Merrell initially marketed them as a barefoot transition shoe, but seem to have realised that there are people, like me, who want zero drop with some cushioning. They are now marketed as a running shoe in it own right and also come in a trail and more cushioned 17mm stack height Ultra version.
Now, let me just let the cat out the bag... this is my favourite running shoe for anything up to a half marathon. I'm a forefoot striker, so high-heeled running shoes are crazily annoying. My criteria in order of importance are zero drop, some cushioning, wide toe box, narrow heel and mid-foot. This leaves surprisingly few shoes and the Bare Access fits the spec perfectly. For longer runs, Merrell has now released the Bare Access Ultra model with extra cushioning.
I find it strange that these shoes are not really supported by mainstream running shops. Yes, the barefoot trend is something of the past, or at least in the mainstream, but a natural running form is still generally regarded by serious runners to be the the most efficient and least impact-full way to run. To me this implies shoes close to zero drop, but there are still only a handful to choose from.
Now, let me just let the cat out the bag... this is my favourite running shoe for anything up to a half marathon. I'm a forefoot striker, so high-heeled running shoes are crazily annoying. My criteria in order of importance are zero drop, some cushioning, wide toe box, narrow heel and mid-foot. This leaves surprisingly few shoes and the Bare Access fits the spec perfectly. For longer runs, Merrell has now released the Bare Access Ultra model with extra cushioning.I find it strange that these shoes are not really supported by mainstream running shops. Yes, the barefoot trend is something of the past, or at least in the mainstream, but a natural running form is still generally regarded by serious runners to be the the most efficient and least impact-full way to run. To me this implies shoes close to zero drop, but there are still only a handful to choose from.
I'm reviewing the Bare Access 2, but really there are not many difference to the latest Bare Access 4, except a more supportive heel.
Specs from Merrell
UPPER / LINING
• Barefoot construction
• Mesh and synthetic upper
• Reflective details for increased visibility in low light
• External heel stability arm
• Barefoot construction
• Mesh and synthetic upper
• Reflective details for increased visibility in low light
• External heel stability arm
MIDSOLE / OUTSOLE
• 0mm Drop / 8mm Cush / 13.5mm Stack Height
• Integrated microfiber footbed treated with Aegis®
• Merrell Bare Access 2 Sole / Vibram® Pods
• 0mm Drop / 8mm Cush / 13.5mm Stack Height
• Integrated microfiber footbed treated with Aegis®
• Merrell Bare Access 2 Sole / Vibram® Pods
Men’s Weight: 7oz (1/2 pair)
Fit
The shoe has a wide toe box which I love. The toe box is not as wide an Altra, but I think Merrell has nailed perfectly. The shoe still looks like a "normal" runner and not like a chunky slipper. The heel and mid-foot are narrow, however, I have narrow feet and the shoe still felt a bit loose. I like to have minimal movement inside the shoe to reduce the chance of blistering. I later remedied this by adding a removable in-sole (it comes with a fixed in-sole).Durability
The shoe has excellent durability. I've done will over 1000 km and it should be good for a few hundred more. The Vebram sole is starting to wear through at the initial contact point. The build in in-sole started to wear and get rough spots, but I fixed they by adding an in-sole, which actually improved the fit in my case. The inside back of the heel is starting to wear and develop rough spots but doesn't bother me at this stage.Pros:
- Perfect shape
- Zero Drop
- Minimal but still offers protection
- Durable
- Price
Cons:
I struggled to think of any.
- Shoe laces too short
Running form Tips:
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