Customer Reviews Merrell Vapor Glove 3

Favorite shoe I've owned so far, got 3 pairs

I have had my pair for two weeks and my verdict is ,buy. The feels very grounded when you put on,almost like a sock. When you run you feel the ground and do not step on any small object if you are afraid of some momentarily discomfort . I have have done a couple of runs 3-7 mi and they have no indication of wear. In fact, I have had no problem with any merrell running shoes.

First - buy one full size smaller than your dress shoes. These have a fairly stiff arch support so not only the toes will be out of place. The shoe is great. The grip on the bottom is unreal, but the rubber isn't all that soft. I'm wearing these to do my dead lifts and squats etc. in, so I can't say how they'll last for runners. They have great breathability, they fit well (once you get the size figured out), there's nothing finicky about the toes or the heel like on some of the similar shoes. They stay comfortable all day (breaking them in a little).

They slip right on but are don't feel too tight. I wear them for day to day activity but I could see the appeal for running and hiking in them too.

I am a hospitalist physician and am on my feet 11 hours at a stretch. Also, I have a blistering condition, which sadly I have passed to my kids genetically. I have found that wearing Vapor gloves for everyday wear, as well as hiking, that I never get blisters. When at risk, I apply a little Chamois Buttr. But these have changed my life as far as ability to hike and walk for miles without blisters. My children wore them until Merrell stopped making youth versions. My 11 year old son has had to use an alternative brand that is not as minimalist but adequate. I tried to contact Merrell as a physician and customer who sees these shoes to help those who aren't only athletes to no avail. Still, I buy 1-2 pair a year. Bummer my teenage and college-age daughters don't see them as fashionable, as they often walk and blister in defiance. That said, I certainly hope Merrell never stops making this shoe, and keeps them sans any padding. That is the secret to no shearing of skin, and how I and others may do so well walking, running and hiking with them. Sorry for the length.

I've read mixed reviews about the wear and tear on these. I decided to take a chance and see for myself. So far I love these shoes. Everything I could ask for at this point. Comfortable, versatile, looks good. I just hope they last a while. Time will tell.

Shoes feel great and light. Needed a pair of shoes similar to my vibram five fingers and the Vapor Glove 3 exceeded my expectations. I pretty wear them wherever I go. They feel great when I run. No complaints whatsoever. Highly recommend them.

The Merrell Vapor Gloves are pretty much the ideal minimalist shoe for average trails (not tons of grip, but solid enough). The shoes are super thin and flexible as well as being unbelievably lightweight. Unlike many minimalist shoes, this does not compromise the durability of the shoes. For anyone looking for minimalist shoes, I cannot recommend these enough. Just a note to anyone ordering the shoes, I am roughly size 13.5 and usually go with size 14 shoes, but have worn these in size 13.

I've been running Merrell gloves for many years and this shoe helped transition my wife who is just getting started with running. She called me, so excited, and said that when she was running (on a treadmill, at her Orange Theory session), "it's not like I'm running, it's like I'm gliding". This is obviously more about the running posture/style that the barefoot shoe promotes but it was comfortable and stylish enough to make her happy and helped her transition to a more natural running position. Hats off to Merrell

I've had a pair of Trail Glove 1s for years now, and finally decided it was time to up grade. I'm thrilled with these shoes. They are definitely made specifically for paved or smooth paths as the soles are thin, but they truly fit like a glove. Really comfortable with no slipping. 10 out of 10 would purchase again

My only complaint would be that they run a little large. I wear 12-13 in most brands and had to exchange for an 11 to get a good fit. However, customer service was fantastic. I wear these shoes at the gym for just about everything. They give me the next best feeling to going barefoot, which is great for training balance and footwork. I feel like wearing these on a regular basis helps in strengthening my feet and ankles. Learning to run in a pair of bare access was a challenge but I think it paid off.

Great customer service from the folks that answer the phones helped to get corrections to my order. The shoes are great. Hands down the best pair of shoes I've owned.

First week on wearing these shoes and my leg muscles improved drastically

Wore out my last pair. Expect to do it again

I have been looking for barefoot shoes since my new balance days and these are awesome! Super lightweight and very comfortable! Will be buying another pair.

Have had these for about a week but this far in they feel great. Good movement. Work well for day to day shoes in the office.

Absolutely in love with these shoes, I have been since I bought my first pair many years ago. This will be my sixth pair of Vapor Gloves and I know you're probably thinking, six pairs.... do they wear out easily? Not at all, I beat these shoes up like crazy and still have some old pairs that i'll throw on to go rafting or to the beach in. I will say this, the old ones needed a better lace because the flexibility of the shoe was often hindered by uncomfortable laces, they did that with these new ones, the lace is slightly elastic which pairs nicely with the bare feel of the shoes. I did notice however that after some considerable use, the laces grew pretty worn out and beat up much quicker than normal ones. Perhaps making them a little thicker would increase durability or perhaps just including a second set of laces for when they inevitably wear out. The lace problem isn't enough to take away from the five star rating, just a minor thought. Buy these shoes, you won't be disappointed!