The Merrell Trail Glove was among the first shoes released in Merrell’s Barefoot collection, and it remains one of the most popular. After almost two years on the market, the Trail Glove is getting an update – I recently received a press release from Merrell with a photo and details regarding the release of the Trail Glove 2.
Merrell Trail Glove 2
Major updates include:
1. They have added grooves to the rock plate in the sole to increase flexibility and make the shoe less “slappy.”
2. The upper is less structured and made with seamless material for a “soft, natural feel on the foot.” I did get some hotspots when running sockless in the original Trail Glove so hopefully this will alleviate that problem.
3. They removed two of the OMNIFIT lace closures to mimic the closure system in the women’s Pace Glove. They say that this should ease getting the shoe on and off an allow for better forefoot splay. They also had reports that the bottom 2 closures put pressure on the top of the foot in some runners and that contributed to the decision to make this change.
Other than the above changes and some cosmetic updates, this is largely the same shoe that people have come to love. They did make a point to tell me that they did not alter the arch contour since they get a lot of positive feedback about how it contributes to the glove-like fit that the shoe provides. I’ve never been bothered by the arch contour in the Merrell Barefoot shoes, but I know some people don’t like it. Appears more like it than don’t since it has not been changed.
I should have a pair of these soon, so stay tuned for more!
Merrell Pace Glove 2
In addition to the Trail Glove, Merrell is also updating the women’s Pace Glove. I didn’t get a list of the updates to this shoe, but from the photo below it looks like the elasticized ankle collar has been replaced with a more traditional ankle collar. I had heard complaints about the elastic collar digging into the skin, so this alone should be a welcome improvement.
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Women’s Running Shoe Reviews: Merrell Barefoot Pace and Dash Gloves
Merrell Barefoot Road Glove Running Shoe Review and Giveaway
About Peter Larson
I was wondering when they’d release the second one!
I’m going to buy about a dozen pairs of the original version when the price falls to about 45 bucks. Can’t wait.
The second gen version of these look a little cheap IMO. No?
I’d say stripped-down. I guess I like it.
The Trail Glove is my favorite shoe hands (and feet!) down but I’m glad that Merrell is addressing the “slappy” forefoot issue. It’s my only complaint about what is to me an otherwise perfect fit. I hope the reduction of the Omni-Fit lacing doesn’t change the midfoot fit too much from the original, though. I’d hate to lose the secure but unobtrusive feel of the upper just so the shoe can be easier to slip on and off.
I’ll definitely be buying some pairs of the original on discount. Although so far, my current pair barely look used after more than a year.
Confusion at merrell if they are calling these trail glove or trail glove 2. Don’t know what I’m buying online.
Trail Glove 2 I think.
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@ Zedric: the change in the lacing does not affect the snug midfoot feel at all. It does give a little more room and movement for the ball of the foot. These shoes will not be available until July, as I understand it. (I have a sample) The other improvement is the more flexible rock plate. I really can’t feel it in the Trail Glove 2.
I think they pushed the release up to March-April, so may be a bit sooner than they originally planned.
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
-My book: Tread Lightly: link to ow.ly
-Blog: https://runblogger.com
-Twitter: link to twitter.com
-Facebook Page: link to facebook.com…
-Discussion Forum: https://runblogger.com/forum
I hope they bring out more colors of the Trail Glove 2. I love the originals & have three pairs: grey/yellow, blue, & bright orange. But the two color options for the new shoes are terrible. Make better colors Merrell & I’ll buy three pairs of the new version!