Merrell Trail Glove 5
Buy Merrell Trail Glove 5 at today's best price (men's/women's)
8 minute read
Overview
The Merrell Trail Glove 5 is a trail running shoe designed to offer a balance between minimalist and supportive features. This shoe is known for its lightweight and breathable design, making it suitable for various terrains.
Key Features:
- Zero Drop: The shoe has no difference in height between the heel and the forefoot, promoting a natural foot strike.
- Vibram Outsole: Provides excellent grip and durability on different surfaces.
- Barefoot 2 Construction: Enhances foot movement and stability with a rock plate for protection.
The Merrell Trail Glove 5 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a natural running experience with added protection for trail conditions. Its lightweight design offers agility, making it suitable for those who enjoy off-road adventures.
With an average review score of 59%, it's in the lowest rated 10% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 20% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Merrell Trail Glove 5
The Merrell Trail Glove 5 is a versatile trail running shoe that performs well in various conditions. It features a zero-drop design, which is ideal for those who prefer a natural running style. The shoe's Vibram outsole provides excellent grip, making it reliable on uneven terrain. However, the inclusion of a rock plate and a thicker midsole may detract from the barefoot feel some runners seek. The shoe is lightweight and breathable, enhancing comfort during long runs. While it offers good protection and stability, some users may find the midsole uncomfortable, especially if they prefer a more minimalist design. Overall, the Trail Glove 5 is a solid choice for those transitioning to minimalist footwear or seeking a lightweight trail shoe with added support. It offers good value for money for trail runners looking for a balance between minimalism and protection.
Comparable Shoes
The Altra Superior 4.5 is another trail shoe that offers a zero-drop platform, similar to the Trail Glove 5. However, it provides more cushioning, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer ride. The Superior 4.5 also features a wider toe box, accommodating natural toe splay. While the Trail Glove 5 focuses on minimalism, the Superior 4.5 offers a balance of comfort and performance for longer trail runs.
The Salomon Sense Ride 3 is a versatile trail shoe that offers more cushioning and support than the Trail Glove 5. It is designed for a variety of terrains and provides excellent protection and comfort. While the Trail Glove 5 is lighter and more minimalist, the Sense Ride 3 is better suited for those who need additional cushioning and stability for longer runs or rougher trails.
The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail is a good alternative for those seeking a more barefoot experience. It offers a thinner sole and greater flexibility, allowing for a closer connection to the ground. While the Trail Glove 5 provides more protection with its rock plate, the Primus Trail excels in providing a true minimalist feel. Runners who prioritize ground feel and natural movement may prefer the Primus Trail over the Trail Glove 5.
Special versions of Merrell Trail Glove 5
The Merrell Trail Glove 5 3D offers a different experience compared to the standard version. It features a knit upper that provides a sock-like fit, enhancing comfort and reducing weight. However, sizing can be challenging, as the 3D version tends to run larger than expected. This version is ideal for those who prefer a more flexible and lightweight feel, but it's recommended to try them on before purchasing to ensure the right fit.
The Merrell Trail Glove 5 Leather is a more robust version of the Trail Glove 5, featuring a leather upper for added durability and protection. This version is suitable for those who need a tougher shoe for rugged trails or who prefer the classic look and feel of leather. While it may be slightly heavier than the standard model, it offers enhanced protection and longevity, making it a good choice for more demanding trail conditions.
6 Merrell Trail Glove 5 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the Merrell Trail Glove 5 is crafted from a durable synthetic mesh, providing excellent breathability. This design ensures that the shoe remains lightweight while offering protection in sensitive areas through synthetic leather reinforcements. The upper also features the M-Select Fresh system, which helps to expel odors and eliminate bacteria, keeping the shoe fresh even after long runs.
Midsole
The midsole of the Trail Glove 5 is made from compression-molded CMEVA foam, offering durability and support on challenging terrains. While it provides cushioning, some runners may find it less flexible than expected for a minimalist shoe. The midsole's design aims to enhance stability, but it may feel rigid for those accustomed to barefoot running.
Outsole
The Vibram outsole of the Trail Glove 5 is a standout feature, known for its durability and grip. The outsole includes 3mm lugs that resemble chainsaw teeth, providing excellent traction on both ascents and descents. This design ensures that the shoe performs well on various trail surfaces, shedding mud and water effectively.
Size/fit
The Trail Glove 5 tends to fit half a size larger than typical Merrell sizing, so runners may need to size down for a proper fit. The shoe's design includes a wide toe box, allowing for natural toe splay, which is beneficial for those with wider feet or who prefer a more spacious fit.
Comfort
Comfort in the Trail Glove 5 is enhanced by its lightweight and breathable design. However, the midsole's rigidity may cause discomfort for some runners, particularly those who prefer a more flexible shoe. The shoe's zero-drop design promotes a natural foot strike, which can be comfortable for those accustomed to minimalist footwear.
Cushioning
Cushioning in the Trail Glove 5 is minimal, aligning with its minimalist design philosophy. The shoe includes a rock plate for added protection, but the cushioning may feel insufficient for those seeking a plush ride. The focus is on providing a natural running experience with some protection from trail debris.
Breathability
Breathability is a key feature of the Trail Glove 5, thanks to its synthetic mesh upper. This design allows for excellent airflow, keeping feet cool and dry during runs. The shoe's lightweight construction further enhances its breathability, making it suitable for warm weather conditions.
Stability
Stability in the Trail Glove 5 is achieved through its midsole design and rock plate. While the shoe offers good support on uneven terrain, the rigidity of the midsole may not suit all runners. The shoe's zero-drop design encourages a stable, natural foot strike, which can benefit those transitioning to minimalist footwear.
Durability
The Trail Glove 5 is built with durability in mind, featuring a Vibram outsole and synthetic mesh upper. The shoe's construction includes TPU reinforcements in high-wear areas, ensuring it withstands the rigors of trail running. Despite its lightweight design, the shoe is expected to last through many miles of use.
Grip
Grip is a strong point for the Trail Glove 5, thanks to its Vibram outsole and 3mm lugs. The shoe provides excellent traction on various surfaces, making it reliable for trail running. The lug pattern is designed to shed mud and water, maintaining grip even in wet conditions.
Flex
Flexibility in the Trail Glove 5 is somewhat limited due to its midsole design. While the shoe allows for some natural foot movement, the rigidity of the midsole may restrict flexibility for those seeking a true barefoot experience. The shoe's design focuses more on stability and protection than on maximum flexibility.
Who should buy the Merrell Trail Glove 5?
Runners who are transitioning to minimalist footwear will find the Merrell Trail Glove 5 appealing. Its lightweight design and zero-drop platform make it suitable for those looking to improve their natural running form. The shoe's excellent grip and durability are ideal for trail enthusiasts who need reliable performance on various terrains. Those with a high arch may appreciate the added support without the bulk of traditional insoles. The shoe's breathable upper is perfect for runners in warm climates, ensuring comfort during long runs.
Who should not buy the Merrell Trail Glove 5?
The Merrell Trail Glove 5 may not be the best choice for runners seeking a true barefoot experience. Its midsole and rock plate add rigidity that might not appeal to purists. Those who prefer a plush, cushioned ride may find the minimal cushioning insufficient for their needs. Runners with a preference for road running might not benefit from the shoe's trail-specific features. If sizing is a concern, especially for those with narrow feet, the wide toe box might not provide the snug fit they desire. Consider alternatives like the minimalist running shoes for a more barefoot feel.
Merrell Trail Glove 5: What's it good for?
The Merrell Trail Glove 5 is excellent for trail running, offering a balance of minimalism and protection. Its lightweight design makes it suitable for lightweight running on various terrains. The shoe's grip and durability are ideal for off-road adventures. With its breathable upper, it's also a good choice for running in warm weather. The zero-drop platform encourages a natural running style, making it a great option for those transitioning to zero-drop footwear.
5 Merrell Trail Glove 5 FAQs
What is the weight of the Merrell Trail Glove 5?
The Merrell Trail Glove 5 weighs approximately 196 g (6.9 oz) for the men's version and 170 g (6 oz) for the women's version, making it a lightweight option for trail running.
Is the Merrell Trail Glove 5 suitable for minimalist runners?
While the Trail Glove 5 offers some minimalist features, such as a zero-drop design, it includes a rock plate and thicker midsole, which may not appeal to purist minimalist runners.
How does the Trail Glove 5 perform on rocky trails?
The Trail Glove 5 performs well on rocky trails due to its Vibram outsole and rock plate, which provide excellent grip and protection from sharp objects.
Does the Trail Glove 5 fit true to size?
The Trail Glove 5 tends to fit half a size larger than typical Merrell sizing, so it's recommended to size down for a proper fit.
What is the drop of the Merrell Trail Glove 5?
The Merrell Trail Glove 5 features a zero-drop design, meaning there is no difference in height between the heel and the forefoot.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | ||||
| released | ReleasedJan 2019 | Nov 2017 | Jun 2019 | May 2019 | Feb 2020 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users |  |  |   | ||
| Weight | WeightM: 196 g W: 170 g | 230 g | M: 179 g W: 150 g | M: 247 g W: 207 g | M: 241 g W: 213 g | 326 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot12 mm | 7 mm | 12 mm | 19 mm | 18 mm | |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop | 6 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm | ||
| Heel | Heel12 mm | 13 mm | 16 mm | 19 mm | 24 mm | |
| Brand | BrandMerrell | Inov-8 | La Sportiva | Altra | Merrell | New Balance |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero drop | Lightweight | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | Lightweight | |
| Rock plate | Rock plate | |||||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Techs | Techs | BOA | Vibram | |||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsVegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | ||||
Common characteristicsTrailNeutralNeutral pronationHigh arch |
- Jul 2019
- Jan 2019
