I admit I was disappointed when I tried my new Merrell Barefoot Lithe Gloves on.  I wear nothing but shoes which can be called true "bare foot" technology. I wear a solid size 9 and these are really tight thru the arch(wraps around the foot like a glove) and heel.  The toe box is roomy enough but I can only wear a thin sock with them.  The way the sole wraps around the arch and corresponding top portion of your foot actually does force support to your arch which is bad in my book.  I do not buy shoes with arch support as I have well developed arch muscles and this doesn't feel good on my foot. That is a key point of buying and using "bare foot" shoes. Additionally, the way the shoe is constructed, I can not really feel the ground when I plant my foot like I am used to (i.e. Vibram 5 Fingers or Terraplanna Barefoot shoes).  The soles are too rigid, they should be flexible. I am hoping the shoe upper "stretches out" a bit.  That being said, it is a nice looking shoe and appears to be well constructed.  I am going to have to 'break' them in and and wear them for a while until they are comfortable enough for everyday usage.  If that happens I might buy another pair in the future.  If not, well.......no, back to the Terraplanna's for everyday.