We were one of the few minimalist runners who wear-tested sales samples of the Merrell Barefoot Collection of zero drop and low drop (4mm) minimalist running shoes 4 years ago at the Running Event in Austin, TX. As recent as last summer, Merrell has been pushing the AllOut Collection with a whooping 6mm and higher heel-to-toe drop instead of the Barefoot Collection. That explained why we never wear tested any models from the AllOut Collection. We are one of the few remaining true believers of zero drop and low drop (4mm or lower) minimalist running shoes. Unfortunately, only a few dedicated brands exist in that category: Skora, Topo Athletic, Altra Running, and VIVOBAREFOOT. There are a few isolated models from Newton Running, Merrell, Skechers, and New Balance that fall into the true minimalist running shoe category.
After 25+ years of running in heeled-cushioned shoes with orthotics (getting injured, extreme knee and back pains) and jump-started over 5 years ago doing all my activities injury-free and pain-free in minimalist shoes, I unequivocally recommend only minimal shoes for all your activities including running, track & field, cycling, walking, casual, gym, etc. The pendulum will swing from maximalist shoes back to minimalist shoes in about two years and settle again in lightly cushioned, zero or low drop minimalist shoes – my prediction.
[pricing_table]
[pricing type=”big” price=”85″ title=”Vapor Glove 2″ moretext=”more…” url=”http://weartested.org/merrell.php” window=”new”]
[feature] Men’s version [/feature]
[feature] Women’s version [/feature]
[feature] Zero Drop, 6mm (Heel/Forefoot) [/feature]
[/pricing]
[pricing type=”big” price=”110″ title=”Trail Glove 3″ moretext=”more…” url=”http://weartested.org/merrell.php” window=”new”]
[feature] Men’s version [/feature]
[feature checkmark=”x”] Women’s version [/feature]
[feature] Zero Drop, 12mm (Heel/Forefoot)[/feature]
[/pricing]
[pricing type=”big” price=”95″ title=”Bare Access 4″ moretext=”more…” url=”http://weartested.org/merrell.php” window=”new”]
[feature] Men’s version [/feature]
[feature checkmark=”x”] Women’s version [/feature]
[feature] Zero Drop, 15mm (Heel/Forefoot) [/feature]
[/pricing]
[/pricing_table]
[pricing_table]
[pricing type=”big” price=”100″ title=”Bare Access Ultra” moretext=”more…” url=”http://weartested.org/merrell.php” window=”new”]
[feature] Men’s version [/feature]
[feature] Women’s version [/feature]
[feature] Zero Drop, 17mm (Heel/Forefoot) [/feature]
[/pricing]
[pricing type=”big” price=”110″ title=”Pace Glove 3″ moretext=”more…” url=”http://weartested.org/merrell.php” window=”new”]
[feature checkmark=”x”] Men’s version [/feature]
[feature] Women’s version [/feature]
[feature] Zero Drop, 13mm (Heel/Forefoot) [/feature]
[/pricing]
[pricing type=”big” price=”100″ title=”Bare Access Trail” moretext=”more…” url=”http://weartested.org/merrell.php” window=”new”]
[feature] Men’s version [/feature]
[feature] Women’s version [/feature]
[feature] Zero Drop, 16mm (Heel/Forefoot) [/feature]
[/pricing]
[/pricing_table]
[pricing_table]
[pricing type=”big” price=”90″ title=”Bare Access Arc 4″ moretext=”more…” url=”http://weartested.org/merrell.php” window=”new”]
[feature checkmark=”x”] Men’s version [/feature]
[feature] Women’s version [/feature]
[feature] Zero Drop, 15mm (Heel/Forefoot) [/feature]
[/pricing]
[/pricing_table]
For Spring/Summer 2015 and available for purchase starting next week, Merrell Barefoot is finally re-launching their latest zero drop running shoes that we have grown to love a few years back: Vapor Glove, Trail Glove, Pace Glove, and Bare Access. Grab them before they disappear…
Merrell Barefoot Men’s zero drop models
Merrell Barefoot Women’s zero drop models
