While not the same, beloved barefoot-runner it was in past models, the Merrell Trail Glove 5 proves its merit as a minimalist trail running shoe. I barely even realized I had a shoe on when I was running, which normally would make me notice the terrain more,” one tester said.

As mentioned above, the most significant update to the Trail Glove 5 is the new Barefoot 2 construction: an articulated midsole that is designed to enhance the micro-movements of the foot in motion. I wear a US10 and the Merrell guys suggested the Trail Glove would be fairly true-to-size so sent me a US10. On trails, the shoe easily adapts to terrain spanning from desert to alpine; it does a nice job of keeping the feet protected from below from roots and rocks, and above from rain.As more of a minimalist, rather than barefoot design, the Trail Glove is one of the most versatile shoes in our review. But for the minimalist who is looking for a versatile trainer, this shoe makes a compelling case when compared to bulkier trail runners. But for those of us who already have a comfortable amount of pronation in our gait, we found ourselves pushing back against it, and actually supinating — something that is not a normal part of our running posture. With a wide toe box, contoured arch and pronounced heel cup, the anatomical shape comfortably supports the natural shape of the foot as it moves.

Merrell does it by carving out a support zone in the midsole, which cradles the arch while still allowing the foot to flex freely and adapt to quick changes in movement. Vibram have also created two rubber compounds- Trek and TC5+ that provide sure traction on both wet and dry surfaces in even the most extreme temperatures. This makes the shoe a standout for bombing down twisty single-track, shuffling along a narrow creek crossing, or even just doing workouts at the gym. We dipped our toes into one of Merrell’s bestsellers, the Trail Glove, that’s reminding us of how awesome a minimalist ride feels.The material can twist and flex with the natural movement of the foot, even with a protective forefoot rock plate.