I tried this shoe to compare against my favorite Merrel Barefoots and it loses. The durability isn't there. My Merrells last forever (like 2 years) and this shoe gives my knees a tweak with the square-ish heel. The Merrells are rounded and have no restriction of gait. These NB's are beautiful and light and flexible but if wearing zero drop minimalist, barefoot shoes are your thing, go for a durable Merrell Barefoot shoe. I sent them back the next day because I knew my knees and expectations would be let down.