Merrell Men's Vapor Glove 4 Barefoot Trail Running Shoes - Lightweight Minimalist Fitness Shoes for Gym, Hiking & Outdoor Activities

They get five stars for support and comfort not because the shoe is comfortable and supportive (quite the opposite), but because they showcase the perfect evolution of the human foot. If you're purchasing this product then I don't need to tell you about barefoot running I'm sure, suffice to say that if you subtract all rubber and foam and just keep a thin Vibram skin for a sole, your joints will say thank you. I've been using those so-called "toe shoes" for years and I love those too, but slipping the correct toe into the corresponding enclosure is time consuming and looks funny, whereas these shoes are the same concept without the wiggling toes. Also I can use regular socks with these so that they don't smell as bad. I don't want to attract attention to my toes when I'm running, I just want to run well. "Bare" in mind that these are not made for trail running by any means, these are the road bikes of running, these will take you the distance and fast!Overall as one would expect from a barefoot shoe. What let’s it down is a structural weakness above the front of the foot. If you have narrow feet as I do you’ll need to take care when tying your laces. Too tight and this fabric “caves in” and pushes on your foot. Slightly better structural integrity would resolve this issue.I really like these shoes especially for the price. These are minimalist/barefoot style shoes. If you are not familiar with this category of shoe, I would recommend doing your research before buying. For those that know and like these type of shoes these are pretty. They are a little narrower then say Xero Shoes but I don't feel they are too narrow. You do lose a little bit of foot activity as your little toe can't fully splay. The sole thickness is excellent, plenty of ground feel. While still having enough tread for slicker surfaces.I am a minimalist runner and most shoes are over the $100 mark. I was able to get these for $60. In terms of feel and function these are the best minimalist running shoes for the money. Even if they do wear out faster then I would like.I average about 25 miles a week and these lasted just over 3 months, so roughly 300 miles. I am a heavier road runner. So this is about when you would want to replace a traditional running shoe, but that is due to cushion wearing out. These are minimalist so no cushion to wear out, what is wearing out is the sole of the shoe. I feel like the sole of the shoe should last longer then this personally.I would still recommend this shoe though. If you can get it on sale like I did. It is still a pretty good deal in my mind.The Merrell Vapor Glove is one of the best conceived, best constructed minimal running shoes on the mass market. The Vibram toe cap and sole are tough, but the low profile gives you the feel of everything on your path. This is the barefoot experience minimal shoes offer. Needed protection with Maximum mechanical benefits. No socks, no break in. No problems. Read on for my reasoning, and how I ended up barefoot.I am a long time hobby runner that drank deep of the stride evaluation 150 dollar soft ride potion. I could never keep up with the “changes” in my stride or correct for all the issues in my running cadence.One day, I decided to throw my whole experience aside and do things differently. I spent time reading reviews and cautionary tales about the risks of running without layers of padding and micro suede between me and the road. I cautiously bought my first paid of Vapor Gloves, noting the reviews that said they would be hard for beginners to get used to.Pure joy ensued. I felt like a kid again, running out the back door to do whatever I wanted. My feet were in contact with the ground. I shortened my distance drastically to allow my tendons and muscles to rebuild, and to listen to my feet when they got tired or too hot. The result - my legs are more powerful than ever, my feet are strong and sturdy, my posture is improved, and my step is light and fast. I’m not breaking any records, but I’m ENJOYING running, and looking forward to sneaking out for an extra mile or three.Take the leap. Grab a pair. Go slowly and enjoy the outdoors!I had a pair of Trail Glove sneakers, and they were awesome. Presonally, i like the New ablanace MT10s but the current version of that sneaker is not like the older models; therye just not a good fit or feeling. So i opted for these. I beleive i got them on a sale because they were only $49, but i see the price chsnging almost daily. Anyway, these are not awesome like the trail glove of old. The midfoot is a bit loose. The toebox, beside being a weird shape, is a bit too roomy which would allow my foot slide around laterally. That means blisters. The sole is grippy as hell: i have amazing traction in snow and they hold me to the floor in the gym. The material is very thin, not as sturdy as the previous.I bought these as a replacement for some old NB OD10s and my primary use is in thr gym. I dont plan to run with them on unless its a green treadmill. Maybe a rubberized track if i can find one. But most for deadlifting and squatting. So far, i am not as impressed as i was with my old trail glove. Those sneaker lasted me 6 years of almost daily abuse in the gym. Ill update this as necessary, but just based on the fit and the way they feel, these might not last a year. My normal shoe size is an 11, and like i said the NBMT10s did not fit right and i cant see myself spending $120 on barefoot sneakers. This sneaker in an 11 is a bit loose on my feet. Ill try a thicker sock to see if it compensates for the space, but in the future ill order sizes up on the New Balance or just try to get the Trail Glove on sale..As a person with wide feet I must say I’ve always struggled to find anything even near to comfortable trainers. However I tried these following a friends recommendation and have to say I was shocked at how comfortable they are. The soles are obviously less padded than traditional trainers but that seems to have zero effect on their comfort. I’m definitely a convert to this barefoot malarkey. I should say that I don’t run in them; runnings just not my bag, but for use in the gym they’re great.I do think it’s worth mentioning that my friend, who does distance running, strongly suggests that should you want to run in them you likely need to adjust your running style slightly (apparently there’s plenty of YouTube videos) and start with short distances to get used to them before extending your range.I've found these to be a great pair of barefoot style running shoes. Very light, comfortable, plenty of room in the toe box for wide feet. Happy to be washed in the washing machine and unlike 5-finger style shoes..., you just slip them on, tie up the laces and off you go (after a proper warm-up of course...). Grip is fine on pavement and dry trails, which is where i do my running. Wet grass... adequate on the flat but slippy on slopes. Also great shoes for kettlebell training when barefoot is not an option, they provide a super stable platform with plenty of ground feel. Virtually zero cushioning and padding, but that's the idea. As ever, if you are new to barefoot style running then TAKE IT EASY and allow your calves, feet and tendons to adapt so they can deal with the new stresses placed on them, but boy is it worth it in the end. Only gripe with them is the tread seems to be wearing rather quickly, i have a feeling they won't last for ever. Otherwise, super pleased here. Ordered a second pair already...I had a pair of these before which lasted just over a year and I thought that was a pretty short time, but this pair have broken in just after a month and the sole is showing serious signs of wear. Really not happy with this product and concerned that I have no way of contacting the seller directly or getting this issue resolved!Every so often there a 6mm pebble on the pavement. Tread on it with one of these and you'ii realise you've made a mistake. I really hurts. The sole is just too thin. For real life. The obvious competition, A l T R A, has a thicker sole and is twice as expensive, but if you can afford it it's the way to go.I got some vapor gloves 1s 3 years ago and I have done over 500km in I only changed them because the fabric was perusing.I got these just before Christmas, they are not even 4 months old and iv only done 90km and they are worn through !! Appealing quality, I got these as my previous pair were so hard wearing. I honestly feel screwed over and will not buy products from this company again