Merrell recently launched their new M-Connect Series, an entire collection of footwear that takes the traditional Merrell Barefoot concept and expands it through a complete selection of shoes for running, training, and even hiking. Over the past couple of months, one of my male testers and I have been wearing a sampling of shoes that span the whole collection for all of our outdoor activities.
Whether you run, hike, or love to hit the gym, Merrel is taking a page from the Inov-8 playbook and offering an entire series of minimalist shoes that help you transition down to a complete barefoot style. Composing the Merrel M-Connect Series, four distinct collections create a matrix of minimalist shoes that cater to your personal preference or chosen activity.
Looking to ride the barefoot shoe movement, Spanish company OneMoment (01M) has created a new shoe similar in concept to the Inov-8 EvoSkin but without the toes. Completely biodegradable, the 01M shoes behave like a second skin, protecting your feet while giving you the freedom of going barefoot.
If you thought barefoot shoes were minimalist, check out the barefoot socks from German company Leguano. A cross between beach shoes and hospital socks, the barefoot socks may be the next best thing to actually running barefoot.
Last summer, Merrell announced their partnership with Vibram to produce a line of barefoot shoes. I was recently sent a pair of the women's Pace Gloves to test out. Offering just enough protection for your feet, these shoes provide a great barefoot experience whether running on the trails or just walking the streets.
