This shoe is a barefoot style that still provides some comfort of padding for concrete or other hard surfaces. I have the other Merrell barefoot shoes that lack this cushion and I wasn't able to run very far before I began to feel the strain on the ball of my feet. Perhaps after I become accustomed to these, I can give the other pair a try. My feet a borderline wide so I appreciate the spacious toe area. I am an 8.5 and bought the size 9 as I was recommended to do at a running store. They aren't very big on me so I don't feel like I'm wearing clown shoes. Very light and provide ventilation through the mesh.