Merrell Bare Access 2
Let me first say, I am not a avid runner. I don't even like running. To be completely honest I hate running. (Wow, that escalated quickly!) I am foremost a hiker. I would much rather hike 15 miles with a full backpack than jog for 3 miles. However, I do try to exercise regularly on my local trail system and there are ways to trick yourself into enjoying it.
Enter... "trail running"! There is a vast difference between jogging around my neighborhood/toiling on a treadmill and trail running. Trail running is a great way to trick myself into thinking I'm having fun in the woods when actually I'm just jogging. The Merrell Bare Access 2 running shoes were the catalyst to making it all "run" smoothly.
Barefoot / Minimalist Running Shoes
The minimalist running shoe market has exploded in recent years. There are a few categories of this type of shoes, I won't go into them all, but the Bare Access 2 is in the Barefoot Running Shoe group.The biggest key to this group of shoe is the 0mm heel-to-ball drop. This is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe from the ground. Couple the 0 drop with just an 8mm thick midsole and the low-profile lugs on the Vibram® nonmarking rubber solesand you have what feels like a pair of ultralight slippers on your feet! The even, flat layer of cushioning leaves you with a barefoot sensation. The strategic placement of grooves on the bottom of the soles give you an added freedom of movement.
Walking on air.
This is one of those products you have to feel to believe. When I first put them on and walked across the room a stupid grin broke over my face. :P The lack of weight on your feet is noticeable. You feel like you are gliding across the room. It's really weird at first...My first run on the trail was a joy! (Says the guy who just said he hates running.) I could feel sticks, leaves, soil types through the soles of the shoe. The trail felt like so much more than just a pounding surface. My feet could adjust to the contour of the earth beneath them with each stride. I still don't love running, but these shoes made a huge difference to my mentality on the trail. The closest description I can use to explain it would be like a hybrid between jogging shoes and moccasins!
Side note: These shoes are perfect "camp shoes" for around camp after a long day of hiking. With the comfort value and lightweight material of these shoes, I like to pack them as my bum-around shoes. (I've angered the ultralight backpackers.)
• Nylon mesh uppers provide good breathability.
• Sling material to stabilize heel.
• Reflective surfaces for safety in low lighting.
• Moisture-wicking lining.
• AEGIS Microbe Shield® antimicrobial layer.
• 8mm EVA midsoles.
• 0mm heel-to-ball drop
• Vibram® nonmarking rubber soles
• Low-profile lugs and sticky rubber grip pods
• Machine washable!
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