Merrell Bare Access XTR review: a zero-drop shoe for natural runners

The Merrell Bare Access XTR is an excellent blend of familiar running shoe and barefoot trail ripper

Merrell Bare Access XTR
(Image: © Merrell)

Advnture Verdict

Normal-shoe looks with zero-drop, foot-shaped chassis and minimal feel, the Merrell Bare Access XTR is a good option for natural runners

Pros

  • +

    Uncontroversial recommendation for most people

  • +

    Good value

  • +

    Nice looking

Cons

  • -

    Midsole could be livelier

  • -

    Tightly spaced lugs limit mud grip

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First impressions

Straight out of the box, the Merrell Bare Access XTR look very high quality shoes – probably not a surprise from a brand like Merrell. They’re not super wide, but the shape is perfect for me so they feel accommodating. Using the thumb test, the midsole feels very firm but that should help with protection.

At first glance the Merrell Bare Access XTR have a distinctly ‘normal’ running shoe appearance, but delve a little deeper and their foot-shaped and minimal principals shine through. As an example you’d think there was a heel-to-toe drop, but your foot actually sits in the midsole, rather than on it, and more so at the rear.

The mesh upper is foot-shaped and broad but not super wide. The gusseted medium padded tongue help with comfortable lacing; a good lock down and secure heel lock are easily achieved. Overlays, heel counters and toe bumper features are all subtle but present.

Specifications

RRP: $100 (US) / £95 (UK)
Gender availability: Men’s, Women’s
Weight (per shoe, men’s UK11): 260g / 9.2oz
Colors: Magma (Deep Red) / Black
Drop: 0mm
Compatibility: All trails

On the trails

For some barefoot/natural runners these won’t be ‘bare’ enough. But they’re zero drop, low stack and, for me, a great all-rounder. They are super useful for summer trail running, and you could run longer in the Bares than in most more-minimal shoes, especially if you’re new to natural running.

In terms of grumbles, I wish the midsole was a bit more responsive, with a more bouncy TPU feel. The lugs ‘fill in’ a bit after mud sections too – more spacing around the studs could help, and some more obvious directional lugs might increase grip on slimy surfaces.

There’s 17mm of stack, rear and fore, including a Vibram outer which uses 3mm lugs for grip. It’s not super sticky but performs well, only sliding around dramatically for me in some deep snow and sticky mud.

The midsole is firm but still provides comfort over rough terrain without muting ground-fell completely. The minimal design and light weight encourage fast feet while the midsole adds a level of protection for worry free fast descending.

Paul Barton

Mid-pack fell-plodder Paul has been writing about his outdoor adventures for about ten years. Initiated by a move from Coventry to the Peak District in 2010, Paul quickly evolved from jogger, reluctant gym-goer and occasional camper to full-blown fell-obsessed trail runner and wild camping adventurer. Paul’s 2016 attempt at the Cape Wrath Ultra was only curtailed (on day six!) by an infected big toe; the story of its Vesuvius style release, with supporting photos, is something Paul is too keen to share.