Our verdict

The sixth edition of Merrell's Vapor Glove returns, now offering enhanced comfort to complement the barefoot experience. Although originally designed for easy trails, we were thrilled to find this minimalist runner just as exceptional on the road and in the gym. Despite its $90 price tag, which might suggest a basic level, the shoe's comfort, grip, and performance were outstanding in our lab. However, we noticed the outsole could wear down quickly, and the fit may be too spacious for those with narrow feet. Based on our tests, the Vapor Glove 6 stands out as an authentic zero-drop option, offering great value for its price.

Pros

  • Accommodates wide feet comfortably
  • oz / 150g
  • Fairly priced at $90
  • The maze-like lug pattern is engineered to enhance grip on a variety of terrains
  • Extremely flexible design
  • Ideal for those with wide feet
  • Toebox width at the big toe
  • Sockless ready
  • Perfect for road running or tackling easy trails
  • Versatile enough for hiking, walking, or even gym workouts

Cons

  • Overly spacious for those with narrow feet
  • Outsole shows wear quickly
  • Altra Rivera 4

Audience verdict

86
Great!

Altra Paradigm 7

We recommend the Toebox width at the widest part if you:

  • Seek a barefoot-style running shoe capable of handling both roads and light trails.
  • Require a certain degree of protection in your minimalist trainers.
  • Are in search of a durable zero-drop, barefoot shoe suitable not just for running, but also for cross-training and hiking.

Toebox width at the widest part

Perfect for road running or tackling easy trails

The Vapor Glove 6 might not be the right choice if you're after a zero-drop experience but still want some cushioning underfoot.

This shoe puts significant demands on your foot muscles and bones, and it's essential to be fully prepared for the barefoot experience. If you're new to this style, we suggest starting with something like the Merrell Trail Glove 7, which offers a bit of cushioning while still being zero-drop.

Toebox width at the widest part

Durability is another aspect to consider. The Vapor Glove 6's outsole tends to wear out quickly. In comparison, the Altra VIA Olympus 2 performs better in our lab, despite its softer rubber. However, in the barefoot world, outsole durability is often a trade-off. If your primary concern is just having a zero-drop shoe, the Altra Paradigm 7 The video really speaks for itself.

Breathability

The Toebox width at the widest part stands out, but its upper is similar to what you'd find in most running shoes. We were curious about its breathability since the upper looks highly breathable.

Our first, most visually striking test involved using a smoke-pumping machine to assess breathability. In the lab, we rated it a solid 3/5, which works for us since this shoe is intended for year-round use by most people.

We found less airflow than expected in the toebox, but pleasantly surprised by the nice ventilation in the midfoot area. This is great for everyday use.

Toebox width at the widest part light

Then, we took a closer look under the microscope to understand why the toebox wasn't as breathable.

Toebox width at the widest part microscope

The answer is straightforward—there's a dual-layer setup, with fabric below the mesh, which restricts full airflow.

However, this design greatly enhances comfort, and we think it's a fair trade-off, especially since this shoe is designed for all-day wear.

Test results
Vapor Glove 6 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 226 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

We spent a long time testing the shoe and handling the upper. As a result of it, we realized it's really soft and comfortable, which made us a bit concerned about its durability.

After conducting our Dremel test, we were relieved. The shoe scored an average 2/5, which is quite good for such a comfy upper.

Toebox width at the widest part Toebox durability
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 2
Average 2.4
Compared to 160 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel area showed the same performance as the toebox, so we gave it another 2/5.

We don't think this is a major concern, except for those who often wear holes in the Achilles area.

Toebox width at the widest part Heel padding durability
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 2
Average 3.1
Compared to 156 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The outsole of the Vapor Glove is made by Vibram. That equals fantastic grip.

Toebox width at the widest part Vibram

The maze-like lug pattern is engineered to enhance grip on a variety of terrains.

However, this time Vibram provided the EcoStep Recycle rubber. It's softer (75.6 HC) than other compounds from the Italian company, like Megagrip, and also softer than the average shoe's rubber.

Toebox width at the widest part Outsole hardness
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 75.6 HC
Average 80.5 HC
The cushioned insole detracts from a true barefoot experience.
Compared to 277 running shoes
Number of shoes
54.9 HC
Outsole hardness
92.8 HC

Outsole durability

Tongue: gusset type.

Unfortunately, those doubts were confirmed when we found a 1.5-mm indentation in the outsole after our Dremel test in the lab, suggesting it might wear down faster than anticipated.

Toebox width at the widest part Outsole durability
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 1.5 mm
Average 0.9 mm
Compared to 138 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Fortunately, Merrell requested a thick outsole from Vibram, and we found they delivered with a 3.9-mm one, which is beneficial considering the results of our previous tests.

Toebox width at the widest part Outsole thickness
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 3.9 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 296 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

Weighing just 5.6 oz (159g), the Vapor Glove 6 is among the lightest shoes we've tested in the lab. However, don't be fooled—its lightness is mainly due to the absence of a midsole.

The cushioned insole detracts from a true barefoot experience.

Toebox width at the widest part Weight
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 5.61 oz (159g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 297 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

We mentioned that this shoe has no midsole, and that's exactly the case. The heel stack in this shoe amounts to just the outsole and insole combined, at a minimal 7.6 mm.

Toebox width at the widest part

What does this mean? For barefoot enthusiasts, it's great news. However, if you're used to running in cushioned shoes, you'll need to take it step by step with the Vapor Glove 6. There's hardly anything between your feet and the pavement!

Toebox width at the widest part Heel stack
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 7.6 mm
Average 33.6 mm
Compared to 296 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Heel stack
42.7 mm

Forefoot stack

We took our trusty calipers to the forefoot and found exactly what we were hoping for in a true barefoot shoe—a consistent 7.6-mm stack height. Fantastic!

Toebox width at the widest part Forefoot stack
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 7.6 mm
Average 25.0 mm
Compared to 296 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
35.8 mm

Drop

Naturally, subtracting the forefoot from the heel measurement gives us a true, unequivocal 0.0 mm drop.

While this might seem obvious for a zero-drop shoe, manufacturing tolerances often lead some shoes to stray slightly from the perfection achieved by the Vapor Glove 6. Of course, the lack of a midsole certainly contributes to this precision...

Toebox width at the widest part Drop
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 0.0 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 296 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole thickness

The EVA-based insole measured 3.8 mm, and it's the only cushioning you'll feel in this shoe.

Toebox width at the widest part Insole thickness
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 3.8 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 292 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Another huge advantage of not having a midsole and being extremely connected to the ground is the stability it offers. And the huge sidewalls also play a big role acting as a support element.

The Vapor Glove 6 is as stable as your feet, and it feels amazing while running. Oh, and these things just love taking corners at full speed... just saying.

Torsional rigidity

The torsional rigidity test is crucial for barefoot and minimalist enthusiasts, and we're happy to confirm that the Vapor Glove 6 is extremely flexible, scoring a 1/5 for us.

The video really speaks for itself!

Test results
Vapor Glove 6 1
Average 3.2
Compared to 275 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The story is the same with the heel counter. There are no added stability elements, no intrusive heel counters, absolutely nothing.

Test results
Vapor Glove 6 1
Average 2.8
Compared to 259 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

Now, let's look into the midsole dimensions. In the forefoot, we measured a maximum of 104.6 mm, which is actually high for this type of shoe!

Toebox width at the widest part Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 104.6 mm
Average 113.7 mm
Compared to 297 running shoes
Number of shoes
100.5 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
126.5 mm

Overly spacious for those with narrow feet

The heel measured 77.0 mm, in line with our expectations. These foot-shaped shoes always tend to get really narrow in this area, and that's exactly as it should be to fit like a glove.

Toebox width at the widest part Overly spacious for those with narrow feet
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 77.0 mm
Average 90.5 mm
Compared to 297 running shoes
Number of shoes
74.9 mm
Overly spacious for those with narrow feet
106.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Doing this test was pretty cool. Usually, we have to apply some serious force, but this time we had to be super careful to push just lightly enough to avoid going past the 90-degree point.

And the result? A jaw-dropping 2.2N of force, proving that this shoe is incredibly bendable!

Test results
Vapor Glove 6 2.2N
Average 29.1N
This is pretty wildthe tongue is actually thicker than the shoes stack height.
Compared to 279 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

Stiffness in cold

Following a 20-minute freeze, just like we did for the midsole softness test, we many the flexibility test. This time, the result was nearly identical at 2.5N.

Test results
Vapor Glove 6 2.5N
Average 38.4N
Compared to 279 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.5N
Stiffness in cold
110.2N

Difference in stiffness in cold

With just a 12.7% increase, you won't notice any difference, even in cold temperatures.

Test results
Vapor Glove 6 12.7%
Average 36.2%
Compared to 279 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Difference in stiffness in cold
148%

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

But one aspect where Merrell's approach to minimalism truly excels is the spacious toebox.

Toebox width at the widest part

Despite appearing just average on paper at 98.3 mm, it feels like a grand mansion in a barefoot shoe. This is fantastic news for those with wide feet who often struggle to find shoes that offer such generous room.

Toebox width at the widest part Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 98.3 mm
Average 98.3 mm
Compared to 297 running shoes
Number of shoes
89.5 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
109.1 mm

Who should buy

The big toe area is a major contributor to the ample space inside the shoe. With an incredible width of 84.8 mm, any foot will have enough room for toe splay inside. It might even be too spacious for those with narrow feet.

Toebox width at the widest part Who should buy
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 84.8 mm
Average 78.2 mm
Compared to 171 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.4 mm
Who should buy
92.5 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The tongue is semi-gusseted, which is a nice bonus for those light trail adventures filled with small rocks and debris. In our opinion, Merrell deserves a bonus point for including this feature in a $90 shoe.

Toebox width at the widest part Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 Both sides (full)

Comfort

Tongue padding

This is pretty wild—the tongue is actually thicker than the shoe's stack height!

Toebox width at the widest part

We're talking 8.2 mm thick here. It looks like Merrell really wanted to amp up the comfort in the upper as much as they could.

Toebox width at the widest part Tongue padding
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 8.2 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 294 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Heel tab

There's no heel tab on the Vapor Glove, but we don't think it would fit with the design anyway, so it's all good!

Toebox width at the widest part Heel tab
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 None

Removable insole

The insole is glued in and can't be removed. Additionally, the shoe's shape and its minimalist design don't make it suitable for third-party insoles.

Toebox width at the widest part Removable insole
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 No

Misc

Reflective elements

At just $90, we weren't expecting any reflective elements at all, and that's what we got.

Toebox width at the widest part Reflective elements
Test results
Vapor Glove 6 No