Merrell Men's Flat Fitness Shoes, Granite, 10 - Comprehensive Review
The Merrell Men's Flat Fitness Shoes in Granite have been designed with a minimalistic look that does not compromise on performance. These barefoot shoes offer a sock-like sensation for an exceptional locked-down fit, ensuring comfort whether you're hitting the trails or just enjoying a day out. The vibrant vibram sole provides minimal ground-to-foot separation, enhancing your connection to the terrain.
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Features
- Soft full grain leather upper
- Traditional lace closure for a secure fit
- TrailProtect pad for added underfoot protection
- Vibram rubber outsole designed for traction in various weather conditions
- Lightweight and flexible design for natural movement
Pros
- Excellent grip and traction with the vibram outsole
- Comfortable sock-like feel enhances wearability
- Stylish minimal design suitable for casual wear
- Durable leather construction ensures longevity
Cons
- May take time to break in for some users
- Lack of arch support might not suit everyone
- Best suited for those accustomed to barefoot-style footwear
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Merrell Men's Flat Fitness Shoes | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium | Heavy |
| Traction | Vibram Rubber | Standard Rubber | High-Performance Rubber |
| Fit Type | Sock-like | Traditional | Loose |
Detailed Review
The Merrell Men's Flat Fitness Shoes are an excellent choice for those who prioritize both style and substance. The shoe's soft full-grain leather upper not only adds to its durability but also provides a sophisticated look. The traditional lace closure helps ensure a snug fit, which is essential for those engaging in physical activities.
Regarding performance, the TrailProtect pad offers remarkable underfoot protection without adding excess weight. This feature can be particularly beneficial when traversing rocky or uneven surfaces. Furthermore, the vibram rubber outsole guarantees impressive traction across diverse weather conditions; you can confidently tread through mud or rain without slipping.
In terms of comfort, the sock-like feel is a standout feature that many users appreciate. It moulds to your foot, providing a level of comfort that feels almost custom-made. However, it's worth noting that while the shoes excel in many areas, some may find the lack of substantial arch support a drawback, especially during extended wear. Additionally, transitioning from traditional sneakers to these barefoot-style shoes may take some adjustment.
Overall, the Merrell Men's Flat Fitness Shoes deliver on their promise of being minimal yet high-performing. They are a worthy investment for fitness enthusiasts seeking a balance of comfort, style, and functionality.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional sock-like fit, though break-in period required. |
| Performance | 4.7/5 | Amazing traction and underfoot protection for various terrains. |
| Style | 4.6/5 | Minimalist design, perfect for both active and casual outings. |
| Durability | 4.8/5 | High-quality leather construction ensures lasting use. |
User Reviews
Awesome minimalist shoes! Look great and feel great. Got many compliments.
Good looking in the soft leather. Fit well. Toe box is roomy, wide as expected. Quality sole. Overall a great value and great shoe. I have 3 other brands of minimalist shoes and one other Merrell, and this one is my favorite
I wear these at the gym. The sole provides just enough grip and security. The toe box is wide (which is what I was looking for). They’re far more durable than I thought they’d be. I’ve been doing heavy sled-push and thought the heal would blow out but they’re holding strong.I did hike up a rocky trail for about three hours wearing these and felt everything. Despite the rubber sole, I’d still consider these barefoot shoes.
The wear shown in the attached photos is after almost daily use since late March 2020. I bike to/from work most days (about 2.5 miles total per day). I replaced the default laces with stretchy ones to make the shoes easier to slip on. Shoes have been quite comfortable throughout. I've gone on a handful of hikes with them, and I can't really recommend hiking in particularly rocky terrain due to the lightweight-ness of the shoe and how thin the soles are. Mountainous terrain in southern AZ left my feet feeling pretty rough afterwards. However I hiked a bit in Olympic National Park and they performed just fine for that particular terrain.Treads are starting to wear a bit near the heel and ball of my feet. The treads held up longer than I expected them to, but perhaps not as long as I would have liked for paying just upwards of $100 for a sneaker-type shoe. They also started squeaking a bit more on tile floors in the last few months, possibly due to the treads wearing?The leather (above the toes mostly) started to warp maybe half a year or more ago, hasn't affected the fit really, but doesn't look as nice as they did at the start obviously. I haven't polished or cared for the leather in any way other than wiping them clean once in a while with a damp rag and drying afterwards, so proper care could possibly extend their longevity and keep their shape/appearance.These are almost more of a glove for your feet, so if you do parkour or some kind of outdoor gymnastics, urban ninja work, or stalking in the woods, you may appreciate the amount of grip you have on wherever you're stepping.
I have really wide flat feet, and I really feel that with these shoes. I got a 10 which is usually wide enough for me feet and a little long. These felt a little long and also a little narrow. Still, the fit is not bad when with with socks and the shoes themselves are great. I'm wearing them around a lot and enjoying them. Just wish there was a wide or ee option.
Super happy they fit like the V2, burned through 3pairs of those... now let see how long the two pairs of these last,( also all my shoes get a heavy coat of waterproofer ) ohh and the leather is great looking , hit'm with a microfiber towel, made them shine real nice.
My 2nd pair. Great purchase and price.
I love the Vapor Glove series and have owned two pairs before this purchase. I was very excited for the black leather version so I can wear it comfortably in more work settings. First I ordered the exact size I have successfully ordered for Vapor Glove 2 and Vapor Glove 3 - a half size smaller than my regular shoe size. The first pair that came was literally 2 sizes larger than labeled. It was labeled a size 8 but seemed more like a size 10. I sent it back and ordered a new pair. The sizing was right on the new pair (though slightly large), but the tongue on the left shoe is a good inch longer than the tongue on the right shoe.Two pairs in a row with inexcusable manufacturing defects! I'm so in love with the shoe that I will try for a third pair. But it should not take three tries to acquire one good pair. I can only guess Merrell has a big problem with the manufacturing line or quality check. I want to be a loyal customer and hope this problem does not persist.Update: I ordered a third pair of these shoes and the size is way too big for a men's 8. I measured against the two other Vapor Glove shoes I own and love. It is a full 1/2 inch bigger than the Men's Vapor Glove 3 sneaker (the non leather version). That is a whole 1 1/2 sizes off. I have attempted to order three pairs and found each pair to be either way to big or have a manufacturing defect in the tongue length. Merrell, I love your shoes!! PLEASE make your sizing consistent or fix these manufacturing problems. For now I will try to find these shoes in person to make sure I can buy a size 8 that is actually a size 8. I will also keep an eye out for alternatives in the minimal shoe market.