I just received a review pair of the Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove today. I ran in them tonight, but Merrell has requested that I hold off on a review until February, which is actually a good call since it will give me some time to put some miles on them (Update 2/27/2011: My review of the Merrell Trail Glove is now posted). In the meantime, I’d like to refer you to a glowing review of the Merrell Trail Glove posted over at the Barefoot Running University by Jason Robillard. Jason is working with Merrell to develop educational materials associated with the formal release of the Merrell Barefoot line (reported to be February 1), and if my first run was any indication, Jason’s review is quite accurate.
Here’s a quick teaser photo of the Trail Glove (note – these are true zero-drop shoes – I measured them with calipers):
About Peter Larson
What will be better, New balance minimus or Merrell??
If you like firm, flat shoes, Merrell, if you like a bit of cushion and heel
lift, New Balance.
Pete
Hey Pete,
How do these feel relative to our discussions about toe box? Are they roomy as you define close to the 100 mm width? I really like a lot of the features and I was getting ready to buy the FF but I may hold off and wait for these if they are roomy enough. Wonder what the difference is between the true glove and the trail glove in their new line?
Jason at Barefoot running university just posted about toe box width for a bunch of shoes he uses including the new trail glove. You should check that out. True glove is a multipurpose all around have fun jump around climb on rocks shoe. Trail glove is a trail running shoe. I believe they have the same sole along with the tough glove, but all have different uppers depending on their attended usage.
Hey Charlie,
So true glove is not intended for road running? I don’t run trails much so this Merrell shoe will be for road running and I am just trying to figure out the new lines and their purposes. Love the looks of the shoes. I saw that toe box width but some of them didn’t make sense and he did not include the mm measurements like Pete. I see the tape but I can’t make out the objective differences. I am looking for a real comfortable toe box with zero drop and very light weight. Looks like it meets all those criteria.
Here is how Merrell describes the true glove
“Our minimalist all-terrain True Glove adventure shoe cuts bulk while keeping bare essentials to let your feet hike hassle-free. An uber-lightweight upper with a stabilizing rubber foot sling snugs into the Vibram® sole underfoot for pointy rock protection.”
I think if you are looking to run in one of these even if it is on the roads you want the trail glove. There are also other options coming out like the Altra Adam that may fit your criteria.
We will also find out how these things handle the roads from Pete when he has his full review.
True Glove is a in-betweener of the Trail and Tough glove. The only difference is the uppers. I don’t think I would run on the road with the tough glove but I would definitely run in the True on the road.
The toe box is right at 100 mm – plenty of room for me. Feels bit like
the NB MT 101 in terms of width. I’ve run 11.5 miles in them the past
two days, all on roads and icy snow. No problems other than a few
abrasion spots which usually work themselves out. like them a lot.
Pete
I read on Jason’s review that he uses these shoes to run both trails and road. Do you see yourself using the Trail Gloves more than your Kinvaras? More than the VFF?
Any idea how the Merrill’s will compare to the Altra’s?
Can’t comment on altra as I don’t have them yet. The Merrells work fine on
roads – if you’re familiar with the Vibram Trek the feel is very similar.
It’s hard to predict where I will be going forward. No intention to stop
using my Kinvaras for ditance, but once the Hattori comes out that may
change…
Pete
sss
Pete,
I know you are dying to comment on the Merrell’s. Stay strong. Take your time and give us your standard excellent, thoughtful review.
It will be interesting to see if your impressions differ from Jason’s, especially with regard to how the Merrell’s will function as road shoes. I also look forward to your comparison between these and the Minimus(es). Minimi?
I hope to add a pair of these or the Minimus Road to my barefoot/Bikila/Kinvara arsenal.
What about us girls?? The Merrill barefoot line (link in Jason’s review) shows an oh-so-cute girly shoe for women and NO trail running shoe at all! I’d love to know if they used a unisex last so I can buy the men’s version.
Looking forward to your review of these with so many good minimalist shoes coming out in Feb/March to choose from!
The women’s running model is called the Pace Glove. Should be fine for both
roads and trails.
Pete
Yes, but. But it has elastic at the back of the heel (very strange) and no pull tab. The lacing is not as adjustable on the women’s version: it doesn’t have the final two holes so you can do a heel-locking lace. And it doesn’t seem that they have made any effort to get them out to women runners to review or preview; only one of the review on Merrell’s website was a serious runner. I was excited about their “barefoot” shoe, but I’m going to hold off and see if they come out with something less watered down in my size.
I got an email from Merrell today. The Barefoot Trail can now be ordered from their web site.
Yeah, they have a few of the models in. I’m really liking the Trail Glove.
My new Trails were delivered today. Among other things, I’m struck by the size of the toebox. It is much wider than the rest of the shoe. I know that a bigger toebox is needed to allow for the splay. but i was surprised at the differential . The shoe fits snugly at the heel & midfoot but has tons of room at the toe & ball. Is that expected?
Yes, that’s why I like them so much! My forefoot is actually comfortable in
these shoes. Feel is very similar in the soon to be released New Balance
Minimus line.
Pete
edit
Should there be a transition to these shoes if one is already running in VFFs? Or can I just lace up & go?
Can you (or anyone else) comment on the sizing. One review on the Merrell site is from and 11.5 and VFF 43 wearer, who had to downsize to a 10. Yet, another review I read suggests they fit similar with a size 12 wearer feeling good in a size 12.
I wear a 10.5 Kinvara and 43 VFF and want to go ahead and order online since no stores nearby have them in stock. Should I get a 10 or just be patient and wait until they are in stores.
Also curious if your pair is actually a blue color that is not available or if that is the black, but the photo makes it look blue.
Mine is the black shoe, and sizing is true for me. I wear a 10 in Trail
Glove and just about every other shoe I have.
Pete
I got the “Olympia” color from their web site. It is blue and matches what i saw on their web site.
Despite those comments on their web site, i think they run true to size. I’m a 12 and I ordered a 12 and they seemed to fit fine. be forewarned about their fit. they are definitely snug around the midfoot but with a monster size toebox. All intentional and appropriate, I know, but different than other shoes I’ve worn.
First run today in the Trail glove. What an interesting shoe! The oversized toebox makes for a very different experience. It is way cool to have a good fit around the heel but still have room for the toes to do their thing. This one is a keeper!
I agree – I love the design. The Minimus and Altra shoes are similar in that
way.
Pete
Pete, are you posting a review of these on here soon?
I’m curious as to how well they hold up in mud. VFFs just let it straight in at the toes, these look as though they may potentially do the trick
I will be reviewing very soon, and I like them a lot. Can’t say much about
mud though – all ground has been frozen solid for months here in NH!
Pete
Curious to see the full review. How do you like these as compared to the NB Minimus Trail?
They are working better for me than the Minimus – it will be my next review.
Pete
Merrell is a great brand for running shoes. I also like to recommend invisibleshoe.com for more information on how to make your own shoes.
My Favorite Barefoot running shoes are by far New Balance. They have superior Quality and feel. I’ve been using mine for years and they have lasted some of the worst tests I have put them through. Currently I’m running with the MR10 ( http://www.newbalancevancouver… ) and I’d recommend them to everyone!!!
I don’t mind you plugging a link to your store once, but in four separate comments it’s a bit excessive…
Sent from my iPad
TBH I didn’t realize I was on the same site, I’ve been reading about different shoes for the majority of the day! Apologies!
hi guys ..
just a warning about Merrell shoes from their own Customer Service Advisor ▪ EMEA Consumer Relations
MRS KAREN BAUTISTA
after I complain about a shoe that the sole had come away from the upper, after only a few times of wear …
they tried to tell me that the shoe was old and that they had had a lot of use…if the bottom had broken I may be able o see their point but this was at the side of the shoe….so no contact to ground….merrell gave this response…
” Please also note that shoes, as with all consumer goods, can suffer from a natural ageing process when unworn or unused for a long period of time. Therefore, storing a shoe for several years can cause the materials to dry out and break down. ”
wow …I wish they had told me this before i parted with my money for such a low quality item…..
plus after making many handmade leather items with glue..I have never seen any of my items do this even after 10 years of use …or non use….lol
they even had the cheek to offer 20% discount for a shoe that was purchased for £30 which is more than 70% less the original price because they were last years colours…
By the way I did complain about 2 pairs of shoes the one above and 1 that just stunk to much to wear in public…so much for their technologies……..
its a shame that these companies take our hard earned money for low quality products that do not do what they claim and then do not honour their goods…..