Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Stay grounded and energized with these minimalist Merrell trail shoes. They are built for natural movement with a thin layer of FloatPro™ foam for comfort. Vibram® outsoles give you reliable traction.
Imported.
View the Merrell Trail Glove Product LineView all Merrell Men's Trail-Running Shoes| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Barefoot |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 0 |
| Heel Stack Height (mm) | 14 |
| Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 14 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | Breathable mesh/TPU |
| Lining | 100% recycled breathable mesh |
| Midsole | Recycled EVA |
| Outsole | Vibram TC5+ |
| Rock Plate | No |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Weight (Pair) | 15.51 ounces |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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They’ve definitely looked at reviews for their past renditions of the trail glove and have come up with their best one yet. They feel good, look good, have a better tread pattern and have their signature arch support for all your forefoot striking needs. Haven’t used them enough to comment on durability but if I was a betting man I’d say they’re gonna be just fine and probably beat out the competition. If you have a more narrow foot and are looking for shoelace tension in the latter half of your foot then these might not be for you as they have a more open toe box. Typically wear a 10 but had to go down a half size. I’ll be ordering more pairs and pray they don’t change the design too much come the trail glove 9. Keep doing what you’re doing Merrell!
I had just received my trail glove 8s and absolutely love them! I have owned every generation since Trail Glove 4, which were my favorites. After Gen 5, it seemed Merrell scrapped the wider toe box of the Trail Glove which severely reduced comfort; the Gen 6 and 7s were tighter on the sides, not to mention ugly. These return to the wider toe box, improved arch support, and it seems they reinforced the sides to prevent tearing (which was a problem with the gen 4s and 5s). Not to mention they look nicer than the previous two Gens. I'm giving these five stars, however time will tell if they are durable. But for now, I'm satisfied and highly recommend.
After owning 4 pairs of TG7’s I’m sad to say I have to the I have to look elsewhere. The TG8 is nowhere near the same shoe. The new seams over the toe box create raw spots on top of my toes, the toe box is considerably narrower than previous models and does not feel nearly as planted. I want my TG7’s back, the black on gum was so good.
These are my forth or fifth Trail Gloves and I don't like the direction they went. I don't like the asymmetric tongue, if I choose to wear my shoes loose or tight the tongue just doesn't feel right. The toe box is incredibly narrow. I don't like that they got rid of the two holes at the top on one side, now I can't use a heel-lock lacing technique. They are also pretty stiff for initial fit. The tread is much more road friendly than the TG7, a trail shoe like an A/T or M/T tire should be more agressive. I think the Trail Glove 7 was better, the TG8 is a pavement shoe.
I’ll start that my review isn’t of MERRELL and just the Trail Glove 8. Every shoe needs a break in but the sole felt stiffer than previous and I had a few hot spots on the outer top of feet with the burrito tongue . The 8 has been my 4th pair of Trail Gloves and they don’t fit the same. I’d gladly rebuy the 6 or 7’s again if they were in stock to replace these 8’s. If you are replacing an old pair I recommend trying these on first before purchase because they are built differently. This design doesn’t fit me like a glove, but I’m glad they are Merrell’s.
This is my second pair. As I get older, I find my feet need more help than they did in the past. I have been walking g 5-6 miles per day and have recently discovered the barefoot style of shoes. These Trail gloves, while perhaps not as flexible in the sole as some other brands, really feel good on my feet. Plenty of room in the toe box and zero drop adhere to the barefoot style. Also the stack height is just right for me as it protects from sharp rocks. One of my absolute favorite features of these shoes is the burrito tongue. It’s genius! Typical tongues on other shoes tend to roll to the outside of my feet and become off center, making the. Uncomfortable. Trail Glove 8s do not! Nor do the Vapor Glove 7s. These are a winner for me!
Unfortunately, as with many more customers, these dig into my ankle. This is nowhere a minimal shoe anymore. It is stiff, has a hard outershell, thick sole. I will be returning my pair and buying another pair of Trail Glove 7. I was really excited about these but they are not an iteration, but rather a full turn to the worse. The market already offers shoes like these, which are light and plastic-y. The Trail Glove is supposed to feel like a sock around your feet and get you into the barefoot life.
Worn the Trail Glove since the first generation. Each one was a bit better than the last until this one. Frequently hike distances up to ultramarathon in length. Trail Glove 7 is the best they've come out with. This one doesn't have the traction like the 7 did and the harder exterior shell the 8 has digs into my ankles. I was looking forward to using the 8's on a 72 mile hike I have coming up but will overnight another pair of 7's instead.
I've worn these for the better part of a week and they are very uncomfortable. It seems to be a poorly designed shoe. They rub along the inner ankle nearly causing bruises. I've had several other models of trail gloves and these are a major disappointment. I only give them the second star because I like the style; however they fail to be the functional shoe. Did I mention they are uncomfortable?


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