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 01/31/2025 10:44:56
originally posted on merrell.com
Hey everybody, I love my Merrills and I want to say I don’t know if Meryl says it but I’ve seen a lot of other shoe companies that say it. Sorry for the typo. This is a voice to text translation. The brand name is MERRILL I think I’m Disabled and ha ha, I bought these Merrel because I wanted to repeatable Company. Now the other companies were saying I don’t know if Merrill says this, but it can help with neuropathy and even maybe even I saw on one shoe nerve regenerationTherefore I decided to check it out. It just makes my feel fee feel really goodI have been active in them and I’m having more pain than normal. However, I believe that’s because of the increase blood flow because I’ve been more active than normal. I’ve been very sedentary and I’m changing my life ... MoreHey everybody, I love my Merrills and I want to say I don’t know if Meryl says it but I’ve seen a lot of other shoe companies that say it. Sorry for the typo. This is a voice to text translation. The brand name is MERRILL I think I’m Disabled and ha ha, I bought these Merrel because I wanted to repeatable Company. Now the other companies were saying I don’t know if Merrill says this, but it can help with neuropathy and even maybe even I saw on one shoe nerve regenerationTherefore I decided to check it out. It just makes my feel fee feel really goodI have been active in them and I’m having more pain than normal. However, I believe that’s because of the increase blood flow because I’ve been more active than normal. I’ve been very sedentary and I’m changing my life hence the numerals no I was supposed to say New, MERRILL.I believe my increased pain is from the increased blood flow and I believe this is going to stop with more activity. There is no other reason for the increased pain I mean it just went from almost nothing to holy cow. What’s going on here pain now I’m not a doctor and it’s the pain continues without getting better. I will see in neurologist , I will see a neurologist. I’m sorry for the typos guys. I have four TBI traumatic brain injuries, all rightI know Merrill is not causing my pain because I have had them shoes before and I love them.These shoes are the way to go and they last so long all right everybody Choose MERRILLNC for yourself
originally posted on merrell.com
I have been buying Trail Gloves for years and LOVE the Trail Glove 6 and own three pairs. I saw the redesign on the 7's and was worried, and was right to be. I had a 9.5 in the 5's and they were a bit big after breaking in, so with the 6's I have been buying 9 and they are perfect. The new piece that wraps over the toe on the 7's makes them too tight. I was hoping they would stretch out, but haven't. The soles are just terrible. The small pattern picks up every little rock and gets caked with mud. I also can't see it holding up as well in the long run. The arch on the previous two generations fit my feet perfectly. This new one is not the same. It's not terrible, but also not immediately perfect or as supportive. The only improvement in this generation is the ... MoreI have been buying Trail Gloves for years and LOVE the Trail Glove 6 and own three pairs. I saw the redesign on the 7's and was worried, and was right to be. I had a 9.5 in the 5's and they were a bit big after breaking in, so with the 6's I have been buying 9 and they are perfect. The new piece that wraps over the toe on the 7's makes them too tight. I was hoping they would stretch out, but haven't. The soles are just terrible. The small pattern picks up every little rock and gets caked with mud. I also can't see it holding up as well in the long run. The arch on the previous two generations fit my feet perfectly. This new one is not the same. It's not terrible, but also not immediately perfect or as supportive. The only improvement in this generation is the ability to loosen the laces more which makes them easier to put on, and there is a bit more padding at the heel. I will be searching the internet for 6's to stock up.
originally posted on merrell.com
Was pleasantly surprised how much I like these! Bought these as my new barefoot running shoes. Previously, I'd been running in the Trail Glove 4s. I avoided buying the 5s and 6s because of the poor reviews, but it came to the point where I could no longer run in the 4s (wore right through the bottoms) so I figured I'd take a chance with the 7s. They've worked great so far! The toe area took some getting used too--the rubber from the bottom kind of wraps around to the top of the big toe, which felt weird at first. The toe box is also somewhat narrow for barefoot shoes (the 4s are still superior in that regard), but it doesn't feel cramped. Overall, they are comfortable and fit well! The one thing the 7s have over the 4s is that the laces seem a bit sturdier and there ... MoreWas pleasantly surprised how much I like these! Bought these as my new barefoot running shoes. Previously, I'd been running in the Trail Glove 4s. I avoided buying the 5s and 6s because of the poor reviews, but it came to the point where I could no longer run in the 4s (wore right through the bottoms) so I figured I'd take a chance with the 7s. They've worked great so far! The toe area took some getting used too--the rubber from the bottom kind of wraps around to the top of the big toe, which felt weird at first. The toe box is also somewhat narrow for barefoot shoes (the 4s are still superior in that regard), but it doesn't feel cramped. Overall, they are comfortable and fit well! The one thing the 7s have over the 4s is that the laces seem a bit sturdier and there is some extra cushion around the Achilles.
Hey everybody, I love my Merrills and I want to say I don’t know if Meryl says it but I’ve seen a lot of other shoe companies that say it. Sorry for the typo. This is a voice to text translation. The brand name is MERRILL I think I’m Disabled and ha ha, I bought these Merrel because I wanted to repeatable Company. Now the other companies were saying I don’t know if Merrill says this, but it can help with neuropathy and even maybe even I saw on one shoe nerve regenerationTherefore I decided to check it out. It just makes my feel fee feel really goodI have been active in them and I’m having more pain than normal. However, I believe that’s because of the increase blood flow because I’ve been more active than normal. I’ve been very sedentary and I’m changing my life ... MoreHey everybody, I love my Merrills and I want to say I don’t know if Meryl says it but I’ve seen a lot of other shoe companies that say it. Sorry for the typo. This is a voice to text translation. The brand name is MERRILL I think I’m Disabled and ha ha, I bought these Merrel because I wanted to repeatable Company. Now the other companies were saying I don’t know if Merrill says this, but it can help with neuropathy and even maybe even I saw on one shoe nerve regenerationTherefore I decided to check it out. It just makes my feel fee feel really goodI have been active in them and I’m having more pain than normal. However, I believe that’s because of the increase blood flow because I’ve been more active than normal. I’ve been very sedentary and I’m changing my life hence the numerals no I was supposed to say New, MERRILL.I believe my increased pain is from the increased blood flow and I believe this is going to stop with more activity. There is no other reason for the increased pain I mean it just went from almost nothing to holy cow. What’s going on here pain now I’m not a doctor and it’s the pain continues without getting better. I will see in neurologist , I will see a neurologist. I’m sorry for the typos guys. I have four TBI traumatic brain injuries, all rightI know Merrill is not causing my pain because I have had them shoes before and I love them.These shoes are the way to go and they last so long all right everybody Choose MERRILLNC for yourself
I have been buying Trail Gloves for years and LOVE the Trail Glove 6 and own three pairs. I saw the redesign on the 7's and was worried, and was right to be. I had a 9.5 in the 5's and they were a bit big after breaking in, so with the 6's I have been buying 9 and they are perfect. The new piece that wraps over the toe on the 7's makes them too tight. I was hoping they would stretch out, but haven't. The soles are just terrible. The small pattern picks up every little rock and gets caked with mud. I also can't see it holding up as well in the long run. The arch on the previous two generations fit my feet perfectly. This new one is not the same. It's not terrible, but also not immediately perfect or as supportive. The only improvement in this generation is the ... MoreI have been buying Trail Gloves for years and LOVE the Trail Glove 6 and own three pairs. I saw the redesign on the 7's and was worried, and was right to be. I had a 9.5 in the 5's and they were a bit big after breaking in, so with the 6's I have been buying 9 and they are perfect. The new piece that wraps over the toe on the 7's makes them too tight. I was hoping they would stretch out, but haven't. The soles are just terrible. The small pattern picks up every little rock and gets caked with mud. I also can't see it holding up as well in the long run. The arch on the previous two generations fit my feet perfectly. This new one is not the same. It's not terrible, but also not immediately perfect or as supportive. The only improvement in this generation is the ability to loosen the laces more which makes them easier to put on, and there is a bit more padding at the heel. I will be searching the internet for 6's to stock up.
Was pleasantly surprised how much I like these! Bought these as my new barefoot running shoes. Previously, I'd been running in the Trail Glove 4s. I avoided buying the 5s and 6s because of the poor reviews, but it came to the point where I could no longer run in the 4s (wore right through the bottoms) so I figured I'd take a chance with the 7s. They've worked great so far! The toe area took some getting used too--the rubber from the bottom kind of wraps around to the top of the big toe, which felt weird at first. The toe box is also somewhat narrow for barefoot shoes (the 4s are still superior in that regard), but it doesn't feel cramped. Overall, they are comfortable and fit well! The one thing the 7s have over the 4s is that the laces seem a bit sturdier and there ... MoreWas pleasantly surprised how much I like these! Bought these as my new barefoot running shoes. Previously, I'd been running in the Trail Glove 4s. I avoided buying the 5s and 6s because of the poor reviews, but it came to the point where I could no longer run in the 4s (wore right through the bottoms) so I figured I'd take a chance with the 7s. They've worked great so far! The toe area took some getting used too--the rubber from the bottom kind of wraps around to the top of the big toe, which felt weird at first. The toe box is also somewhat narrow for barefoot shoes (the 4s are still superior in that regard), but it doesn't feel cramped. Overall, they are comfortable and fit well! The one thing the 7s have over the 4s is that the laces seem a bit sturdier and there is some extra cushion around the Achilles.
TLDR: they are lightweight, breathable, durable, and adorable, but don’t size down as recommendedI was actually looking to replace a previous pair of Merrell barefoot hiking shoes that were starting to fall apart and I really wanted the exact same thing but they were no longer available. So I went with these instead. These are super light and breathable, which is great, and they are very cute. But I have to tie and untie the laces every time I put them on or take them of which I didn’t have to do with my last pair. I was hoping to be able to slip them on and off but I don’t see that style available anymore. These ones also don’t fit as snuggly around my ankles as my last pair, so dirt and pebbles get inside the shoes while I’m hiking, which never happened with the ... MoreTLDR: they are lightweight, breathable, durable, and adorable, but don’t size down as recommendedI was actually looking to replace a previous pair of Merrell barefoot hiking shoes that were starting to fall apart and I really wanted the exact same thing but they were no longer available. So I went with these instead. These are super light and breathable, which is great, and they are very cute. But I have to tie and untie the laces every time I put them on or take them of which I didn’t have to do with my last pair. I was hoping to be able to slip them on and off but I don’t see that style available anymore. These ones also don’t fit as snuggly around my ankles as my last pair, so dirt and pebbles get inside the shoes while I’m hiking, which never happened with the previous style that doesn’t tie, because they slipped on like socks and they hugged my ankles so you would actually have to try to get something in there. My biggest problem is that on the website, it is recommended to buy a half size smaller than your actual size. I did this and I really wish I hadn’t. I am a size 6.5 but I followed the advice and bought a size 6. When I first put them on, they felt ok I guess. My feet did fit in them, but they were very snug. But when I went for a hike the first time, I had nowhere near enough room in the toe box and I was in massive pain the entire way down the mountain. I was ok going up because of the angle; but on the way down, my toes were being pressed hard into the toe box and I actually did some real damage to my toes. The big toenail on each foot sustained visible damage and they are still black. I just have to wait for it to grow out. I don’t know how the right size would have worked for me, if I would have had enough room in the toe box, but my recommendation would be to just order your regular size. Don’t size down as recommended. I started tying them as loosely as possible, especially down by the toe box, and it has helped, but I still would definitely be much more comfortable in a 6.5. I know I could have returned them and reordered the correct size but I had already taken a long hike in them by the time I realized they were just way too small and I never got around to packing them back up and sending them off. So I have just kept them and decided to try to make them work but it’s really a bummer because I wanted to love them like I loved my old Merrills.
Like many other reviewers, I have worn previous iterations of this shoe and loved them. I decided to give the 7’s a try, ordering my new athletic shoe/boot size of a Women’s 8. They fit perfectly with a large enough toe box and overall width. I ended up putting in a small gel heel cushion which really helped for comfort when walking/hiking longer distances. The adjustable laces near the heel also help to get the right fit for my narrow heels. They are breathable, and supportive on multiple surfaces (dirt, cobbles, asphalt, sand). Many shoes don’t transition well from one to the other, but these do. Will bring with me to an upcoming trip to Europe where cobblestones reign supreme. Otherwise, i just love wearing them at home for walking/light hiking and general daily ... MoreLike many other reviewers, I have worn previous iterations of this shoe and loved them. I decided to give the 7’s a try, ordering my new athletic shoe/boot size of a Women’s 8. They fit perfectly with a large enough toe box and overall width. I ended up putting in a small gel heel cushion which really helped for comfort when walking/hiking longer distances. The adjustable laces near the heel also help to get the right fit for my narrow heels. They are breathable, and supportive on multiple surfaces (dirt, cobbles, asphalt, sand). Many shoes don’t transition well from one to the other, but these do. Will bring with me to an upcoming trip to Europe where cobblestones reign supreme. Otherwise, i just love wearing them at home for walking/light hiking and general daily wear.
I wore the original Trail Gloves that Merrell released many many years ago. They were some of my first barefoot shoes, and I loved them. In the recent years, I have been unable to wear Merrell's trail gloves - the shape of the arch messed with my foot, ankle, and knee alignment, and would create pain. Well, on a whim, and after reading some reviews, I decided to try this newest iteration of the trail glove. They are fantastic! So comfortable, perform great, no issues with tweaked joint alignment, and also helpful with a very old dance injury -- I can usually tell if a shoe will work or not if the injury flares up. I am pain free in these shoes. Thank you Merrell for making these updates to this shoe. After wearing them to chase after my toddler and then on a hike ... MoreI wore the original Trail Gloves that Merrell released many many years ago. They were some of my first barefoot shoes, and I loved them. In the recent years, I have been unable to wear Merrell's trail gloves - the shape of the arch messed with my foot, ankle, and knee alignment, and would create pain. Well, on a whim, and after reading some reviews, I decided to try this newest iteration of the trail glove. They are fantastic! So comfortable, perform great, no issues with tweaked joint alignment, and also helpful with a very old dance injury -- I can usually tell if a shoe will work or not if the injury flares up. I am pain free in these shoes. Thank you Merrell for making these updates to this shoe. After wearing them to chase after my toddler and then on a hike today, I ordered a second pair for me and a pair for my husband.
I really like Merrill’s “barefoot” styles. I have a pair of the Trail Glove 7 and Vapour Glove 6. I like them for different reasons. They both have a roomy toe box, are light weight and comfortable. The Trail Glove 7 have a noticeably thicker sole and are more reinforced around the sides and toes, so better for rougher terrain (like on a trail). That said, I like the appearance of the Vapour Glove 6 more and find them more comfortable for daily use, but you can feel every rock you step on. I have some feet issues; bunions, callouses and some nerve damage. Most shoes hurt one of these things, but overall the Merrell Glove line does not. I love them.
This was my first barefoot-style shoe. I've always been impressed with Merrell quality, and these shoes live up to my expectations. The shoes are well made. The fit for my size 9 1/2 feet is ALMOST perfect. The shoes are just a tad bit short ... not enough to cause any problems with my toes hitting the end--but I definitely can feel the end of the shoe and more disappointing for me, I cannot wear socks. I wore the shoes for my first walk this morning and they were very comfortable. I'm 76 and my walks consist of walking my dog around the neighborhood ... on sidewalks ... for about 2 miles. No problems with breaking the shoes in. I've had them on for the rest of the day and they are very comfy. Next time around I'd probably size up but the size 9 1/2 still works for ... MoreThis was my first barefoot-style shoe. I've always been impressed with Merrell quality, and these shoes live up to my expectations. The shoes are well made. The fit for my size 9 1/2 feet is ALMOST perfect. The shoes are just a tad bit short ... not enough to cause any problems with my toes hitting the end--but I definitely can feel the end of the shoe and more disappointing for me, I cannot wear socks. I wore the shoes for my first walk this morning and they were very comfortable. I'm 76 and my walks consist of walking my dog around the neighborhood ... on sidewalks ... for about 2 miles. No problems with breaking the shoes in. I've had them on for the rest of the day and they are very comfy. Next time around I'd probably size up but the size 9 1/2 still works for me. Perhaps if your activity is more energetic than mine (or if socks are a must) you might consider sizing up a half side.
I’ve owned several pair of trail gloves in the past and have loved every pair. I have a wide foot and the trail glove’s toe box always accommodated that nicely. So when recently shopping for a new pair of zero drops, I purchased these without hesitation. As suggested, I ordered half a size smaller (I usually wear size 9.) When I tried them on, they were tight in every direction and had no toe wiggle room. I decided to wear them to see if they’d give a little and become comfortable. I soon realized that the rubber piece that goes in front of and up over the big toe, restricts any kind of wiggle room the shoes could’ve offered. This rubber piece is rigid and hard and points downward into the big toe. I won’t buy this shoe again but to anyone that decides to ... MoreI’ve owned several pair of trail gloves in the past and have loved every pair. I have a wide foot and the trail glove’s toe box always accommodated that nicely. So when recently shopping for a new pair of zero drops, I purchased these without hesitation. As suggested, I ordered half a size smaller (I usually wear size 9.) When I tried them on, they were tight in every direction and had no toe wiggle room. I decided to wear them to see if they’d give a little and become comfortable. I soon realized that the rubber piece that goes in front of and up over the big toe, restricts any kind of wiggle room the shoes could’ve offered. This rubber piece is rigid and hard and points downward into the big toe. I won’t buy this shoe again but to anyone that decides to purchase…order a full size up as this shoe is narrow and runs small. Definitely does not optimize toe splay as advertised. $170 on a better-fitting minimalist shoe is actually not sounding so bad anymore.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Trail Glove 6 shoe. (I own 4 pairs in different colors.) I also loved the Trail Glove 5 (I own 2 pairs of those). I am a gymnastics coach with narrow feet and my prior Trail Glove shoes provided the perfect balance of support, flexibility and stability I need for work. I wear them for everything - hiking, exercise, running and even for errands. I can stand all weekend at a meet on a concrete floor with no pain or complaint and they still are stylish enough to wear out and about. These shoes were my JAM!I saw the colors of the Trail Glove 7 and thought "COOL!" Then I noticed the style changes and thought "Hmmmm, don't panic. They will probably still be okay."They are NOT OKAY! They remain lightweight and have roomy toe box (even more roomy ... MoreI LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Trail Glove 6 shoe. (I own 4 pairs in different colors.) I also loved the Trail Glove 5 (I own 2 pairs of those). I am a gymnastics coach with narrow feet and my prior Trail Glove shoes provided the perfect balance of support, flexibility and stability I need for work. I wear them for everything - hiking, exercise, running and even for errands. I can stand all weekend at a meet on a concrete floor with no pain or complaint and they still are stylish enough to wear out and about. These shoes were my JAM!I saw the colors of the Trail Glove 7 and thought "COOL!" Then I noticed the style changes and thought "Hmmmm, don't panic. They will probably still be okay."They are NOT OKAY! They remain lightweight and have roomy toe box (even more roomy than before) but GONE is the support around the arch, light stability and amazing sole traction. The look and feel of a well made shoe is also missing. The shoes feel loose, sloppy and seem to lack the durability and quality materials of the prior models. I wore them all around the store, hoping to get over the fit and my feelings. Couldn't do it. I really hate them.These are a minimalist shoe, and I love that. More and more manufactures are getting away from zero drop shoe and it's a bummer. And, if you have wide feet and looking for a hiking/fitness shoe, maybe this fit will work for you. Maybe the sole has better traction than it seems. (Truthfully, the sole traction might actually be okay, I couldn't get past everything else that was lost). I don't really know. I just couldn't ignore everything that I loved that is missing. This is not the shoe I wanted and needed it to be.I am now scouring the internet for older Trail Glove models and looking for another shoe to take its place for work, fun and everything in between. I'm salty about all of it. PLEASE bring back the fit, function and style of the Trail Glove 6. New colors would be great but not a deal breaker.
