Merrell Bare Access Shoe Review

Merrell Bare Access

I'm lucky to be friends with Pete Larson from Runblogger.  We both share an almost unhealthy obsession with running shoes.  But we both come at it from different points of view.  He is very analytical.  I'm more emotional.  He can tell somebody all about the technical reasons a shoe works a certain way.  I can't.  I can just say how it feels on the run.  Regardless of how we go about it, we both just can't resist a new shoe and both of us have a huge closet of shoes to show for it.  I have purposely never sat down and figured out how much money I've spent on shoes.  I don't want to.  I'm afraid.

Pete from Runblogger.com

The reason that I'm lucky to know Pete is that he is a very unselfish person.  He has put me in touch with many shoe companies to help him test/review shoes.  He runs mostly roads.  I run mostly trails.  He runs less mileage, with short fast runs.  I run lots of miles and do lots of slower long runs.  What works for one type of run might not for the other.  Therefore our combined feedback is helpful to many shoe companies.


One company that Pete has connected me with is Merrell.  I recently reviewed the new Mix Master II, which I loved.  You can read that review here. About a month ago, they sent me the new for 2013 Bare Access.  This is the first release in the M-Connect Series.  The series is a "collection of minimalist footwear and lightweight apparel for outside people".

Vibram Sole

The Bare Access is a zero drop shoe with uniform cushioning from heel to forefoot.  Merrell's claimed weight is 7oz.  My size 10.5 weighed 7.4oz so that is a realistic weigh for a size 9.  When I put them on I was immediately reminded of the fit of my first pair of Merrell barefoot shoes, the Trail Glove.  But way better.  I always loved the feel of the Trail Glove, but I didn't like how the hard sole hurt my feet for long runs or running on pavement.  The new Bare Access has much more cushioning with their 13.5mm stack height.  The fit on the BA is amazing.  It feels like the shoe is wrapped around your forefoot, but your toes have tons of room.  I can only describe it as like standing on the edge of a diving board and having your toes hang off the board.

Perfect Toe-Box

I took them out of the box I immediately went for a 10 mile pavement run.  In the first 1/2 mile I was aware of the very minimal heel counter.  There is no padding on the collar and I was concerned that my Achilles would get irritated. But that wasn't the case.

Heel Counter

Within a mile I forgot all about it.  I usually can't stand any support under my arches.  These shoes have considerable arch support, but for some strange reason it just feels right.  I can't explain it.  Perhaps it just hits my arch's in the exact location. I actually love how it feels.  With the PF that I have been battling all year, I find that my feet don't hurt at all in these shoes.  Unlike most minimal shoes, the tongue on this shoe has some nice padding.

Excellent Ventilation and nice soft tongue

I find that the new trend of using a tiny piece of cloth for a tongue can leave the top of my foot irritated.  These feel great!  I finished the run with no blisters and still amazed at the completely perfect fit.

13.5mm Stack Height still feels minimal, but cushioned enough not to hurt!

You can read all about the specs for them (and order a pair) here.  They sell for $90 and I think that they are a bargain.  I have worn them almost every single day since getting them.  They have taken over from my Skechers Bionics as my favorite everyday shoe.  That says a lot.

Yes Please!!!!

Today I received a big box with the rest of the M-Connect series, soon to be released.  I can't say anything about them yet, but there are a couple in there that I am really really psyched about.  For now, the combination of the Mix Master II and the Bare Access are an awesome duo.