Changing up your running and training routine to include Merrell barefoot shoes will help you and your feet discover a closer connection to the world around you. I'm stuck at my desk writing this, but I encourage you to read up on how bad-ass Merrell barefoot shoes are, buy some, and then get the heck outside. The smart kids at Merrell have built a collection of low-profile, 0mm drop footwear that will magically help you build even greater strength, stability and stamina, all while unleashing the power and health benefits of the body's natural running stride. I guess it's more scientific than magic, but whatever. Merrell calls it finding your Merrell Bareform, so I'll just go with that. Spell check hates the term Bareform. Anyway, below you will find a bunch of videos and words that will help explain how barefoot running will forever change your fitness and training, and why Merrell barefoot shoes are the way to go.

Learn about the basics of barefoot running from the ground up, literally. This video includes some stretching and muscle strengthening exercises, as well as some invaluable advice that will help get your barefoot training routine off on the right, um, foot.	Check out the difference between a traditional running form and Merrell's Bareform running technique, and how barefoot running will benefit your body. The video includes some step-by-step instructions for creating better posture and mastering the Bareform running technique.
Barefoot running probably won't do you any good if your form sucks, you guys. This video helps explain all the benefits of barefoot running on your entire body and being. I would say this is a pile of you-know-what, but my Trail Gloves have sold me on barefoot. For real.	Okay, so you've taken the leap to abandon a traditional running technique and are out there tearing it up barefoot style. Now what? This video helps transition you from beginner barefooter to a bad-ass athlete who fully incorporates barefoot running into their training routines.

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The Best Questions, Topics & Shoes (click to learn more)

Why Barefoot Running?  •   Why Merrell Barefoot Shoes?  •   Merrell Bareform  •   Barefoot Shoes for Running  •   Barefoot Shoes for Training
Men's Trail Glove  •   Men's Sonic Glove  •   Men's Road Glove  •   Women's Pace Glove  •   Women's Lithe Glove  •   Women's Dash Glove

 

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Why Barefoot Running?

Well, barefoot running is definitely attracting some attention now-a-days folks, and why wouldn't it be? Barefoot running helps you develop your body's natural running form, and helps you build strength. Even more importantly, Barefoot lessens the risk of injury as well, so don't be afraid to push yourself. You get the most out of your adventures. Find your perfect fit, and slip on some Merrell Barefoot shoes to experience what the hype is all about. I know you're interested, I can tell by your facial expressions. I know, I know, I'm good.

 

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Why Merrell Barefoot Shoes?

Merrell Barefoot shoes are ideal for those looking to maintain form and a healthy body. Whether they're for running, training, water sports, or for casual use, these shoes will ensure a lot of stimulation, alignment, and strengthening will be happening while you wear these during your activity. So, these shoes will keep your body aligned for better posture, and strengthen those leg muscles so you can show them off in the summertime, or anytime. Merrell Barefoot shoes are for people who want results, and results are what you'll get folks.

 

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Merrell Bareform

Changing from a traditional, heel-strike landing running stride to a Merrell Bareform stride will help your body build greater strength and stability, create a new and improved alignment and posture, and increase stimulation as you train outdoors. Below are three easy steps to finding your Merrell Bareform and the most significant benefits Merrell's Bareform running technique has to offer. If reading isn't your thing, check out the video just to the right over there to learn more about discovering your own Merrell Bareform.

1. Align your posture - Align your body over your midfoot by standing up straight with your shoulders slightly back and relaxed. Your arms should be bent between 45 and 90 degrees. The benefits of this improved alignment and posture include a more open chest that makes it easier to breath, a more relaxed body overall, and it creates better focus on core muscles.
2. Balance your foot-landing - Bareform includes your feet landing nearly "pancake flat" beneath your hips instead of a stressful impact on the heel extended away from the body. This type of foot-landing benefits you by creating a faster cadence and preventing over striding, making you a more efficient runner because shorter strides help conserve and maximize energy. You will also tap into the body's natural propulsion system that incorporates the proper ligaments and tendons to power your body forward. Your knees should remain bent and flexible while you run, which will help spread out the absorption of the energy your body creates versus focusing it all on the heel. The result is greater stability and balance in your stride and movements as this is a more natural way your foot was meant to land when running.
3. Count your cadence - Once you begin your fitness life as a barefoot runner, count the number of times your feet contact the ground as you run. A good barefoot running cadence means you will be running at approximately 180 steps per minute, which is a good indication you are using short and efficient strides and achieving some pretty effing awesome Bareform. You will feel the difference, you guys. I'm here to testify.

 

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Merrell Barefoot Shoes for Running

Merrell Barefoot shoes are great for a number of different activities, but running is the one activity these shoes are perfect for. Barefoot running stays away from the common form of running, which can result in stressful impacts, a posture that is out of alignment, and an inefficient stride. Barefoot running focus on posture and alignment, allow you to run the way you wear meant to run. Why do things if you're not going to do them the right way? Barefoot running is definitely the right way to run. Why is this? Well, Barefoot Running allows you to get an ultimate ground feel while you run and keeps your body relaxed while getting you into better shape. In addition, it also reduces risk of injury. This is so legit.

Having the right pair of shoes for Barefoot running is key. With Merrell Barefoot shoes, your feet are kept cushioned, so your every run is comfortable. Also, you can ensure your body alignment is on point, and your feet are kept flat as you run, run, and run. I know you love running. That's why I kept saying run. Nice, huh? And don't be worried about the surface being an obstacle, thanks to the Vibram Soles on these shoes. Oh yeah, and Merrell Barefoot shoes resist odor. No one likes smelly feet.

 

 

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Merrell Barefoot Shoes for Training

Of course, you'll want the perfect barefoot shoes for training. Whether you're running through a trail in the rain, or doing intense training on hard surfaces in the sunshine, Merrell barefoot shoes for training have what it takes to keep up. The outsole of Merrells training shoes make sure rain or moisture won't get to your feet, and the Vibram sole can handle even the toughest of surfaces. Don't be afraid to take the long, messy way home in these.

The point of efficient training is to build greater strength, endurance, stability and agility, and that is exactly what Merrell's barefoot training shoes will do for you. Changing to a barefoot training routine will benefit your entire body and better prepare you for kicking ass on race day. You perform how you train, so practicing good Merrell Bareform in their barefoot training shoes will help transform you into a healthier and more efficient athlete. Below are the best Merrell barefoot shoes to add to your training routine.

 

 

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Men's Trail Glove

Merrell's Men's Trail Glove is a bad-ass barefoot shoe that is built to handle your favorite outdoor runs. The Trail Glove weighs in at a mere 6.2 ounces per shoe so it literally feels like you are wearing no shoes at all, and features 4mm compression molded EVA midsole cushions to provide an ideal amount of support on rough terrains. The Vibram sole offers plenty of protection for you trail ventures, and the 0mm ball to heel drop design keeps your feet connected with the terrain below to maintain that barefoot feel.

FEATURES of the Merrell Trail Glove:
Upper/Lining: micro fiber and breathable air mesh upper  •  Merrell Omni-Fit lacing system secured with welded TPU provides a precise, glove-like fit  •  Fused rubber toe bumper provides ultimate durability  •  Synthetic leather rear foot sling provides stability  •  Flexible plate in the forefoot protects the foot from stone bruises  •  Integrated micro fiber foot bed treated with Aegis antimicrobial solution resists odor  •  Midsole/Outsole: 4mm compression molded EVA midsole cushions  •  1 mm forefoot shock absorption plate maintains forefoot flexibility and protects the foot by distributing pressure  •  0 mm ball to heel drop keeps you connected to your terrain  •  Wash as needed in cold water, gentle cycle and air dry  •  Vibram Trail Glove Sole/ Rubber Compound TC-1, non-marking  •  Vegan friendly footwear  •  Weight: (1/2 pair): 6.2 oz / 175.8 gram

 

 

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Men's Sonic Glove

Merrell's Sonic Glove is built to handle you most rugged barefoot training routines, and can also be laced up for a day racing out on the trails. The upper on the Sonic Glove is a breathable and flexible softshell that hugs a foot, and pulls moisture out to help feet stay drier longer. There is a Vibram sole down there that provides some incredible traction on most any terrain, and minimal cushioning creates a true barefoot feel and awesome flexibility.

FEATURES of the Merrell Sonic Glove:
Upper/Lining: Barefoot strobel construction offers flexibility and comfort   •   Fabric upper   •   EZ Clean finish sheds dirt and precipitation   •   Merrell Omni-Fit lacing system secured with welded TPU provides a precise, glove-like fit  •   Integrated micro fiber foot bed treated with Aegis antimicrobial solution resists odor  •   Midsole/Outsole: 4 mm compression molded EVA midsole cushions  •   1 mm forefoot shock absorption plate maintains forefoot flexibility and protects the foot by distributing pressure  •   0 mm ball to heel drop keeps you connected to your terrain  •   Vibram Trail Glove Sole/ Rubber Compound TC-1, non-marking  •   Vegan friendly footwear  •  Weight: (1/2 pair): 6.2 oz / 175.8 gram

 

 

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Men's Road Glove

The Merrell Road Glove is for the barefoot runners who prefer to get a bulk of their miles out on the pavement. The Road Glove has a super breathable and lightweight air mesh upper to help feet breathe and stay cool, and a integrated Dri-Lex footbed treated with aegis antimicrobial to resist odor. This flat out may be the best shoe available for true barefoot runners, and is constructed to offer flexibility and comfort you have to experience to believe.

FEATURES of the Merrell Road Glove:
Upper/Lining: Barefoot strobel construction offers flexibility and comfort   •   Synthetic leather and breathable air mesh upper   •   TPU overlays and synthetic leather rear foot sling provides ultimate stability   •   Reflective details for increased visibility in low light  •   Fused rubber toe bumper provides durability and protection  •   Internal support construction secures the midfoot for optimal fit and support  •   Integrated micro fiber foot bed treated with Aegis antimicrobial solution resists odor  •   Midsole/Outsole: 4 mm compression molded EVA midsole cushions  •   0 mm ball to heel drop keeps you connected to your terrain  •   Vibram Road Glove Sole / TC-1 Rubber, non-marking  •  Wash as needed in cold water, gentle cycle and air dry

 

 

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Women's Pace Glove

The Merrell Pace Glove shoe is a pretty awesome choice for women looking for an all-purpose adventure shoe for barefoot running. If you have nice feet the Pace Glove will do everything it can to protect them. The Vibram Trail Glove sole offers great protection from rocks, roots and other crap the trail will throw at you, and a fused rubber toe bumper provides ultimate durability. Ladies love the Pace Glove so much Shape Magazine called it the Best Trail Running Shoe in their 2011 Shoe Guide.

FEATURES of the Merrell Pace Glove:
Upper/Lining: Microfiber and breathable air mesh upper  •   Merrell Omni-Fit lacing system secured with welded TPU provides a precise, glove-like fit   •   Fused rubber toe bumper provides ultimate durability   •   Synthetic leather rear foot sling provides stability  •   Integrated microfiber foot bed treated with Aegis antimicrobial solution resists odor  •   Midsole/Outsole: 4mm compression molded EVA midsole cushions  •   1mm fore foot shock absorption plate maintains forefoot flexibility and protects the foot by distributing pressure  •   0mm ball to heel drop keeps you connected to your terrain  •   Vibram Trail Glove Sole/ Rubber Compound TC-1, non-marking  •   Vegan friendly footwear  •  Wash as needed in cold water, gentle cycle and air dry  •  Weight: (1/2 pair): 4.7 oz / 133.3 gram

 

 

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Women's Lithe Glove

The Merrell Lithe Glove is a great barefoot shoe for both training runs and tearing up a trail on race day. The Lithe Glove has a Vibram Trail Glove Sole designed to offer close-to-the-ground protection and traction, and lets you move with a smooth, natural barefoot stride over an array of terrains. The flexible softshell upper hugs your foot and is breathable to help release moisture and keep feet dry. The Lithe Glove is a super durable and comfortable all-purpose shoe for barefoot runners, you guys.

FEATURES of the Merrell Lithe Glove:
Upper/Lining: Stobel construction offers flexibility and comfort  •   Synthetic leather and fabric upper   •   DWR-treated upper repels water and resists staining   •   Reflective details for increased visibility in low light  •   Integrated microfiber foot bed treated with Aegis antimicrobial solution resists odor  •   Midsole/Outsole: 4mm compression molded EVA midsole cushions  •   1mm fore foot shock absorption plate maintains forefoot flexibility and protects the foot by distributing pressure  •   0mm ball to heel drop keeps you connected to your terrain  •   Vibram Trail Glove Sole/ Rubber Compound TC-1, non-marking  •   Vegan friendly footwear  •  Wash as needed in cold water, gentle cycle and air dry  •  Weight: (1/2 pair): 6.5 oz

 

 

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Women's Dash Glove

The women's Dash Glove is a super flexible and comfy barefoot running shoe that is designed for the runner that does a lot of their training out on the pavement. Merrell built the Dash Glove with a DWR-treated upper to repel water and resist staining, and added some reflective details for increased visibility when it's all dark outside. The zero drop cushioning offers a true barefoot running experience that will help you better align your boday and strengthen muscles.

FEATURES of the Merrell Dash Glove:
Upper/Lining: Barefoot strobel construction offers flexibility and comfort  •   Synthetic leather and breathable air mesh upper   •   DWR-treated upper repels water and resists staining   •  TPU overlays and synthetic leather rear foot sling provides ultimate stability  •   Reflective details for increased visibility in low light  •   Fused rubber toe bumper provides durability and protection  •   Internal support construction secures the midfoot for optimal fit and support  •   Integrated microfiber foot bed treated with Aegis antimicrobial solution resists odor  •   Midsole/Outsole: 4 mm compression molded EVA midsole cushions  •   0mm ball to heel drop keeps you connected to your terrain  •   Vibram Road Glove Sole / TC-1 Rubber, non-marking  •  Wash as needed in cold water, gentle cycle and air dry  •  Weight: (1/2 pair): 5.8 oz

 

 

Love the madness,
Moosejaw