The awesome folks over at Planet Shoes have sent us a pair of Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove running shoes. We are extra excited to try these out as Merrell just recently released these shoes and these are Merrell’s first foray into the minimalist running shoe market. As you can see from the pictures these are some nifty looking shoes.
For those who want to cut to the chase check out our unboxing video below to get an idea just exactly what you’ll be getting if you happen to get your own pair of Trail Glove shoes.
For those not familiar with Merrell’s barefoot shoe offering all of their shoes are not technically called “shoes” but “gloves”. Sounds like they are taking a page out of FiveFinger’s marketing book…but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s only a matter of time before Reebok or comes out with with Mitten shoes.
Anyway the Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove is a men’s running shoe for, yup, you guessed it running on trails. The official description goes like this:
Less is definitely more exploring with our Vibram®-soled Trail Glove natural adventure shoe. All the protection your feet need from rocks and roots, and an ultra-lightweight upper with a synthetic leather foot sling for stability fits like a glove.
As well as looking the part the Trail Glove has an impressive spec sheet.
The lining features:
- Microfiber and breathable air mesh upper
- Merrell Omni-Fit™ lacing system secured with welded TPU provides a precise, glove-like fit
- Fused rubber toe bumper provides ultimate durability
- Synthetic leather rear foot sling provides stability
- Flexible plate in the forefoot protects the foot from stone bruises
- Non-removable microfiber footbed treated with Aegis® antimicrobial solution resists odor
The outsole features:
- 4mm compression molded EVA midsole cushions
- 1mm forefoot shock absorption plate maintains forefoot flexibility and protects the foot by distributing pressure
- 0mm ball to heel drop keeps you connected to your terrain
- Wash as needed in cold water, gentle cycle and air dry
- Vibram® Trail Glove Sole/ Rubber Compound TC-1
It has all the right ingredients for a great minimalist running shoe. But we’ll know better once we try them on and put some miles on it. The good news is it’s looking super promising. Planet Shoes also shared a great blog post about barefoot shoes. I’d recommend it for anybody who is new to the “barefoot shoes” concept. Read it here.
Just got my Merrell Trail Glove- Look good, feel comfy, but oh dear, they aren’t waterproof are they. The advantage of my VFF’s is that they have the neoprene effect, so even if my feet are wet, they stay warm. This isn’t the case with the Glove, and that was just taking my dog for a walk in a dew laden field.My feet got wet fairly immediately, and then cold and damp- urghh. I really want a pair of barefoot walking boots( if that’s not a contradiction) Merrell. Also, got a blister on my achilles, as they rubbed. Jury’s out on them.
Terry
Had my Merrell Trail Gloves for 3 weeks now & loving them. Haven’t noticed any problems with wet or cold feet – but then I am running in Brisbane, Queensland & cool weather isn’t ever a real issue!
No problems with chafing/rubbing or blisters. I find the lacing system is better than any other running shoe I have had – easy to adjust & stays in place.
I did worry about sizing & may have bought a half size too big as they initially had felt too tight – but now I think that is just the “glove like” fit. Even if perhaps a little long I am still very happy & I’m not getting the toe soreness / nail bruising I was getting with some former shoes.
Graham
these shoes gave me incredible pain in the inner arch of my right foot. I have been stretching it for days and it still hurts. I ended up wearing them for much longer then expected and walking on a lot of side walk. I know that not what there intended for, but just as a warning to other people. DON’T WEAR THESE SHOES “GLOVES” FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME TO WALK ON PAVEMENT . It seems to be pretty important from this experience that I designate these shoes to train running only. I am going to give Zemgear a try if my foot doesn’t get used to these things
trail**