Merrell's leadership in the barefoot category continues with the Trail Glove 7. Key updates include more natural foot positioning for a true minimalist feel, a Vibram EcoStep outsole that wraps the foot to maximise grip and connection, and a minimal midsole made of FloatPro Foam. These minimal yet versatile shoes are sleek for casual wear, light enough for gym workouts, and equipped for trail racing and cross country.
Merrell's leadership in the barefoot category continues with the Trail Glove 7. Key updates include more natural foot positioning for a true minimalist feel, a Vibram EcoStep outsole that wraps the foot to maximise grip and connection, and a minimal midsole made of FloatPro Foam. These minimal yet versatile shoes are sleek for casual wear, light enough for gym workouts, and equipped for trail racing and cross country.
Merrell's leadership in the barefoot category continues with the Trail Glove 7. Key updates include more natural foot positioning for a true minimalist feel, a Vibram EcoStep outsole that wraps the foot to maximise grip and connection, and a minimal midsole made of FloatPro Foam. These minimal yet versatile shoes are sleek for casual wear, light enough for gym workouts, and equipped for trail racing and cross country.
Merrell's leadership in the barefoot category continues with the Trail Glove 7. Key updates include more natural foot positioning for a true minimalist feel, a Vibram EcoStep outsole that wraps the foot to maximise grip and connection, and a minimal midsole made of FloatPro Foam. These minimal yet versatile shoes are sleek for casual wear, light enough for gym workouts, and equipped for trail racing and cross country.
Last updated at 05/11/2026 01:05:55
Merrell Trail Glove 7 Trail Running Shoes MER2646 Men's | Size EU 44 in Slate
Delivery $29
originally posted on merrell.com
Okay here me out. All the 4/5 star reviews must have never tried any version past the 5 cause they don't know how could it could be. I've been using the trail glove since the 3rd, when I was younger I ripped my calves using traditional running shoes. Merrells barefoot minamilist trail glove was the solution that brought me relief and I could finally run again.Barefoot shoes are a slow slog to restrengthen your muscles but it's worth it. The 3 was a good entry it fit to your foot well and was great on the trail even as just a walking shoe and served me well, the trail glove 4 was the pinnacle. The shoe that truly got me back into long distance trails, it felt like a slipper you could feel everything and the overall design looked amazing I went through 1500km in my ... MoreOkay here me out. All the 4/5 star reviews must have never tried any version past the 5 cause they don't know how could it could be. I've been using the trail glove since the 3rd, when I was younger I ripped my calves using traditional running shoes. Merrells barefoot minamilist trail glove was the solution that brought me relief and I could finally run again.Barefoot shoes are a slow slog to restrengthen your muscles but it's worth it. The 3 was a good entry it fit to your foot well and was great on the trail even as just a walking shoe and served me well, the trail glove 4 was the pinnacle. The shoe that truly got me back into long distance trails, it felt like a slipper you could feel everything and the overall design looked amazing I went through 1500km in my first pair before they couldn't go no more. I'm originally from nz so these shoes come late and leave early so I had to improvise and try and find somewhere that will ship to nz even at a ridiculous cost. The knit 4 looked like it was the pinnacle of pinnacles but alas Noone would ship it and I never got to experience it's brilliance.The trail glove 5, not as good as the 4 but a solid shoe. I went through 4 pairs each doing somewhere between 1000 - 1200kms before being retired to walking shoes these shoes took me on ultras with no worries and interested looks from other runners. These stayed on shelves only a little longer then the 4 before the 5 came along. The 6 was a disappointment the tread design was interesting and the lace up system changed and increased pading and stability wearing them in was painful compared to the others, my first pair only did 300km if that before being retired due to the tread being ripped off from the usual trails I took my 5. The living systems on the 6 was difficult to get into even when worn down. They fit down a size compared to the previous but overall I tried to like them.Now the 7. I didn't even know they released a new version as nz dosnt even know cause we just got the 6!! Reimagined design, tread similar to other barefoot on the market. Support gone... it looks almost like the trail glove 4 knit.. could it be. No a massive disappointment so much so that I went and got another 6!! Ste toebox is a swamp I have to go down 2 sizes to try and make it fit nicely the tread slips and slides on all terrain cause the shoe doesn't mold nicely to your foot it's like a oversized diving shoe that's filled with water. I guess I'll have to wait for the 8 but the way they're going merrell might just cut the shoe from their line up and I'll have to find a new barefoot shoe.Just bring back the trail glove 4 you know every trail glove lover will buy several pairs to last them a lifetime.
originally posted on merrell.com
These are pseudo-barefoot, like right in the middle range between standard shoes and true barefoot ones.The first issue is perhaps due to my wide feet, but the toe box is just barely enough to avoid significant constriction, so it is at least more comfortable than standard, but even sizing up it still binds my toes despite the laces being as loose as I can still manage to tie. The mesh material wraps around the forward metatarsal joint like a hammock, pressing inward at the toes.The rest of the shoe is at least rather comfortable and has some airflow, but for me they unfortunately encourage heel striking. This could be for the fact that the toe also has elevation causing a change in the stride.I feel these MAY be good as an intermediary when transitioning from ... MoreThese are pseudo-barefoot, like right in the middle range between standard shoes and true barefoot ones.The first issue is perhaps due to my wide feet, but the toe box is just barely enough to avoid significant constriction, so it is at least more comfortable than standard, but even sizing up it still binds my toes despite the laces being as loose as I can still manage to tie. The mesh material wraps around the forward metatarsal joint like a hammock, pressing inward at the toes.The rest of the shoe is at least rather comfortable and has some airflow, but for me they unfortunately encourage heel striking. This could be for the fact that the toe also has elevation causing a change in the stride.I feel these MAY be good as an intermediary when transitioning from standard to real barefoot, where you have not yet acclimated to them. Not recommended for wide feet at all, as they are clearly not designed as such. While unlikely to be satisfactory for those who already use and enjoy true barefoot shoes, it is decidedly worse for a wide. I have basically a full inch at the end of the shoe from sizing up, but it still prevents any splay, and it is not very secure at the rear either. Ground feel is also middling due to stack height.Maybe it'll get better from some break-in, but my confidence is not high.If you have thin feet and can't quite handle real barefoot shoes, these are probably a winner, but they're going to end up in my closet as a backup.
originally posted on merrellaustralia.com.au
Having previously owned Xero Barefoot sandals and subsequently witnessed them fall to pieces after only 6 months use, I was hesitant to look at barefoot style shoes again. A friend of mine recommended I try them again, he was raving about his pair of Trail Glove 4’s on the Cape Raoul hike. So I tried them on in store for size, having read others reviews I figured that would be the best idea to ensure I get the right size, and then ordered online. I ordered a US size 12 men’s. For size comparison, I previously wore US size 11 men’s Nike Trainers for dry hikes. The fit is superb and I have been easing my way into them. I like how they have a slightly thicker sole than your hardcore barefoot shoe and I think those who recommended them for beginners are spot on. I’ve ... MoreHaving previously owned Xero Barefoot sandals and subsequently witnessed them fall to pieces after only 6 months use, I was hesitant to look at barefoot style shoes again. A friend of mine recommended I try them again, he was raving about his pair of Trail Glove 4’s on the Cape Raoul hike. So I tried them on in store for size, having read others reviews I figured that would be the best idea to ensure I get the right size, and then ordered online. I ordered a US size 12 men’s. For size comparison, I previously wore US size 11 men’s Nike Trainers for dry hikes. The fit is superb and I have been easing my way into them. I like how they have a slightly thicker sole than your hardcore barefoot shoe and I think those who recommended them for beginners are spot on. I’ve been enjoying them so far, the way they hug the ankle with a ‘runners loop’ and how spacious the toe box feels. I look forward to testing their grip on the Cradle Mountain, Mount Amos & Murchison Summit hikes. I’m confident they will outperform my old shoes.
| Foot Type | Neutral |
| Stack height | 14mm | 14mm |
Merrell Trail Glove 7 Trail Running Shoes MER2646 Men's | Size EU 44 in Slate
Delivery $29
Okay here me out. All the 4/5 star reviews must have never tried any version past the 5 cause they don't know how could it could be. I've been using the trail glove since the 3rd, when I was younger I ripped my calves using traditional running shoes. Merrells barefoot minamilist trail glove was the solution that brought me relief and I could finally run again.Barefoot shoes are a slow slog to restrengthen your muscles but it's worth it. The 3 was a good entry it fit to your foot well and was great on the trail even as just a walking shoe and served me well, the trail glove 4 was the pinnacle. The shoe that truly got me back into long distance trails, it felt like a slipper you could feel everything and the overall design looked amazing I went through 1500km in my ... MoreOkay here me out. All the 4/5 star reviews must have never tried any version past the 5 cause they don't know how could it could be. I've been using the trail glove since the 3rd, when I was younger I ripped my calves using traditional running shoes. Merrells barefoot minamilist trail glove was the solution that brought me relief and I could finally run again.Barefoot shoes are a slow slog to restrengthen your muscles but it's worth it. The 3 was a good entry it fit to your foot well and was great on the trail even as just a walking shoe and served me well, the trail glove 4 was the pinnacle. The shoe that truly got me back into long distance trails, it felt like a slipper you could feel everything and the overall design looked amazing I went through 1500km in my first pair before they couldn't go no more. I'm originally from nz so these shoes come late and leave early so I had to improvise and try and find somewhere that will ship to nz even at a ridiculous cost. The knit 4 looked like it was the pinnacle of pinnacles but alas Noone would ship it and I never got to experience it's brilliance.The trail glove 5, not as good as the 4 but a solid shoe. I went through 4 pairs each doing somewhere between 1000 - 1200kms before being retired to walking shoes these shoes took me on ultras with no worries and interested looks from other runners. These stayed on shelves only a little longer then the 4 before the 5 came along. The 6 was a disappointment the tread design was interesting and the lace up system changed and increased pading and stability wearing them in was painful compared to the others, my first pair only did 300km if that before being retired due to the tread being ripped off from the usual trails I took my 5. The living systems on the 6 was difficult to get into even when worn down. They fit down a size compared to the previous but overall I tried to like them.Now the 7. I didn't even know they released a new version as nz dosnt even know cause we just got the 6!! Reimagined design, tread similar to other barefoot on the market. Support gone... it looks almost like the trail glove 4 knit.. could it be. No a massive disappointment so much so that I went and got another 6!! Ste toebox is a swamp I have to go down 2 sizes to try and make it fit nicely the tread slips and slides on all terrain cause the shoe doesn't mold nicely to your foot it's like a oversized diving shoe that's filled with water. I guess I'll have to wait for the 8 but the way they're going merrell might just cut the shoe from their line up and I'll have to find a new barefoot shoe.Just bring back the trail glove 4 you know every trail glove lover will buy several pairs to last them a lifetime.
These are pseudo-barefoot, like right in the middle range between standard shoes and true barefoot ones.The first issue is perhaps due to my wide feet, but the toe box is just barely enough to avoid significant constriction, so it is at least more comfortable than standard, but even sizing up it still binds my toes despite the laces being as loose as I can still manage to tie. The mesh material wraps around the forward metatarsal joint like a hammock, pressing inward at the toes.The rest of the shoe is at least rather comfortable and has some airflow, but for me they unfortunately encourage heel striking. This could be for the fact that the toe also has elevation causing a change in the stride.I feel these MAY be good as an intermediary when transitioning from ... MoreThese are pseudo-barefoot, like right in the middle range between standard shoes and true barefoot ones.The first issue is perhaps due to my wide feet, but the toe box is just barely enough to avoid significant constriction, so it is at least more comfortable than standard, but even sizing up it still binds my toes despite the laces being as loose as I can still manage to tie. The mesh material wraps around the forward metatarsal joint like a hammock, pressing inward at the toes.The rest of the shoe is at least rather comfortable and has some airflow, but for me they unfortunately encourage heel striking. This could be for the fact that the toe also has elevation causing a change in the stride.I feel these MAY be good as an intermediary when transitioning from standard to real barefoot, where you have not yet acclimated to them. Not recommended for wide feet at all, as they are clearly not designed as such. While unlikely to be satisfactory for those who already use and enjoy true barefoot shoes, it is decidedly worse for a wide. I have basically a full inch at the end of the shoe from sizing up, but it still prevents any splay, and it is not very secure at the rear either. Ground feel is also middling due to stack height.Maybe it'll get better from some break-in, but my confidence is not high.If you have thin feet and can't quite handle real barefoot shoes, these are probably a winner, but they're going to end up in my closet as a backup.
Having previously owned Xero Barefoot sandals and subsequently witnessed them fall to pieces after only 6 months use, I was hesitant to look at barefoot style shoes again. A friend of mine recommended I try them again, he was raving about his pair of Trail Glove 4’s on the Cape Raoul hike. So I tried them on in store for size, having read others reviews I figured that would be the best idea to ensure I get the right size, and then ordered online. I ordered a US size 12 men’s. For size comparison, I previously wore US size 11 men’s Nike Trainers for dry hikes. The fit is superb and I have been easing my way into them. I like how they have a slightly thicker sole than your hardcore barefoot shoe and I think those who recommended them for beginners are spot on. I’ve ... MoreHaving previously owned Xero Barefoot sandals and subsequently witnessed them fall to pieces after only 6 months use, I was hesitant to look at barefoot style shoes again. A friend of mine recommended I try them again, he was raving about his pair of Trail Glove 4’s on the Cape Raoul hike. So I tried them on in store for size, having read others reviews I figured that would be the best idea to ensure I get the right size, and then ordered online. I ordered a US size 12 men’s. For size comparison, I previously wore US size 11 men’s Nike Trainers for dry hikes. The fit is superb and I have been easing my way into them. I like how they have a slightly thicker sole than your hardcore barefoot shoe and I think those who recommended them for beginners are spot on. I’ve been enjoying them so far, the way they hug the ankle with a ‘runners loop’ and how spacious the toe box feels. I look forward to testing their grip on the Cradle Mountain, Mount Amos & Murchison Summit hikes. I’m confident they will outperform my old shoes.
The ideal barefoot trail running shoe for soil cement / gravel trails, people who don't drag their feet, and so and so on. If you have to run in an area that sometimes has thick underbrush, and uneven terrain, often a variation of the Moab / Moab Speed is a better choice. This is also good as a casual running shoe for 10KM loops / tracks, given the area around the toe box wouldn't get wet easily, if you were wearing 100% impermeable rain pants, gaiters, two pairs of socks, and some Body Glide / anti chafe on your toes and heel. It won't last as long as the Moab obviously, as it doesn't have the reinforced heel, even though it has arch support via the midsole, but it cost far less money, so definitely not a bad deal at all. It doesn't have to be 100% waterproof, ... MoreThe ideal barefoot trail running shoe for soil cement / gravel trails, people who don't drag their feet, and so and so on. If you have to run in an area that sometimes has thick underbrush, and uneven terrain, often a variation of the Moab / Moab Speed is a better choice. This is also good as a casual running shoe for 10KM loops / tracks, given the area around the toe box wouldn't get wet easily, if you were wearing 100% impermeable rain pants, gaiters, two pairs of socks, and some Body Glide / anti chafe on your toes and heel. It won't last as long as the Moab obviously, as it doesn't have the reinforced heel, even though it has arch support via the midsole, but it cost far less money, so definitely not a bad deal at all. It doesn't have to be 100% waterproof, given breathability is a very big concern ( though I don't like it as much as the old Chameleon line, although these have a 14mm / shorter drop as they are for barefoot running, and they would probably do better in very hot weather. ) I can agree with myself, that this is definitely not a shoe for tap dancing, doing heavy farm work, or biking. If there were alternatives, from personal experience, I would suggest another Wolverine Worldwide brand that has Goodyear Welt stitching, either an 8" oil / chemical resistant transitional boot, a logger's boot, an ironworker's boot, or something with a ripple sole for steep muddy clay embankments. An EVA wedge outsole with Polyester / Nylon Goodyear Welt stitching is better for people who want ultra low replacement costs at the entry level bracket. Over the long term though, it would be far more expensive than a boot with a Vibram sole ( with heavy use, you'd have to resole frequently, so the cost goes up. )
I started with 1 pair of Merrel Trail Glove 5, ended up buying another half dozen. When the 6 arrived I tried them on at a Merrel store in Sydney and found the toe box to be narrower than the previous model 5, so I decided not to buy any of those. When I saw the upgrade to the model 7 I read the toe box was wider, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt and ordered a pair. Only to be disappointed! The toe box on the Trail Glove 7 is narrower than the toe box on the Trail Glove 5 and I end up hurting my toes after a long day in them. I'm hoping it might get better as they age, but I don't wear them often enough to make a real change. I still have all my 5's, in various stages of disintegration, and I can wear each one of them for 24+ hours without even feeling like I'm ... MoreI started with 1 pair of Merrel Trail Glove 5, ended up buying another half dozen. When the 6 arrived I tried them on at a Merrel store in Sydney and found the toe box to be narrower than the previous model 5, so I decided not to buy any of those. When I saw the upgrade to the model 7 I read the toe box was wider, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt and ordered a pair. Only to be disappointed! The toe box on the Trail Glove 7 is narrower than the toe box on the Trail Glove 5 and I end up hurting my toes after a long day in them. I'm hoping it might get better as they age, but I don't wear them often enough to make a real change. I still have all my 5's, in various stages of disintegration, and I can wear each one of them for 24+ hours without even feeling like I'm wearing shoes, so please make any future Trail Gloves' toe boxes the same width as the 5's. Also, the lacing is really odd, I've already switched laces from an old pair into the new 7's, but still the eyelets don't seem to hold the laces in place whilst tying them, so it feels like I have to hold every level of the laces so they don't loosen their grip before tying a knot. Weird, just go back to the eyelets of previous models. On the plus side, the grip on the soles is even better than previous models. Using the shoes for sled pushing in the gym, sometimes the 5's would give a little (especially as the soles wear down), but grip on the 7's is great.
I've had a saga with barefoot/minimalist runners and these are the only shoes I've found to date that work for my feet. They may not be for everyone--which is expressed in some of the other reviews--but thought I'd share my experience in case it's helpful for anyone.I switched to barefoot/minimalist running about 3.5 years ago due to a plantar fasciitis issue. My first minimalist shoe was the Trail Glove 6, and the plantar fasciitis went away in about 6 months with those shoes. I went through 2 pairs before Merrell discontinued them (though I know they can still be found) and released the 7. Reading some of the reviews and about some of the changes--particularly that the "barefoot" identification that Merrell put on the 6's was no longer on the 7's--I went looking ... MoreI've had a saga with barefoot/minimalist runners and these are the only shoes I've found to date that work for my feet. They may not be for everyone--which is expressed in some of the other reviews--but thought I'd share my experience in case it's helpful for anyone.I switched to barefoot/minimalist running about 3.5 years ago due to a plantar fasciitis issue. My first minimalist shoe was the Trail Glove 6, and the plantar fasciitis went away in about 6 months with those shoes. I went through 2 pairs before Merrell discontinued them (though I know they can still be found) and released the 7. Reading some of the reviews and about some of the changes--particularly that the "barefoot" identification that Merrell put on the 6's was no longer on the 7's--I went looking for other shoes. I knew that the 6's would eventually disappear forever, and wanted to find something that would work for me longterm. I tried Vivobarefoot, Xero, and Merrell's own Vapor Glove 7. The Vivobarefoot and Xero were too wide for my feet--I have quite narrow feet--and the Vapor Glove ended up being *too* minimalist and caused a new plantar fasciitis issue in my other foot.So I decided to give the Trail Glove 7 a try. I will say that they are not perfect, but after trying a variety of other "barefoot/minimalist" shoes, they're so far the only ones that work for me. Again, I have narrow feet. If you have wider feet, they might not work for you. I appreciate the protection from sharp stones, etc., and the stability that the thicker sole provides seems to be helping with my plantar fasciitis. If you really want that barefoot feel, these may not work for you. But for me at least they do still allow forefoot landing, which I find to be the primary factor in preventing and resolving injuries.I do also appreciate some of the changes that Merrell made with the 7, but other changes I don't love. I do like that the arch support has been reduced. I don't love the new tread design--which is basically the same as the Vapor Glove 7's now--but it works. I get the sense it may wear faster, though, than the 6's sole did, requiring more frequent replacement. The sole is also grippy in odd ways.Another change that seems to be present in the 7 is that it feels like there's a bit more heel than on the 6's. Not height, but girth. As I said above, they still allow for forefoot landing, but I have to concentrate on my overall running form a little more than I did with the 6's to achieve that. Finally, I also am less thrilled with the lace design on the 7's than on the 6's. The laces are super slippy now and it's hard to get them snug around the middle of the foot. I might try to resolve this issue by replacing the laces.Overall, I am satisfied with the Trail Glove 7. They are the only minimalist runners that I've found so far that work for my feet, allowing me to continue to run. And that's priceless.
I’ve owned at least a dozen pairs of trail gloves from the third gen on. It is my go to running shoe and I always end up returning to it. I appreciate the feel of the 7 from the 6 as it felt like there was more room in the toe box. However, I am profoundly disappointed about the tred and the log of the tread. The tread remains me of the trail glove 4 which seemed to grade off in the trails like a soft cheese. The lug on the trail glove 7 is 2.5 mm from 3mm on the model 6 (that’s a 15 percent reduction). Between those two alterations I for the first time tried a competitor. Unfortunately I missed the comfort and minimal, but helpful cushion/stack height of the 7. Now, I’m at a crossroads of weather or not to go with another competitor or buy 7’s that become obsolete ... MoreI’ve owned at least a dozen pairs of trail gloves from the third gen on. It is my go to running shoe and I always end up returning to it. I appreciate the feel of the 7 from the 6 as it felt like there was more room in the toe box. However, I am profoundly disappointed about the tred and the log of the tread. The tread remains me of the trail glove 4 which seemed to grade off in the trails like a soft cheese. The lug on the trail glove 7 is 2.5 mm from 3mm on the model 6 (that’s a 15 percent reduction). Between those two alterations I for the first time tried a competitor. Unfortunately I missed the comfort and minimal, but helpful cushion/stack height of the 7. Now, I’m at a crossroads of weather or not to go with another competitor or buy 7’s that become obsolete too quickly. Please know that if the 7’s had the lug and tread of the 6 it would be a 5 star shoe. It might last longer but people would buy more pairs of them rather than branching out.
This is my second pair of Xero Prio, and first pair of Merrill’s. So far, I love them both!I was unsure about the Prio Neo Until I changed my insole to one that works better for me; now they feel AWESOME. I definitely think the Prio Neo is an upgrade over the prior generation, which I, frankly, like less than it’s Vivobarefoot contemporary styles which have a more comfortable supporting fit and (formerly) a foam cork insole that’s very difficult to find now. The Prio Neo looks great and is super stylish — Xero has gained a new fan.The Merrell is the new brand for me and the Trail Glove 7 is a head-turner. It looks amazing on my feet and feels great from the start. That’s a good thing because the insole is not removable. It’s so light on my foot that it almost ... MoreThis is my second pair of Xero Prio, and first pair of Merrill’s. So far, I love them both!I was unsure about the Prio Neo Until I changed my insole to one that works better for me; now they feel AWESOME. I definitely think the Prio Neo is an upgrade over the prior generation, which I, frankly, like less than it’s Vivobarefoot contemporary styles which have a more comfortable supporting fit and (formerly) a foam cork insole that’s very difficult to find now. The Prio Neo looks great and is super stylish — Xero has gained a new fan.The Merrell is the new brand for me and the Trail Glove 7 is a head-turner. It looks amazing on my feet and feels great from the start. That’s a good thing because the insole is not removable. It’s so light on my foot that it almost felt weird to walk in originally. I’m a huge fan of this shoe now and have already gotten several compliments.I wore each of these for a day or so before writing this review.
As a lover of barefoot shoes with a bit of cushioning, I have been hoping Merrell would go back to producing a zero-drop shoe with a 14mm stack height (as they did years ago). The more popular stack heights of 3mm and 6mm don't offer enough protection for walking fast on sidewalks. Merrell seems to have listened to my dreams because the Trail Glove 7 is the near perfect shoe for me. Not only does it have the 14 mm stack height with zero drop that I was looking for, but in addition the 2.5 mm lug sole on the bottom makes the shoe rugged without loss of flexibility. I bought two pairs (in men's because I didn't like the women's pastel colors, men's 7.5 works for my women's size 9 feet although it took a couple tries to figure that out). I love the two colors I picked: ... MoreAs a lover of barefoot shoes with a bit of cushioning, I have been hoping Merrell would go back to producing a zero-drop shoe with a 14mm stack height (as they did years ago). The more popular stack heights of 3mm and 6mm don't offer enough protection for walking fast on sidewalks. Merrell seems to have listened to my dreams because the Trail Glove 7 is the near perfect shoe for me. Not only does it have the 14 mm stack height with zero drop that I was looking for, but in addition the 2.5 mm lug sole on the bottom makes the shoe rugged without loss of flexibility. I bought two pairs (in men's because I didn't like the women's pastel colors, men's 7.5 works for my women's size 9 feet although it took a couple tries to figure that out). I love the two colors I picked: pine/gum and nutshell/dazzle. I use both of my Trail Glove (TG) 7 shoes all the time - for everything from a walk into town to hiking on trails. They feel like an extension of my feet. Right out of the box they felt like I had been wearing them for years. They are soft, light, easily bendable, barefoot-ish and yet slip-proof and gently supportive. I hope Merrell makes this in fall colors, keeps this line going, and gets beyond the pastels for women. It would be great to have this exact shoe in a more waterproof material for winter. A heavenly shoe. (I am 65 and live in the Pacific Northwest; I bought one pair of TG 7 from REI and the other from the Merrell site online.)
I was a tad reluctant to purchase these for an upcoming cycle touring trip as I wasn’t sure they would hold up. I was sure wrong! These are my daily after ride shoes that I go to for everything off the bike. They get stuffed in a bag everyday and abused on the hiking trails. I’ve been more than impressed with how they’ve stood up to each task. They’re great for walking around town post ride and after almost four weeks of abuse they still look great and perform just as good as day one. The last hike we did was 14km with 800m of vertical change in Andorra. I would’ve preferred a stiffer hiking boot but these did great over the steep rocky terrain. The grip was awesome and the way they contour to your feet gave me great confidence. I’m really impressed by the weight ... MoreI was a tad reluctant to purchase these for an upcoming cycle touring trip as I wasn’t sure they would hold up. I was sure wrong! These are my daily after ride shoes that I go to for everything off the bike. They get stuffed in a bag everyday and abused on the hiking trails. I’ve been more than impressed with how they’ve stood up to each task. They’re great for walking around town post ride and after almost four weeks of abuse they still look great and perform just as good as day one. The last hike we did was 14km with 800m of vertical change in Andorra. I would’ve preferred a stiffer hiking boot but these did great over the steep rocky terrain. The grip was awesome and the way they contour to your feet gave me great confidence. I’m really impressed by the weight and construction quality. I’ll definitely be purchasing more when I eventually wear these out. But for now I cannot say enough good things about the trail glove 7.
| Foot Type | Neutral |
| Stack height | 14mm | 14mm |
