Like walking barefoot only better!
Bunions, foot surgeries, wide feet, you name it my feet have had it, so finding shoes that are comfortable and yet give me what my feet need to go all day and work and play hard is difficult. But these do it! My first day with these and I was non-stop motion for hours on end and at the end of the day my feet felt great. I love the fit and better I love that they are not overly structured which causes my feet to ache. Better than barefoot, I love these and will most likely own more than one pair!
✔ Verified Purchase
This is a minimalist shoe
I have been wearing my Merrell Vapor Glove 5 since I received them. They were unlike my last pair of Merrell minimalists in that these are very minimalist. If you have worn or seen the Vibram 5-finger toe shoes, these shoes equate with those, minus the toes.I read other reviews that they are stiff, and yes, they are somewhat stiff. I feel like there is a breaking-in period, though. The true judge of any shoe for me is whether I have hip or knee pain after wearing them. NO, I do not have any pain after wearing them to the gym or out running.I would prefer a roomier toe box, but that definitely isn't a deal-breaker. The only question left is how long I can wear them before the comfort is gone and I must replace them. My last pair of Merrell's had a great shelf-life; so, I'm hoping these have a similar one.One last note, mine fit me fine, but if I worked a thicker sock, the fit would be tight.
✔ Verified Purchase
A
Amanda Middaugh
April 05, 2023
Great shoes
Very lightweight, very flexible, very comfortable. I ordered my normal size and had no issues with the fit. Great for hiking if you're not carrying a heavy load on your back (ankle safety). The soles are awesome. You can leap onto big rocks and not worry about losing your footing. I noticed they seem quite breathable as they kept my toes nice and cool on a short 2 mile trek in the woods and I didn't slip and slide going down steep muddy hills. I'd buy these again.
✔ Verified Purchase
M
Mary L. Tonka
April 18, 2025
Difficult sizing
I’m normally a size 7.5, but reading all the reviews about being small or narrow I ordered the 8.5-and glad. They are a narrow shoe. An 8 would have been too narrow and short. These are an inch too long but at least wearable. They’re comfortable and will do for hopefully awhile, if they are a true Merrell.
✔ Verified Purchase
S
Shopper gal
June 29, 2024
Hurts at top foot lace area
The shoe itself is comfortable and true to size. However, the laces go through material that is stiff like cardboard - and that piece cuts into the top of my foot and hurts - very uncomfortable in that area. I could not tolerate walking in them for more than a minute due to that piece digging into the top of my foot. I had to return them. Therefore, I cannot recommend these shoes. I suggest that it be redesigned to get rid of that piece for the laces & go back to fabric material like other Merrell designs. I love Merrell shoes - but not this one.
✔ Verified Purchase
Depends on your definition of barefoot/minimalist
I'm sure some people will like this shoe, but it was not for me.It's a well-made shoe, attractive color, highly flexible vibram sole, zero-drop heel.BUT the hard sole curves up at the sides (both inner and outer) and cinches in at the middle of the foot, so it's not a flat surface. This interfered with my natural gait -- exactly what I was trying to avoid. Also, although the toe box looks like it should be wide enough, it wasn't; my toes felt boxed in. (If you're between sizes, size up.)A barefoot shoe is supposed to feel like you're not wearing shoes. It is not supposed to restrict your movement in any way. If you've worn a real zero-drop, barefoot/minimalist shoe and loved it, this shoe is not it.
✔ Verified Purchase
Great shoes!
I have plantar fasciitis and my feet hurt all the time I take my dogs for a walk. I have bought several different kinds of shoes hoping one of them would help but they only helped a little. I bought these shoes after doing some research on them and I have to say that I love them. For the first time I can walk the dogs with no pain at all. I brag about them all the time and now both my daughters are buying a pair. I haven’t had them very long but I wear them everyday so I’m not sure how durable they are but so far they are great!
✔ Verified Purchase
