Customer Reviews Merrell Trail Glove 4

The Trail Glove 4 is a really solid shoe, and I say that lovingly because I generally really enjoy Merrell's minimalist offerings. I'm really torn on how much I like the shoes. On one hand, there is a great amount of comfort and traction; on the other hand, the shoes feel a bit clunky for minimalist shoes and are definitely not a speed shoe. Here are some positives and negatives: Positive: Wrap around upper - The wrap around style is really nice and comfortable, and definitely feels like a glove (hence the name!) Traction - The Vibram sole is great at keeping you moving. It's not as soft and malleable as some of the other minimalist versions, but it's really due to it being a trail shoe Lightweight - For being a trail shoe, it's really light. 8-9 oz each isn't too bad at all Support - Despite the low profile, the shoe does a great job supporting your feet. Negative: Not a great all-terrain shoe - The TG4 really excels off-road, but unlike some of Merrell's other "trail" offerings (I'm looking at you, Vapor Glove), this one is really not intended to spend much time on pavement. "Minimalist" is a stretch - The 0mm drop is GREAT, but the thickness of the sole really pushes calling this a minimalist shoe. Yes, there's not much padding, but it's a far cry from VFFs or even the Vapor Glove. It doesn't quite have the same feel for the road, for better or worse. If you're expecting an ultra-light, speedy minimalist shoe, this really isn't it. It feels a bit chunky. Overall, the TG4 is a great trail shoe, but you'll also have to accept the limitations, or just adjust your expectations (this was really my mistake). I'll probably go back to using my VG2s (despite their design flaw that was fixed on the new model) or pick up a new pair of VFFs for every day runs, but the TG4 is a great weapon to have in your arsenal!

Literally the greatest shoes I have ever bought. They are super comfortable, stylish, and versatile. Want to run or walk on a trail? These can handle it. Want to go for a run? Check, want to wear casually outside? Easy. I wear these shoes at a hospital around 14-15 hours a day and my feet no longer hurt or tired after a long days work. I can’t wait to get more colors.

The 2011 version of the trail glove was perfect. It was stylish and still is, fit well with the lacing system it used...like a glove. I still use a pair I've owned since then. The new version is frumpy, excessive in volume, it fits poorly, not like a glove, the lacing system is inferior and the she looks cheap in comparison. These were returned. I advise Merrell to reconsider this design and look to the old design for inspiration. Of note, the 2011 version cost $110 at Zappos. The new version is less expensive and looks cheap.

Absolutely love them. After my last pair of New Balance Minimus bit the dust, I was at a loss for a good minimal trail shoe that was also comfortable to wear all day. I'm glad I tried these. They're lightweight, have good support, and are comfortable. Would definitely buy again.

These shoes are awesome if you want a minimal, durable shoe. There isn't much padding at all. They are light. I've done over a hundred miles in them on dirt and rock trails in southern California. They haven't blown out yet and I'm hard on my shoes. They are also a good minimal gym shoe. I've been regularly using them for squat and deadlift lifts. They are great around town, but aren't anything close to classy. Mine now smell constantly of sweat and feet. But if you want a show that can get dirty and keep going, you won't be sorry.

I bought these to wear while I workout, mostly lifting weights with some cardio (sprints, sled push, rowing, etc.). They are the perfect lifting shoe, nice and flat, but they have a great grip so they work really well for sled pushes too. I originally tried the women's size, but they were too narrow. The men's size is the perfect width for me. My feet tend to be wide. I'm considering getting another pair to wear just out and about.

These shoes are so sweet. I don't use them for running, I just use them for wearing out and about as normal shoes. For that, I think they're perfect. They look great, they feel great. Lots of breatheability and the shoe is very, very comfortable. I really like this thing, it's like wearing a more protective, really good looking sock. Really big fan.

I really liked the look of these shoes; however, Merrell seems to have a problem in their barefoot line: the rubber guards in the front are stiff and, for larger than average toes, it pressed down on them and makes the shoe feel very uncomfortable. I went with a Vivobarefoot Stealth instead (to replace the same model I have been using). However, I regret this, because Vivobarefoot has decreased their quality extensively. I may have to try these Merrell's again in a larger size and write off the new Vivobarefoot as a loss lol

Bought these for a Tough Mudder event, and they were perfect for it. I imagine I'll use them extensively on trail hikes where there's water as well. They provided sufficient support for comfort over an 8–10 mile event. They also drained and dried nicely when they got wet, never having that gross squishy/squirting feeling for more than a few seconds after being dunked in water or mud (presuming you wear them barefoot, as intended). The laces are a little longer than is probably necessary, and I had to weave them back into themselves a lot to avoid tripping over them.

A nice look to the shoes. Just the right amount of "beefiness" to the sole/tread. Not chunky, but not barefoot. I generally like Merrell shoes and think this is one of the styles I've purchased. Recommend.

These are the best shoes Merrill has made to date. I love them so much I ordered 3 more in case the style changes.

I've only had the Trail Glove 4's for a week so far and I'm super impressed with them. I'm a fan of minimalist shoes and I've tried many types that either lacked proper support or seemed cheaply made. A manufacturer can only remove so much material to a shoe before compromising structural integrity. These seem very well made and have the best combination of support, tread, and width of almost any shoes I've tried. They are snug in the mid section with a wide toe box. I've had problems in the past with the nails of my big toes cutting a hole into the tops of thin-meshed running shoes but the Trail Glove 4's have a hardened, plastic piece just in the right spot to prevent that. It's as if they were made exclusively for me! I love the way the sole wraps up over the heal so the upper won't get messed up while I'm driving.

I live in Arizona and most of the time I use the treadmill in the gym because it's hot outside, but the weather has been incredible since early October and I wanted to start walking and climbing stairs outdoors while I can. I ordered these shoes in my usual size 10 but had to exchange them for a 10.5. Now they're very comfortable and provide great support both up and down stairs. I haven't tried them on the trail yet, but I intend to simply because they're so comfortable and natural feeling doing my walking/stairs circuit.

These are true to my typical trail running shoe size of 10.5. They aren’t the widest toebox even though they are a “barefoot” type of shoe. Overall very comfy but the upper didn’t seem as durable as previous generations of the shoe. Lots of complaints about the upper ripping within a couple months. I didn’t want to chance that so I sent them back. Hopefully the next iteration will be more durable. Also the laces stink. They are super stretchy and to get a real snug fit you really have to crank them down.

Like most trail runners I have to bump up a half size. Maybe my foot has grown some? Either way, a half size up from my “usual” size seemed to be best. Very comfy minimal trail shoes. Not much arch “support” but more like an arch “wrap”?? Really is just protective foam.

I usually order 7.5, but in these shoes that was a half size too large, so I had to get a 7. If they sold 6.5 I might have tried that too. They’re not a *perfect* fit, I’ll have to wear socks, but they are very comfortable. I also got New Balance Minimus 10v1, in 7.5 so the Merrell shoes run a bit smaller than I expected. They’re also slightly wider than the Minimus. Other than that I’m pretty happy with it! Haven’t used them for trail running yet.

After a trip to Chicago where I was going to be walking everywhere - but did NOT pack the right footwear for the job - I purchased these for a later trip to Atlanta for more city walking. Listen, I don't write reviews unless there is something to REALLY save people from, or encourage people toward. These Trail Glove 4s are by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. I'm 5' 11", 165 lbs. I typically take a size 10, but needed the size 9.5 for these. Go figure. They cushion my foot in exactly the right places, are very flexible yet supportive, breath well, stay tied, and are cool-looking if the rest wasn't enough. Looking at and wearing the shoes, they are clearly high quality materials. I know that these are not cheap, and that you can buy shoes for 1/2, or even 1/3 the price. Please be convinced that these are worth every one of the dollars I spent, and I am pretty stingy. Do yourself a favor and buy these. I did, and the only downside is that I'm now a Merrell convert.

I’m a minimalist/barefooter for 7 years now to resolve my arch, knee and hip pain. Vivobarefoot, Merrell and Vibrams get the bulk of my business though Merrell has pulled into the lead for sneakers. I have very-wide high-rise tootsies. These are very snug fitting trail shoes with a sturdier sole - in other words, exactly what I was looking for. While walking a rocky trail in barefoot style shoes has been excruciatingly therapeutic to foot pain in the past, it’s nice to have more protection on the upper and lower side than some minimialist Unshoes. I got the red - the looks are super snazzy. I got my normal size, wearing a thin sock and it does need a break-in. I was shocked at the snug fit initially but there’s no pinching and it should keep my foot from sliding my toes into the rim. After an hour the shoes already fit better. The tongue isn’t separate either. The side of the shoe overlaps the foot but its fit is still customized with lacing. The lacing is the slightest bit off-center. Meaning, it follows the natural slope and shape better than the traditional straight flap. Well done Merrell.

Excellent quality and fit. These sneaks provide such a nice, grounded feel. The toe box is a bit wider which I find to be very comfortable. Very snug and sure-footed feeling when worn. I use them for long walks, weight lighting and simply general purpose. Also great for driving. Love them and will order a 2nd pair soon.

My son loves this shoe, it's his second pair of Trail Gloves. The Vertiver color is a unique choice, great combo. If you like the minimalist type athletic shoe, this is a great choice! True to size, and he wears his with a thin ankle or no-show type sock. His older pairs was the previous Trail Glove 3, and they lasted with daily use for over a year. Very pleased!

Been buying Trail Gloves since their inception. These are by far the best. Like a foot burrito, it envelopes your foot in a stable but friendly position. Can’t wait to try these out on a trail or even to the grocery store. A-Mazing ??

This shoe went beyond expectations for both comfort and function. It’s superior to any running shoe for general walking or casual hiking. I would like Merrill to offer some additional colors.

I *love* these sneakers, I wear them all day, every day while I stand for work. They're super comfortable. However, not great shoes for cold/wet weather. Also, the material on both sides of the ball of my foot usually rips after a few months. I've been buying a new pair every ~6 months.

good traction and flexibility

I would buy this shoe over and over again for life. It's a great everyday shoe. Limited support, but in a good way - as if it's barely there.