Merrell  Trail Glove 8 Trail-Running Shoes - Men's

I like it. Simply, this is the very first Trail-Glove that I have liked *at all* since the TG-4. The TG-2 and TG-3 are/were my favorites. The last 3 versions have all been awful in my opinion. THIS shoes, Trail-Glove 8 feels like what the TG-5 should have been and was going for, but with its flaws remedied. Yes, there is more structure than the original models. There is more arch support but it's much milder in this case (TG-5 through TG-7 all felt like walking on a broomstick) and they've widened the toe-box again; the toe is not as wide as it used to be but much moreso than more recent models. Again it most closely resembles the TG-5 but much better. More than anything it reminds me of one of my favorite minimalist running shoes: the Xero HFS II (i've included photos). They feel very similar but the TrailGlove has more tread, less ground feel (very little) and a bit more structure and *slightly* narrower toe-box, but they're very similar. At the end of the day I largely left Merrell entirely for the past 5 years and wear mostly Vivobarefoot and a couple pairs of Xero shoes. Based on the early reviews of this shoe I decided to give it a try because it seemed like those that didn't care for it are upset that it's NOT like the previous couple versions... For me, I can't be happier that it is. This is ALMOST a treal Merrell Trail-Glove again. I have plenty of minimal barefoot shoes that I love and actually WANTED something with just a touch of arch support, slightly more rigid outsole for around the house and for days when my feet are tired (low-key recovery shoe for a barefoot wearer of nearly 20 years) and these absolutely deliver what I was after. I'll always miss the early days of the Trail-Glove; they started me down the barefoot path... But this TG-8 is mostly a return to form and I'm 100% here for it. Final note: size down a half-size from your normal - they run a bit large. Thank you, Merrell.

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.

Seems well built and the overlapping tongue should help keep debris out as well as not moving off center. Having extra cushioning vs pure barefoot type of feeling but still a 0 drop has so far been good for me as an older runner. I did find that the first few days (a week?), the top eyelet was very stiff and dug into the front of my foot until it broke in a bit. Other than that I’m so far happy with them but really do like the older Trail Glove 7. The sizing does run large as I’ve found with most of the Merrill line but I did order a 1/2 size down knowing that already.

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.

The Trail Glove 7 was my first pair. Although I’m a runner, I originally bought them for sightseeing during a running vacation. I struggled initially to find the right size, but once I did, they served me very well until the uppers eventually wore out. When I tried the Trail Glove 8, I had to go up a half size, but I immediately loved the way they felt on my feet. Perhaps because they come up a little higher around the ankle and have the burrito-style wrap, they really do feel like gloves. Unfortunately, once I started actually wearing them, I discovered a significant problem. There is a piece of hard plastic around the ankle that rubs painfully against my ankle. I have repeatedly had to use pliers to bend the plastic outward to keep it from digging into my ankle. It helps temporarily, but the plastic works its way back and the discomfort returns. That is particularly disappointing because otherwise I really like the Trail Glove 8. The fit and feel are excellent, but I shouldn’t have to repeatedly reshape part of a shoe with pliers in order to wear it comfortably. I’m counting on the plastic eventually breaking down enough to stay rolled outward. Otherwise, this would be a two-star shoe for me.

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!

The newest Trail Glove is extremely uncomfortable. The medial aspect of the instep has a rigid plastic piece that dig into my skin. Can’t wear them for more than 15 minutes and can’t imagine trying to run in them.