With the Trail Glove 7, Merrell remains the leader in the barefoot category. Key innovations include more natural foot positioning for a truly minimalist feel, a Vibram EcoStep outsole that wraps the foot for maximum support, and a minimalist midsole made from our best FloatPro foam. The total height of these shoes is 14 mm. Barefoot running with the Trail Glove 7.
With the Trail Glove 7, Merrell remains the leader in the barefoot category. Key innovations include more natural foot positioning for a truly minimalist feel, a Vibram EcoStep outsole that wraps the foot for maximum support, and a minimalist midsole made from our best FloatPro foam. The total height of these shoes is 14 mm. Barefoot running with the Trail Glove 7.
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The lowest price for Merrell Trail Glove 7 right now is $113.83.
Prices last updated 1 Aug 2025.
Merrell Trail Glove 7
With the Trail Glove 7, Merrell remains the leader in the barefoot category. Key innovations include more natural foot positioning for a truly minimalist feel, a Vibram EcoStep outsole that wraps the foot for maximum support, and a minimalist midsole made from our best FloatPro foam. The total height of these shoes is 14 mm. Barefoot running with the Trail Glove 7.
With the Trail Glove 7, Merrell remains the leader in the barefoot category. Key innovations include more natural foot positioning for a truly minimalist feel, a Vibram EcoStep outsole that wraps the foot for maximum support, and a minimalist midsole made from our best FloatPro foam. The total height of these shoes is 14 mm. Barefoot running with the Trail Glove 7.
Last updated at 01/08/2025 21:31:00
originally posted on merrell.com
Okay here me out. All the 4/5 star reviews must have never tried any version past the 5 cause they don't know how could it could be. I've been using the trail glove since the 3rd, when I was younger I ripped my calves using traditional running shoes. Merrells barefoot minamilist trail glove was the solution that brought me relief and I could finally run again.Barefoot shoes are a slow slog to restrengthen your muscles but it's worth it. The 3 was a good entry it fit to your foot well and was great on the trail even as just a walking shoe and served me well, the trail glove 4 was the pinnacle. The shoe that truly got me back into long distance trails, it felt like a slipper you could feel everything and the overall design looked amazing I went through 1500km in my ... MoreOkay here me out. All the 4/5 star reviews must have never tried any version past the 5 cause they don't know how could it could be. I've been using the trail glove since the 3rd, when I was younger I ripped my calves using traditional running shoes. Merrells barefoot minamilist trail glove was the solution that brought me relief and I could finally run again.Barefoot shoes are a slow slog to restrengthen your muscles but it's worth it. The 3 was a good entry it fit to your foot well and was great on the trail even as just a walking shoe and served me well, the trail glove 4 was the pinnacle. The shoe that truly got me back into long distance trails, it felt like a slipper you could feel everything and the overall design looked amazing I went through 1500km in my first pair before they couldn't go no more. I'm originally from nz so these shoes come late and leave early so I had to improvise and try and find somewhere that will ship to nz even at a ridiculous cost. The knit 4 looked like it was the pinnacle of pinnacles but alas Noone would ship it and I never got to experience it's brilliance.The trail glove 5, not as good as the 4 but a solid shoe. I went through 4 pairs each doing somewhere between 1000 - 1200kms before being retired to walking shoes these shoes took me on ultras with no worries and interested looks from other runners. These stayed on shelves only a little longer then the 4 before the 5 came along. The 6 was a disappointment the tread design was interesting and the lace up system changed and increased pading and stability wearing them in was painful compared to the others, my first pair only did 300km if that before being retired due to the tread being ripped off from the usual trails I took my 5. The living systems on the 6 was difficult to get into even when worn down. They fit down a size compared to the previous but overall I tried to like them.Now the 7. I didn't even know they released a new version as nz dosnt even know cause we just got the 6!! Reimagined design, tread similar to other barefoot on the market. Support gone... it looks almost like the trail glove 4 knit.. could it be. No a massive disappointment so much so that I went and got another 6!! Ste toebox is a swamp I have to go down 2 sizes to try and make it fit nicely the tread slips and slides on all terrain cause the shoe doesn't mold nicely to your foot it's like a oversized diving shoe that's filled with water. I guess I'll have to wait for the 8 but the way they're going merrell might just cut the shoe from their line up and I'll have to find a new barefoot shoe.Just bring back the trail glove 4 you know every trail glove lover will buy several pairs to last them a lifetime.
originally posted on merrell.com
Merrell Barfoot Shoes are the Best Barefoot shoe out there hands down. I made the switch to the barefoot shoe lifestyle about 12 years ago and have never looked back. I tried a few other brands that claim to be barefoot along the way, but nothing has ever compared to the Merrell Barefoot series in comfort and function. Make no mistake I only wear either the Trail or the Vapor glove in what ever I do; So these guys are on my feet everyday from work (Office & Jobsite), to training at the gym, on the trails, road runs, races, tri-Athlons, adventure races, playing sports, playing with my kids, coaching, hanging out, going out, what ever the occasion these are my go to shoes. Barefoot is more than a shoe style it is a lifestyle choice. It will change your feet, ... MoreMerrell Barfoot Shoes are the Best Barefoot shoe out there hands down. I made the switch to the barefoot shoe lifestyle about 12 years ago and have never looked back. I tried a few other brands that claim to be barefoot along the way, but nothing has ever compared to the Merrell Barefoot series in comfort and function. Make no mistake I only wear either the Trail or the Vapor glove in what ever I do; So these guys are on my feet everyday from work (Office & Jobsite), to training at the gym, on the trails, road runs, races, tri-Athlons, adventure races, playing sports, playing with my kids, coaching, hanging out, going out, what ever the occasion these are my go to shoes. Barefoot is more than a shoe style it is a lifestyle choice. It will change your feet, strengthen your ankles, lower calf muscles, adjust your stride, etc. back to what it was meant to be before we all started wearing shoes with heals so thick that you can't feel the ground you are walking on and have so much cushion that it causes heel strikes when you run. Since changing to barefoot shoes and correcting my running posture I have never had the likes of shin splints or any real foot/lower leg pains again, Once you get thru the initial use of your foot, ankle, calf stability muscles that you don't use in the "traditional" athletic shoe... They will be sore for the first few weeks as you restart to use the muscles that you have not been using since you were a toddler... It is smooth sailing and you will not want to turn back to those old overly padded ways again. So just my 2 cents for whom ever wants its, but once you go Barefoot you will not want to go back.
originally posted on REI
As a big Merrell brand fan which are every version of my daily, hiking, fishing, and now running sneaker I wanted to get into a more "minimalist" sneaker for running & functional strength building versus the 5 inch foam sneakers that are so popular. Turning to Merrell Trail Glove was a great entry, although it did take some time (and some hurt) to work up to a consistent 3-6 mile run in these I am very confident it's 100% worth it! They are awesome for every day wear as well and I've gotten so used to them, putting back on another different type of Merrell sneaker with thicker soles just feels "off" and not right. So I really do like these sneakers.One Huge problem with them... durability! Like I said, I worked my way up to 3 / 6 mile runs but this was over a ... MoreAs a big Merrell brand fan which are every version of my daily, hiking, fishing, and now running sneaker I wanted to get into a more "minimalist" sneaker for running & functional strength building versus the 5 inch foam sneakers that are so popular. Turning to Merrell Trail Glove was a great entry, although it did take some time (and some hurt) to work up to a consistent 3-6 mile run in these I am very confident it's 100% worth it! They are awesome for every day wear as well and I've gotten so used to them, putting back on another different type of Merrell sneaker with thicker soles just feels "off" and not right. So I really do like these sneakers.One Huge problem with them... durability! Like I said, I worked my way up to 3 / 6 mile runs but this was over a little time. In about 3 months I put an estimated 430 miles on them. For these Trail Glove sneakers that carry the name Merrell which to me (at least) means quality, rugged and long lasting to wear a silver dollar sized hole right through the right heel means something is off with this shoe. Super disappointing here, I've never worn a sneaker out that quick and never so unevenly.For me, to transition into a "barefoot" shoe these were absolutely worth it. I think other shoes of this type might have been a little harsher for the initial intro into this style of foot wear. But learning my lesson on how quick they were to wear I will be searching for something different, hopefully I can stay within the Merrell fam again.
Okay here me out. All the 4/5 star reviews must have never tried any version past the 5 cause they don't know how could it could be. I've been using the trail glove since the 3rd, when I was younger I ripped my calves using traditional running shoes. Merrells barefoot minamilist trail glove was the solution that brought me relief and I could finally run again.Barefoot shoes are a slow slog to restrengthen your muscles but it's worth it. The 3 was a good entry it fit to your foot well and was great on the trail even as just a walking shoe and served me well, the trail glove 4 was the pinnacle. The shoe that truly got me back into long distance trails, it felt like a slipper you could feel everything and the overall design looked amazing I went through 1500km in my ... MoreOkay here me out. All the 4/5 star reviews must have never tried any version past the 5 cause they don't know how could it could be. I've been using the trail glove since the 3rd, when I was younger I ripped my calves using traditional running shoes. Merrells barefoot minamilist trail glove was the solution that brought me relief and I could finally run again.Barefoot shoes are a slow slog to restrengthen your muscles but it's worth it. The 3 was a good entry it fit to your foot well and was great on the trail even as just a walking shoe and served me well, the trail glove 4 was the pinnacle. The shoe that truly got me back into long distance trails, it felt like a slipper you could feel everything and the overall design looked amazing I went through 1500km in my first pair before they couldn't go no more. I'm originally from nz so these shoes come late and leave early so I had to improvise and try and find somewhere that will ship to nz even at a ridiculous cost. The knit 4 looked like it was the pinnacle of pinnacles but alas Noone would ship it and I never got to experience it's brilliance.The trail glove 5, not as good as the 4 but a solid shoe. I went through 4 pairs each doing somewhere between 1000 - 1200kms before being retired to walking shoes these shoes took me on ultras with no worries and interested looks from other runners. These stayed on shelves only a little longer then the 4 before the 5 came along. The 6 was a disappointment the tread design was interesting and the lace up system changed and increased pading and stability wearing them in was painful compared to the others, my first pair only did 300km if that before being retired due to the tread being ripped off from the usual trails I took my 5. The living systems on the 6 was difficult to get into even when worn down. They fit down a size compared to the previous but overall I tried to like them.Now the 7. I didn't even know they released a new version as nz dosnt even know cause we just got the 6!! Reimagined design, tread similar to other barefoot on the market. Support gone... it looks almost like the trail glove 4 knit.. could it be. No a massive disappointment so much so that I went and got another 6!! Ste toebox is a swamp I have to go down 2 sizes to try and make it fit nicely the tread slips and slides on all terrain cause the shoe doesn't mold nicely to your foot it's like a oversized diving shoe that's filled with water. I guess I'll have to wait for the 8 but the way they're going merrell might just cut the shoe from their line up and I'll have to find a new barefoot shoe.Just bring back the trail glove 4 you know every trail glove lover will buy several pairs to last them a lifetime.
Merrell Barfoot Shoes are the Best Barefoot shoe out there hands down. I made the switch to the barefoot shoe lifestyle about 12 years ago and have never looked back. I tried a few other brands that claim to be barefoot along the way, but nothing has ever compared to the Merrell Barefoot series in comfort and function. Make no mistake I only wear either the Trail or the Vapor glove in what ever I do; So these guys are on my feet everyday from work (Office & Jobsite), to training at the gym, on the trails, road runs, races, tri-Athlons, adventure races, playing sports, playing with my kids, coaching, hanging out, going out, what ever the occasion these are my go to shoes. Barefoot is more than a shoe style it is a lifestyle choice. It will change your feet, ... MoreMerrell Barfoot Shoes are the Best Barefoot shoe out there hands down. I made the switch to the barefoot shoe lifestyle about 12 years ago and have never looked back. I tried a few other brands that claim to be barefoot along the way, but nothing has ever compared to the Merrell Barefoot series in comfort and function. Make no mistake I only wear either the Trail or the Vapor glove in what ever I do; So these guys are on my feet everyday from work (Office & Jobsite), to training at the gym, on the trails, road runs, races, tri-Athlons, adventure races, playing sports, playing with my kids, coaching, hanging out, going out, what ever the occasion these are my go to shoes. Barefoot is more than a shoe style it is a lifestyle choice. It will change your feet, strengthen your ankles, lower calf muscles, adjust your stride, etc. back to what it was meant to be before we all started wearing shoes with heals so thick that you can't feel the ground you are walking on and have so much cushion that it causes heel strikes when you run. Since changing to barefoot shoes and correcting my running posture I have never had the likes of shin splints or any real foot/lower leg pains again, Once you get thru the initial use of your foot, ankle, calf stability muscles that you don't use in the "traditional" athletic shoe... They will be sore for the first few weeks as you restart to use the muscles that you have not been using since you were a toddler... It is smooth sailing and you will not want to turn back to those old overly padded ways again. So just my 2 cents for whom ever wants its, but once you go Barefoot you will not want to go back.
As a big Merrell brand fan which are every version of my daily, hiking, fishing, and now running sneaker I wanted to get into a more "minimalist" sneaker for running & functional strength building versus the 5 inch foam sneakers that are so popular. Turning to Merrell Trail Glove was a great entry, although it did take some time (and some hurt) to work up to a consistent 3-6 mile run in these I am very confident it's 100% worth it! They are awesome for every day wear as well and I've gotten so used to them, putting back on another different type of Merrell sneaker with thicker soles just feels "off" and not right. So I really do like these sneakers.One Huge problem with them... durability! Like I said, I worked my way up to 3 / 6 mile runs but this was over a ... MoreAs a big Merrell brand fan which are every version of my daily, hiking, fishing, and now running sneaker I wanted to get into a more "minimalist" sneaker for running & functional strength building versus the 5 inch foam sneakers that are so popular. Turning to Merrell Trail Glove was a great entry, although it did take some time (and some hurt) to work up to a consistent 3-6 mile run in these I am very confident it's 100% worth it! They are awesome for every day wear as well and I've gotten so used to them, putting back on another different type of Merrell sneaker with thicker soles just feels "off" and not right. So I really do like these sneakers.One Huge problem with them... durability! Like I said, I worked my way up to 3 / 6 mile runs but this was over a little time. In about 3 months I put an estimated 430 miles on them. For these Trail Glove sneakers that carry the name Merrell which to me (at least) means quality, rugged and long lasting to wear a silver dollar sized hole right through the right heel means something is off with this shoe. Super disappointing here, I've never worn a sneaker out that quick and never so unevenly.For me, to transition into a "barefoot" shoe these were absolutely worth it. I think other shoes of this type might have been a little harsher for the initial intro into this style of foot wear. But learning my lesson on how quick they were to wear I will be searching for something different, hopefully I can stay within the Merrell fam again.
The latest redesign is not an improvement. The sole and arch are fine. The Oyster/Gum color combo is aesthetic and trendy. The ankle room is much smaller and the tongue is much longer. It rides well up my ankle almost to my shin. I am a women's 10.5 and I've been buying Trail Gloves for years, so I know my barefoot size. I was advised to order a size smaller as these allegedly run large, but I tried a 10 and even a 10.5 and still they were small, with that tongue that came up and rubbed my shin. I didn't bother trying the 11 because the new construction was just not to my liking. I would say these run small, and the ankle room is much diminished, and the tongue design is silly. Additionally, these are confirmed to be a vegan-friendly design, however this feature is ... MoreThe latest redesign is not an improvement. The sole and arch are fine. The Oyster/Gum color combo is aesthetic and trendy. The ankle room is much smaller and the tongue is much longer. It rides well up my ankle almost to my shin. I am a women's 10.5 and I've been buying Trail Gloves for years, so I know my barefoot size. I was advised to order a size smaller as these allegedly run large, but I tried a 10 and even a 10.5 and still they were small, with that tongue that came up and rubbed my shin. I didn't bother trying the 11 because the new construction was just not to my liking. I would say these run small, and the ankle room is much diminished, and the tongue design is silly. Additionally, these are confirmed to be a vegan-friendly design, however this feature is not listed anywhere in its description or materials and therefore does not populate in the results for a keyword search on the site. I had to call and speak with a very nice representative to confirm if it maintained the veg-friendly construction. Why not include it in the materials description so that it can be found in your search results? I would not have even known the 7 had been released if not for an online ad after I re-ordered the 6, because I only search for vegan shoes. Customer Service was top notch in helping me exchange the 6 for the 7 and eventually returning both sizes.
This is without question the worst Merrell "Glove" (Barefoot shoe) I've ever tried. I have half a dozen different Merrell barefoot shoes and the Vapor Glove 3 Luna Leather is my all-time favorite shoe. This shoe, however, does not deserver to be called a "Barefoot" shoe. It has basically abandoned everything that made Merrell Barefoot shoes good. To put it simply, this is not a minimalist shoe, it doesn't belong in the Barefoot/Glove line, and it leaves me thinking that Merrell has decided to focus on fashion over function.First, the toe box. Look closely at the Trail Glove 6 and what you'll notice is that it doesn't match the shape of the traditional Merrell Barefoot shoes. Instead, it looks like any of their other narrow, fashion-oriented shoes that is ... MoreThis is without question the worst Merrell "Glove" (Barefoot shoe) I've ever tried. I have half a dozen different Merrell barefoot shoes and the Vapor Glove 3 Luna Leather is my all-time favorite shoe. This shoe, however, does not deserver to be called a "Barefoot" shoe. It has basically abandoned everything that made Merrell Barefoot shoes good. To put it simply, this is not a minimalist shoe, it doesn't belong in the Barefoot/Glove line, and it leaves me thinking that Merrell has decided to focus on fashion over function.First, the toe box. Look closely at the Trail Glove 6 and what you'll notice is that it doesn't match the shape of the traditional Merrell Barefoot shoes. Instead, it looks like any of their other narrow, fashion-oriented shoes that is anatomically incorrect and does not provide adequate space or shape for the human foot.Secondly, the extreme tightness around the arch. I could barely get my foot into the shoe, even after sizing up, and it was still incredibly uncomfortable. Probably among the most uncomfortable shoe I've put on my foot in the last ~5 years. Anyone who's worn any minimalist shoe is going to find this bizarre and unnatural.Thirdly, this is an incredibly stiff and inflexible shoe. There is no meaningful ground feel here. Don't get me wrong, I understand that trail running shoes typically have a little extra padding to protect feet on rough trails, but this goes way beyond that. Once again, this is just not in any way a minimalist shoe.Lastly is the overall narrowness of this shoe. Any good minimalist or barefoot shoe will have a shape that generally follows the natural shape of a human foot. This shoe doesn't. It looks more like a pair of Chucks with their incredibly narrow, rounded-point toe. These are not just narrow for Barefoot shoes, these are narrow for any shoes. That's a bad thing in general, but it's completely unforgivable in a minimalist shoe.This is the first time since Merrell introduced their Barefoot line that I've been disappointed. Not just in the shoe, but in Merrell, too.
This is my 3rd pair of trail gloves. I have generally been very happy with them. I would say the form and essence of the shoe has remained fairly consistent over the years. Lightweight, well made with quality materials. My first two pairs both lasted several years, I expect these will perform the same. I have had several pairs of New Balance minimalist shoes as well. I think these are slightly more comfortable than my last pair of NB minimus 20 V7.First, as many have mentioned, these are NOT a true barefoot shoe, but I knew that when I bought them, so I am not disappointed. They are a minimalist shoe with very little cushioning, but they do have a solid formed arch. The first pair I owned had a stronger arch than I was used to wearing, but I got used to it. I tend ... MoreThis is my 3rd pair of trail gloves. I have generally been very happy with them. I would say the form and essence of the shoe has remained fairly consistent over the years. Lightweight, well made with quality materials. My first two pairs both lasted several years, I expect these will perform the same. I have had several pairs of New Balance minimalist shoes as well. I think these are slightly more comfortable than my last pair of NB minimus 20 V7.First, as many have mentioned, these are NOT a true barefoot shoe, but I knew that when I bought them, so I am not disappointed. They are a minimalist shoe with very little cushioning, but they do have a solid formed arch. The first pair I owned had a stronger arch than I was used to wearing, but I got used to it. I tend to wear shoes with stronger arches now, so this new pair was as I expected.The shoe is quite comfortable without much break in period for me. I have what I consider to be a pretty average size foot, arch, and neutral strike pattern. They do tend to run a bit narrow through the hind and midfoot, but do open up well in the toes. They are slightly long. I usually buy 11, but I needed 10.5 in these.I am in my mid 40's, 6'0'', 205. Bad genes, lots of aggressive athletics, and some pudge left me with painful knee arthritis. I can't run anymore, so I will not be running in these shoes. I have taken them on short hikes with moderate roots and rocks. They perform admirably with good grip. But, my knees like to have a bit more cushioning if I go much more than 2-3 miles, especially if I have to do any large steps/drops/scrambles. I have not hiked in wet conditions, but wearing them around town in rainy conditions I have noticed they don't hold grip very well. I might have concerns about slick rocks/roots.I work in healthcare. These are perfect for working around the hospital and medical clinic. Lightweight, supportive with just a little cushion.I also use them for cross-training, weightlifting, etc. Again, lightweight with good support and good grip. Still have good feel of foot and toe position.Overall, very pleased with the purchase. Fit as expected other than being just a little bit big and a little tight in midfoot. Questionable wet grip? I will likely purchase future iterations of this shoe because they and comfortable and durable.
Been Buying Merrell Trail Gloves for work and recreational use since the trail glove 4. I've gone through 6 pairs of them and keep coming back to buy them again. They have always been true to size, light, thin soled, flexible, comfortable shoes. My Trail Glove 6s were delivered today and I am beyond disappointed.... The soles are SOOOO much harder and thicker.... these used to be akin to barefoot shoes but what in the world did I just buy.... these are like normal wedge-heeled running shoes now. There is no way that these are zero-drop anymore, i can feel the heel strike *big time*. My feet have widened substantially from using the other trail gloves for so long and now these new ones are so incredibly slim that my feet hardly even fit in them!!!! (I have been a fan ... MoreBeen Buying Merrell Trail Gloves for work and recreational use since the trail glove 4. I've gone through 6 pairs of them and keep coming back to buy them again. They have always been true to size, light, thin soled, flexible, comfortable shoes. My Trail Glove 6s were delivered today and I am beyond disappointed.... The soles are SOOOO much harder and thicker.... these used to be akin to barefoot shoes but what in the world did I just buy.... these are like normal wedge-heeled running shoes now. There is no way that these are zero-drop anymore, i can feel the heel strike *big time*. My feet have widened substantially from using the other trail gloves for so long and now these new ones are so incredibly slim that my feet hardly even fit in them!!!! (I have been a fan of merrell shoes for years and years and they have always been true to size up until this shoe). What was Merrell thinking designing this shoe??? Its thick, hard, its loud to walk in..... has an extremely ****skinny**** toe box.... the tongue is held in place with an elastic strap right at the top and its actually difficult to get on... the laces are now round instead of flat and dig into your foot through the mesh when done up tight and these shoes are HEAVIER.... Merrell what were you thinking!!!??? You need to go back to the drawing board with these shoes. The trail glove 3 and 4 were revolutionary shoes. These new ones are worse in every way possible. So so disappointed that my favorite shoes are no more. Please return to the barefoot platform that made these shoes great. I'm gonna have to find a new barefoot style running shoe because these are ridiculously bad shoes... for 175 dollars after tax this is criminal.
I have been running and loving Trail Gloves starting with the 1st version ( still have them thanks to shoe goo). This Trail Glove 6 is way too narrow in the toe box v/s the great Trail Glove 4. As others have written (and I should have heeded that advice), I loosened the laces just about as far as they would go and still had difficulty getting my foot inside. These definitely do not run 1/2 size larger. There is no comparison to the best version, TG4s. What happened Merrell? Why did you abandon the last for this, what was my and many others' THE goto minimal, barefoot Trail shoe? Note, my TG4s had lasted for so long as I was running on softer Kentucky trails but now am on hard and rocky Southern California trails which is why I had high hopes for the outsole pattern ... MoreI have been running and loving Trail Gloves starting with the 1st version ( still have them thanks to shoe goo). This Trail Glove 6 is way too narrow in the toe box v/s the great Trail Glove 4. As others have written (and I should have heeded that advice), I loosened the laces just about as far as they would go and still had difficulty getting my foot inside. These definitely do not run 1/2 size larger. There is no comparison to the best version, TG4s. What happened Merrell? Why did you abandon the last for this, what was my and many others' THE goto minimal, barefoot Trail shoe? Note, my TG4s had lasted for so long as I was running on softer Kentucky trails but now am on hard and rocky Southern California trails which is why I had high hopes for the outsole pattern to better deal with the sharp rocks that quickly ate away at the TG4 lugs. But since these do not fit even close to the prior models I must go to another brand that will provide the zero-drop, wide foot-box, and minimal barefoot feel I had enjoyed so much in the previous model versions.Also, ditch the Gum version of the outsole, it is too soft and wears way too fast on harder surfaces as opposed to just about any other outsole color.Again Merrell, Please revert to the model 4 version and I'll be back.I've attache photos of 3 of my 4 Trail gloves; originals, & 2 versions of the TG4
I wanted to try these shoes not for running but for cycling on my road bike. I have a Morton’s “neuroma” (which is not an issue of a nerve but callous-like tissue around and compressing a digital nerve to the toes) between the second and third metatarsal bones (the ball of the foot area) of my left foot. After using clipless pedals for a few years, I began to have intense, excruciating burning pain in my left foot because of the “neuroma” after pedaling only a few miles. I tried different cycling shoes and cleats, but the problem is that all of the shoes that I found had the cleat-anchoring point pretty much right over the "neuroma". I tried using my cycling shoes with toe clips and no cleats, but I had the same problem with the anchor point centering pressure right ... MoreI wanted to try these shoes not for running but for cycling on my road bike. I have a Morton’s “neuroma” (which is not an issue of a nerve but callous-like tissue around and compressing a digital nerve to the toes) between the second and third metatarsal bones (the ball of the foot area) of my left foot. After using clipless pedals for a few years, I began to have intense, excruciating burning pain in my left foot because of the “neuroma” after pedaling only a few miles. I tried different cycling shoes and cleats, but the problem is that all of the shoes that I found had the cleat-anchoring point pretty much right over the "neuroma". I tried using my cycling shoes with toe clips and no cleats, but I had the same problem with the anchor point centering pressure right at the “neuroma”.So I bought the Trail Glove 6 as a potential shoe to use with toe clips. I have other trail runners, and those are very good for distributing the pressure across pretty much all of ball of the foot. What drew me to try the Trail Glove for cycling were several potential features that turn out to be true: Shoe height and width are not excessive (unlike my regular running shoes), so smooth entry into toe clips is facilitated. Outer sole is relatively smooth, so the shoe doesn’t snag the pedal edges (another clip entry issue). The outer sole also has a somewhat uni-body design that aligns with the metatarsal heads, so pressure is very widely distributed across the ball of the foot on the pedal. Ventilation through the upper mesh is good. The shoe is somewhat stiff like other trail runners and the so-called rock plate gives the shoe extra support at the pedal contact areas. Although the shoe is advertised for sockless running, I’m using my usual cycling socks for extra wicking and friction relief. I’m using the shoe size I would normally wear, which seems just right with socks. And one other benefit: nice, comfortable shoe for just walking around off the bike - a pleasure with no cleats to deal with. I’m sacrificing efficiency with toe clips, yes, but my cycling is for transport fun and fitness, not competition, and definitely not for self-inflicted pain, so a lot of practical improvement for me with this set up.The general feel of the shoe off the bike is initially a bit of a surprise, because the heel is lower than other shoes (and reminds me of the 70’s fad “Earth shoes” which were supposed to make you walk like you’re barefoot on the beach and your heel is sinking into the sand). Trail Glove 6 is not that severe, but noticeably different from all of my other foot apparel, and in line with the concept of “barefoot” running. I don’t intend to run in these, but if I had to, I think I could be happy.
I have worn every version of the Trail Glove ever produced and been very pleased to this point. My Trail Gloves are used for many applications: hiking, running, lifting and everyday wear. I could not be more disappointed in version 6. I have given these every chance to break in (which none of the other generations required) but they are just not comfortable in any situation. The sole is very stiff and unresponsive, the shoe is so narrow that it actually pains my foot to wear after an hour or so. I have gutted these out for many months, but will be finding a new home for them. I see there is a version 7 out now but am very apprehensive to purchase given the design and function of version 6. Would very much like to see a return to fit, feel and function of versions 5 ... MoreI have worn every version of the Trail Glove ever produced and been very pleased to this point. My Trail Gloves are used for many applications: hiking, running, lifting and everyday wear. I could not be more disappointed in version 6. I have given these every chance to break in (which none of the other generations required) but they are just not comfortable in any situation. The sole is very stiff and unresponsive, the shoe is so narrow that it actually pains my foot to wear after an hour or so. I have gutted these out for many months, but will be finding a new home for them. I see there is a version 7 out now but am very apprehensive to purchase given the design and function of version 6. Would very much like to see a return to fit, feel and function of versions 5 and prior. Sadly, I think my time with Trail or Vapor Gloves and possibly Merrell is over for the time being as I do not want to spend another $100+ to find out if version 7 fit and preform well. Was unable to find and email to send feedback to, so hoping this review will suffice. Merrell, please return to the roots what a barefoot shoe should be, If I wanted something narrow and stiff we could purchase and of the other offerings. Apologies for the negative feedback, but hoping honest feedback will help with development and identifying customer trends and desires.
