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Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Review

These ultra lightweight trail runners are as close as you'll come to trail running barefoot
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Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Review (The flex and ground feel of the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 almost makes them feel more like a treaded sock than a barefoot...)
The flex and ground feel of the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 almost makes them feel more like a treaded sock than a barefoot shoe.
Credit: Jon Oleson
Price:  $100 List
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Manufacturer:   Merrell
By Jon Oleson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 13, 2023
77
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 11
  • Ground Feedback - 30% 8.0
  • Stability - 20% 7.0
  • Traction - 20% 8.0
  • Weight - 15% 9.0
  • Durability - 15% 6.0
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

Merrell has made some improvements with the Vapor Glove 6. Most notably, the updated tread design has 2mm of depth to dig into the ground, and the high-grade Vibram rubber grips to all surfaces. The 4mm combined in/outsole provides a minimal 2mm of rubber that's to be admired and respected by barefoot aficionados. You'll definitely feel all the bumps in the road while wearing these foot-hugging runners. The ultra-lightweight design is achieved partially by the thin sole and a breathable mesh upper that offers little protection from puncture or abrasion. Still, these factors combine to create the ultimate minimalist barefoot runner designed to tackle most any surface condition.
REASONS TO BUY
Great traction
Sensitive and durable outsole
Ultra lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Sensitive on rough terrain
Minimalist design sacrifices durability

Compare to Similar Products

 
merrell vapor glove 6
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Lightweight Barefoot Shoe
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Barefoot Shoe
Editors' Choice Award
Best Barefoot Shoe for Beginners
Best Buy Award
Best Bang For Your Buck
Best Buy Award
Best Budget Barefoot Running Shoe
Price $89.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Compare at 4 sellers
$135 List
$125.00 at Amazon
$109.95 at Backcountry$50 List
$49.86 at Amazon
$42 List
$47.49 at Amazon
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Bottom Line These minimalist shoes will help you feel one with the ground and all its intricaciesThe next evolution of FiveFinger shoe built to tackle any trail conditionThe spacious toe box, grippy outsole, and minor stack height make this barefoot shoe ideal for rocky trailsWhitin punches well above it's weight with the high performing minimalist shoeIf you're looking for a high-value trail runner option then look no further
Rating Categories Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Vibram V-Trail 2.0 Merrell Trail Glove 7 Whitin Minimalist Whitin Cross Trainer
Ground Feedback (30%)
8.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
8.0
Stability (20%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Traction (20%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
Weight (15%)
9.0
8.4
8.3
7.8
7.3
Durability (15%)
6.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
5.0
Specs Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Vibram V-Trail 2.0 Merrell Trail Glove 7 Whitin Minimalist Whitin Cross Trainer
Measured Weight (per pair) 11.2 oz (size 9.5) 14.6 oz (size 43EU) 17.4 oz (size 10) 20.2 oz (size 43EU 20.4 oz (size 43EU)
Stack Height 6 mm (4 mm base + 2 mm lugs) 5.7 mm (3.7 mm base + 2 mm insole) 14mm (2.5mm lug) 12mm 6.5 mm (5 mm base + 1.5 mm insole)
Heel to Toe drop 0 mm 0 mm 0 mm 0 mm 0 mm
Outsole Vibram ecostep, 30% recycled rubber, 2mm lug 3.7mm, Vibram megagrip rubber w/3D cocoon mesh Vibram® Ecostep Rubber Rubber
Midsole None None None None None
Insole 30% recycled EVA foam wrapped in 100% recycled mesh 2mm EVA EVA foam - not removable Not specified Yes, not specified
Upper Material Recycled breathable mesh Water repellent polyester 100% recycled breathable mesh Knit Stretchy mesh

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Vapor Glove 6 boasts a slew of superlatives. They're the lightest weight of the shoes that we tested. They have the thinnest soles of the trail runners in our lineup. They provide the most ground feedback amongst the competition. Because of the minimalist design, this shoe is also among the least durable, incorporating minimal protection on the upper. No doubt, the Vapor Glove is for diehard fans of barefoot footwear, and if you consider yourself in that class, you won't be disappointed. As a bonus, the 100% recycled mesh upper, 30% recycled foam insole, and Vibram Ecostep outsole made of 30% recycled rubber make this shoe an all-around more natural solution to running and training.

Performance Comparison


merrell vapor glove 6 - the merrell vapor glove 6 is an minimalist barefoot shoe that is...
The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is an minimalist barefoot shoe that is designed to help you feel the ground.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Ground Feedback


When choosing a barefoot shoe, it should be assumed that you aim to feel the ground beneath your feet. Merrell took this idea to the extreme when designing the Vapor Glove 6. The 4mm in/outsole is comprised of a 2mm recycled mesh and foam insole and a respectably thin 2mm rubber outsole. The outsole's 2mm tread depth delivers traction without compromising on responsiveness


The end result of this design is that you will feel every pebble and rock underfoot. While this may be the goal of dedicated barefoot runners, it could be extreme for those who are unaccustomed to minimalist or barefoot running. Our testers have been barefoot living for a long while now, and these shoes proved too sensitive even for us on some trails where we had to traverse a lot of sharp edges.

merrell vapor glove 6 - due to the thinness of the sole, which enhances ground feedback...
Due to the thinness of the sole, which enhances ground feedback, sharp rocky ground was sometimes uncomfortable to traverse in the Vapor Glove 6.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Stability


Our tester's forefoot is 4 inches wide when fully splayed, so when looking for a “true” barefoot shoe, we look for one that doesn't restrict or constrict our natural form. The Vapor Glove 6 slid soundly into our roster of barefoot contenders with a toe box width of 4 1/4 inches. This translated to superb stability when running and hiking around our mountain home. While the thinness of the sole may affect stability on sharp terrain, we mostly found these shoes to be soundly stable on most surfaces.


Another factor in stability is how much the foot moves around in the shoe. This can affect responsiveness and comfort when moving against the force of momentum. True to their name, these shoes fit like a glove. The recycled mesh upper tightly wraps the foot without feeling restrictive. There's also a padded collar that helps keep compression and stability around the ankle. Lastly, the cordage lace design tightly cinches the whole thing together. At times, it felt like we were wearing a minimally protective sock. While the sensitivity on sharp terrain is again worth noting, these shoes will provide a stable platform in the majority of conditions.

merrell vapor glove 6 - whatever the trail condition, the merrell vapor glove 6 will allow...
Whatever the trail condition, the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 will allow you to feel at one with the earth.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Traction


As mentioned, the outsole of the Vapor Glove 6 is made of Vibram Ecostep, a 30% recycled rubber that provides superior grip on almost any surface. Pair this with an updated, more aggressive tread design, and this foot glove is built to tackle, or hurdle as the case may be, almost any trail condition.


The respectably thin rubber outsole got an upgrade with the 6th edition of the Vapor Glove. The 2mm lugs are multi-directional, so you have responsive traction no matter which direction you're moving in. The design both eliminates blank spaces between the treads, which could be a point of wear or puncture, and effectively sheds dirt, pebbles, and mud to ensure that, no matter the conditions, your outsoles will work to keep you moving steadily forward, unimpeded.

merrell vapor glove 6 - the tread on the vibram ecostep outsole helps the vapor glove 6...
The tread on the Vibram Ecostep outsole helps the Vapor Glove 6 cling to almost any surface, including this super slick river rock.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Weight


This metric is where the Vapor Glove 6 earns its accolades. At just 5.6 ounces per shoe, the change in your pocket has a chance of weighing more. Holding this shoe in hand is akin to holding a piece of styrofoam — for the size of the shoe, it feels surprisingly light.


Although we wouldn't necessarily describe the Vapor Glove 6 as “airy,” a recycled mesh lining effectively and efficiently wicks away moisture from the interior. This makes it ideal for running through the heat of the summer, even if you're pounding miles of hot pavement. When wet, the perforated mesh dries quickly, so you'll hardly notice that section of puddles a mile back. Ultra-lightweight and breathable, these shoes really do live up to their name — they are practically unnoticeable on your feet, allowing you to move freely whether on the road, on the trail, or in the gym.

merrell vapor glove 6 - when wetted, the thin perforated mesh on the vapor glove 6 dries...
When wetted, the thin perforated mesh on the Vapor Glove 6 dries quickly, adding no weight to your run despite the conditions.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Durability


The features that allow the Vapor Glove 6 to claim the lightweight title also contribute to its lack of durability. Unlike other shoes we tested, especially those models designed for trail use, these contenders don't pretend to incorporate much in the way of protection. Other than a couple of small patches of synthetic abrasion-resistant material, the thin mesh that makes the “glove” so breathable boasts no protection against puncture or wear.


Likewise, the feature that enhances this shoe's ground feedback, namely the thin Vibram sole, is a potential point of early wear. Depending on the trail conditions, these outsoles have the potential to wear rather quickly. Frankly, we're not sure how much durability is to be expected from an ultra-minimalist trail runner that feels more like a sock than a shoe. If durability is your primary consideration, then you may want to look elsewhere. That being said, this pair held up well during our rigorous testing.

merrell vapor glove 6 - among the potential weak points on the vapor glove 6 are the cordage...
Among the potential weak points on the Vapor Glove 6 are the cordage lace loops and unprotected mesh upper.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Should You Buy the Merrell Vapor Glove 6?


Diehard barefoot shoe fans will marvel at the engineering achievements of the Vapor Glove 6. If your primary intention on the trail is to feel the ground as much as possible, almost like you're actually running barefoot, then you'll absolutely love the feel of this lightweight option. However, if your feet are not used to the impact of barefoot running, then these may leave you limping. Tread lightly is the motto in these shoes. But whether running on hot pavement or over hills and dales, these shoes are the choice for the most natural locomotion.

The ultralight and thin Vapor Glove 6 are for true barefoot aficionados.
Credit: Jon Oleson

What Other Barefoot Shoes Should You Consider?


If you're new to barefoot running, then you'll want to heavily consider whether or not your feet are ready for the ultra-minimalist design of the Vapor Glove 6. If you want a barefoot shoe to tackle rough terrain that won't risk bruising your feet, check out the ultra-armored Vibram V-Trail 2.0. If you want a barefoot trail runner that's easier on the pocketbook, take note of the Whitin Cross Trainer. And if you spend more time on pavement, consider the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III.

Jon Oleson