MERRELL Women's Pace Glove Barefoot Shoes, Lavender Lustre

Comments about Merrell 1020631 MERRELL Women's Pace Glove Hiking Shoes, Lavender Lustre:

During summer, I wear these shoes everywhere. They are comfortable and so so light. After conditioning myself to the feel of the shoes for a while and low distances, I now run in these shoes - up to 6 miles on city streets, and haven't had any problems with them. I like them so much, I now have 3 pairs.

Comments about Merrell 1020631 MERRELL Women's Pace Glove Hiking Shoes, Lavender Lustre:

First -- I am NOT a distance runner or hiker. As a gymnast and sprinter/hurdler, long distance running isn't in my vocabulary. In fact, past shoes have given me stress fractures and pain, so i've stayed away from piling on the miles.

These shoes might slowly change that for me. They're incredibly comfortable and I love the fact that I can feel the terrain...gymnasts spend most of their time barefoot and I love that I can simulate that on a run. There is great traction - i'm not afraid of slipping. The shoe fits snug around my foot, true to the 'glove' name.

I had just the slightest bit of pain (achilles, outer shin) for the first 2 runs...but mostly due to figuring out strike/stride patterns while running on paved trails. Other than that, they're perfect to start learning to run longer distances =)

Comments about Merrell 1020631 MERRELL Women's Pace Glove Hiking Shoes, Lavender Lustre:

Finally a minimalist shoe that isn't as weird-looking at Five Fingers!! These shoes are wonderfully flexible and comfortable. I can walk all day in them without pain or blisters. All the things I love in my Five Fingers without the "toes" and the questions that people ask about them!

Comments about Merrell 1020631 MERRELL Women's Pace Glove Hiking Shoes, Lavender Lustre:

I read "Born to Run," and decided I wanted to try running with minimalist running shoes to build up the strength in my feet and avoid running injuries. I only got them a month ago, and am slowly building to using them during the entirety of my runs. For example, the other day I ran 3.75 miles and ran .50 of that with these Merrell's. So far, so good! They mold well to my feet and the sole is thick enough to protect from stones and such on the ground and also provides excellent traction. The other day I was thinking that in a pinch, they would work as climbing shoes. My husband also has a pair that he wears as every day shoes walking around; he is also quite satisfied.

Comments about Merrell 1020631 MERRELL Women's Pace Glove Hiking Shoes, Lavender Lustre:

Very comfortable, lightweight shoes.
I wear them as water shoes, city shoes, or camp shoes.
I would not suggest pack hiking in them as they would do nothing to protect against a sprained ankle, but for light hiking, walking, swimming, or just making camp, they are great!
They take up little space, and are super lightweight.
Very flexible sole, yet supportive arch.
**Had to go a half size up for the proper fit.

Comments about Merrell 1020631 MERRELL Women's Pace Glove Hiking Shoes, Lavender Lustre:

I adore these shoes. I couldn't bring myself to wear the dorky Bikila 5-Finger shoes, but these have proven a delight to own. I started slowly to give my legs and ankles time to adjust to the different sole.

On hikes I found better footing in general, partly because I was more engaged in where I was placing my feet. The slimmer sole also reduced the number of times I tripped over tree roots and what not. They're also good for a bit of scrambling and a touch of bouldering.

I will say that after a couple of weeks travelling in the desert and mountains, they started showing a fair bit of wear on the top sole especially. I tore a hole in the side mesh 3 months in, so we'll see how long the next ones last.

Comments about Merrell 1020631 MERRELL Women's Pace Glove Hiking Shoes, Lavender Lustre:

This is the perfect transition shoe from a more built-up running/hiking shoe to Fivefinger-style shoes or going barefoot. It fits like a glove right out of the box and is super-comfortable while still providing minimal support and protection.

Comments about Merrell 1020631 MERRELL Women's Pace Glove Hiking Shoes, Lavender Lustre:

I work in a hospital so I wear them for both work and play