8 weeks of testing reveals serious concerns about sole separation and fit changes. Here’s what every guy needs to know before buying.
So there I was, Tuesday morning at 6:47 AM, scrolling through minimalist shoe reviews after my Trail Glove 4s finally gave up the ghost. Mike here, and after wearing barefoot shoes for over a decade, I thought I knew what to expect from the Trail Glove 6. The marketing promised “improved fit and increased abrasion-resistance” – but after 8 weeks of real-world testing, I need to share some hard truths about this shoe that might save you from a disappointing purchase.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $79.95 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 8.2 oz (men’s size 9)
- 📏 Heel-to-toe drop: 0mm (true zero-drop)
- 📐 Stack height: 11.5mm throughout
- 🧪 Midsole material: EVA foam with TPU rock plate
- 👟 Upper material: 65% recycled mesh with leather overlays
- 🏃♂️ Category: Minimalist trail/casual hybrid
- 🎯 Best for: Light trail hiking, gym workouts, casual wear
- ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 45+ sessions, 120+ miles total
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Let me start with what Merrell got right. The Trail Glove 6 feels premium in your hands – the 65% recycled mesh upper has a substantial feel that’s definitely more robust than the ultra-thin Vapor Gloves. The leather overlays provide structure without adding bulk, and the overall construction looks like it should last.
But here’s where things get complicated. After my first run, I immediately noticed how different this shoe feels compared to my beloved Trail Glove 4s. The toe box is noticeably narrower – and I mean noticeably. At size 11 (my normal size), my toes felt compressed laterally. This isn’t just me being picky; multiple longtime Merrell users in the reviews mention the same issue.
The Arch Support Surprise
Here’s something that caught me completely off guard: this shoe has significant arch support. I’m talking about a pronounced ridge that you’ll feel immediately when you put these on. For a minimalist shoe, this is… unusual. Some guys with high arches love it, but if you’re coming from true barefoot shoes, it feels like there’s a golf ball under your foot.
I’ll be straight – it took me about two weeks to get used to this arch support. Initially, it was uncomfortable enough that I wondered if I should return them. But after break-in, my 180-lb frame actually found the support helpful during longer trail sessions. It’s not necessarily bad, just very different from what you’d expect from a “minimalist” shoe.
Ground Feel & Trail Performance
On the trail, the Trail Glove 6 strikes a nice balance. You get that barefoot connection to the ground without feeling every sharp pebble trying to murder your feet. The 11.5mm stack height with the TPU rock plate gives you protection while maintaining decent ground feedback.
I tested these on everything from smooth single-track to rocky New England terrain, and they handled it all confidently. The Vibram outsole provides solid traction on most surfaces, though it can get a bit sketchy on wet rocks (but what minimalist shoe doesn’t?).
The Durability Crisis – Let’s Talk About The Elephant In The Room
⚠️ CRITICAL ISSUE: Sole Separation Problems
I need to address this head-on because it’s the most consistent complaint across hundreds of reviews: sole separation. Multiple users report the outsole peeling away from the midsole within weeks of use.
During my testing, I started noticing slight separation around the heel area at the 6-week mark. It hasn’t gotten worse since then, but seeing this issue mentioned by so many other users has me concerned about long-term durability.
Here’s what’s frustrating: this wasn’t an issue with the Trail Glove 4 or 5. Multiple reviewers who’ve owned previous versions specifically call out the decline in build quality. For a $80 shoe, having sole separation within 2-3 months of normal use is unacceptable.
Sizing Reality Check
If you’re coming from previous Trail Glove versions, size up at least a half size. I tested both my normal 11 and an 11.5. The 11 was too narrow across the forefoot, while the 11.5 gave me the toe splay room I needed. Length-wise, they run true to size, but width is definitely more restrictive than earlier versions.
Performance in Various Trail Conditions
Dry Trail Performance: Excellent. The Vibram outsole grips well on dirt, roots, and rocks. Ground feel is just right – protective but not disconnected.
Wet Conditions: Adequate but not exceptional. The mesh upper dries quickly, but traction on wet rocks requires caution.
Urban/Gym Use: This is where the Trail Glove 6 really shines. The arch support actually makes them comfortable for all-day wear, and they work great for weightlifting and gym sessions.
Long-Distance Comfort: Mixed results. The arch support helps with fatigue during longer sessions, but the narrow toe box can become uncomfortable after 6+ miles.
Does Merrell Deliver on Their Promises?
Merrell claims “improved fit and increased abrasion-resistance.” Let me break this down:
“Improved fit” – This is subjective and depends on your foot shape. If you have narrow feet, you might love the snugger fit. But for most guys coming from previous Trail Glove versions, this feels like a step backward.
“Increased abrasion-resistance” – The upper materials do seem more durable than previous versions. However, the sole separation issues completely undermine any durability improvements.
✅ What Works
- True zero-drop minimalist feel
- Excellent for gym and weightlifting
- Good ground feel with adequate protection
- Arch support helps with all-day comfort
- Lightweight at 8.2 oz
- Premium materials and construction quality
- Works well for casual daily wear
- Quick-drying mesh upper
❌ What Doesn’t
- Major durability concerns – sole separation
- Much narrower toe box than previous versions
- Excessive arch support for true minimalist fans
- Difficult to get on due to lacing system
- Sizing runs narrow – need to size up
- Poor value at $80 given durability issues
- Hard heel counter can cause pressure points
- Limited color options available
My Overall Assessment
I really wanted to love the Trail Glove 6. Merrell has been my go-to brand for minimalist shoes for years, and I was hoping this would be a worthy successor to my Trail Glove 4s.
The reality is more complicated. As a standalone shoe, the Trail Glove 6 has some genuinely good qualities. The arch support, while unexpected, actually makes it more versatile for different activities. The materials feel premium, and the overall comfort (once you size correctly) is solid.
But those durability issues are a deal-breaker for me. When multiple users report sole separation within weeks or months, that’s not isolated quality control – that’s a design flaw.
Detailed Scoring
| Category | Score (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 7.0 | Good once broken in, but narrow toe box |
| Durability | 4.0 | Major sole separation concerns |
| Performance | 7.5 | Solid on trails, excellent for gym use |
| Fit & Sizing | 5.5 | Runs narrow, size up recommended |
| Value | 4.5 | Too expensive for durability issues |
| Design | 8.0 | Premium materials, good aesthetics |
| Versatility | 8.5 | Great for multiple activities |
| OVERALL SCORE | 6.4/10 | Potential undermined by durability |
What Other Trail Runners Are Saying
The community feedback is consistent: longtime Merrell fans are disappointed. Guys who’ve worn multiple generations of Trail Gloves specifically mention the narrower toe box and durability decline. Some with narrow feet love the snugger fit, but the majority find it too restrictive.
Several users mention switching to Xero or Vivobarefoot alternatives after experiencing sole separation issues.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
The Trail Glove 6 isn’t a bad shoe – it’s a flawed shoe with real potential. If Merrell can address the sole separation issues and widen the toe box slightly, this could be a solid minimalist option.
But right now, at $80, I can’t recommend it with confidence. The durability concerns are too widespread to ignore.
Who Should Buy the Trail Glove 6?
Consider buying if you:
- Have narrow feet and like a snug fit
- Want a minimalist shoe with arch support
- Primarily use shoes for gym/casual wear (less stress on construction)
- Can find them on sale for under $50
Skip if you:
- Have wide feet or need a roomy toe box
- Want true minimalist feel without arch support
- Need a durable shoe for frequent trail use
- Loved previous Trail Glove versions
Better Options for Specific Needs
For true minimalist feel: Xero Prio or Merrell Vapor Glove 5
For durability: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail or Altra Lone Peak
For wide feet: Topo Athletic ST-4 or Altra Solstice XT
Budget option: Wait for Trail Glove 6 sales or consider Xero HFS
Final Recommendation
I’m giving the Trail Glove 6 a 6.4/10 – a shoe with good ideas undermined by execution flaws. If you can find them heavily discounted and understand the durability risks, they might work for light use. But at full price, there are better minimalist options available.
🛒 If you decide to try them:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these run true to size?
Length-wise, yes. But they run narrow, so most guys need to size up at least a half size for proper toe box room. I’d recommend trying both your normal size and a half size up.
How do they compare to Trail Glove 4 and 5?
The Trail Glove 6 has a narrower toe box and more arch support than previous versions. Many longtime users prefer the 4 and 5 for their roomier fit and true minimalist feel.
Are the durability issues really that common?
Based on customer reviews, sole separation appears to affect a significant percentage of shoes, often within the first few months. It’s not universal, but common enough to be concerning.
Can I use these for running?
Yes, but with caveats. They work well for shorter runs and trail jogging. The arch support and narrow toe box may be limiting factors for longer distances or if you prefer a true minimalist running experience.
What’s the best price to pay for these?
Given the durability concerns, I wouldn’t pay more than $50-60. At that price point, the risk/reward balance makes more sense. At full retail ($80+), there are better options available.
Are they good for lifting weights?
Actually, yes! The zero-drop platform and arch support make them excellent for deadlifts and squats. This might be their strongest use case.
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