In contrast, we feel the heel is a bit wide and spacious, to the point where it is almost loose. out of 5 stars with 3 reviews for Merrell Bare Access XTR Eco Sweeper Trail Running Shoes - Women's Show Reviews Ask and answer ( Number of questions: 2) You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 16 Hottest Nike Air Max Styles and Deals Right Now, Find Stability in Topo’s Lightweight Ultrafly 3, Pick Up Your Trail Pace in Brooks’s Catamount, We Raced in Hoka’s Fastest Shoe: The Rocket X. Runner's World participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, An economical choice for zero drop aficionados. Celebrate the unsung heroes of every race, marathon, and 5K with the Merrell® Bare Access XTR Sweeper running shoe. This is a … If foot protection is of primary importance, then we would recommend another shoe to you. https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a28721813/merrell-bare-access-xtr-review The volunteers "sweep up" after the last person crosses the finish line and now Merrell … For this reason, we find it to be better for shorter distances, training runs where form is more important than a fast cadence, and trails that are not overly rugged or buried in jagged rocks. These shoes are designed to keep you in closer touch with the ground, and as long as you don't require tons of underfoot padding, will last long enough to present a good value. This is very nearly the lightest trail runner in this review, but also comes with some of the least underfoot protection. Transition to your longer and faster runs gradually in the Bare Access XTR. The fact that it is so low to the ground with such a thin layer of cushioning ensures that you won't be able to bumble along, stomping on rocks as you go, but will enjoy scampering nimbly along the trail, placing your feet carefully as you do. We also found this shoe to have a very supportive arch and a snugger than normal fit, which means that the foot remains properly aligned within the shoe, and there is no slippage when one is running either across a side-hill or straight downhill. Trail running shoes continue to get more expensive year after year, a distressing reality for budget-minded runners since shoes are an item that are seemingly always in need of replacement. The zero-drop platform still places 17.2mm of material between you and the dirt (the majority of which comes from shock-dampening EVA foam and heavy-duty Vibram rubber) and TPU overlays shield the lateral sides of the upper’s lightweight mesh. This is a very stable shoe, one of the main advantages of having a zero-drop platform that rides so low to the ground. Others just want to get some fresh air and exercise. 30 % 4 Rated 4 … We're here to... How to Choose the Right Trail Running Shoes. This trait is the distinctive factor that separates it from its counterpart, the original … GearLab is reader-supported. They are a great choice for runners who rarely tackle highly technical terrain, and instead want a low-riding, stable and sensitive experience on fast trails. The Merrell Bare Access XTR are a zero drop shoe that is among the most affordable in this review. Multimedia: Image. BTC Runners Rewrite 10,000-Meter All-Time Lists, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. On the other hand, it does not grip as well on slippery surfaces such as mud and snow, or wet grass and loose dirt, due to the relatively short and non-aggressive design of the lug pattern. 1 total review. Lightweight mesh comprises the majority, which is covered by some thin TPU overlays that add structure, but unfortunately do not adequately cover the most high wear areas, specifically the crease points in the forefoot of the shoe, which are prone to early and easy tears. For a pinch of stability, the XTR uses a basic TPU film counter that arcs over the heel, and does just enough to keep neutral feet planted. Now, another prominent outdoor brand, Merrell, is joining the cause with their Bare Access XTR Sweeper trail running shoes. Perhaps the best way to describe the Merrell Bare Access XTR is as a barefoot shoe that has been beefed up with a bit of extra cushioning underfoot to allow for slightly more aggressive running styles. The RW Takeaway: Lace up the Bare Access XTR for going fast with excellent ground feel on well-groomed to moderate trails. How we test gear. Let us know! Product Discontinued by Manufacturer. With these restrictions in mind, we chose to rate it lower than most of its competitors when considering comfort. Support throughout the foot reinforced [my] confidence in its stability and traction. Close to the ground and void of heel raise, the Bare Access XTR connects trail athletes to the ground beneath their feet. We frequently rely on heart rate monitors and pace calculators to inform our running (not necessarily a bad thing), but we often forget that some of the best feedback we can get as runners comes from what’s on—and under—our feet. Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper; Review Summary; Customer Reviews Merrell Bare Access XTR SweeperWrite a Review. It also has a very supportive arch, which is so pronounced that some may find it uncomfortable. “For someone who would prefer less cushioning to ‘feel the trail,’ this would probably be a good minimalist shoe to consider,” one tester said. We recommend the Merrell Bare Access XTR because they are exceedingly affordable, in comparison to the zero drop shoe we like the best, which is not. ... View the reviews … Our experiences running and hiking in these shoes out on the trail backs up these findings, they are noticeably lighter than other shoes we usually run in. The Merrell Bare Access Flex is a unique crossover that will be incredible for some runners and less so for others. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Economical, low to the ground and stable, lightweight, zero heel-toe drop, Narrow fit, tread is a bit light duty, not much cushioning. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Celebrate the unsung heroes of every race, marathon, and 5K with the Merrell® Bare Access XTR Sweeper running shoe. Shop Merrell Women's Bare Access XTR Sneakers online at Macys.com. [The Bare Access XTR] would be perfect for the person who does primarily trail runs and prefers a more minimalist shoe.”, Ahmaud Arbery Was Killed a Year Ago. These shoes weighed a mere 18.2 ounces per pair for our men's size 11, making them one of the lightest choices you can buy. Here playing games with the puppy Rishi on the trail. Get it Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper Courtesy Image Merrell Turns Its Focus to Footwear With Bare Access XTR Sweeper. “The fabric breathed and provided great circulation; my feet were never sweaty,” one tester said. This shoe emphasizes sensitivity and proximity to the ground, although it does have a stack height of 17 mm that is made up primarily of dense foam. Between the overlays and heel counter, the upper may look pretty substantial at a glance, but it’s actually extremely lightweight. The main culprit in imparting this sensation to the foot is the very high arch combined with a narrow fit through the midfoot. They are far more supportive underfoot than the only option lighter than them, giving a great minimalist feel that also still feels like wearing a shoe. A zero-drop platform and flexible midsole mean you don’t have to swear off cushioning to run like a minimalist. Put it all together, and you have Merrell’s final blueprint: a nimble trailblazer that tunes you in to your body as you move, which is key to becoming a better runner. Deep flex grooves span both the outsole and midsole to keep it agile and quickly adaptive across changing terrain and elevations, and sticky 3mm Vibram lugs offer adequate traction for tempo runs on wet leaves and tight cornering over loose dirt and gravel. Attention runners! It has a tough outsole made for both trails and road with a flexible barefoot-style zero drop … Got feedback? The XTR packs more cushioning and shock absorption than similar barefoot models like the Trail Glove 5, but still prioritizes a close-to-ground feel above all else. Its 17mm stack height is right up there with the very lowest to the ground trail runners available. While our head tester didn't feel that this shoe was uncomfortable necessarily, it is also very presently noticeable on the foot at all times. The Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper is a trail running companion that is designed with the use of recycled materials. The Bare Access XTR Sweeper is made with a more sustainable choice wherever possible, giving you the trail features you need, with less impact on the planet. As with any minimalist shoe, a zero-drop platform combined with less cushioning will engage the Achilles tendon more than plush daily trainers. Named for the oft-forgotten “Sweepers” — the volunteers who help clean up the trails after an outdoor race — these are Merrell… On numerous trail runs, we found that this shoe has virtually no propensity for rolling over or twisting an ankle. Stability is the foremost attribute of the low riding, minimally protective Bare Access XTR. Merrell's latest trail runner — the Bare Access XTR Sweeper — is named for the behind-the-scene folks making race day work. That’s why the XTR builds in a few failsafes to keep your feet protected, while still maximizing the amount of ground feedback you get with each step. Looking at the Vibram rubber and lug pattern, one is reminded of the tread of a car tire, and the sticky tread grips well on smooth surfaces such as rock and dirt trails. Unfortunately, it feels as if the shape of the shoe will fit a very particular type of foot shape ideally but may exclude others who have a wider foot or flat arches. Bare Access XTR Sweeper Fact Sheet. We recommend making a basic self-assessment to help you... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Unbeatable fit, very comfortable, fantastic underfoot protection, doesn’t absorb much water, ankle collar keeps out debris, very stable, Excellent traction, protective and sensitive, light, comfortable, durable, Precise fit, very grippy on rock, comfortable upper effectively keeps out debris, Comfortable, low to the ground stability, lightweight, drains water well, Expensive, hard to get on foot, must wear above the ankle height socks, hard to stuff laces into garage, Narrower than average, a bit pricey, not the lightest, Traction not the best on slick surfaces, light on underfoot protection, A barefoot-minded shoe with added cushioning and a low price tag, A perfectly fitting, comfortable, and very protective shoe that just begs to be worn on long run days, The best zero-drop trail runner demands no compromises, and has all the features for any type of terrain or distance, A precise fitting shoe that translates well into high performance, as long as your feet aren’t too wide, Our favorite lightweight trail runner is capable of tackling any terrain, Energy Save PU foam with Profeel Film rock protection. We think this shoe strikes the ideal balance and will be appreciated by those who like sensitivity in their shoes. Our pair of men's size 11 US shoes weighed in at a mere 18.2 ounces on our independent scale, which is very light for a pair of trail running shoes. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Rating Summmary: 1. Merrell Bare Access XTR; Review Summary; Customer Reviews Merrell Bare Access XTRWrite a Review. Rating Summmary: 33 total reviews. The upper on the Bare Access XTR is nothing extraordinary, and that’s the best thing about it. Contact Us; Email Alerts; Newsroom; Product Information; Trail Run and Train; 2H19; Bare Access XTR Sweeper; Bare Access XTR Sweeper. Merrell's sleek low-profile sneakers are a smart addition to any wardrobe, whether you take them to the track or … Men's MERRELL® BARE ACCESS XTR SWEEPER :: Minimize your carbon footprint in Merrell's first trail runner built with recycled post-race plastics, the Men's Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper running shoe. While we didn't have the chance to wear them until they fell apart, and so can't comment definitively on their long term durability, it is worth noting that they are thin, light, and not overly protective on the upper, so sticking to mellower terrain will surely extend their lifespan, and thus increase the perception of value. Traditional lacing offers a familiar fit, while a breathable mesh fleshes out the body of the shoe, with a few zigzagging overlays for protection. The foam cushioning is among the firmest of any that we have tested, with virtually no spring or give. Price: $100Weight: 8 oz (M), 6 oz (W)Type: Trail. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The premise of the Limited Edition Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper trail running shoes is just great. 100% recycled TPU upper, laces and Hyperlock™ TPU film heel make the sustainable Bare Access XTR Sweeper … Made for performance using recycled materials, the men's Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper trail-running shoes celebrate race sweepers who help return trails to their pristine, pre-race state. Our product experts have helped us select these available … Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. The arch is so pronounced that it feels as if it is designed to control inward pronation, although we find it a bit odd to assume that all runners will want this level of arch support. About Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper Trail Running Shoes (For Women) Closeout.Merrell's Bare Access XTR Sweeper trail running shoes provide a barefoot-like experience with ample stability and a … It is the same story when it comes to the protection offered by the upper. Bare Access XTR Sweeper… The Bare Access XTR is the product of a carefully refined design philosophy, and hours of sweat on Merrell’s drawing board. For being so low to the ground, this shoe manages to dampen the impacts of hard rocks pretty well. In fact, the only other pair of shoes that we have found to be lighter was not nearly as protective underfoot, so one could say that you are getting a great value in terms of protection for weight with this shoe. They are a great choice for runners who rarely tackle highly technical … If you have fragile ankles and want to avoid running on a high-heeled, tipsy platform shoe, the Bare Access XTR is a fantastic choice. In design and purpose, it is not terribly dissimilar from the Merrell Trail Glove 5, although it is still obviously a trail runner more than a barefoot shoe. The grip on the Bare Access thrives better on firmer packed trails and even roads, while the larger and more widely spaced lugs on the Inov-8 thrives on a wider variety of rougher and off-trail terrain. Review Breakdown: 100 % 5 Rated 5 … Designed for performance and made with recycled materials, the women's Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper trail-running shoes honor race sweepers who help return trails to their pristine, pre-race state. The lug pattern on the outsole of this shoe once again supports our opinion that it is optimal on mellower terrain. The. Does Electric Muscle Stimulation Actually Work? How can we improve GearLab? The top story on Merrell’s Bare Access XTR Sweeper is an environmental one: every component has some percentage of recycled material, from the 100% recycled-material laces and heel … Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper Can I get a “heck yes” for all this good news from the sustainability camp? ... View the reviews … Looking for a new pair of trail runners? You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Merrell Bare Access XTR - Women's has been discontinued by Merrell and is no longer available. Lacking protection, these shoes are best for moderate trails and even for bike paths and pavement. It was also among the lower half of competitors in our water test, meaning that it has a greater propensity to absorb water and retain it if it gets soaked. Because Merrell just introduced its new Bare Access XTR Sweeper ($110) shoe … If a barefoot trail shoe sounds like a gutsy move to you at first—no one wants to feel those sharp rocks underfoot—don’t worry, we get it. There is no doubt that you will feel intimately connected to the trail while running in this shoe. Merrell has launched their most … Enjoying the buttery single track next to a river in the high desert of Central Oregon while wearing the zero drop Merrell Bare Access XTR. Not for runners who want plush cushioning. #FinishTheRun, Here’s How to Make Your Mask More Effective. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. The numerous 3mm deep lugs are flattened off on the top in a ratio that seems close to 50/50 when considering lug space versus negative space. Compared to most trail running shoes, this one has a very different, and highly noticeable feel. “Even after both shoes got soaked while hiking, they remained comfortable and sturdy and dried quickly, which prevented my feet from sliding inside the shoes.”, Doris G., tester since 2017Arch: Medium | Gait: Neutral | Footstrike: Heel“I would definitely recommend this shoe for those who enjoy hiking—it was great for navigating trails, rocks, and hills. The mesh holds the midfoot snug and relaxes into a wider toe box, a deliberate style that more closely aligns with the natural anatomy of the foot. Due to its lack of protection, we were happiest running in this shoe on trails that didn't really require protecting from. When compared to the level of underfoot protection, this shoe rests firmly on the most sensitive side of the scale. Inside Merrell; Latest News; Films; Product Information; Contact Us . Both the men’s (8 oz) and women’s (6 oz) versions weigh less than Nike’s speedy road racer, the Pegasus Turbo (8.1 oz for men’s, 6.4 oz for women’s). Compared to the squishy and springy foams common in Altra zero drop shoes, the foam here feels dense and firm, and yet still does a decent of protecting the bottom of the foot, and also doesn't suffer from packing out too quickly. That said, some low to the ground, zero-drop shoes with softer and squishier foam underfoot do manage to allow even more pressure points to be felt by the foot. The volunteers "sweep up" after the last person crosses the finish line and now Merrell … The Merrell Bare Access XTR are a zero drop shoe that is among the most affordable in this review. They fall far more on the lightweight end of the spectrum and are very stable, low to the ground, and sensitive to what is underfoot. The inside of this shoe is interesting because the insole is sewn into the footbed, and cannot be removed. As one of the least expensive trail running shoes you can buy these days, we think these shoes present good value. With this minimally aggressive tread pattern, this shoe is a good choice for crossover use, on both trails and pavement or dirt roads. Whether you choose to describe it as comfortable, or not, is a subjective affair. Some people love pushing the experiential envelope. Shown here in side profile, you can see the small amount of cushioning under the foot, but also the mesh upper with overlays that don't always cover the highest wear areas, especially the crease point over the ball of the foot. Review Breakdown: 36 % 5 Rated 5 stars out of 5. Even with the firm foam, though, these shoes are light on underfoot protection. All trademarks property of their respective owners (But for sloppier trails, the Momentous will likely be a better option.). About Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper Trail Running Shoes (For Men) Closeout.Merrell's Bare Access XTR Sweeper trail running shoes provide a barefoot-like experience with ample stability and a grippy … It is light-years apart in terms of both design and intent from the Inov-8 Terraultra G 270, but should appeal to the other type of zero-drop trail runner — those that value an intimate trail feel and proper mechanics. This narrowness persists toward the front of the shoe, up to the ball of the foot, which feels very snuggly held in place. If you are one of the latter you might want to consider the Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper. The toe bumper is a light and thin TPU overlay with little in the way of impact absorbing ability. The shoe takes roots in the brand’s “All I Need” approach, which aims to provide just enough protection underfoot for the most connected experience possible on the trail. You may experience some new soreness and niggles as you ease the shoe into your running shoe rotation. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The Bare Access XTR Sweeper is made with a more sustainable choice wherever possible, giving you the trail features you need, with less impact on the planet. Comparing the traction of our two favorite zero drop shoes -- the Inov-8 Terraultra G 260 on the left, and the Merrell Bare Access XTR on the right. 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