Customer Reviews Merrell Bare Access Arc 4

I tried 3 different shoes with the goal of replacing my worn out vibrams. I enjoy a barefoot feel (zero drop) but need a slightly thicker sole due to our rocky hiking paths. Bare Access Arc 4 These worked out great. Perfect fit - nicely snug but not too tight. Great flex when I kneel or climb on rocks. BRIGHT color (I like it). Nice fit around the ankle. Very slim appearance Bare Access Trail Toooooooo tall feeling. Coming from years of vibram use, these felt really tall. Too much distance between me and the ground. I eliminated them right away. Ankle was also too loose. Bare Access Ultra I liked these but they didn't have the best fit. Too loose for my narrow ankle and too tight at the widest part of my foot. Roomy toe box but tight right before. They also felt taller than the Arc 4.

I really love these shoes. I'm new to a zero drop shoe and wasn't certain what to expect, but not only are they super comfortable (as in, wear all day comfy), but they don't aggravate my lower back as my other shoes do when I walk long distances. I wear thin, ultra low socks with these, so I can't comment on the bare foot feel of it, but I love how my posture seems somehow readjusted after wearing these shoes. I'll never go back to the old clunky style of athletic shoe.

I LOVE the Bare Access Arc 4 model. Never would have thought a shoe with so little arch support & no heel/toe differential would actually cure my 65 year old feet, but almost from the start they did. My podiatrist put me in arch supports & told me I'd have to wear them the rest of my life. Arch supports don't work in Bare Access, so I, just for kicks, tried them anyway. Wore them around the house & actually forgot I had them on (I go barefoot in the house in warm weather...also,against podiatrist recommendation). These shoes are the next best thing to being barefoot. Outside is a little different. You do feel rocks, gumballs, etc (that's when I first realized I was still wearing the shoes I thought I would be returning), but my feet adapted to that in no time. I do regular 10k walks in Bare Access Arc 4s. My orthopedist says go for it. Last cortisone injection was 2 years ago! PLEASE Zappos, make Merrell bring back the Fuchsia/Coral color from a couple of years ago.

I like these shoes so much that I have bought them 3 times. I especially like the toe box which is shaped a little differently and more foot-like. I like that they are not bulky and that you can feel the terrain thru the shoe - but not in a bad way.

I love these shoes! Im a 8.5 or 9. Depends on width. I went with a 8.5 with these and am happy about it. Most likely because the toe box is nice and wide. I have a half size bigger foot and the toe grazes just a hair in the big foot. I don't wear socks with these guys and they were quite comfortable for a 2hr rigorous walking hike. If I wear thick socks they'd be too tight on the big foot. They didn't need to be broken in, just put them on and go! Super light feel, good tread for light trails My GF got a pair the next day because I was raving about them so much. She loves them too! She also bought her normal size and they fit perfect.

Love these running shoes. They are lightweight but have enough tread that I can run on dirt trails. They are a bit wider than the last pair of merrell running shoes but they still work (I have a narrow foot). I've worked out in them now for three weeks and so far they are great. I would purchase again.

I always love Merrell shoes but now I cannot find a style that works for me. They are not the same, the heel is to wide, the sole is more rigid, and the arch support is not in the same place so it feels kind of funny. But, I'll keep them because is the best of what I've tried so far. Sorry Merrell, please bring back the old Bare Access and the old Glove!

My wife has very high arches and was able to wear these right out of the box and we've already ordered a second pair. Fits true to size, does not control her foot which is what she is after - a completely neutral shoe.

I love the feel of these shoes, but they were too narrow on me. I have wide feet and can normally wear Merrell shoes. These ran narrow. I loved them so much that I ended up buying the men's version. I also recommend sizing down a half size. I usually wear a 10, but a 9.5 (and an 8 mens) fit me.

I am not a sneaker expert, and I had hoped for a slightly thinner, lighter shoe, but Merrell is not making the ones I wore out any more and I am happy with the fit and feel of these new ones. I wear these shoes for kick boxing, HIT training, and other gym classes, as well as walking. Very comfortable.

These are great shoes. They are very light and comfortable. The toe box is wide, which is good for my bunions. The sides of the shoe in the mid foot are pretty snug, though, which is ok with me because I have narrow feet (though I had to get used to it) but that may be an issue if you have wide feet.

Excellent shoe- I'm recovering from hammerhead toe surgery (6 weeks post op) and I ordered up a half size- shoe fits very well. Toe box is nice and wide to accommodate my wide feet and swollen toes on right foot. Vibram sole is structured, cushioned, provides excellent arch support and doesn't feel too thin like other Vibram soles. I really love this shoe! Toe area is very well protected with a sort of toe guard as well.

I bought these for a two week trip that involved a lot of walking. They are super light and comfortable. The first day they pinched a little on the sides of my left foot (they do run narrow), but after that they were perfect. I would buy these shoes again!

This is a nice shoe with a roomy toe box, and lightweight construction. There is enough sole to not feel as barefoot as in the glove type barefoot from Merrell, but there is so little arch support, that I can see my foot pronate, arches falling in, as I walk. I thought this would aggravate my plantar fasciitis in the long run. Otherwise it's a very likable shoe.

I really like the feel and comfort but am not super impressed with the durability. I've had these for almost five months of occasional wear just walking on pavement and there are holes in the sides and the material on the inside of the toe box is actually separated from the body of the shoe. I won't buy again.

These are great for hiking and the gym. They do take a little bit to get used to, so don't wear them for hours the first time out or your feet will hurt.

I have bad feet -- pinched nerves, weak arches. I bought these knowing it was a gamble, but it paid off. Somehow I really don't need arch support wearing these. And the wide toe box is wonderfully comfortable without being too wide. The day after these arrived, I wore them several hours walking on pavement at the state fair. My feet had no complaints after. I've worn them every day since.

I love this sneaker! I was looking for something very lightweight, for travel, and this was it. For me, the wide toe box area was a big plus (I have a neuroma and many shoes aren't comfortable). It's a perfect walking shoe, and the turquoise accent is very nice, too!

LOVE these shoes! I have tried zero-drop shoes from other brands and other Merrells, and this specific shoe is the most comfortable zero-drop athletic shoe for me. I hope they keep making them!

I love these shoes - returned the 7 and kept the 8, which was true to my size for Merrell. The shoe hugs my foot but not too tight anywhere, nice and minimal but not totally flat. I wore these all over Vegas for a fitness conference and had no problems. No breaking in period. Nice arch support and my feet/legs did not fatigue. I'm not a fan of padded running shoes but can't go totally flat all day either so these were perfect. My only complaint about Merrells ever is that the barefoot shoes and sandals get stinky after a while even with clean feet!! Just sayin'!

These shoes are just what I was looking for. I have slightly wider feet and the front part of the shoe accommodates for that and even gives my feet a little room. They're lightweight yet I can feel arch support which I really prefer. The colors are just what I was after too.

I love Merrell's and these are very comfortable. nice colors and lots of toe room. I'm on my feet all day working on very very hard floors and Merrells are the best. Great arch support.

My 4th pair of Merrill Bare Access and I really love this pair in particular. I have now run 600 miles in them, including my first marathon and a half marathon. Most miles have been dirt roads and they are just now showing some wear in the sole. Uppers look brand new. Yes, the soles on these are a little stiffer than older models but that's been great for stone protection. These shoes are minimal shoes, they don't have a lot of arch support, but that's why I started using them. I wanted my feet to take over and get stronger, if they could. It took some time after making the switch to these shoes, but my soles toughened and if I wear a shoe with an arch now it feels weird.

I love these shoes! They are nice and a bit minimal, without being too minimal. The sole is just right, I don't feel everything I'm stepping on, but it is still in the thinner side and very flexible. The toe box is nice and roomy. Very comfortable and, I think, nice looking shoes.

GREAT shoe! I love how my heel is lower than my toes. Such a comfortable, lightweight shoe. Could not be happier with fit and style. Perfect toe box so toes are never uncomfortable.