Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Mimicking the feeling of a truly barefoot run, the women's Merrell Trail Glove 5 trail-running shoes provide light stability and serious groundfeel for quick jaunts on light trails.
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View the Merrell Trail Glove Product LineView all Merrell Women's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Barefoot |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 0 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Mesh/thermoplastic polyurethane |
Lining | Mesh |
Midsole | EVA |
Outsole | Vibram TC5+ rubber |
Rock Plate | Yes |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 12 ounces |
Gender | Women's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | |
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U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
UK | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 |
EU | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 |
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I honestly had low expectations gor these shoes. I expected them to hurt after walking 1 mile on moderately rough terrain. After using these shoes for a 10 mile hike, I am sure I'll be a return purchaser. My feet did not hurt, no blisters, or cuts. The sole provided more than adequate protection from paved to moderately rough (rocks, feilds, branches, unused paths) terrain. A great choice for a barefoot trail shoe.
I only worn these for a month before returning them for the vapor glove 4, which I love. These are decent shoes but they’re kinda narrow and they do have an arch support so not true “barefoot” shoes if that’s what you’re looking for. They’re comfy and got the job done but just not as good as they could be in my opinion. They are also terrible on wet surfaces and I’ve fallen more than once but that’s probably my own clumsy fault lol overall I would not get this shoe again. Thicker, heftier and the arch support just aren’t for me. I do however love the vapor glove 4 that I traded these in for. But these could be a good “transitional” shoe into the barefoot lifestyle as they’re zero drop but still have a bit of arch support.
I've been wearing Merrell Trail Gloves for a handful of years now and most recently bought the dragonfly color. The color is very pretty. These are some of the most comfortable shoes to wear for just about anything where you want good traction. I run (sprints), hike and walk in them, and many other things. Although a minimalist style shoe, they do offer good support. I have normal to high arches but my son also wears trail gloves and has low arches, yet we both find these comfortable. The wide toebox allows your feet to expand when running, which is important for forefoot strikers. Although my feet are a bit on the wide side in the forefoot, I have plenty of room. On the other hand, I have very narrow ankles but can lace these so there's no heel slippage. This version of the Trail Glove does run half a size bigger than normal, so size down. If you're not familiar with these shoes, measure your feet in cm then use the Japanese sizing on the size chart, then go down half a size.
I'm not a trail runner, however I am a fairly active individual. I do a lot of indoor cycling, walking, weight training etc and these shoes are great for all of the above. I love the barefoot feel, takes a bit to adjust to at first but overall I feel like these shoes positively impact my body mechanics and posture. I wear them nearly every day!
I've been wearing these Trail Gloves for years. I run them into the ground and I love minimalist shoes, so some added wear doesn't bother me since I run forefoot anyway. These shoes have typically never gotten holes, either, so I tend to get a new pair every year. I picked up my shoes yesterday and noticed that these have been newly designed. The tongue is different (smaller and thinner.. definitely a more "modern" look but noticeably less comfortable). The shoe itself is WAY more narrow and there seems to be more arch support? I don't like having arch support because I already have high arches and it makes my feet hurt. One thing I used to love about this design is they've historically had a wider, more comfortable toe box. The last difference I noticed is that there's more "mesh" at the toes. From experience, toe mesh allows for holes. As I said above, these shoes have never typically gotten holes because of the sturdy (but very minimalist) design. Disappointed and ended up having to return and go with a different company altogether.
I ordered my Glove 5 shoes on line and paid extra attention to the sizing recommendations. When the shoe arrived it was more purple in color than what I expected, which was blue with a bit of purple. I only got as far as trying one shoe one. It was way too snug and tight. I really needed a wide version which they do not make in this particular shoe. I had to send them back and am now looking for another model. If someone has a narrow foot these shoes will probably fit great. Other than not fitting properly, the shoe itself appeared to be what I was looking for which was a light weight, breethable shoe for daily summer use on the trails.
After purchasing 3 other brands and styles of hiking sneakers before a trip to the NC & TN mountains, I received my 1st barefoot shoe ever thinking they wouldn’t have enough support for a long hike but could be a nice walking around town sneaker. I was wrong. These were so comfortable on hikes they are all I wore. I have bunions and flat feet and other shoes hurt so much but these super comfortable. I will reserve my 2nd pair for non muddy surfaces because they are super cute on too!! I did get a blister when I tried to run in them. Could be I needed to tie them tighter or just wrap that part of my bunion but don’t plan on running in them again.
First, I would like to say that this version looks great and there are definite improvements over the 4s. The mesh looks like it will hold up to trails better. The lining and tongue are very smooth and comfortable, even barefoot. The Vibram soles grip well, as always. But - I am so disappointed with the addition of the arch support. I have been wearing Merrell barefoot shoes for years and have never had a pair that don't feel great. These hurt. They do not have the barefoot comfort that I am used to with Merrell. (I am back to buying used Pace Gloves anywhere I can find them. I am willing to pay new shoe prices if you have any laying around)
My only knock is that there is quite a bit of support on the arch, which keeps it from being minimalist in my opinion. I use it for running, but it's a nice shoe (and not weird looking) for wearing before or after my run for errands, walking, light hiking, etc. If you're looking for a versatile shoe and don't care that it has extra support, I would highly recommend these. I also appreciate the generous toe box. I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't intended for minimalist running.
This shoe is beautiful looking. I gave it 3 stars based on looks alone. Loved the color and the overall look. However, I initially ordered the size 8, based on some reviews stating they run big. I am, 99% of the time an 8.5. When I tried them on they were too small. So I figured, I should have stuck with my normal size, so I exchanged/returned them for the 8.5. Well, I got those today and they are too big!! Too big by a lot! So, I'm not sure what's going on with the sizing. I have a few different Merrell hiking shoes that are 8.5 and they fit fine. Returning them this time for my money back. Sadly because they are shape looking!