Comments on: Merrell, Wolverine World Wide, and the Minimalist Shoe Market

By: Tina

Tina — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As always, the reviews and info you provide is excellent. I was really interested in this shoe (Merrell Trail Glove – mens), but disappointed in the women’s version (Merrell Pace Glove). I tried the Pace Golve on and liked the fit and feel, but it just didn’t seem to be as suitable for the trails as the men’s Trail Glove. Another woman was in the store trying on (and purchasing) the men’s Trail Glove, fortunately for her she wears one size larger than me, so the smallest men’s shoe fit her. She agreed that the women’s version really doesn’t compare to the men’s shoe for off road running requirements… the women’s shoe lacks the protection on the toe and sides of the foot.
Unfortunately, this seems to be the way it is with a lot of women’s athletic clothing and gear (not just Merrell, but other brands as well).

By: Dave Robertson

Dave Robertson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Great article Pete. Very interesting to see how these shoe companies firstly perceive and interpret the changing attitudes consumers have towards the running shoe, and then act upon this with either a genuine regard for improvement or a 'catch-up-with-what-the-rest-are-doing' approach.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Macmhagan.

I was at a local outdoor store the other day and asked how the minimalist
shoes were selling. The clerk said the response has been incredible, and
it's across all age groups. Good to see it.

Pete

By: Macmhagan

Macmhagan — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Merrell Craig.

When I ordered my trail gloves from the Merrel store in NY, Robert told me that the majority of people purchasing the new shoes were 45yrs old and older since that is usually Merrell's customer base. Good to see that it's not just young people pursuing change and getting out there for natural running

By: RannieDV

RannieDV — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Pete Larson.

The Tough Glove has been my workplace shoe ever since it came out last Feb. Its feels very much like the Trail Glove. The only comment I have is the sizing is somewhat different on the Tough. I have both the True and Trail at 8.5, so I assumed it to be the same for the Tough but I was surprised to find out it was half size larger. Since its only a workplace shoe, I can live with it.

By: RannieDV

RannieDV — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I was at RoadRunner Sports store yesterday and looking for a new pair and the lady who helped me noticed I was wearing a pair of Merrell True Glove and she started asking questions about how it feels using it, etc, as if I am being interrogated!! She was very interested in the shoes that she told me she would try it out later. I already have the Tough, Trail and True on my rotation.

Btw, thanks Pete your site had been my source of information in the path to running right! Keep up the good work!

By: cody r.

cody r. — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

it's companies like this that, during this movement, make me want to contribute to this with something of my own
and i hope i will :)

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to FREDERIC BROSSARD.

good to hear they're talking to the right people Frederic!

By: Jeff Bradford

Jeff Bradford — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Great article! I have the pleasure of owning a pair of Trail Gloves and absolutely love them! Its nice to know that I've supported a company who "gets it" and is willing to listen to runners and their needs/wants. Based on the article about the Brooks CEO, and his comments regarding minimalist running, I won't be buying any of their offerings anytime soon, no matter how cool the shoes may be. There are plenty of other great shoes out there. Keep up the great blogging Pete and thanks for the RW discount!

By: Ashwyn Gray

Ashwyn Gray — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

That's a really great perspective, Pete! And thanks for relaying the quotes from both the Brooks fellow and the Merrel guy. That's quite a contrast!

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to RannieDV.

Thanks for the info - I'm tempted...

By: FREDERIC BROSSARD

FREDERIC BROSSARD — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As usual ... a tremendous analysis. Thanks Pete.
I will have the chance to lunch with Merrell French CEO today. We'll exchange about the future of minimalism in France and how it could (or not) grow in our country.