Transitional shoe for desert terrain

I'm looking at the Merrell Bare Access line and it keeps worrying me that I run where there's a lot of cactus at the same time I'm looking into a thinner sole.
Does anyone have experience running in transitional or minimal shoes in a desert environment?

I run on open desert, far from anyone and my average distance ranges from 5-10 miles with an occasional 15 mile sunday

Thanks in advance for any useful input