15.1.2021

After now probably 6 months I'm really very happy with these. I came from Asic trail shoes (which I'm half a size more in) and I also had a pair of New Balance barefoot running shoes I purchased maybe 4 years ago but never really got on with them.But following two knee operations and from that the need to make sure I forefoot run and therefore reduce the strain on my knees, I went back to my New Balance about a year ago. But to be blunt, I was finding it a little too hard going on the soles of my feet to run on anything but grass or roads and pavements. Bluntly put they are painful to run in off road as they don't have any support whatsoever.These by comparison are absolutely great in terms of support.

2.7.2019

I would rate these as the best trail running shoes I've ever owned, and I've gone through plenty in my time. I'm always searching for something that promotes good, efficient running style and the "barefoot" nature of the heel and arch support absolutely delivers. The grip from the soles is frankly amazing - gritty downhills, muddy bogs, stony lanes even rock scrambling are all catered for. Never slipped or had my confidence tested - these trail runners perform.I tend to run with SealSkinz socks so I can splash through rivers and mud without my feet getting wet. Combined with the Trail Glove 5 it's a match made in heaven. Lightweight and efficient at squeezing out the water my socks and shoes are mostly dry within 200 metres or so.

28.4.2020

Bought these to replace some old barefoot shoes (Vibram 5 fingers). I was after something a little more shoe-like, but still barefoot, something that was suited to trail running but could be general use as well and something that wasn't going to break the bank. the trail glove 5's have filled all these requirements out perfectly.I've covered over 100 miles so far in them, they've held up totally fine, nothings coming apart and no real wear at all, they look like new almost (I kind of expected to have some by now but they're doing well). I've been using them in wet conditions (very wet like ran through some rivers /floods and mud) and I've used them in the dry. Been over fields, moors, rocky terrain,

14.12.2020

I have used Merrell Barefoot shoes for off road running for quite a few years and they WERE always great. I also use the Five Fingers as they are closer to fully barefoot. I agree with EVERY single person who has said STOP CHANGING THE DESIGN! I know you have to employ designers and all that....but seriously? I stopped using Merrells about five years ago, as the colours became putrid, rainbow looking and garish...and this from a man who likes bright shoes. I was glad to see that you have returned to single, cool looking colours.You had it right years ago, when you had single colour shoes and no padded arches. Who are you listening to? Your customers, or the quiet (non existent) sound of changing trends?

10.10.2020

Pros:Light weight, thin sole: The reason i buy, I love running semi-barefoot and this is why i love itLarger toe Box: The toe box is improved from the last one, doesnt sacrifice grip or traction for me.Stylish: I love the color scheme, i picked blue and grey.Reinforced section connecting sole to shoe: This seems stronger than previous versions. My last 3 trail gloves i owned my foot rubbed right through the fabric at the knuckle of my big toe. So far i havent noticed any wear (will update if this problem re-occurs.)Cons:Changing shape and design again: I'm habitual, I want one set of shoes that work and just keep sending me copiesmore rigid sole than previous models: I buy these because it feels like im running barefoot.

9.7.2020

This is a great shoe for forefoot runners who need to feel the ground to master their form. The added support helps with any missteps and fatigue towards the end of your long runs and the sole is thick enough to help with glass and rocks. The shoe still maintains a zero drop so it feels nice and flat.I have read the review for size and I would say check these out in the store to make sure you get what you want, especially If you are picky.I would say the price of these shoes is great, and for a quality brand like Merrell these are a steal.I have had Merrell’s and New Balances Minimus in the past and this shoe is my favorite.

7.10.2020

I bought these in the hope that they would give a similar running experience to my Merrell Vapour Glove 4s, but with slightly more durability (my Vapour Gloves, although excellent, are wearing down in the sole FAST...). As soon as i started running in the Trail Gloves, i knew that they weren't for me. They are far closer in feel to a normal running shoe (with very noticeable arch support) and i felt myself reverting back to my former style of running, as opposed to the barefoot style i have recently adopted, which has been hugely beneficial to my knees. I was considering returning the Trail Gloves to Amazon, but luckily i discovered how good they were as a pair of dog walking shoes (which i was in the market for).

8.6.2020

I had been looking for a good lightweight shoe for casual summer hikes so didn't want too many frills - no gore-tex etc. The shoes perform well with decent dry grip BUT the soles are thin. Very thin. There is a rock-plate in the front mid-sole, however nothing in the rear, so if you are not careful you will feel every bit of the terrain. I have used them for light trail-running as well (which is what they are really designed for), and they performed admirably. The extra pace when running allows for easier fore-foot strike eliminating any issues with heel-strike on stones. Being zero-drop has not caused me any issues thankfully (some find the transition from traditional shoes difficult),

4.1.2021

These are the third pair of Trail Glove 5s i've owned (i've also had quite a few pairs of previous versions). They are excellent and my 'go to' shoe because they are very comfortable, my toes have room and they last for a long time.I wear the shoes solely for running and use them for short and long runs (15-20 miles) generally on road / pavement / hard trails. They are not good in the mud (no grip) or on very stony trails (limited under foot protection).My experience is that the shoes remain in good condition for ~400 miles then start to deterioriate in apperance. There are three plastic ribs on each side of the shoes, and on my pairs the outer degrades close to the ribs and small holes form.

11.8.2020

I like the shoes. They are comfortable but can get a little sweaty and don't seem built for feet covered with anything but the thinnest of socks - I actually have not tried wearing socks with these shoes yet. My feet are wide but not excessively so. Wide width was not an option but on-line reviews suggested they come a little wider. I agree. Soles are comfortable but you must be careful not to step on anything but the smallest debris. You will feel when you step on a pebble, particularly one with pointed edges. This can be quite uncomfortable. Don't know if it needs to be said but these are not shoes to be worn during Ohio winters, I assume my feet will get cold.

25.9.2019

I wore these for three weeks whilst jungle trekking in Cambodia. Jungles a re full of rivers, rocks and mud. These coped perfectly, in fact their soft soles and fully permeable mesh front made them perfect for the environment. As soon as you waded through a river, the water would quickly drain through the mesh meaning then never 'squelched' and the soft rubber sole meant you always knew exactly where your feet were and the stability of the ground you were walking on. They would dry overnight or in a couple of hours in direct sunlight. Durability wise, they look pretty much like new after a pretty harsh three weeks. Super comfortable, lightweight, jungle friendly and excellent value for money.

11.6.2020

I purchased these a half size smaller than my normal size and they fit perfectly. I love the toe box spacing and the barefoot feel. They are so light and comfortable.I have used them on a 12 mile hike and my feet feel great! I was a bit concerned that they would not provide good enough traction on the trails, but they were up for the task.What astounds me is the complaints in other reviews about the arch support being so high. My feet are flat and I don't feel high arch support at all. The problem is there is no suggestion about getting a half size smaller. Other reviews suggested the half size reduction. Getting a half size down is essential, because your foot placement is going to feel strange while wearing an incorrect size shoe.

8.6.2020

I had been looking for a good lightweight shoe for casual summer hikes so didn't want too many frills - no gore-tex etc. The shoes perform well with decent dry grip BUT the soles are thin. Very thin. There is a rock-plate in the front mid-sole, however nothing in the rear, so if you are not careful you will feel every bit of the terrain. I have used them for light trail-running as well (which is what they are really designed for), and they performed admirably. The extra pace when running allows for easier fore-foot strike eliminating any issues with heel-strike on stones. Being zero-drop has not caused me any issues thankfully (some find the transition from traditional shoes difficult),

21.5.2020

I have very high arches, and I've been plagued by plantar fasciitis from when I was in my early 20's. I'm 50, and these are the first shoes where after running 2 miles a couple times a week - not only is there no pain/discomfort, but my feet don't even feel fatigued. These shoes outperform custom orthodics because those things are simply made to prevent injury, and are so stiff they change your natural running gait.All the negative comments/reviews are simply people w/ normal feet saying they don't fit them properly - of course they don't, the arch supports I would guess only will be amazing for people with at least higher than average arches.And they definitely run large, I usually am a 12,

2.9.2019

Another great barefoot shoe from Merrell which can be worn most anywhere (unlike some other barefoot shoes) but I’m still in love with my 3 year old Trail Glove 3’s which still are perfect in every way.First impressions with the 5’s is good; they have a bigger toe box which allows more spread of the toes and feel almost sock like. They seem to offer slightly less feedback from the terrain than the previous 3’s but I assume this will improve wear. My wife says that the new orange is ‘more acceptable’ than the old burnt orange too. Robust feeling shoe so I hope that these last as well as my 3’s. Be warned that they are however a good half size too big - I was tempted to return them for a smaller

Merrell Trail Glove 5 - Reviews

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