These are excellent once you figure out what size you need. I'd never tried Merrell brand shoes in my life, so it was a total guessing game ordering these online as I had to base my decision in regards to size largely on customer reviews (which I read a TON of). From what I could gather, these are supposed to fit your foot like a glove (apropos of its namesake, go figure). And I know these are meant to be worn barefoot; however, I purchased mine to wear for my daily brisk outdoor walk, and I'm also a sock-wearer. The reviews were helpful in that I kept seeing the suggestion to order a half size up if you don't plan on wearing them barefoot. That is an accurate statement as far as I can tell. Since I prefer wearing socks w/my shoes, I ordered an 8.5 even though my usual shoe size is a solid Women's 8. I'm so glad I heeded others' advice and went for the 8.5, because when they arrived and I slipped them on for the first time, I could immediately tell that they fit me just right--a size 8 in these, for me, would've had to be sent back and exchanged. In fact, I find that with the 8.5, I'm able to wear these with OR without socks, should I choose to go sock-less. I can't imagine that being the case had I gotten the size 8. They would've been "suction-cupped" to my feet, so there'd be no other alternative BUT going barefoot. I don't like that. And no wiggle room for sure; no allowance for foot-swelling, etc. (we all have those days). So, I know my whole review only covered the sizing issue, but I wanted to share my purchase experience w/people who may be debating whether they should order their normal size or not, and I thought this explanation might help to make their decision slightly easier. To sum up, it really comes down to what you plan on wearing them for, and whether your preference is for socks vs. no socks. As for the shoe itself, there are so many well-written reviews already posted on here--another reason I wanted to address the sizing matter in particular--but I will say that I'm thoroughly satisfied w/my purchase. I love these shoes; my first pair of Merrells and almost certainly not my last. I ordered the Lychee color by the way, and the orange/gray combo is even more attractive in real life. They're stylish enough to wear as a street shoe w/cuffed skinny jeans and a loose-fit tee. Bonus!
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I bought these in the orange and I'm not exaggerating when I say I've never gotten so many compliments on any clothing item I've ever worn.
Yes, they are adorable and Merrell has been brilliant like Apple was with the early iPods in being bold and fun with colors.
I have a couple of pairs of the Pace Gloves. I do most of my running in a more traditional shoe but one at the lightest end of the spectrum, Mizuno Wave Riders. I found the Pace Gloves just a little too smooshy for my running since I am not trying to transition to anything more minimal. My intention was to wear them casually but also for the large amount of walking I do in my frequent travels. They are so compact and light I figured on trips I could do a little running in them to spare me from packing yet another pair of shoes, yet stay reasonably in shape. Aren't shoes always the dilemma when traveling light for us girls? These are like packing a pair of slippers.
When I got this new model, I immediately felt the difference from the albeit modest amount of additional support. With a shoe this light to begin with, it doesn't take much to make a difference. Reading other reviews of this product on other sites, it seems to be a love or hate thing, so I think it just has to do with how one's foot works with the firmer arch support. For me it was love at first insertion. They don't tax my shins and calves as much as the Pace Glove did on some all-day walking in Europe. I also mix them into my running routine now and then. It makes my legs feel stronger when I go back to the Mizunos. I just wore them on a 12 hour flight to Beijing where I am right now and it's the first time I didn't even bother taking my shoes off during the flight.
Finally, it's just back to adorable. Both models make my feet look smaller, so, say, with shorts or capris in the summer, you can wear a real shoe and not look clunky. And not have to wear socks, either.
I haven't washed them but trust the shrinkage someone mentioned isn't the result of putting them in the dryer, which I wouldn't dream of and which is certainly not advised. Instead of putting them in the machine, I've been just rubbing out the dirty spots with a rag, water and a little soap. No problems and they come clean easily.
Best Deals on Merrell Women's Barefoot Dash Glove Running Shoe
I needed a pair of shoes that looked decent, were light weight and flexible so I could stow them in my luggage for travel if needed, but also would accomodate lots of walking and some bursts of activity with my agility dog. I don't run at all (except for brief sprints with the dog on the agility course), so I wasn't looking for a running shoe per se; I was just looking for something comfortable.
I should add I don't like to wear "real" shoes. I live in sandals (flip flops, Nike slides, birkenstocks), and hate it when the weather turns cold and I have to put something else on. I wear cowboy boots for "dress." I'm just not used to wearing real shoes, but knew I needed something. I went to a local store and tried things on--everything from walking shoes, to cross-trainers, to running shoes, to just plain old slip on shoes that looked decent. What I discovered was that "sneakers" had gotten high tech and weren't a good match for me anymore--all of them seemed to be stiff as boots, but with about three times the padding. If my foot wasn't exactly like the shoe was designed for, they shoes would feel off (often in only one foot!) They all felt horrible!
I was about to give up when I came across these. I like Merrell as a brand and they fit me well. My go-to winter "boots" are a pair of Merrell slip ons with shearling lining. So I tried these, not even knowing they were "barefoot" running shoes. I got my regular size (9) and slipped them on, and they felt great! It was just what I was hoping for: it felt like I was wearing slippers! There is enough padding in the heel so it feels like you're wearing something, but not so much too much padding. I loved how roomy the toe-box was. I walked around the store and decided to get them.
I haven't worn them without socks yet, because its cold where I live, but with socks, they are great, and I almost forget I have shoes on. Super lightweight, comfortable enough that I don't feel entirely "barefoot" but I also can feel the ground under my feet. I was delighted to learn, later on, that they have a water resistant coating too, so I don't have to worry about going out in the rain. Super comfortable, light weight, flexible, but also grippy--what more could I ask for? It's like barefoot, but better!
I have no doubts these would be great for running, but they are also great for just a general all around shoe. I love them! The only thing I don't like is having to tie my shoes--I hate that--but I can get some laces to fix that problem, too!
Honest reviews on Merrell Women's Barefoot Dash Glove Running Shoe
I love the Merrell barefoot line, this is my fourth pair. I have been using the pace glove, lithe glove, and pure train glove all year, for working, hiking, running. most of my running is on trails with the pace glove, but I wanted a shoe to wear during triathlons since the pace glove isn't that comfortable on pavement.
this shoe is very comfortable around my foot, it fits snugly and doesn't cause any sore sports. I was disappointed that it felt heavier and had a thicker sole than the pace glove. I did try on a vivobarefoot shoe and an innov8 one, they both felt lighter and had thinner soles, but the upper just wasn't as comfortable as the merrell dash glove.
I decided to keep this shoe to run races this year, but just hope that Merrell comes out with a lighter and thinner soled shoe to run on pavement.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Merrell Women's Barefoot Dash Glove Running Shoe
After reading all the rave reviews this sounded perfect for my new walking shoe because I have a wide foot and Merrels are always the perfect fit for me. However in this design I needed a 1/2 size bigger for wiggle room and my toes were hitting the top. Otherwise the whole shoe felt great, very comfortable and don't let the light weight fool you, it does have decent arch support.
