Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

This product is not available.
Enjoy the feeling of running barefoot? The women's Merrell Trail Glove 5 trail-running shoes provide the next best thing, with light stability and serious groundfeel for quick jaunts on light trails.
Shop similar productsImported.
View the Merrell Trail Glove Product LineView all Merrell Women's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
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)
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!
I first got into “barefoot” running about 5 years ago and my first pair of barefoot running shoes were Merrels. First of all, switching to barefoot running drastically improved my running game and I refuse to go back to traditional running shoes since. My first pair of Merrels were great, super comfortable, no blisters or pinching, but I couldn’t use them on trails because I could feel every rock. These are not only just as comfortable but I can take them off road because of the protective plate in the sole. Also, the way they conform to my heal makes them even more comfortable. And they’re cute. I already want another pair.
I bought these shoes because I was looking for something with less arch as arches hurt my feet. Unfortunately, the arch is very substantial. They also are surprisingly narrow for being shoes that are supposed to be comparable to being barefoot. The toe box isn't as wide as I'd expect either.
I LOVE my Trail Glove 4 shoes! I live in them. I wear a pair to work every day, and I wear another pair for my outdoor activities. So yes, I basically do live in them. They are rugged enough to withstand hiking and trail running, but comfortable enough to use for simply walking the dogs. They fit like a glove and allow my feet to move without feeling restricted. I cannot say that about the Trail Glove 5 unfortunately. The arch support in this shoe is so hard that if feels unnatural and not barefoot at all. It actually hurts my foot even after 5 minutes of wear. I'm really disappointed in the changes to this shoe.
I have 3 pair. They are the perfect compromise between a minimal shoe and a bit of sole to absorb the gravel I walk on daily. I even bought my child a pair for indoor soccer. On the downside, the top/side consistently cracks and tears where my foot creates a crease. This causes above mentioned gravel to enter my shoes. The soles remain intact and wearable long after the holes make them useless to me. Sidenote: my husband also has 3 pair. His do not crease and crack.
I own this shoe in 4 colors . I’ve actually been purchasing the trail glove for the last 5 years. Needless to say I love them. The TG5 is much more durable than the TG4, IMO. The mesh does not fray like I experienced with the TG4. Although it feels like there is slightly more arch support in this model, which surprised me given its minimal nature, I got used to it after the first wear and it’s just as comfortable as previous models. Also, when Merrell suggests ordering a half size down, heed the advice. As long as they keep the stack height where it is and the drop at 0, I’ll be a lifelong customer.
I put over 2000 km on my Trail Glove 4 and they are still useable. The Trail Glove 4 tongue was an integral part of the shoe, wrapping around the foot, the only seam is on the outside of the foot. In contrast the Trail Glove 5 has a separate tongue with seams all the way around the tongue. On my Trail Glove 5's the fronts are puckered due to irregular stitching of the tongue.The 5's have a lot more seams and loose threads, and in general I find them less comfortable on a bare foot due to the extra stitching and the seam across the top of the foot just behind the toes from the tongue design. I also wonder about the quality of the stitching as they have numerous loose threads. Finally I dropped from size 8 in the Trail Glove 4 to size 7.5 in the Trail Glove 5 and they still feel larger than the 4's. Overall I am not happy with the changes. The Trail Glove 4 was a better design in my opinion.