Merrell shoes - do they suck? - do elites use them?

Merrell Considerer wrote:

Because I really like the look and (shoestore) feel of them. Your experiences?

My lone experience (Bare Access 2) is that they are fantastic. I just hit 500 miles on them, the soles have minimal wear, and there is a slight wear/tear on both shoes that I typically have seen earlier in other shoes. I have done everything from 1k repeats to 20 mile runs in them.

I don't wear socks and one thing that I have noticed is that I didn't get any blisters or any other chaffing like I do with other shoes when I go 15+ miles. I would sometimes get a blister on the balls of my feet or the back would rub my achilles. The backs definitely don't come up as high (compared to a couple pairs of NB's and adidas I have) and I like that feel as well.

The shoes are well constructed, but they don't offer that many models.

No elites wear them, but a lot of mid pack trail runners do.

I love the fact that these are basically minimalist shoes but with a sole that kicks ass. ie Stepping on a rock does not ruin your day. Cushioning is practically nonexistent and that takes some getting used to if you have been molly coddled with big bouncy supportive shoes your whole running life.

I had light trail shoes. I loved them but the upper ripped on both shoes after wearing them about 10 times. I have never had this happen before or after the Merrells.

Please list your PRs.

abubenjamin wrote:

My lone experience (Bare Access 2) is that they are fantastic. I just hit 500 miles on them, the soles have minimal wear, and there is a slight wear/tear on both shoes that I typically have seen earlier in other shoes. I have done everything from 1k repeats to 20 mile runs in them.

Minimalisma wrote:

Cushioning is practically nonexistent and that takes some getting used to if you have been molly coddled with big bouncy supportive shoes your whole running life.

And how is practically no cushioning a good thing? I smell injuries all around. Achiles, shin, you name it.

Minimalisma wrote:

I love the fact that these are basically minimalist shoes but with a sole that kicks ass. ie Stepping on a rock does not ruin your day. Cushioning is practically nonexistent and that takes some getting used to if you have been molly coddled with big bouncy supportive shoes your whole running life.

As above ^

I have Merrell Trail Gloves and they are amazing on most surfaces. I just don't wear them on asphalt or on trails with lots of loose, pointy stones.

Skeptichic wrote:

And how is practically no cushioning a good thing? I smell injuries all around. Achiles, shin, you name it.

I suggest you try them and then come back to see if you change your opinion (or not). You sound like all the non-runners who say running is bad for your knees.

Like Minimalisma said it takes some time to get used to them, especially for the Achilles/calves.

After that? They are light, have an amazing sole, are very resistant to wear and tear and my adductors' injury disappeared - that was the reason I started wearing them.

Merrell Considerer wrote:

Because I really like the look and (shoestore) feel of them. Your experiences?

I have been running almost exclusively in the Bare Access model for the last 6 months.

I agree with the above poster, very durable. Not well cushioned but I find most shoes lose that cushioning factor quickly anyway.

I am planning to try another pair of Merrell soon, I'm not sure which model.

I run 25 miles/week at around 9 min. pace.

I have been running trails in the Mix Master II for several months. I am very happy with the fit, feel and wearing of them. I run about 35-45 mpw these days. FYI, I was a 3:56 1500, 9:15 steeple, 14:51 5k guy. I'm currently about a 16:00 5k guy.

Not elite by any means but I really wanted to win a pair at this race I did and this pro guy Joe Gray won it. However he did give them away to some random homeless in the city which pissed me off because I wanted them

After many years in "supportive" shoes I am currently using Glove 2 but man, running on pavement might be beating me up. I'm also worried about achilles flaring up. I know I need some time to get used to these, but does one get used to the lack of cushioning?

Merrelly wrote:

After many years in "supportive" shoes I am currently using Glove 2 but man, running on pavement might be beating me up. I'm also worried about achilles flaring up. I know I need some time to get used to these, but does one get used to the lack of cushioning?

I did get used to it but I felt I was risking injury so I stopped using them on pavement.

Listmaniaman wrote:

Please list your PRs.

abubenjamin wrote:

My lone experience (Bare Access 2) is that they are fantastic. I just hit 500 miles on them, the soles have minimal wear, and there is a slight wear/tear on both shoes that I typically have seen earlier in other shoes. I have done everything from 1k repeats to 20 mile runs in them.

1:57 800

17:04 5k

1:32 HM

I don't know what my PR's have to do with a shoe review, but ok.

Listmaniaman wrote:

Please list your PRs.

abubenjamin wrote:

My lone experience (Bare Access 2) is that they are fantastic. I just hit 500 miles on them, the soles have minimal wear, and there is a slight wear/tear on both shoes that I typically have seen earlier in other shoes. I have done everything from 1k repeats to 20 mile runs in them.

And yes, I am aware my HM PR is slow compared to other PRs. I used the shoes during a marathon build and they were great for me.

Is it only me that immediately sees every well-written and positive response as the OP pretending to carry on an objective conversation but is really just promoting something through an elaborate subterfuge? I can't see responses like the below without my BS-o-meter running wild:The enthusiastic realist:

Another happy but realistic guy:

The fast guy:

And the coup de grace, the honest, slower guy who even links to the entire Merrell men's selection:

Total B*llsh*t. If my post gets deleted, I would assume it's actually site advertising done in-house.

Sorry Salt Lake but I am not part of the conspiracy I do wear Merrells.

Salt Lake City man wrote:

Total B*llsh*t. If my post gets deleted, I would assume it's actually site advertising done in-house.

So you don't agree with someone and immediately dismiss their opinions, reviews, suggestions as BS?

How can I prove to you that this is not the case?

Would you give me your e-mail address so that I can send you

pictures of me training and racing in Merrell Trail Gloves? I even have video footage.

Why would I ever want to advertise Merrell products?

If anything I am in favor of trying different things and seeing what's best for you.

Last time I bought running shoes it was between Merrell and Reebok and I went for the latter.

So, how about your e-mail address?

I tried these for 1 week (gradual increse in length of runs) because I really REALLY believe in them, but when my achilles started to complain I had to go back to my old ways, very regretfully. I'm stuck with the body that has been used to supportive bouncy shoes for 30 years.

There is no evidence that minimal shoes prevent injury or help runners find their bliss. They are expensive. Elites don't wear them.