Customer Reviews Merrell Vapor Glove 3

I bought these to primarily act as gym shoes, and they really shine in that capacity. Lightweight, breathable, and flat-soled make for excellent shoes for workouts with little concern for loose or uneven surfaces. However, they have a major drawback, which is that the sizing on these is absolutely wrong. Shoe sizes are based on standard measurements, and Merrell seems to have completely missed the mark by several sizes. I wear US8.5s, and for these I would need to downsize all the way down to a 7.5. Well-designed product, but failure of quality control makes trying to size these very difficult, and gives me pause to consider Merrell until they get their product sizing back on track.

I'm a size 9. When I measure, US size 9. All my shoes, size 9. All my shoes, prior to ordering vapor gloves, fit just right. So, I ordered a size 9, expecting a size 9. I recieved a shoe that said size 9, but it was no size 9. These are at the least a size 10. Merrel even sent a return label with the shoes... I'm guessing because enough people have returned there shoes for being the wrong size. Suggestion Merrel, measure your shoes and change the tags on the inside if they are all wrong. A medium can run large or small, I get that, but 27 cm is 27 cm no matter what brand makes it. Is there a special Merrel measureing stick I'm unaware of. My apologies. Forgive the sarcasm. I'm just frustrated because I ordered these before my trip to Guatemala and didn't want risk exchanging them and not getting the new ones in time before I left. Hopefully it will be a blessing in disguise allowing me to where thicker socks with them... who knows. These shoes do have some good features. They are lightweight and the tread grip is good. As far as durabilty I cannot say. I have heard the durabilitybis not great so I have been gentle with them before Guatemala. The laces are very thin and stretchy. They seem to stay tied well, but they do not feel durable. They look like they could be torn easily and I think Merrell should throw an extra pair in the box like most brands of the shoes I've ever bought do. All that being said, If I had recieved shoes that fit my feet and these shoes perform as well as I think they would have, then I would probably continue with Merrell, but we will see. It will come down to durability. If they don't last then I know shoes that do.

These shoes are great in terms of being comfortable. I am on my feet a lot as part of my day job and these shoes are fantastic, and when it rains or you step in a puddle they dry quickly. However, each pair that I've own have developed a hole on the outside in less than a year, and when I look at them, it's clear that it's starting from the outside. I've ruled out that it's because my work, working in mental health, I don't come into contact with caustic chemicals nor have they gotten snagged on anything. I think, that it's simply a design flaw that they haven't bothered to correct.

I have had each new version of the Vapor Glove since they have came out, and enjoyed running in each of them. They seemed to have fixed the issue of the sole wearing out, as well as the toe box issue of opening up after usage as well. However, after a little over 5 months of usage with this new pair, I have seen the interior portion of the shoe begin to come apart from the sole, a similar issue that happened with my v. 2 Vapor Gloves.

The shoe fit was great, love the minnimalist design. My first experience with the Vapor Glove. While I only ran in them a few times, I used them primarily for daily shoes, short hikes. Disappointed when the upper between the laces to the rubber toe cap began to separate. It may be helpful to add a bridge material, between sole, upper, as with the Trail Glove. A little more rigid rubber on the sole would improve the durability there. I look forward to trying the Vapor 4, when the upper durability may be addressed.

The shoe is extremely comfortable, it feels like wearing sleepers, for anything in the gym kettlebells, deadlift etc... its fantastic to feel the floor without a big cushion. For street walking and walks again amazingly comfortable. Now there is a but and its a pretty big one after a few months of use, and i did not run or went to trail, its literally falling apart the colour is pilling and the material is cracking everywhere, If the shoe was more durable honestly it would be the best ever, but unfortunately it doesn't last, A real shame, because the fit and the comfort is outstanding!

My wife got me these in late January. They are my 2nd pair and I am not satisfied. My first ones survived a 200 mile winter AT hike paired with some neoprene socks. I love how they grip my feet and allow me to walk more naturally than my xero shoes, that being said... the durability is really lacking. I bought these specifically to wear for school and the gym and they're falling apart. The tongue on both shoes has had to be sewn by me, and the material right above the improved side guards has already begun to rip apart as well. The soles are great and well rounded, providing good ground contact.

I had the Vapor Glove 2 first, and I absolutely loved that one. I still run in it today. It was super thin, light, and had just enough width and volume to let my toes spread out without being huge. It is by far my favorite minimal running shoe for when conditions don't allow barefoot. As for the Vapor Glove 3, I love how it is even wider than the 2, wide enough for socks as well. However, the sole feels thicker and stiffer than the 2, and when I am looking for a closest-to-barefoot-as-possible shoe, that change is not welcome. I see how the added TPU overlays will make it more durable, but on this shoe, there seems to be too much stiffness in the upper now. It creases and gives me blisters, whereas the Vapor Glove 2 was more like a nice soft glove. Lastly, the 3 is heavier, albeit not by much. The Vapor Glove 3 is still a great shoe, but some changes were unneeded in my opinion. I really wish the Vapor Glove 2 was still being produced; and if it was just a little wider, I think that would be all it needs to be THE perfect "barefoot" shoe. Note: this shoe runs a half size small. A size 10 in every Vapor Glove has fit, and I typically wear a 10.5.

I bought these shoes at the start of December and have had them for three months at the time of writing this. I'm a bigger guy with wide feet so I know I put more strain on shoes than others. These shoes are very comfortable and great for my commute to work (25 minutes walking/standing on the subway) and the occasional walk home after work (once a week for about 2.5 miles). However, within a month of having them the tongue on right shoe began to come off the stitching holding it in place and now, 3 months of use, the tongue is completely detached from the shoe and only held in place by the laces and my foot. I have also noticed that the sides of the shoe are beginning to wear down and the outer mesh is starting to split, the inner layer is still holding up though. The soles also have a bit of wear showing at the point where my foot lands, but it's not terrible and I probably am using these shoes more frequently than they were designed for. I really like the style and comfort that these shoes have, and would probably buy them again, but I would not recommend them as a shoe that you can use on a daily basis. Probably best to throw in your bag and change into for gym or long walks and not for commutes.

Highly recommend these shoes to anyone with sensitive feet, with plantar fasciitis I have few options that I can use without feeling that my feet are too disconnected from the ground. Take your shoes off and run around the block, that's how the vapors feel. They will make you realize how awful nike frees and basically any other shoe on the market is for your feet. That being said, the cloth is ripping on them and it's only been 5 months.

Here's the deal... This shoe is amazing. Great fit, super light, flexible, cool color schemes, but..... not durable at all. Slightly disappointing because previous models of this shoe that I have owned were put through the ringer and lasted me a very long time. These ones were honestly only ever really worn to the gym and a few runs here and there. About after 3-4 months you will start to see tearing in the mesh where the shoe is required to flex. Seems there are many more with this same issues but I will say that I contacted customer service and they rolled out the red carpet treatment to remedy my situation. Hope next model is made out of stronger material because I really love this shoe but I won't spend that kind of money for something that can't be expected to last as long as the current model. Product gets 3 stars only because the questionable durability. 5 star customer service though. Thanks Merrell

I got a few miles in these shoes before I decided they were too narrow for my foot. Overall, the shoes were exactly what I wanted: light weight, great ground feel, zero support, zero drop. Like rubber slippers. Unfortunately, my toes couldn't spread at all which led to pain and cramping. If Merrell starts making this shoe in wide sizes, I will be one of the first in line for a pair.

I have bought the Vapor GLOVE 1, 2 and 3. Not the 4 Love the show, when new. I only use for travel and the gym so they really are not abused. I do wear them in work like a slipper because they are comfortable and good for your feet. The problem is they do not hold up to any standard of use it seems. They always begin to tear away at mid height, above the sols in the fabric, thus it is not repairable. They only have a 6 month life if you care that they don't look ratty.

I've had Vapor Glove 1, 2 (still do), and now 3. The major difference that I've found with V3 is the material appears to be more durable. In addition, the sole of the shoe is a bit stiffer than the previous versions and there is greater arch support. I like the fact that the shoe appears to be more durable, however I don't like the fact that there is more arch support and the sole feels a bit stiffer. One of my biggest gripes with the Vapor Gloves is they tend to develop holes pretty quickly in the mesh. I always line the problem areas of with Gear Aid fabric repair tape to cover the holes. Previously to wearing Vapor Gloves I wore the original Trail Gloves. If Merrell could replace the mesh they currently use with the Vapor Gloves with the mesh they use with the Trail Gloves I would be one happy camper. In regards to sizing, I wore a size 10 in version 2 and a size 10.5 in version 3.

I loved this shoe when I got it. It fit great and was comfortable. I've had it for less than a year and the sole has even been durable, something I often have issues with. However, the top of the shoe has several split seems that started happening in the first month. Soon, I won't be able to wear the shoe anymore because it will fall apart.... In less than a year... This is disappointing because I otherwise like the shoes.

I love these shoes! I've owned multiple sets. They are great for everyday wear, at the gym or even parkour! What I like is that they are as minimal as you can get without going five fingers. I feel very connected with the terrain and have confidence with the traction that the Vibram soles provide. What I don't like is that the uppers are not very durable. Merrell wanted to give these shoes a "sock-like" feel but the material is not very strong. Every pair I have owned, I've blown through with my pinky and big toe. Merrell tried to reinforce the pinky side with a little bit of extra laminating on the 2nd version of these shoes, but didn't change the material. Hopefully they got it right with the Vapor Glove 3. Other than that, my feet love being in them.

I wear a size 8 in every shoe and the tolerance is usually 1/4 inch on all brands of shoes. Ordered a pair in 8 and the shoe was approximately 1 inch to 1 1/4 larger than needed. Ordered another pair and waiting on them. Go measure ur foot in cm and use the sizing chart. Good luck.

This is my first merrel minimalist running shoe, I was very happy the first weeks, very comfortable and lightweight, the best barefoot feeling for me, but it's so sad that after 2-3 months of mild usage, they are already tearing apart, whyyyyyyy such a nice and comfortable minimalist running shoe can't last longer???

Returned for a different color. The blue was almost entirely black. Very little blue showing. I know color is dependent on the device you use but the even the color was so much darker than the picture on the box. Got full refund but ordered a different color.

The shoes were way bigger than any other shoe i I wear In the same size. Also there is a hole already in the side after the second day of training. The only thing i Like about them is they are super light.

The shoes looks great. They were big and thus a bit loose. I thought these would be more of a CrossFit type of shoe but they're basically a water shoe with zero support.