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 seem sudden, but I think most people who run or hike land on their heels (heel strike)
Barefoot running. I'm sure many of you have heard of it. Barefoot refers to landing on the forefoot (around the toes), which feels more like barefoot than heel-striking, reduces stress on the knees, and is said to ease muscle strain due to the shorter time on the ground. I think this is largely due to the recent media coverage of "Warachi" running sandals and "Muteki" running tabi socks in TV dramas and books. (Though I personally love my homemade Warachi and five-finger shoes. I'm not sure I'd go as far as barefoot running...)
These shoes use a "barefoot construction" with a 0mm difference in height between the forefoot and heel. However, even though the forefoot feels barefoot and reduces the strain on the knees, it still puts a lot of strain on the feet unless you gradually get used to them. Therefore, if you're not used to barefoot construction shoes, it's best to first warm them up by wearing them indoors or doing some light walking
Now, onto the main topic. This time, I'm reviewing the MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 5. This is a trail running shoe with a "barefoot design" that has a 0mm difference in height between the forefoot and heel. 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 updated model of the TRAIL GLOVE. Unfortunately, when I tried the previous model, the TRAIL GLOVE 4, I was dissatisfied with its weak grip , but the TRAIL GLOVE 5 has improved that aspect considerably. It provides firm grip even when riding on rocky terrain in the rain! More details later.
Recommended points
- A wide model that allows for a natural forefoot strike
- Comfortable arch support
- Vibram TC5+ outsole for improved grip
Points that interest me
- The heel cup is also wide. There may be a gap when stepping in or pushing off
table of contents
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| weight | Approximately 198g (actual weight 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 form) | ★★★☆☆ |
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★★☆ |
| price | 12,800 yen (excluding tax) |
Wide, comfortable, lightweight and breathable
First of all, how light is it? The previous model, the 4, weighed in at 216g per shoe, while the sample model weighs just 198g, under 200g. The actual measurement is 208g. That being said, it's still a very lightweight model. Because it's designed for forefoot running, it lacks cushioning, but it's still quite light (a typical trail running shoe would weigh around 300g per shoe). The upper is made of a mesh fabric with a large mesh, and perhaps because it's wide and puffy, it doesn't get stuffy and feels very breathable. The toes are easy to move, making it comfortable. To make forefoot landing easier, we recommend wearing five-finger socks. Another small feature that users will appreciate is MERRELL's proprietary antibacterial technology, M SELECT FRESH, which inhibits the growth of odor-causing microorganisms
The "barefoot structure" has a 0mm difference in height between the forefoot and heel. The arch is raised, making it easy to go barefoot
When I measured it, it weighed 208g (one shoe/USA size 9). It is quite light for a trail running shoe
Forefoot last with specialized arch support
When I put them on, the toe area felt plump, allowing for easy toe movement. The arch support felt more comfortable, almost like it was lifting the entire sole of my foot. The wide toe area allowed my toes to spread apart, making it easier to land naturally on my forefoot when stepping down without straining. The reduced cushioning made it easier to sense the ground. It felt barefoot. According to the manufacturer's website, the toe area has been designed wider than the previous series, improving stability. The shape of the sides and toe area has been improved to improve the fit, and that seems to be true. However, there was one thing that bothered me. Not only the toe area, but the heel area is also slightly wider. Of course, this will vary from person to person, but for some people, there may be gaps when stepping down or pushing off. Be careful, as pebbles may easily get in
The wide, rounded toe box makes for a natural, forefoot feel
The arch support is surprisingly high and comfortable
When kicking off, there are times when there is a gap between the shoe and the foot
The outsole, developed in collaboration with Vibram, is soft yet durable, showing its true potential!
The previous model, the 4, had some areas where it was hard to describe its grip (honestly, I slipped in the city...). This time, I actually tried them out on a trail in the rain, and they provided solid grip even on the normally slippery muddy trails and wet rocks, with no impact on performance (although keep in mind that this is only if you're used to landing forefoot first). It's fair to say that the power of Merrell's exclusive Vibram TC5+ outsole really shines through. The TC5+ compound is a Merrell exclusive blend, and its greatest feature is that it combines the seemingly contradictory properties of being both "soft" and "excellent abrasion resistance." In other words, it perfectly balances the flexibility of comfort, grip, and durability
In addition, the shoes feature a non-marking outsole that does not leave marks on the ground, making them easy to wear not only outdoors but also at the gym
The outsole is a Vibram TC5+ outsole, which provides significantly improved grip
I was able to hold my ground firmly even on slippery trails
Summary: Recommended for:
I'd recommend forefoot walking to anyone who suffers from frequent foot injuries or wants to strengthen their feet (although you may have to put up with calf muscle pain until you get used to it...). To summarize the TRAIL GLOVE 5's features, they have excellent arch support, a toe area that makes forefoot walking easy, and a Vibram outsole that really shines. I think these shoes make it easier to forefoot walk without straining yourself, more so than the Waraichi and Five Fingers mentioned at the beginning. Also, because they feature a non-marking outsole that doesn't leave marks on the ground, they're comfortable to wear indoors for fitness and other activities. I recommend breaking them in indoors before trying them outdoors, like in the mountains
A pair of shoes you can rely on even in rainy weather or on rough roads
NEWS: The long-awaited barefoot that will make you want to wear every day! MERRELL's latest collection MOVE GLOVE / MOVE GLOVE SUEDE
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