Men's Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove Review

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(More customer reviews)Ever since my KSO Treks disappeared a few months ago while travelling(TSA?) I have been back in the market for zero drop shoes. I loved my KSO's and was seriously considering getting another pair; however,I decided to look at some alternatives on different web sites and came across Merrell's bare foot running shoe's. I had to wait a bit, but now that I finally have a pair, I can tell you that it was totally worth it.
Before I start, I'll just preface this with the fact that I am not savvy on all of the lingo and dynamics of how these shoes are built and I am not a running snob. I run on and off trail 5 days a week, usually less than 6 miles, more intervals than distance work. I lift frequently too, and a neutral shoe helps save the knees with dead lifts and squats. That's what I use my shoes for, just to give you an idea of what I base my opinion off of.
First impressions: clean, simple, and lightweight.
Size: I wear a 10.5 M and so I ordered a 10.5 M and it fits perfect, with or without running socks. There is ample room in the toe box for your toes to splay. The lacing allows for a more custom/glove-like fit.
Comfort: It fits like a glove, nothing digs into my toes, heal or the top of my foot, just comfortable.
Performance: I took them out for 3 mile run right after I received them and was blown away. They felt good. My feet stayed snug in the shoes, I had adequate traction on mud and gravel laden turns on the trail and true to their barefoot tag, my feet were forefoot striking the whole way. The shoes incorporate a fair amount of mesh, so puddle splashes did cause my feet to get damp. Having already put a fair amount of mileage in the KSO Treks, I will add in my thoughts about how the Merrell Trail Glove stacks up:
The Trail Glove fits more like a glove that the slipper like KSO Trek, mostly because of the lacing system. The Trail Glove and KSO Treks are both lightweight, I haven't checked the spec's to compare, but they are both minimalist shoes so its probably not a huge difference. The separate toes in the KSO Trek's and other Five Finger line-up is a novel design (maybe not since it is just modeled after the human foot), but I don't think it adds any advantages to running that the Trail Glove doesn't, aside from being goofy looking, getting dandelions caught between your toes, stubbing your toes and the ability to grab things with your toes to impress your friends. I think the Trail glove is more protective and more comfortable than the KSO Treks and you don't have to train your toes to fit into individual pockets. If you like the Five Fingers, that's fine, I ran with them for a while and liked them a lot, until I tried these bad boys.
As far as durability and long term wear goes, I'd refer you to other running blogs of those who've test driven the Merrel Trail gloves before they were released to people like me.
Hope this helps.

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UPPER/LINING " Microfiber and breathable air mesh upper " Merrell Omni-Fit™ lacing system secured with welded TPU provides a precise, glove-like fit" Fused rubber toe bumper provides ultimate durability" Synthetic leather rear foot sling provides stability" Flexible plate in the forefoot protects the foot from stone bruises" Non-removable microfiber footbed treated with Aegis® antimicrobial solution resists odorMIDSOLE/OUTSOLE " 4mm compression molded EVA midsole cushions" 1mm forefoot shock absorption plate maintains forefoot flexibility and protects the foot by distributing pressure" 0mm ball to heel drop keeps you connected to your terrain " Wash as needed in cold water, gentle cycle and air dry " Vibram® Trail Glove Sole/ Rubber Compound TC-1Men‘s Weight: 6.2 ozs / 175.8 gm (1/2 pair)

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