Key Features

Nice sneakers, very light. Have a cheap feel to them.

I ordered them for my husband and this is his third pair and he loves them.

Absolutely Love em! Was on the fence and decided to try them, glad I did!

I was very excited to see Notace enter the market. I prefer natural foot-shaped shoes but need more cushioning than true barefoot shoes. I've worn Topo and Altra, but those brands have followed industry trends towards higher stack heights of cushier, bouncier foams that cause me tendon strain and injury. There's only a few models from those brands that still work for me, so I was really hoping the Michi could become my new daily driver. I want to like the Michi but unfortunately the fit and a few things about the design don't work great for me.

Pros:

The overall look of the Michi is clean and refined, suitable not only for running or the gym, but also as a daily casual shoe. It doesn't scream "running shoes" and it doesn't look like a pair of "clown shoes" like some barefoot brands.

The sole gives enough shock absorption to be comfortable for runs and plyometrics, while still having a firm ground feel and high stability. It slightly compresses but I don't "sink" into the shoes with each step.

Cons:

The sizing and fit aren't what I was hoping for. Notace recommends ordering the same size as your most comfortable shoes and they'll "add the space wear it's needed", but I've found they run smaller than expected.

(For reference, I wear a Men's US 10 Topo ST-5 and 10.5 Altra Escalante 4.)

I tried the Michi in a US 10 first and it was too short. Exchanged for a 10.5 and it felt okay walking around so I took it for a short run, but because of some slight foot swelling while running plus the greater toe splaying from impact, I found that even the 10.5 was little too short. I pulled out the sock liner and compared it to my Topo size 10 (listed at 28cm) and Altra size 10.5 (listed at 28.5cm) and found the Notace 10.5 (listed at 28.6cm) was shorter than both. I'd probably have to go up to a size 11 in Notace to get comfortable fit, but unfortunately now that I've worn the shoes I can no longer exchange them.

The second fit issue for me is with the lacing system. I found it difficult to get a good foot lockdown without lacing the top laces very tight, which cinches up the laces all the way down to the toebox, causing the toebox to pucker. I imagine if I sized up to 11, lockdown would be an even bigger issue. Running the laces back through the single top eyelet to create a pseudo-runner's loop has helped, but a second upper eyelet for a true runner's loop would allow better lockdown while leaving the toebox looser.

Lastly, the toecap is flexible, but still fairly firm and I find it gets in the way. Part of the appeal of this style of shoe is that it's highly flexible, allowing a full range a motion into a toe-off, but I've found when my foot is fully flexed the firmer toecap can brush against the top of my toes. A bigger size would probably prevent this, but I don't see why a protective toecap like this is necessary on a road shoe.

TLDR:

I love the overall design concept of the shoes, but sizing and fit could be better. I'd like a second top eyelet to allow better foot lockdown without having to tighten the toebox, and for the protective toecap to be removed or minimize for better flexibility and comfort.

Michi 1 is the perfect gym/chill shoe. Perfect amount of stack height. Having come from owning some Xero shoes which have a lot less stack height underfoot, these Notace Michi's have made walking around a lot more comfortable. Wide toe box is perfect too, great fit. I bought a size 13 but had to buy a 12.5 which ultimately fit perfect

Great shoe, perfect amount of stack height and feels great overall. Super lightweight and breathable.

The shoe did not fit my foot and I did not realize that Notace does not allow to run in the shoes and then return them. Most good companies the sell running shoes gives you 30-60 days to try it out.

Something to keep in mind if you buy their road shoes.

I love the Michi 1 for men. i have a wide foot with a somewhat narrow heel. The shoe fits perfectly, allowing my toes to naturally splay as I walk. I like the bit of cushion underfoot, especially as I am 74+ years old. I have other shoes similar to Notace with a bit less cushion. I believe the Michi 1 will be my shoe for longer walks, 4-6 miles.

I've never worn such light shoes in my life, I barely feel like I'm wearing anything. They're also extremely comfortable, I was a big barefoot shoe person but the lack of any cushioning at all which is bad in certain conditions, these are exactly like wearing a barefoot shoe but infinitely more comfortable.

One of the best shoes I've worn.

Great fit good looking and very comfortable!

Super comfortable. Plenty of room in the toe box. One of the best transitional/barefoot shoes I've worn and I've worn allot. I'll be purchasing other makes from Notace.

I like them…. I would have given you 5 stars, but you don’t offer women’s size 12!!!

Dream shoes! If you need a wide toe box, this is it!

Amazing shoes. Perfect balance of ground feel and comfort

The only shoes I've ever worn that don't kill my feet after a couple of minutes. I love how they look, both my personal trainer and physical therapist complimented them, and I honestly can't see a reason to ever go with another shoe for the day to day.

My husband loves his new shoes. He has found shoes that fit comfortably and also look good.

Extremely light. The image looks exactly like the shoe. Comfort is truly incredible. The mesh is breathable, and the rubber molding over the toe is key, providing structure and stability. The heel is high enough. Coming from TOPO ST-5, these are much better, as they do not have heel slippage. The feel around the midfoot is extremely soft. The rubbing. The laces are also elastic, which is a nice touch. The sole has almost a rice, smooth pebbly feel. It is hard to describe, but it feels soothing and provides tremendous groundfeel. The cushioning is there and is just the right amount. Will wear these for gym days and capoeira. Thank you

Most comfortable shoes ever

They feel like toes have space to move. They look nice and they are good to walk in.

look great, feel great, so happy

These shoes are so light that I don't even feel like I have shoes on. Loving them.

I love the way the Michi 1 shoes feel. Took my time breaking my legs in and finally went on a long walk yesterday. Came home and bought a pair of Yama.

Best zero drop running shoe I have had. Not too much cushion but not too minimalist.

Very comfortable barefoot shoes, excellent customer service! I will be a repeat customer!

Love these shoes!!! I finally found shoes that are made for someone with extreme flat feet that needs a wide toe box. THANK YOU!!!

My feet are very fussy and prone to plantar fasciitis flares. I'm finding these shoes to be very comfortable! They're flexible and light, not too cushioned and there isn't anything uncomfortable pressing into my arches. If you're looking for shoes with arch support these aren't for you, but for those seeking a more natural barefoot feel with just enough padding to prevent irritation these are great. They have just enough padding that my feet and lower legs can tolerate them when I walk around. I'm very pleased with my purchase.

What a great product!

Lightest and fastest shoes i’ve tried in over 10 years. They remind me of the og altras before they went to crap. Not a whole lot of cushion, but most natural foot strike you can get.

Will buy again.
Please don’t sell out for extra profits.

The soles are too thick and soft. It says there's a zero drop, but your heels sink into the soft bottom sole which then makes it just as if it had a dropped heel. The wide toe box is really nice - And the color.

Received my shoes a couple days ago. I couldn’t believe how lite they are. So far I have enjoyed wearing them.

The best foot friendly shoes that I have found for urban walking. More comfortable on hard surfaces than Xero and a toe box that fits my foot better than Vivo or Lems. The outside of my foot does not feel pinched. Grateful to have found them.