They're not worlds apart. The Bare Access has a much closer feel to a skate shoe. The Trail Gloves have a pretty unique feel, especially once broken in and worn in a bit. They feel more like wearing a sock with a thin strip of rubber on the bottom than the way a traditional shoe feels. They have more flex than regular shoes too. I like them, but it's definitely a try before you buy thing. They carry them at the REI near me, and I've seen them at Gander Mountains too.