These are my favorite running shoes yet. It's a bit surprising to me that Merrell is making a better road running shoe these days than the more traditional running brands -- but they are. In my opinion, of course. I'm a marathon runner (I've completed five), I'm a mid-foot striker (convert), and I made the transition to zero-drop shoes by way of the Saucony Kinvaras . . . and I'm so glad to be rid of that (relatively stiff) shoe and into this one. These bare access shoes are so light and unobtrusive I forget I'm wearing them. I do think the barefoot movement is right about a lot of things, including the fact that we humans evolved walking and running barefoot  -- and we're much better off if we allow our feet to operate like mother nature designed them to operate. But we did not evolve running on asphalt and concrete. So, in my opinion, these shoes are the perfect compromise for road runners because they have just the right amount of cushion, while providing a roomy toe box for natural toe splay and plenty of room and flexibility so your arches can flex and act as the natural shock absorbers they are. Kudos to Merrell for looking at the latest science and designing these shoes.