Michi 1 Mens

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

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.