I started running less than two years ago and at a more advanced age than most people (58!). Born to Run was one of several inspirations, but I seem to be in the minority in regarding the book as being about much, much more than barefoot running. In fact, I think it's about much more than running. But that's irrelevant except to say I have no aspirations to be a barefoot runner. I have run happily and injury-free all along in my Mizuno Wave-Riders, the most low-profile and lightweight neutral shoe I could find among traditional running shoes. Therefore, I have leaned from the beginning in the direction of super-light shoes that give a little road feel.

I bought my first pair of Pace Gloves after trying them on in a store for fun, thinking they'd be great to travel with---I do a lot of traveling and whittle down everything to a carry-on when I do---due to their near-weightlessness and compactness. When I walked and jogged around the store in them, I felt they would not only be great for walking but also  suitable for a modest amount of running when traveling. On many trips I either don't have time or a good venue to do much running so I do just enough to maintain, often on a hotel treadmill. I figured these could serve double purpose. Shoes are always the hardest decision in packing, and these are so cute, as other reviewers have pointed out, that they look good with almost anything but dressy outfits. Not needing socks is another plus in warmer weather and also allows them to look a bit dressier.

So on a recent trip to Europe right after buying them, I took only these and a pair of comfortable but semi-dressy sandals. I walked hours each day in the Merrells, and did feel the work in my calves and feet. Our last hotel had a fitness room so I decided to try them on the treadmill. After all, if breaking-in was needed (it wasn't) I'd been wearing them nearly exclusively for two weeks. To my surprise, I really enjoyed the session. I wouldn't want to work out in them on a hard surface, but interestingly, when I came home and took my first run in my Mizunos, my legs and feet felt stronger than usual. I think even walking in them serves as a strengthener for running. But I enjoy them most as a casual shoe that looks great with almost anything. One caveat: For someone who needs support, I don't recommend them as a sole walking shoe on a trip. And one must consider that the walking is done on hard surfaces.

The store where I bought them only had two colors. After seeing the entire array here on Amazon, I started drooling so I just bought my 2nd pair.

I normally wear an 8 1/2, but my hiking and running shoes are 9's. I think that's typical. These fit me perfectly in 8 1/2, both sock-less and with lightweight socks.