Merrell helps ease you into the barefoot running trend with new line of shoes

By April MacIntyre May 9, 2011, 0:26 GMT

The Merrell Pure Glove can be worn barefoot and I prefer wearing them this way, without socks. Merrell designed the Trail Gloves without a removable insole.

Barefoot running has been around since the dawn of man, but it was only in the last century and a half that people wore special shoes to run and walk.

There are many experts and fitness gurus out there that swear barefoot running and hiking is superior for your body, workout and overall health than lacing up in a space age pair of sneakers.

To make a transition trying this out for yourself, common sense rules, and wearing a more natural shoe like Merrell's Barefoot Collection will ensure you do it without injury.

Start by going barefoot, in the home and walking barefoot everywhere you can.

How to land is crucial, as many experts want to land toward the middle or front of the foot, and not your toes (unless you’re doing sprints).

Barefoot shoes with flexible sole and no raised heel or arch support are the transition for many. Merrell, an American shoe company that makes excellent active wear and sports shoes, has created a versatile line of different styles you can choose from.

And don't forget to stretch and massage the Achilles tendon and calf muscle as you land differently on the foot, as a heel impact most runners normally have is replaced by the ball of the foot taking the hit first, making your calves work much harder.

Merrell Barefoot Collection includes the Men’s Trial Glove, an ultra-lightweight upper (microfiber and breathable air mesh) with a synthetic leather foot sling which gives stability and fits like a glove. There is also a fused rubber toe bumper providing durability and a flexible plate in the forefoot to protect the foot from stone bruises.

Merrell Men’s True Glove is an ultra-lightweight upper with a stabilizing rubber rear foot sling provides stability and Merrell Omni-Fit™ lacing system provides a glove-like fit. Merrell Men’s Tough Glove is described as a "minimalist master" with a full grain leather upper wrapping the foot and Merrell Omni-Fit™ lacing system, which gives the glove-like fit. The internal support construction secures the midfoot for optimal fit and support.

All Merrell gloves have a non-removable microfiber footbed treated with Aegis® antimicrobial solution resists odor, 4mm compression molded EVA midsole, 1mm forefoot shock absorption plate (maintains forefoot flexibility and protects the foot by distributing pressure), zero drop, and a Vibram outsole.

For this review, I wore the Merrell Women’s Pure Glove, a Mary Jane-esque minimalist all-terrain show that has a velcro strap for easy on/off access, with a comfortable foot-conforming shape and flexibility with Lycra fabric and synthetic leather upper while a hook and loop Velcro strap provides a secure fit. The Merrell Pure Glove can be worn barefoot and I prefer wearing them this way, without socks.

The shoe feels like you are walking in beach shoes or socks, and has a minimal weight and feel on the foot. I tried running in them and found I was not landing on my heel like I would if I was in running sneakers. You will feel it more in the calf and the ankle, but it was just different, not hurting or feeling uncomfortable.

The Merrell Woman's Pace Glove is designed for more uneven terrain. The shoe boasts the Merrell Omni-Fit™ (lacing system secured with welded TPU provides a precise, glove-like fit) and optimize responsiveness and a breathable air mesh upper made of microfiber, a fused rubber toe bumper, and a synthetic leather rear foot sling providing stability.

Power Glove

The third shoe in the women's collection is the Merrell Women’s Power Glove made of a soft leather upper and glove-like fit with the double Easy Z-Rap™ Closure System.A flexible plate the forefoot protects the foot from stone bruises.

All Merrell Barefoot shoes come in different colors.

http://www.merrell.comchoose

April MacIntyre is Monsters and Critics' smallscreen and people/celebrity editor who loves to visit and celebrate small American and Canadian companies when she can. You can contact her on Twitter