Merrell Vapor Glove 6

The upper of the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is crafted from a 100% recycled mesh material, providing a breathable and comfortable fit. This design choice not only enhances the shoe's eco-friendliness but also contributes to its incredibly light weight. The mesh allows for excellent ventilation, making it a great option for hot weather runs or gym workouts. However, the absence of TPU cushioning overlays raises questions about the upper's durability, particularly in high-wear areas.

The outsole of the Vapor Glove 6 features Vibram Ecostep technology, which is made from 30% recycled rubber. This outsole is equipped with 2mm lugs that provide a strong grip on a variety of surfaces, from wet and muddy trails to paved roads. Despite its thinness, the aggressive tread pattern ensures stability and traction, contributing to the shoe's overall performance.

With a toe box width of 4 1/4 inches, the Vapor Glove 6 offers a spacious fit that allows for natural toe splay, enhancing stability during runs. This wide toe box design is particularly beneficial for runners with wider feet. However, runners with narrower feet may find the fit too roomy and may not experience the glove-like fit that the shoe's name suggests.

The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is designed with comfort in mind, featuring a soft and thicker mesh upper compared to its predecessor. This material choice, along with the shoe's overall light weight, makes it comfortable for sockless wear and helps to prevent odor buildup. The shoe's barefoot feel and responsive ride contribute to its overall comfort during runs and workouts.

While the Vapor Glove 6 is a minimalist shoe, it does offer a mild level of cushioning through its built-in insole. This provides a bit more support and protection underfoot, especially on paved roads. However, for those seeking a true barefoot experience, the cushioned insole may detract from the shoe's ground feel and barefoot authenticity.

The mesh upper of the Vapor Glove 6 is not only sustainable but also highly breathable. The abundance of perforations along the upper ensures that the shoe can drain and dry quickly, making it an excellent choice for hot runs or sweaty gym sessions. This feature also allows for comfortable sockless wear, which is a preference for many minimalist runners.

Despite its minimalist design, the Vapor Glove 6 provides a surprising level of stability. The wide toe box allows for natural foot movement and stability on uneven terrain. Additionally, the Vibram outsole with its 2mm lugs offers reliable traction, further contributing to the shoe's stable ride.

The durability of the Vapor Glove 6 may be a concern for some runners. The minimalist design, with its thin sole and mesh upper, sacrifices some durability for the sake of light weight and ground feel. While the shoe performs well in terms of traction and comfort, its long-term resilience against wear and tear is something to consider.

The grip of the Vapor Glove 6 is one of its standout features. The Vibram Ecostep outsole ensures a secure grip on both dry and wet surfaces, making the shoe versatile for various running conditions. The 2mm lugs provide enough traction without compromising the barefoot feel that is central to the shoe's design.

Flexibility is a key attribute of the Vapor Glove 6, with its thin overall stack allowing for excellent sole articulation. This flexibility, combined with the shoe's lightweight construction, results in a fast and responsive ride that is well-suited for running and dynamic workouts.

The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is designed for a barefoot-like running experience, which may be intense for those new to this style. It's recommended that new barefoot runners transition gradually to allow their feet to adapt to the minimal cushioning and protection.

Yes, the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is suitable for gym workouts that require good proprioception and foot articulation, such as deadlifts and lunges, due to its barefoot design and flexible sole.

The Vapor Glove 6 is equipped with a Vibram Ecostep outsole that provides a strong grip on wet surfaces, making it capable of handling wet conditions during runs.

The shoe features a 100% recycled mesh upper and a Vibram Ecostep outsole made with 30% recycled rubber, aligning with sustainable practices.