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Merrell Bare Access Arc 2 review

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Last Updated on November 2, 2012 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP

Earlier this summer I came across a pair of sneakers that I absolutely fell in love with: the Merrell Barefoot Run Bare Access Arcs.    A zero drop shoe with the feel of a sneaker.  I put them through the wringer: at the gym, in the box, on the trails.  They were so comfortable, and at 4.9 oz, so lightweight it was almost like wearing nothing at all.  Which was also the problem.  The only complaint I had with the Access Arc was that it felt somewhat flimsy, like it would self destruct at any moment. I was wishing Merrell could have made the Access Arc more like the glove series: the dash or the lithe have been to running hell and back with me, including Spartan races and subsequent trips through the washing machine.  The bottom sole of the Access Arc 1 felt very foamy, not the traditional vibram sole I was used to with Merrell’s barefoot series.

So needless to say, I was incredibly excited when Merrell contacted me asking if I’d like to review the newly remodeled second generation of this shoe: the Run Bare Access Arc 2.


What Merrell says:

You want the feel of barefoot, but also some cushioning? Enter our Bare Access Arc 2, which adds uniform toe to heel cushioning that buffers impacts while still letting your foot land flat. Lightweight and low cut, this is perfect for transitioning to barefoot, and features a synthetic leather and breathable mesh upper with rear heel stability. Vibram® pods on the Bare Access Shape sole stick and spring off of any surface.

SPECS:

Women’s Sizes: 5-11
Women’s Weight: 5.5oz (1/2 pair)

UPPER/LINING
• Cement construction
• 51% textile upper
• Low cut upper
• Bellows tongue keeps debris out
• Lining treated with Aegis® antimicrobial solution

MIDSOLE/OUTSOLE
• 0mm Drop / 8mm Cush / 8mm Stack Height
• Lightweight EVA Midsole
• Merrell Bare Access 2 Sole / Vibram® Pods

Women’s Sizes: 5-11
Women’s Weight: 5.5oz (1/2 pair)

 
What I say:

As soon as I received the shoes, I immediately put them to work on a run/hike up a local mountain here in Southern Vermont.  Immediate differences I noticed:

Top: Bare Access Arc
Bottom: Bare Access Arc 2

1) The sole was a little stiffer. And by stiff, I don’t mean uncomfortable, simply not the same “foam” feeling (thus, what I feared would fall apart quickly) as the first edition of the Access Arc.  It had the traditional Vibram sole that I was accustomed to with the Merrell Glove’s…with a tiny bit more traction.

2) Less of an upper/around the ankle cushion.  The first edition included a  Lycra® neoprene lining around the ankle which was nice, but not necessary (can be seen in the picture above).  The Access Arc 2 does not have the cushion (again, see above photo), and has a much lower cut on the upper, making it more of a tradition minimal shoe in that respect.

3) A greater feel and sense of overall durability. I felt less guilty stomping through the muddy trails with the Access Arc 2’s as i did with the light, airy, first edition of this shoe.

OVERALL:

 I completely agree with Merrell that this would be a great transition shoe for those looking to go to a full barefoot shoe (or barefoot, period)  I would also suggest that this shoe be transitioned into slowly if you are coming from a very supportive, very cushioned shoe, as this is a minimal shoe with a zero drop.   While more cushioned than one of the Merrell Gloves or a Vibram Five Finger, the Access Arc is still not “cushioned”, they *are* a minimal shoe.

I have used mine as both a trail shoe and a work shoe, standing in them for up to 9 hours at a time, and have had no issues or complaints.   They get the Run Faster, Mommy! seal of approval.

 
The Access Arc retails for $90 and can be purchased online or at your local Merrell retailer.
 
So, what are you waiting for? GET OUTSIDE !!

 

 
 
*This is not a compensated review.  Merrell provided me with a pair of Bare Access Arc 2’s at no cost, however, opinions expressed in this post are solely my own.

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Comments

  1. Thanks for the review! I have a pair of the older Access Arcs and definitely know what you mean by them feeling more foamy and not as sturdy. I’ll have to try this new version out too!

    Reply

  4. I’ve been running in the dash gloves but am looking for a teeny bit more cushion. Just ordered the arc 2 from Amazon for $71. Thx for the review!

    Reply

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