Barefoot shoes have seen huge growth in the industry these past few years, so in response, Merrell is already expanding their barely born barefoot shoe designs for 2012. New for the upcoming year includes barefoot road running shoes, as well as barefoot water, training and lifestyle shoes.
New barefoot running shoes include the women’s specific Dash Glove, which features a synthetic leather and mesh design with DWR to repel water. For men, there’s the Road Glove, also made from synthetic leather and mesh, but with a toe bumper for protection and durability. Both shoes give a barefoot running feel with zero drop that allows feet to land flat on the ground.
Also in the barefoot lineup is the men’s and women’s Bare Access shoes for those people who want to slowly transition to the barefoot lifestyle. The Bare Access are being called “gateway” shoes because they still have the zero-drop of a true barefoot runner, but with 8mm of cushion for comfort underfoot.
Merrell is also getting in the bike shoe game. New for 2012 are SPD compatible bike shoes that will come in a few different versions. some are more in the commuter bike range, while one looks and feels like a more traditional moutain biking shoe, yet it can also serve as a versatile hiker in a pinch as well.
Merrell also continues to move forward with their apparel line. New jackets are coming down the pipe, such as hardshell and softshell outer layers.
Keep an eye on the store shelves and online retailers for all these new styles coming from Merrell in the near future.
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