Merrell Barefoot and form

[acc]

I took my Merrell Tough Gloves (with Injinji midweights) out today for about 3-4mi or 5-7km (mixed walk/run) since it's colder. It seems when I run it is fine as long as I keep momentum. The toe spring is actually more noticeable as I get slower due to less of forefoot flex and less turnover.

When I walk however, I notice I'm more midfoot but the problem for me is that after about 15 miles of wear, I notice that my first metatarsal doesn't really touch the ground due to the uneven tread. Also, it seems that the tread under the toes (where the toes split in Vibram Five Fingers) is actually more than that of the rest of the shoe to compensate for the slight toe spring. Another thing is I notice that there's more extra vertical room for my toes than I need even with socks.

If you haven't seen it, the tread is like this: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_FRrIURxWY/TecRsgCSp8I/AAAAAAAAOBo/IKcZ_wv7gpQ/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG

and toe spring http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAc-yK7AiuE/TecRvKZWJEI/AAAAAAAAOB0/ZOEzPdvEbiQ/s1600/IMG_2087.JPG or http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-11pIZp45qE8/TrG4Ups9OzI/AAAAAAAAACQ/a6r1IuLS6k0/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG

and sole design: http://minimalistrunningshoes.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/technology-soles.jpg

I'm beginning to think it wasn't meant for asphalt or concrete even though it's listed as "MEN'S BAREFOOT - LIFE" (http://www.merrell.com/US/en/Barefoot_Collection). It makes a tapping noise if you land on forefoot on hard surfaces, probably from the forefoot "shock plate". At the end the bottom of my large toe near where it attaches to the 1st metatarsal had a redness akin to abrasion (due to pronation?).

My question is this: is it the 12mm stack height? or is it the Vibram sole that's uneven? or what? It's not horizontal room.

edit: or should I just listen to these guy(s) on Amazon who says they don't live up to barefoot:

However, it's not a match for the Vibram Five-Finger shoes in the ways that it claims for itself. It doesn't live up to its "barefoot" description. The sole is just enough thicker in the middle to effectively immobilize your toes and force you to curl them up uselessly. In fact, your foot is likely to be as stiff and platform-like in the Tough Glove as in a light-weight sneaker with minimal heel. I wouldn't consider running or hiking strenuously in this shoe. If you're ready to try out the 'barefoot' concept in footware, based on the notion that the human foot is a functional adaptation to bipedalism based on five million years of evolution, get yourself a pair of the Vibram Finger-Fingers, the model with the slightly heavier sole, and take your chances with the quizzical stares. Then consider these Tough Gloves as a compromise back-up for fancy dress occasions.

The sole is a little stiff for a 'barefoot' shoe in that it pulls your toes upward compared to the ball of your foot. This kind of makes you feel like there is actually a negative drop in the shoe from heel to toe, and limits the barefoot feel, reminding you a little that you're wearing shoes.

As for barefoot feel, etc. While it was a bit harsh on my arch when I walked on large pointy gravel, I mostly want a thinner sole with more groundfeel and flexibility. These feel like a bit much shoe to be
called barefoot. I was suprised at how thick and hard the sole was, I was expecting less. And I don't go barefoot too horribly often, and have never set foot in a five finger.

- http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Barefoot-Tough-Glove-Brown/product-reviews/B004MAHVNI

[FreeYourToes]

That shoe has the trail glove sole making it intended for trails so its performance will suffer on roads while running. It looks like they called it their "life tough glove" because it looks more like a casual shoe rather then a running shoe so you can use it for daily wear without the funny looks.

Merrell does have a road shoe coming out in the spring of 2012. You can check it out here- http://www.maplegrovebarefootguy.com/2011/10/merrell-road-glove-review.html

[acc]

I feel like the midfoot where the arch curved EVA foam piece is doesn't allow your arch full compression, as evidenced by the Vibram logo on the bottom which is only half or 75% dirty (pictures from after walking in Home Depot last week). They're definitely flexible in the flex of the midfoot in a "toe-off" style position but not so much when midfoot striking (see Running and Rambling: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-koqvArCI6uk/TecRrWnHnwI/AAAAAAAAOBk/AVFhE4fqmsw/s1600/IMG_2093.JPG).

My tread wear:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yJeTjEY2Xg/TsJj-aXuDjI/AAAAAAAAAC4/n4X-aLwO5kA/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG
Forefoot tread wear:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYM4vxw0CrI/TsJkGWq11II/AAAAAAAAADA/5rKv_yNizYY/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG

The problem with Road Gloves is I wouldn't wear them instead of VFF Bikila/Komodosport. They don't look to be warm in winter, nor socially acceptable other than for running. That's the only reason why I have Tough Gloves: DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treated means they don't soak like Trail Gloves/True Gloves/NB Minimus, they don't look super awkward with normal clothes, and the upper is more durable (I already scuffed it slightly though). The Road Gloves also look to have the same annoying toe spring in front, which I feel should have been reduced. The midfoot at the arch looks even smaller.

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26348M/0/Mens/Barefoot-Life-Edge-Glove?dimensions=0 and http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26349M/0/Mens/Barefoot-Life-Slant-Glove?dimensions=0
also are seemingly dissapointing (they seem to use the same outsole as the Road Glove but they're not rounded lugs)

Internal support construction secures the midfoot for optimal fit and support
Nubuck leather rear foot sling provides stability
Vibram® Traction Glove Sole / TC-1 Rubber

[acc]

They've gotten better as time went on, I think I midfoot-strike way more in the Merrell Barefoot than VFFs. There's wear on the entire bottom including the toe portions, and I definitely feel the forefoot shock plate slowing forefoot flex.

[Dailydose]

I just got some Merrell Embark Trail Gloves and have logged about 8 miles both on road and trail.  Some observations:
They just don't feel very "barefoot," my foot feels a little isolated.  My Terra Planas connect my feet to the ground much better.  I can't feel cracks in the road or intricate surface condition changes like in the TPs or either pair of VFFs.
They make tapping sounds while on pavement, but forefoot striking is natural and easy with them.  Like others have said, keeping momentum is key due to the toe spring action.  It was harder to land "gently" than with either of my VFFs on pavement.  I didn't feel pain of any kind, but I don't like the tapping/slapping sound very much.
On the trail, they have excellent grip and allow enough foot/ankle movement to stay balanced and confident while dancing around obstacles and jumping over rocks/logs/etc.  I didn't get them wet, but the gore-tex should help in light rain and the shallowest of puddles.  With the low profile of the shoes, however, the gore tex should be more useful to me in cold weather and packed snow situations where my feet aren't getting water splashed on them, which is why I bought them in the first place.  They should also be useful for walking on trails due to the excellent grip.
They are well constructed and seem like they'll be durable.  They don't look any goofier than a regular pair of sneakers or running shoes people wear around.  I got a good deal on them.

Overall, the jury is still out.  I got them for winter running, so as winter ramps up around here, I'll know more.  I'm not big on the hard surface feel, and I don't like the slapping sound they make.  I do like the off road grip, though, and the look and construction seem top-notch.  The natural forefoot striking ability is nice, too.

[acc]

The only things that make Merrell Barefoot called "barefoot" are zero drop, toebox, weight, arch/midfoot flex and the rounded heel with close to no padding. The forefoot flex /ground feel is similar to normal shoes due to the 1mm forefoot shock plate but you definitely feel everything under the arch+heel. I think Justin measured the stack height at 11mm for Trail gloves. VivoBarefoot is 9.3mm stack height... but there's no forefoot shock plate or uneven tread, which makes a huge difference. NB Minimus (MT10) is 13mm so Merrell isn't that far off.

According to Merrell what mainly makes a barefoot shoe is zero drop, which I don't quite agree with, because that's not all there is to it (http://www.merrell.com/US/en/BarefootConnection).

On a side note, the Trail sole isn't very good on wet tile due to lack of surface area.

[Dailydose]

Yeah, bummed and pleased at the same time...

Forefoot striking is easy as pie with them, and they have great traction on snow/ice/slippery surfaces.

But the toe box is way too narrow to call this a barefoot shoe.

[vice69]

probably just need a break-in period on the sole. my komodos clacked along on the asphalt during my first few runs.  now they pitter-patter their way to barefoot glory, with me along for the ride. 

what can i say, they are very independent, separate toe pockets and all.  gives them an attitude.

[Dailydose]

Ran in the embarks this morning.  It was about 15 degrees F so quite cold.
My feet were very warm and comfortable.  I ran mostly on packed snow and pavement with ice patches here and there.

Excellent traction and easy to forefoot strike.  I'm starting to like them more and more as I get used to them.