Description
Barefoot without going bare.
If you've been having a hard time finding a minimalist, zero-drop shoe that still offers a touch of cushioning from the road, you simply haven't encountered the Merrell Men's Bare Access 2 Running Shoe. This shoe features a flat profile to enable perfect barefoot form, but 8mm of cushioning and a 13.5mm stack height offer a modicum of protection from hard running surfaces. New for 2013, Merrell redesigned the upper for better durability and fit, and extended the Vibram outsole the full length of the shoe for better traction and protection from rough surfaces.
- Polyester mesh upper is highly breathable and durable
- Synthetic overlays add structure and enhance your fit, while small toe cap protects against stubbing
- Wide forefoot allows toes to splay naturally as you run
- Integrated footbed features 2mm of EVA for light cushioning, and is treated with an Aegis antimicrobial formula to fight odors
- EVA sole offers lightweight cushioning while full Vibram outsole delivers reliable traction and protection
- Reflective details increase your visibility in low light
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Merrell Bare Access 2 Running Shoe - Men's
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Reasonable Minimalism Great Performance!
Andrew Brandt
Member since
Bottom Line Up Front: Bare Access 2 provides the sweet spot for runners looking for light weight and zero drop but not wanting to go all the way to strips of rubber.
Positives:
+ Footbox is roomy and the upper is very airy mesh. Heel cup is very flexible.
+ Vibram rubber soles with uniform traction along the entire sole.
+ Enough cushion to keep feet from bruising, but still able to feel the road.
+ Zero drop to let those calves do the work and save your knees!
Keep in Mind:
- Though Vibram, the rubber is a thinner layer to keep light and will reduce overall durability a bit on all but the most light footed efficient runners.
- Lacing is normal, not Omni-Fit from the Trail Gloves--something they should really bring over to these shoes to make them perfect!
- As with all zero drop shoes transition from standard running shoes should be carefully monitored and gradual.
I jumped into minimalist shoes with a pair of Vibrams a few years back and strained a calf on my first run--knocked me out of the game for most of a summer. Backed off to Asics Blur-33 for the road and kept the Vibrams and a pair of Merrell Trail Gloves for the woods. Loved the Trail Gloves so much that I wanted a pair from the M-Connect line for another foray into roadwork. Felt the Road Gloves would be too much, gave the Bare Access 2 a shot. I'm totally hooked! 100+ miles on them and they have minor wear I'd expect for my 6'1" 190 body and less than perfect stride. I'm a 10.5 in my Asics and a 10 in Trail Gloves and now the Bare Access 2. Once you've worn something like this it's almost impossible to go back to more standard built up marshmallow running shoes. My long run in them is up to just over 8 miles, and I've no doubt they'll see a marathon before they're done.
Quite simply these just feel natural and FUN!
Love them, but fell apart after 3 weeks.
Eric
Member since
I Love these shoes. They are very light, fitting and comfortable. I only wear them from my house to car, and then walk around a carpeted office building all day. I don't run in them. Even with minimal use, the sole on one the shoes has started to separate in two different places. Its been about 3 weeks, so its been to long for me to return unless I pay for shipping. Props to backcountry for taking the return. Boo to Merrell for shoes that fall apart in a few weeks.
I'll buy another pair and hope for better luck next time. They were very comfortable.
Eric
Member since
Hi Mr. Sweet.
I ordered a new pair already, and wearing them now. We will see how these ones hold up, and then I'll redo my review. Thanks for your input.
Two words; bad @$$!
Mr. Sweet
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
These things are just fantastic. SUPER light, zero drop, good padding with insanely good fit. They have a very wide toe box which allows your toes to go as wide as they need to.
I just started running seriously and I am on my 3rd week of training for a half-marathon. These shoes make running on the pavement bearable. I tried running on the paved road with my trail gloves and the texture of the Vibram soles wreaks havoc on my knees and ankles when I start to get beyond 4 miles.
Advice; size DOWN half a size from your typical street shoe size. For example, I wear size 10 in Adidas shoes, I wear a 9.5 in Merrell's.
Good work Merrell!
Mr. Sweet
Member since
Update!!
After 120+ miles in the rain, snow and sleet, these still look brand new! Wear thick merino socks and your feet will still be warm for your run, even in 20 degree temps.
For those running on the road who want a barefoot style shoe, pull the trigger... you won't be disappointed.

Mr. Sweet
Member since