Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    News

    Merrell M-Connect Collection Overview

    Donald BuraglioBy Donald BuraglioFebruary 5, 2013No Comments4 Mins Read

    Minimalist footwear was Phase 1 of the Barefoot Revolution, but pure minimalism isn’t for everybody.  The next stage of the paradigm shift is to capture the essence of barefoot biomechanics in a wider variety of footwear.  This spring, Merrell’s new M-Connect footwear line has something for everybody along the natural running spectrum.

    Merrel M Connect lineup

    The M-Connect Line

    Barefoot (Road Glove 2):

    • 4mm midsole cushioning
    • Total stack height 9.5mm (men’s and women’s)
    • 0mm heel to toe drop
    • Weight: 7oz (men’s) or 6oz (women’s)
    • MSRP $100

    Bare Access 2:

    • 8mm midsole cushioning
    • Total stack height: 13.5mm (men’s) or 12.55 mm (women’s)
    • 0mm heel to toe drop
    • Weight: 7oz (men’s) or 5.5oz (women’s)
    • MSRP $90

    Mix Master Move:

    • 8mm midsole cushioning
    • Total stack height: 19mm (men’s) or 18mm (women’s)
    • 4mm heel to toe drop
    • Weight: 8oz (men’s) or 7oz (women’s)
    • MSRP $95

    Proterra Sport:

    • 8mm midsole cushioning
    • Total stack height: 21mm (men’s) or 20.5mm (women’s)
    • 0mm heel to toe drop
    • Weight: 13.5oz (men’s) or 11oz (women’s)
    • MSRP $100

    Merrell M-Connect Series Overview

    Merrell was the first major player in the barefoot category with the introduction of its Barefoot Run series more than two years ago.  Since that time, two things have happened:

    1. Growth in the barefoot and natural running area has exploded
    2. Merrell has been diligently gathering feedback from its first generation of barefoot shoes.

    In response to both of those developments, Merrell has created the M-Connect line, a footwear collection grounded in minimalist principles that appeals to a wide range of users depending on their chosen activity as well as the amount of traditional shoe design they desire. All of the shoes provide enhanced ground connection, a result of the company’s efforts with the University of Virginia’s SPEED Performance Clinic and Motion Analysis Lab to find an ideal blend of flexibility, stability, and traction with the entire line of shoes.  Additionally, each product in the M-Connect line continues the design elements that Merrell introduced with its first Barefoot line: natural biomechanics, a glove-like fit, and light, flexible design.

    Left to right: Proterra Mid, Mix Master Move, Road Glove 2.0

    The line consists of four primary models, available in both men’s and women’s versions.  The Barefoot Road Glove 2 is an update to the company’s popular road running model; it’s the lightest and lowest of the group, and geared toward experienced minimalist runners.  The Bare Access 2 is another running model continued from last year, which offers a bit more midsole cushioning on the same zero-drop platform as the Road Glove.  The Mix Master is a multi-sport shoe with a 4mm heel to toe drop for those who are transitioning to more natural biomechanics.  Finally, the Proterra is a next-generation hiking shoe built on a thicker zero-drop platform that merges Merrell’s boot-making expertise with their modern lightweight materials and Barefoot construction principles.

    Outsole design for each of the shoes is different, as the run-specific models are less knobby than the multi-sport and hike-specific models.  However, even Road Glove and Bare Access are intended primarily as road models, the Vibram outsole is more than adequate to use for most trail running conditions* you encounter, and they work as great hybrid on/off-road shoes.

    Merrell-M-Connect-grid

    (*And for conditions that are too hardcore for the Road Gloves, the company is also releasing an updated Trail Glove shoe this spring.)

    Within the Connect line, there are also several models available to address even more specific activity requirements, design preferences, or environmental conditions.  For example, the Proterra comes in a mid-height version that comes above the ankle like traditional boots, and the Mix Master is super-versatile: it comes in either a “Tuff” version with a knobbier and grippier outsole, a waterproof-upper version, and a combined mid-high/tuff/waterproof version as well.  Along with the company’s existing selection of sandals, water shoes, and children’s shoes, Merrell has established itself as the most comprehensive manufacturer of barefoot and natural footwear.

    Pretty.  Strong.  It's a Merrell thing.
    Pretty. Strong. It’s a Merrell thing.

    Learn More: See the M-Connect Collection at Merrell.com 

    80
    SHARES
    ShareTweet
    merrell
    Previous ArticleJetflow Tomahawk Hydration System Review
    Next Article Deuter Compact EXP 12 Hydration Pack Review
    Donald Buraglio
    • Website

    Donald is a physical therapist, ultrarunner, barefoot aficionado, and father of three with more than 20 years of experience in endurance sports. When he's not training for ultramarathons, he enjoys hiking or slacklining with his family in Monterey County, CA.

    You Might Also Like

    Ibis Exie Goes Global

    January 24, 2023

    Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Insulated Jacket Review

    January 19, 2023

    Montane Anti-Freeze Down Hooded Jacket Review

    January 12, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021

    Patagonia Downdrift Parka Review

    February 2, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022

    Ultimate All-rounder? Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket Review

    February 2, 2021

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021

    Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket and Pants Review, feat. Gore-Tex ePE membrane

    December 21, 2022
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack Review
    • Ibis Exie Goes Global
    • Trek Circuit Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Insulated Jacket Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket Review
    • Montane Anti-Freeze Down Hooded Jacket Review
    • Fresh Wheels: Fezzari Veyo is an Aero All-rounder
    • Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody Review
    • Review: Patagonia Long-sleeve Capilene Cool Merino Shirt
    • 2022 Gear of the Year
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.