Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 5 Review – Barefoot Trail Running Tested – 2025

Last month, tearing through my favorite trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, my trusty minimalist shoes finally gave up the ghost – sole separation after 800+ miles. Mike here, and having been a barefoot/minimalist runner for over a decade, I was curious about all the buzz (and controversy) surrounding the Trail Glove 5. That’s why I spent 8 weeks putting these through every test I could imagine on Colorado trails, from technical rock scrambles to smooth single-track runs. Here’s the unfiltered truth about whether Merrell’s latest lives up to the barefoot legacy.

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

Right out of the box, the Trail Glove 5 feels substantial yet lightweight at 7.8 ounces. The mesh and TPU upper construction strikes a nice balance – breathable enough for hot summer trail runs, yet structured enough to provide foot security on technical terrain. I immediately noticed the traditional lacing system, which is a welcome return from some of Merrell’s previous experiments with alternative closures.

The fit story here is crucial, and I’ll be straight with you – these run large. After reading countless reviews, I ordered a full size down from my normal 10.5 to a 9.5, and that proved perfect. My foot sits properly in the shoe without excess heel slip or toe crowding. If you ignore this sizing advice, you’ll end up with a sloppy fit that undermines the entire barefoot concept.

The Arch Support Controversy – My Take

Let’s address the elephant in the room – the arch support. Yes, it’s there, and yes, it’s more pronounced than previous Trail Glove models. When I first slipped these on, I definitely noticed it. For about 30 seconds. Then my foot settled in, and honestly, I stopped thinking about it. I suspect much of the negative feedback comes from people who ordered the wrong size – when your foot isn’t properly positioned in the shoe, that arch hits the wrong spot and feels intrusive.

As someone who’s logged thousands of miles in truly minimalist shoes, I can tell you this isn’t aggressive arch support by traditional running shoe standards. It’s more like gentle guidance. For me, it actually provided welcome stability during long trail runs when my feet got fatigued.

Trail Performance & Ground Feel

On the trails, these shoes shine. The Vibram outsole provides excellent traction on everything from loose gravel to wet rock. I tested them extensively on Colorado’s variable terrain – from the smooth single-track of Betasso Preserve to the technical rock gardens of Rabbit Ears Pass. The TrailProtect rock plate does its job without completely numbing ground feel, though you’ll definitely feel more underfoot texture than with a traditional trail shoe.

The wide toe box allows natural toe splay, which I appreciate during long climbs when my feet tend to swell. Breathability is solid – even during 90-degree summer runs, my feet stayed reasonably dry. The mesh upper sheds water quickly after creek crossings, though they’re not waterproof (nor should they be for a barefoot-style shoe).

Real-World Testing Results

Over 8 weeks of testing, I put these through everything: technical trail runs in Rocky Mountain National Park, gym workouts, casual daily wear, and even some light scrambling. Here’s what I discovered:

Trail Running Performance: Excellent for distances up to 15 miles. The zero drop and minimal stack height maintain good proprioception, letting me feel the trail without getting beat up. On steep descents, the Vibram sole grips confidently, though I did notice some slip on wet granite – not unusual for any trail shoe.

Gym Versatility: These work surprisingly well for weightlifting. The flat, stable platform is perfect for deadlifts and squats, while the grip handles lateral movements during circuit training. Several gym regulars asked about them after seeing how well they performed.

Daily Wear Comfort: This is where the Trail Glove 5 exceeds expectations. I wore them for full workdays (10+ hours on my feet) with zero discomfort. The arch support that some criticize actually provides welcome relief during extended standing.

Marketing Claims vs. Reality Check

Merrell markets these as “Barefoot 2” construction, promising “enhanced proprioception and stability.” Let’s break this down:

✅ Proprioception: Mostly delivered. You get good ground feel, though it’s filtered compared to truly minimalist options like Vibram FiveFingers. The rock plate provides necessary protection without completely isolating your feet from the trail.

⚠️ “Barefoot” Claims: This is where things get dicey. Compared to the original Trail Glove or the Vapor Glove line, this feels more like a “minimal” rather than “barefoot” shoe. The arch support and slightly thicker construction move it away from the pure barefoot experience.

✅ Stability: Actually improved over previous versions. The wider platform and subtle arch guidance do provide better stability during variable terrain navigation.

Performance Scoring & Analysis

What Other Trail Runners Are Saying

The trail running community is split on these shoes. Longtime Trail Glove users often complain about the departure from pure minimalism, while newcomers to barefoot running appreciate the gentler transition. Here’s what I’m hearing:

Positive Community Feedback: “Perfect stepping stone into barefoot running,” “Love the versatility for gym and trails,” “Arch support prevents foot fatigue on long runs,” “Wide toe box finally lets my toes breathe.”

Critical Community Feedback: “Not a true barefoot shoe anymore,” “Quality control issues with sole separation,” “Sizing is inconsistent,” “Lost the magic of previous Trail Glove models.”

The durability complaints are particularly concerning – multiple ultrarunners report sole separation within 3-6 months of regular use. This seems to be a legitimate quality control issue rather than isolated incidents.

Final Verdict

Who Should Buy the Trail Glove 5?

✅ Perfect for:

• Trail runners transitioning to minimalist footwear
• Runners who want one shoe for trails, gym, and daily wear
• People with high arches who find pure barefoot shoes uncomfortable
• Athletes needing a stable platform for varied terrain
• Casual hikers wanting lightweight, flexible protection

❌ Skip if:

• You want pure barefoot sensation (try Vapor Glove instead)
• You’re unwilling to size down significantly
• You prioritize maximum durability over versatility
• You have flat feet and hate any arch support
• You’re on a tight budget and need shoes to last 2+ years

Better Alternatives for Specific Needs

For Pure Barefoot Feel: Merrell Vapor Glove 4 or Xero Shoes Prio

For Maximum Durability: Altra Superior or Topo Athletic Terraventure

For Budget-Conscious: New Balance Minimus or Merrell Trail Glove 4 (if still available)

My Final Recommendation

The Trail Glove 5 is a competent shoe that serves its target market well – trail runners wanting a transition into minimalist footwear without going full barefoot. It’s genuinely versatile and performs across multiple activities. However, the durability concerns at this price point are troubling, and purist barefoot runners will find it too structured.

If you can get them for under $80 and understand you’re buying a 6-12 month shoe rather than a multi-year investment, they’re worth considering. At full retail price, I’d probably look elsewhere unless you specifically need their particular blend of ground feel and stability.

🛒 Current best deals:

Frequently Asked Questions