I have had my Bare Access for well over 6 months now, probably closer to 9. I had some problems with the transition from full-cushion shoes to the barefoot shoes mainly because I was a bit cavalier and impatient. Now I have made the change and am running up 8 to 10 km with my Bare Access and have had no problems with the shoes. They have probably gone close to 80 miles and some of that running is done when the temperature is -20C. My next pair is going to be the Flux Glove.

I've become very fond of my Merrell foot gloves, but let's face it, for most of us that smidgen of a cushion can lead to some sore heels and uncomfortable stone bruises if you're using them on streets or clambering over rocky trails. This shoe is certainly no glove -- it fits like an extremely light, comfortable, pliable runner -- but that's OK with me since I was looking for a little more sole when hiking and walking on pavement. Have only run in these when chased, but they seem to provide plenty of support with good ground feel. The toe box is a little wider, which makes sense since these are a more structured shoe, and that makes them extremely comfortable. They seem a tad larger all around and take a light sock quite happily. I have also worn another pair as a cross-trainer and like their performance on wood, too.

I bought these as after a 20+ KM run in my trail gloves (which I adore), pads can get a little sore and just a little cushioning on recovery runs gives a welcome respite. These shoes provide exactly that, without excess cushioning or the poor design characteristics of traditional shoes. 3 star review however, is a result of some problems. The Trail Glove fits, quite literally, like a glove - these however do not. They are the same size as my trail gloves but you can clearly see the extra length to them and the extra volume in the entire foot. These are a 7.5 - there is only one size smaller yet they are visibly, several sizes removed from my identically sized Trail Gloves - that does not make any sense. Dropping half a size cannot remedy the volume issue and as a result, these require a lot of body glide or a thin sock to ensure arriving home with the same amount of skin as I left with ! I have exactly the same problem with my winter shoe, the Sonic Glove. Merrell, why oh why would you size your barefoot range differently ? Barefoot running leads to shorter feet, with wider forefeet only. The absence of socks and insoles means extra volume in the main part of the shoe is wholly unnecessary.

Loved these shoes for the first few weeks! Took a few days to get used to and then I wanted to wear them quite often. I was hoping that for $100 or so I could get a pair of shoes that would last me a while, as my last pair of Nikes lasted only 4 months! BUT these shoes have lasted only 3.5 weeks! Yikes. Like another review on this site, I'm disappointed. And, I hope that I too will be contacted by someone from customer service and I can be happy again. I'd even be prepared to pay a little extra to get a better, more enthusiastically reviewed paired. I guess we'll see

I picked up these shoes in May and they quickly became my go-to shoe whenever possible, they are very comfortable and my feet like all the room in the toes and how light they are. However, I was disappointed when I realized they were falling apart. Both shoes have the soles separating from the shoe itself.