Monday Shoe Sneak Peek and Giveaway

The first in our week of shoe review previews and giveaways—the zero-drop Merrell Bare Access Trail

This week, we’re offering a sneak peek at several shoes we’ll be reviewing in full in our fall spring shoe review (October issue, available on newsstands Sept. 11.) Each day, we’ll feature one shoe and offer a free pair to one lucky reader.

To be entered in today’s giveaway for a pair of Merrell Bare Access Trail shoes, just leave a comment on this page by midnight tonight (Monday). Winner will be randomly selected, notified and announced on trailrunnermag.com tomorrow.

Note: As per manufacturers’ limitations, shoes can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s shoe sneak peek and giveaway!

Merrell Bare Access Trail

$100 | 8.3 oz | 0mm drop

At a scant 8.3 oz, the zero-drop Merrell Bare Access Trail is a truly a barely-there, minimalist shoe with few bells and whistles. The narrowly spaced, 4mm lugs allow for easy cruising on dry trail (not so much in mud). The thin, flexible midsole is best suited for those who relish “ground feel” on the trail. Cushioning is every bit as minimal as the rest of the shoe, so we found it ideal for short, speedy runs where agility is a priority.

Best For:

• Those new to minimal or zero-drop footwear
• Shorter-distance (under 10 miles) races or training runs
• Strengthening calves, arches and ankles

How It Fits:

• True to size, albeit snug through the midfoot
• Well suited for narrower-footed runners

Tester Rave:

• “I had a quintessential 5-mile trail run along the Piedra River in the San Juans. The trail was amazing—into a box canyon with high walls, forested sections and meadow—but I think it was the shoes. I was in love with this minimalist shoe the first time out … for how I felt connected to the ground, as well as for the speed and relative comfort. The rugged ups and downs didn’t seem to be a chore, and there was ample traction to handle the sections of loose rock when the trail went from hillside down to riverside and plenty of grip on wet leaves.” –Nicole Blouin, Santa Fe, NM