Customer Reviews Merrell Kids Trail Glove 7 A/C (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid)

I have bought several brands of minimalist, barefoot type shoes for my son. I am typically looking for: zero rise, flexible soles, good traction/grip, wide toe box. These shoes meet some of those criteria, I have yet to find a shoe that fits them all. What stands apart from the competition with the Kids Trail Glove 7 is the traction. It is superior. My son has Autism, low muscle tone, and low proprioceptive awareness (he has trouble knowing where is body is in an environment). The zero rise allows for maximum contact with the ground, increasing his body proprioception awareness, and decreasing falls, twists, and accidents. The traction also further decreases slips and falls. We will probably be repeat customers due to the shoes grip/traction keeping my son safer on the playground and hikes. However, the shoes are quite narrow. And I find the rubber soles to be quite stiff. I would love if newer versions of this shoe could keep its grip, but make a wider toe box, and increase the flexibility of the shoe (without giving me those slick vibram or otherwise soles). I noticed other reviewers mentioned durability. We have never had this issue, but my son is not very hard on his shoes. I will say they have been exposed to the elements a lot, as we are outdoorsy, and they have cleaned up well after being caked in mud, trudged through streams, and been on many hikes through the forest.

We got these shoes a couple of weeks ago and the sole already unglued from the shoe. They're very comfortable my son loves them but I'd say quality isn't top tier.

Very disappointed with the quality of these shoes. I got them for my 9 year old son for school gym/recess and to run a 5K in. Less than 4 months later they are nearly ready for the trash. It's super unfortunate because he loves them, they are comfortable and flexible with zero rise. These characteristics are hard to find in kid shoes. This is the second pair of this shoe I've gotten for him. I wasn't going to since the first pair wore out really fast too, but he liked them so much that I was hopeful the second time around they would be better made. Kids should grow out of their shoes before they wear them out.

We are now on our third pair of this shoe. Three pairs in three years, alternating from time to time with other shoes, but overall this is our everyday shoe. Size is good, and probably don't need to but I always go up a half size so my kid can grow into it.

Bought this for my 7yr old a year ago. They're in perfect condition and have been great to develop her foot strength during everyday play and concentrated exercise.

The bare foot toddler water shoes were easier for my son to get on. These are much stiffer and hard for him to get on with the stiff heal. Well made great traction for trails.

Great traction. This is what I was looking for. The shoes were pricey, but on sale. The only reason I did not give a higher score is that they stained immediately. But they really helped my twins climb!

The edging around the front toe box started pulling away from the shoe the 1st day my daughter worse these. Otherwise she likes them and they are comfortable.

My son has wide feet and these fit great! The toe did scuff a little right off the bat but other than that theyre holding up great! Ive even thrown them in the washer a few times and they come out great!

I bought these shoes for my son. I was attracted to the "barefoot/minimalist" description. While these shoes have zero drop and a somewhat flexible sole, the toe box is narrow. Too narrow, I'll be returning the shoes.

The toe box is significantly narrower than the previous model. I'm going to return them.

Bought this for my 7yr old a year ago. Theyre in perfect condition and have been great to develop her foot strength during everyday play and concentrated exercise.

We got these shoes a couple of weeks ago and the sole already unglued from the shoe. Theyre very comfortable my son loves them but Id say quality isnt top tier.

Very disappointed with the quality of these shoes. I got them for my 9 year old son for school gym/recess and to run a 5K in. Less than 4 months later they are nearly ready for the trash. Its super unfortunate because he loves them, they are comfortable and flexible with zero rise. These characteristics are hard to find in kid shoes. This is the second pair of this shoe Ive gotten for him. I wasnt going to since the first pair wore out really fast too, but he liked them so much that I was hopeful the second time around they would be better made. Kids should grow out of their shoes before they wear them out.

Were a repeat customer for same shoe, great for ninja training

Its hard to find well made, flexible soled kid shoes that are also stylish, comfortable at a decent price. My kid loves them.

Awesome shoe for hiking, gave great traction, light weight and washed well

Perfect for school and playground. My daughter loves them and how much toe room she has. Quality is great too.

We are very loyal customers and these are best shoes yet! My energetic and active kids can do anything in theirs. They are sporty, grippy, comfy, allow for natural movement. The pink and orange are stinking cute on my girls and my little boy loves the sporty black! They were a little tough got my little boy to put on at first but he is figuring it out. Please keep making the minimalist kid shoes! I will keep buying!

These are great shoes for the school and city playgrounds. Good grip on the surfaces, minimalist style for littles is awesome.

These shoes have been on lots of trails so far and have held up well. Theyve gotten wet, stinky, and muddy from waterfall/river hikes and have held up well in the washing machine (I put them in a bag). Overall, theyre great warm weather trail shoes!