Merrell, Welcome to the Running and Working Out Scene

We’ve long loved the company Merrell. But, it’s been more for casual footwear or outdoorsy type apparel. Not really running or gym-type stuff. But, oh, how that has changed. Merrell recently sent us a pair of its new barefoot running shoes along with some new apparel. And da-hang. Merrell, you got it going on. Here are a few of our faves that we tried and why!

Go minimal with the Merrell Bare Access Arc 2.

Merrell Women’s Barefoot Run Bare Access Arc 2

We are really, really starting to dig this minimialist running shoe trend, and these are another shoe that’s a nice mix of the feel of going barefoot while still having a little cushioning. The Bare Access Arc 2 ($90) allows your foot to land flat, but with uniform toe-to-heel cushioning that makes striking the ground a bit less intense. With a synthetic leather and breathable mesh upper and a little rear heel stability, this is a lightweight shoe that feels fast. We love it for a quick jog or even in a workout (like CrossFit or a bootcamp class) that has you doing running and cardio drills in addition to other moves.

Love, love, loving the Merrell Thelon Tank.

Merrell Thelon Tank

Dude. DUDE. We love the Thelon Tank. First, it’s cute. Second, it’s got a very flattering style. Third, fun colors! Fourth, it’s comfy. And fifth: It’s a tank and a sports bra in one. Basically this is a loose tank that goes over a built-in brightly colored sports bra (there’s even some open air in the back there with the tank billowing over the bra a bit). With racerback straps that stay in place and a big ol’ thick waistband that keeps the tank in place, it’s just a lovely mix of feminine and athletic. It seriously works as well for yoga as it does running, which isn’t always something you can find in a tank. For $60, the Thelon Tank isn’t cheap, but, again: dude. So cute! And if tanks aren’t your thing, check out the more modest Thelon T-shirt. It’s cute, too, not overly tight and made of a really nice thin material that feels good on—and has a box-shaped neckline, which you don’t see much!

Women’s Afton

We are always looking for new running shorts, and these Afton shorts ($45) are dang nice. Plenty roomy but with a high-stretch waistband that keeps the shorts in place (and is flattering of the tummy area!), these are good for runs or really any kind of workout. They are SUPER comfy and have a fabric-tie waist-adjustment and a zip-pocket to store a little something-something. The only thing to know about these is that a) there’s no inside liner (good and bad—depending on what you prefer in your running shorts) and b) they run a little big, so take that into account when picking a size. With that said though, these will be part of our regular spring-running-shorts rotation!

Final note for this Merrell apparel review? If you’re looking for a new lightweight windbreaker, check out the Orenco. It’s pricey, but does its job of keeping rain out and letting air in, and it can be stuffed into just about anything. Perfect for travel, hiking, camping or just going for a long run when it looks like it might sprinkle!

So…nicely played, Merrell. We dig you. Have you tried any of Merrell’s new running and workout line? Let us know what you think! —Jenn