luckily found my beloved Merrell style of shoes here on Amazon for much cheaper than on the official Merrell site! Just incase this style becomes discontinued- I invested in four pairs. This is how much I love these shoes and the comfort they provide my feet. I'm not a runner- but I do walk a lot, and do other low impact exercises at the gym. They are SO light weight, breathable, easy to wash (just throw in the washing machine, cold water and on a gentle setting then air dry), and provide good treading for various surfaces. And like I mentioned earlier- they are durable. My original pair lasted so much longer than any pair of Nikes, Adidas, or any other name brand I've ever owned in the past. I do find they run a little on the small side. I normally wear a size 8.5 shoe- but I wear a size 9 in the Merrell brand (even tho they do stretch out a little once worn for a little bit).

Once I got the right size sorted out - I needed a half size smaller than I usually wear - I was able to try these out. I have been transitioning to barefoot style shoes over a couple of months and have had no problems in moving into these. I have had knee and foot pain for 20 years and have worn orthotics. I have been weaning myself off them for a while after I read Joanna Hall's Walkactive book and started using her walking technique. I am now 95% pain free in my knees and feet. There are two things stopping me giving a full five stars. I have wide feet and although the toe box is plenty big enough the shoes are very snug over the top of my foot. Next time I will go for the Men's' version to get the extra width. Also they are not waterproof which has been fine over the summer but is becoming problematic as the autumn kicks in. Come on Merrell - bring out a waterproof version!

These are great trainers. I do not use them for running as I have problem feet and can't run. They do however, seem to ease some of the pain I suffer as a result of general walking. I bought them to walk around New York on holiday and whilst I am not pain free, I noticed a significant difference. Perhaps barefoot technology is the way to go. Just wish you could get everyday shoes in this style rather that shoes that are targeted for runners. These are only recommended for warm weather wear as they upper is made of a mesh fabric and are super lightweight.

My hubby persuaded me to try them, he's an avid user of the Merrell Barefoot range his enthusiasm for them borders on the obsessive. I've tried many brands in the past; Nike, New Balance and others but none, with perhaps Brasher as an exception, provided the instant fit and comfort these provide. I highly recommend them, they avoid the squishy uncertainty of conventional thick-soled so called shock absorbing footwear and provide a zero toe to heel platform which is perfect for correct posture whether walking or running, great shoes.

Bought these for a Walkactive training day and was thrilled that they didn't rub at all even though it was the first time I'd worn them. Very comfortable and flexible. Lightweight too. I think I will be buying more of these in the future.

I love the colour and the fit. They are very lightweight and comfortable. I would love another pair in a different colour.