Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove

[thomas533]

Having worn a pair of FiveFinger KSOs as my only shoes for the last year, I was excited to try these out when they showed up at my local REI. I am sorry to say that other than the nice roomy foot box, they really don't feel that much different then a regular shoe. I appreciate that they incorporate the zero-heel drop that many minimalist shoe wearers want in their running shoes, but it still seems a long stretch to say that it is a "barefoot" shoe after wearing FiveFingers for so long.

I can say that peoples concerns about breaking toes is not likely to be a problem. There is sufficient material that if you are a toe-stubber you won't have any more problems than you do now. That being said, I really think that once you move to minimalist shoes and get used to feeling the ground (as our feet are suppose to do) you will find that you don't run into things as often. I have yet to talk to anyone who has broken their toe after going minimalist and that people really should stop listening to all the fear mongers.

[Torch09]

I can say that peoples concerns about breaking toes is not likely to be a problem.

THANK YOU! I've been wearing fivefingers on and off for the past year and I'm tired of people who haven't worn them telling me about the problems I will have.

[Shiraz-mataz]

...I have yet to talk to anyone who has broken their toe after going minimalist...

Thomas, a buddy and I did a 25 mile section of SNP last fall and decided to use VFF's - I used KSO's and he used Sprints. I did just fine but am sad to report that he did in fact break his small toe when he caught it on a rock. He has since sworn off the VFF's altogether but I just told him, "Watch where you're going and pick your feet up!"

[mountainboogey]

I have the Trail Glove, and it is awesome! However, not sure how it would be as a "camp shoe". Its difficult to get on and off with an UL Running sock, never mind if you want to wear a thick cozy sock...you will never get it on! The NB Minimus is much easier to put on, but same problem with the socks. Unless im moving around, my feet get cold in both pretty quick.

[Safari]

I've been mooching around in these for the last 2 weeks, fave shoes by far, I am getting over a minor bout of Plantar Fasciitis and these very flat, minimalist shoes are helping me build strength in my feet and getting me back into running... can't see myself doing 5 hour runs in these until my feet and legs slowly ease into them (if ever) but for just basic walking and as a camp shoe (back up hiking footwear), why not?!!! I'm thinking closer about heading off for a few days in the New Balance 101, bit wider at the back, maybe a goer as hiking footwear...

[Daydream Believer]

I bought a pair of the Merrell Pace Gloves (for women of course) and have been wearing them now for a few days around my farm. I'm on my literally feet all day and I've been having a lot of trouble with foot pain. I've tried all sorts of hiking boots from Keen, Oboz, Lowa Bora, etc...and my feet just ache in them. I get corns, blisters, and weird callouses also. Danged if I have ever had a more comfortable experience with a shoe than with these Gloves. On natural terrain they are incredible...you really can feel the ground much better and I'm certainly not having any issues here on the farm hurting my feet..granted it's not rocky or steep here but there is a nice sole on them and I'm having a hard time understanding why they'd be bad to hike the AT with if you are used to them and have strong ankles and arches. I'm using the light smart wool socks in them and they are uber comfy.

I have not hiked in them yet but I'm sure going to try them. We are headed to Grayson Highlands/Mt Rogers to camp over Memorial Day and will be doing some hiking. I'll go first without a pack and then try a pack. I'll carry hiking boots so I can bail if I have to but if these work for me, I'll be in heaven. :-) If these work for me, I'll get a second pair to carry in my pack and use if one pair gets wet and can switch off. I am sure they will dry out really fast also.

I'd use them for campshoes if nothing else. To me it's like having a nice pair of house shoes or moccasins on your feet all day. They are so light yet do protect you quite well from rocks and stuff. I like that they are not the toe shoes and are pretty easy to get on and off.

[sbhikes]

I day hiked recently with a guy who wore some VFFs and he was pretty good at masking the pain he was in from possibly breaking both little toes. Also, there's this review of hiking in VFFs on the PCT.

I'm holding out for the Altras whenever the heck they finally get those out.

[Daydream Believer]

I think the fact that the Merrells are not "toe" shoes is going to give a bit more protection than the VFF. There is a nice toe bumper on them also. They just don't encase your foot in such a rigid piece of leather as your typical hiking boot. Obviously there is not as much "support" but all that support now in my other boots is not doing a thing to make my feet feel better.

In all my previous backpacking trips in various boots, I've fought blisters also. On my last one I almost lost a toenail from toe crushing on downhills.

It's frustrating trying to find a good fitting boot/shoe when you have a weird foot like I do!

[Five Bears]

To me it's like having a nice pair of house shoes or moccasins on your feet all day.

I've done a few quick day hikes in my neon green trail gloves, although I bought them for the reason stated above. I tell folks they're like wearing a pair of space-age mocs. I do have a pair of Smartwool PhD micro runners that I've worn with them a couple of times, but they're best without socks. I love them to death. They are my go-to shlepping-around-town shoe.

And yeah, although Merrell claims they're incrusted with some antimicrobial, antistink stuff, they're washer-safe. They do get funky.

[leaftye]

I'm holding out for the Altras whenever the heck they finally get those out.

Another set of footwear that interests me. Maybe you should be selling shoes. Website? With your thoughts on footwear, your site would be the first I'd check.

[dirk]

Zemgear Zem Ninja Lo -- later this summer they're adding O2 and 360 models with additional meat on the bone...

[Daydream Believer]

I thought I'd report that I did hike a short ways in my Merrell gloves over Memorial Day. The rocks were not too bad and I manged that ok, but the mud was the downfall for me. They are very vented and open and all the mud, silt and debris got into them and I could hardly walk for the stuff in the shoes. I think I'll keep them for camp shoes. I found a pair of Merrell cross trainers that I love and are comfy for me (finally!). Chameleon's I think are the model I have. Love them and waterproof also!

I did run into several hikers in the Five Fingers and they seemed happy enough in them.

[BenLeaman]

I realize that this is not the shoe discussed but I feel that it has merit to this conversation. I have two pairs of the New Balance MT10 (Minimus), one pair for hiking and another pair to run, go to the gym and live in. Anyways, they WILL hold up to PA rocks and my feet have also held up while wearing them. I have worn them on two trips that spanned all of PA. First going from the MD border to rt. 81 and then about a month later I came from the NJ border back to rt. 81. They do show some serious signs of abuse but they held up. I would imagine that the Merrills would fair pretty well also. I also like the zero drop of the Merrills. I may check them out next time I buy...

[Rain Man]

I think they are just coming to the market and will be released soon. I could see these working as either a camp shoe or for a minimalist hiking shoe. The weight appears to be about 12oz for the pair. What do you guys think?

I picked up a pair of these on sale (paid $60) in Paducah, KY last month. I wanted them for kayaking shoes, but also took them on my last backpacking outing. Usually, I don't take camp shoes. I like these, with one big caveat: they are designed for people with narrow feet and low feet (mine are neither), especially since they don't lace up all the way to the toes. As someone else said, they leave a large segment of their potential customer base out of the equation.

RainMan

.

[lemon b]

I think this type of shoe is silly. Then again my toes are 56.

[Hosaphone]

Has anybody worn these for a significant number of trail miles? I'm worried about durability of the foam part in the middle of the foot.

A guy posted these pictures on BPL after only ~30 miles, and I can see the same thing starting to happen to mine after only a few miles:

1307316866_44351.jpg
1307316919_44352.jpg

Source: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-...hread_id=43489

[Tinker]

[QUOTE=Speer Carrier;1117371]

I like the UL spirit in these type of shoes, but in PA you may not make it to the cumberland valley without breaking a toe on some of our notorious rocks.[/QUOTe

This problem might be solved with a product called bun heads, which are little items that ballerinas wear on their toes so that they can easily stay on their toes. They are sold at any dancer oriented store. Pretty cheap too. Great items for anyone who has ever experienced lost big toe nails as a result of descending mountain after mountain.

I saw several minimalist shoes in EMS today, tried on one (forgot which one) didn't like it much. Heels are much lower than a standard running shoe, and it didn't do a thing to counter my ankle's tendency to turn outward (especially with my orthotics).

I was in the store looking for something a bit more substantial to tackle the Pa. rocks with. the Merril Ventilators with a 5 iron insole insert and my orthotics seem to be my current choice (I'm waiting for my 15% coupon to arrive in my email before I buy). The coupon is to entice you to join their email list. There was also a Brooks trail runner that I liked, but it's an awful lot like my current Asics tr's - not quite as much padding (or stiffness under the forefoot) as I would like to have for "The Rocks".