Review: MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 5 The latest model with a significantly improved grip! A barefoot feeling forefoot training run Best Choice for beginners
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
This may be a sudden question, but I think most people who run or hike are more likely to land their heels (heel strikes).
Barefoot running. Many of you have heard of it. Barefoot is the forefoot (around the toe) landing, which is closer to the feeling of barefoot than landing on the heel, reduces the strain on the knees, and is said to reduce the strain on the muscles because the landing time is shorter. I think that in recent years, the running sandals "Walach" and the running tabi "Invincible" have been featured in dramas and books, have had a major impact on the media. (I personally love my own Warachi and the five-fingered shoes "Five Fingers." I guess it's not even barefoot running...)
These shoes use a "barefoot structure" with a difference in height between the forefoot and heel portions of 0mm. However, just because the forefoot feels like barefoot, the strain on your knees is reduced, unless you gradually get used to it, the strain on your feet will be heavy. Therefore, if you are not used to wearing bare-foot shoes, it is best to get used to your feet first by wearing them in your room or walking lightly.
Well, here's the main topic. This time we will be reviewing "TRAIL GLOVE 5" from "MERRELL". These are trail running shoes with a "barefoot structure" that has a height difference between the forefoot and heel sections of 0mm. Since 2011, MERRELL has been releasing barefoot shoes in collaboration with Vibram, an outsole manufacturer renowned for its excellent durability and grip. This is the fifth update model for TRAIL GLOVE. Unfortunately, when I tried out the previous game, TRAIL GLOVE 4, what I found dissatisfied was its lack of grip, but the TRAIL GLOVE 5 has been significantly improved in that respect. Even when riding on a rocky area in the rain, the grip is strong! Details will be later.
Recommended points
- A wide model that is easy to forefoot naturally
- Arch support that is comfortable against the arch
- Vibram TC5+ outsole improves grip
Points that interest me
- The heel cup is also wide. A gap may appear when stepping or kicking
table of contents
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| weight | Approximately 198g (actual measurement: 208g) |
| drop | 0mm |
| color | HIGH RISE, BLACK, OLIVE DRAB |
| size | HIGH RISE: 25.0cm-28.0cm, 29.0cm, 30.0cm BLACK/OLIVE DRAB: 25.0cm-28.0cm |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| Breathable | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Grip power | ★★★★★ |
| Last (wooden mold) | ★★★☆☆ |
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★★☆ |
| price | 12,800 yen (excluding tax) |
Wide, comfortable lightness and breathability
First of all, how about lightness? The previous 4 was 216g per foot, but it marked a 198g (sample model) of less than 200g. The actual measurement is 208g. That said, it's a pretty lightweight model. Because this model is designed to have a forefoot, although it does not cushion it is quite light (usually, if you say that it's a regular trail running shoe, it's probably around 300g per shoe). The upper part is made of mesh fabric with large eyes, and is wide and plump, so it doesn't get stuffy and feels breathable. It's easy to move your fingers, so it's comfortable. Five-finger socks are recommended to make forefoot landing easier. Additionally, the detailed feature of M SELECT FRESH, MERRELL's unique antibacterial technology, suppresses the growth of microorganisms that cause odors, is a great feature for users.
It has a "barefoot structure" with a difference in height between the forefoot and heel. The arch part is raised, making it easy to wear bare feet.
When measured, it was 208g (one foot/USA9). Training shoes are quite light.
Forefoot last specialized for arch support
When I put my feet in, the toes are plump and it makes my fingers easy to move. The arch support feels more comfortable and gives it a feeling that it lifts the entire sole of your feet. The wide toe area makes your toes open and it's easy to land naturally in forefoot without straining when stepping on. The cushion is stripped off, making it easy to sense the condition of the ground. It's what you would call barefoot. According to the manufacturer's website, the toe area has been finished with a wider design compared to the previous series, improving stability. Apparently the shape of the sides and toes has been improved to improve the fit, and that's exactly right. However, there is one thing that bothers me. Not only the toe, but the heel area is also slightly wider. Of course, there may be individual differences, but for some people, there is a possibility that gaps may appear when stepping on or kicking. Please be aware that pebbles may be easily inserted.
Wide and plump toe. Naturally. Easy to forefoot.
The arch support is surprisingly high and comfortable.
There are a few gaps between the shoes and feet when kicking.
The original outsole with Vibram, which is soft yet difficult to scrape, is what makes it stand out! !
Although the previous 4 was flattering, there were some parts that couldn't be said to have excellent grip (to be honest, I slid around town...). This time I actually tried wearing it on a rainy trail and found that it had a solid grip on even on mud trails that are usually slippery or wet rocky areas, and it had no effect on performance (but remember that it was if you were used to landing forefoot from the toes). It can be said that the power of Vibram's exclusive Merrell outsole, the Vibram TC5+ outsole, is being demonstrated. The TC5+ compound is exclusively for Merrell, and its biggest feature is that it combines the opposite performance of being "soft" and "excellent abrasion resistance." In other words, it is suitable to combine flexibility, grip and durability with comfort.
In addition, it uses a non-marking outsole that does not easily mark the ground, so it can be appreciated that it is easy to wear not only outdoor wear but also at the gym.
The outsole is a Vibram TC5+ outsole. The grip was significantly improved.
Even on slippery trails, I was able to hold on firmly.
Summary: Recommended for:
I would like people who have frequent foot injuries or want to train their feet to try forefoot (although sometimes you have to hold back on the pain of calves until you get used to it...). When you pinch the TRAIL GLOVE 5 features excellent arch support, easy-to-foot toe area, and a Vibram outsole that is perfect for the truest. I think these shoes are easier to forefoot without straining, rather than the Warach and Five Fingers mentioned at the beginning. Additionally, it uses a non-marking outsole that does not easily mark the ground, making it a shoe that can be worn indoors such as fitness, so we recommend getting your feet used to indoors before trying it outdoors such as mountains.
This pair of shoes is reliable even in rainy weather or rough roads.
