The RW Takeaway: The Trail Glove 5 is a versatile minimalist shoe that offers a barefoot-like experience on both road and trail. I’ve probably put 500km into the Trail Gloves already and have noticed that occasionally the midsole on the right shoe causes me a little grief. Ben from Orange wrote a review of the product over at Snowys and describes the Trail Glove 5 as having an “intrusive arch” and suggests that “if you have very high arches then they may suit you”. I don’t believe I have a very high arch and only notice the issue intermittently. To be sure, I have had some tendon issues with my right foot in the past so the agitation could be related to that.

Merrell Barefoot 2 construction for enhanced proprioception and stability during variable movement. A lightweight trail shoe that’ll keep you comfortable over reasonable distances. Maybe a little aggressive in the arch support, but that could just be me (and Ben from Orange). Merrell Trail Glove 5s are the next iteration to the popular Trail Glove 4. They’re a ‘barefoot’ style shoe that’s “designed to enhance the foot’s natural ability to [stabilise] the body during rapid changes in movement”. So, ideal for hiking and trail running on uneven surfaces.

Performance Comparison

You can buy the Merrell Trail Glove 5 trail shoe directly from Merrell (in store or online) as well as the likes of Snowys ( mens, womens), Wild Earth, and other good retailers.

Does this agitation play on my ability or desire to wear the Trail Gloves? Not at all. Generally, I can wear them for up to 20km and feel fresh in the feet at the end of it.Barefoot 2, a new, reshaped shoe with wider lateral base provides space for the foot to expand with each step, stabilizing and grounding the whole body.

The Barefoot 2 Fit is born from years of research and experience and enhances the body's natural ability to stabilize during rapid movement. 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 Trail Glove 5 is built from studying the foot in motion. It is an advanced bio-mechanical design at its most minimal while the near-ground construction enhances the foot's natural ability to stabilize the body during training both in and outdoor. Bloom makes flexible foams from algae biomass which cleans and restores the environment when harvested. They help keep natural ecologies in balance, and in return, we get an incredible renewable resource that helps us offset the use of petroleum in traditional footwear foams. Shoes made from Bloom Algae Foam components are the result of 225 bottles of filtered water returned to the habitat, and 21 balloons of C02 kept from entering the atmosphere. A Merrell exclusive, Vibram Ecodura is made from a minimum of 30% recycled rubber. This high-quality compound formulation sacrifices no performance and durability that you come to expect from Vibram and Merrell. Mesh and TPU Upper

Our Verdict

I am a trail shoe convert. I use to be a boot guy. But, I really only wear them on longer hikes now. I love the freedom of trail shoes. Disclaimer: I was very clear with Merrell that I would be brutally honest in my review. If I thought the shoes were crap I’d have no choice to but either keep silence, or share my opinions with you, the reader. Alas, I like them so here we are…