Differences between Merrell Bare Access Flex and Bare Access 4

During the summer of 2017 Merrell has renovated one of his most versatile minimalist shoes. This is the Merrell Bare Access model, which in this update has been renamed Merrell Bare Access Flex, replacing the Merrell Bare Access 4. Although this is a new version, they can be used by the same runners and for the same land. They are running shoes for city or compact terrain. Minimalist transition shoes are considered, but they can also be used: runners who have good technique looking for light competition shoes, runners who want to start minimalism with a transition shoes and minimalist runners looking to run with more protection.

Differences in the upper of the Merrell Bare Access 4 and Flex

The upper of the Merrell Bare Access Flex is lighter, less robust, so you gain in sensations. With this type of mesh the shoes will stick better to the foot, but perhaps have the disadvantage of being less resistant than the mesh used in the Merrell Bare Access 4.

Differences in the fit of the Merrell Bare Access 4 and Flex

Both shoes have the same last, so the space for the fingers is still wide. Both Merrell Bare Access have false support for the plantar arch. We say false, because it yields to the few kilometers of wearing the shoes and its goal is that the Bare Access stick to the foot and behave with a glove. This type of fit is significant from the Merrell Barefoot line. The goal is to keep the shoe in the middle of the foot, in the instep, to release the front of the shoes and avoid the problems of fingers that cause narrow shoes. Some types of feet may notice the support in the plantar arch. For most runners this give up to the few days and the enjoyment when running with the shoes is maximum.

Differences in the sole of the Merrell Bare Access 4 and Flex

The sole is another element that has changed in the Merrell Bare Access Flex. In this case a new sole manufactured by Merrell, with a different designing and with the compound M-Select Grip is used. In Merrell Bare Access 4, the compound is being manufactured by Vibram. Although different soles are suitable for the same type of terrain. Another difference is the stack height. In the Merrell Bare Access 4 the stack height is 13.2 mm, while in the Merrell Bare Access Flex is 14.5 mm. It only differs in 1.3 mm so the sensations of the ground when running with them are almost identical. Flexibility also does not vary from model to model. Both shoes flex easily to the longitudinal and transverse twist (at the height of the metatarsals).

In both shoes the ground feels good, they have a good reactivity and they protect against small stones. Both sneakers do not present differences of height between the front and the back, is what is denominated shoes zero drop.

In summary, the Merrell Bare Access Flex is an update to the Merrell Bare Access 4 that retains the essence of the shoes and the type of runners who can enjoy them.

Comparison table of Merrell Bare Access 4 and Flex