Our verdict
- Provides a good amount of cushioning which holds up much better
- Provides a good amount of cushioning best Merrell running shoes
Pros
- Authentic minimalist experience
- Genuine zero-drop design
- Provides a good amount of cushioning
- can handle runs lasting more than an hour
- Sturdy and long-lasting upper
- Perfect for summer adventures
- Exceptionally flexible
- Super quick and agile on corners
- Midsole softness soft to firm
Cons
- And this is mostly because the shoe is really foot-shaped, with 86.0 in the big toe area
- Secondary foam softness
- Midsole width in the forefoot
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
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Audience score | 80 Good! | 81 Good! | 74 Bad! | 82 Good! | |
Price | $120 | $140 | $130 | $155 | |
Trail terrain | Light terrain | Light terrainModerate terrain | Moderate terrain | Light terrainModerate terrain | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 7.8 Our top pick in soft to firm 9 Trail runners looking for a minimalist shoe thats also comfy enough for everyday walking or hiking | 10.2 oz / 288g 10.7 We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests | 9.6 oz / 272g 9.1 oz / 258g | 9.5 oz / 269g 9.8 oz / 277g | |
Lightweight | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 0.1 mm 0.0 mm | 1.4 mm 0.0 mm | 0.1 mm 0.0 mm | -0.1 mm 0.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | |
Midsole softness | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | |
Crafted from a minimalist perspective, we werent expecting any reflective elements on this shoe | Normal | Small | Normal | Small | |
Plate | - | - | - | Rock plate | |
Toebox durability | Decent | Good | Very bad | Good | |
Heel padding durability | Bad | Decent | Decent | Decent | |
Outsole durability | Decent | Decent | Good | Good | |
Breathability | Moderate | Moderate | Breathable | Moderate | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Narrow | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Wide | Wide | Wide | Wide | |
Stiffness | Flexible | Moderate | Flexible | Moderate | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Small | Small | Normal | Small | |
Torsional rigidity | Flexible | Flexible | Moderate | Stiff | |
Heel counter stiffness | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | Moderate | |
Lug depth | 2.5 mm | 3.0 mm | 3.3 mm | 3.0 mm | |
How we test We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests | 16.1 mm 14.0 mm | 22.7 mm 25.0 mm | 22.1 mm 20.5 mm | 28.6 mm 29.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 16.0 mm 14.0 mm | 21.3 mm 25.0 mm | 22.0 mm 20.5 mm | 28.7 mm 29.0 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | NormalWide | Normal | Normal | |
Season | Summer | Summer | Summer | Winter | |
Removable insole | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Orthotic friendly | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #209 Bottom 16% | #201 Bottom 19% | #248 Bottom 1% | #177 Bottom 29% | |
Popularity | #173 Bottom 31% | #65 Top 26% | #178 Bottom 29% | #99 Top 40% |
Who should buy
We give a big thumbs-up to the Merrell Trail Glove 7 for:
- Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe that's built for the trails.
- Runners keen on trying a zero-drop shoe, similar to Altra, but with less cushioning for a more natural feel underfoot.
- Trail runners looking for a minimalist shoe that's also comfy enough for everyday walking or hiking.
Who should NOT buy
One of the biggest letdowns of the Merrell Trail Glove 7 is its outsole durability, which we think is only fit for trails and not for mixed use with asphalt. If you're looking for a zero-drop shoe but need something more durable, we suggest the Altra Lone Peak 7, which holds up much better.
Also, it's not the ideal shoe for a barefoot winter experience. In that case, we prefer the Vibram FiveFingers V-Trek. It's better suited for colder temperatures and offers the ultimate minimalist experience, though it might lack enough cushioning for some.
Breathability
Our first impression of the upper on the Merrell Trail Glove 7 was very positive. The mesh looks high-quality, though we initially had doubts about its breathability since it's quite thick. But the real test was yet to come.
First, we conducted our favourite test for breathability—the smoke test. Here, we were pleasantly surprised, especially for those looking for a summer shoe, as the airflow was impressive. We gave it a 4/5 rating.
Next, we examined the upper under a powerful light, which instantly revealed all the ventilation holes and the reinforced parts of the upper. Merrell has done a smart job balancing breathability with maintaining structure and reinforcements.
To get an even closer look at those ventilation holes, we used a microscope. We uncovered a dual-layer mesh filled with ventilation holes.
Finally, we analysed the upper, focusing on its potential for stretchiness, which we found to be minimal.
However, what really impressed us was the discovery of a very well-padded, high-quality upper.
Trail Glove 7 | 4 |
Average | 3.3 |
Durability
Toebox durability
Our first Dremel test is here, where we'll assess the toebox durability.
As we observed earlier in the microscope images, the shoe features a very breathable engineered mesh. This usually results in a less-than-stellar performance in this test.
However, Merrell smartly integrated a protective piece into a significant portion of the toebox. This effectively shields it, allowing the shoe to avoid the lowest score and earn a 3/5.
Trail Glove 7 | 3 |
Average | 3 |
Heel padding durability
Next, we tested the heel padding durability of the shoe and, honestly, it was disappointing at a mere 1/5.
The damage was huge, suggesting that runners who frequently wear holes in this area should be wary of the Trail Glove 7.
Trail Glove 7 | 1 |
Average | 2.8 |
Outsole hardness
We flipped the shoe to check out the Vibram outsole, known for grip and performance. However, this time we found a softer-than-usual compound at 76.4 HC.
We're curious if this will affect its durability. Let's see...
Trail Glove 7 | 76.4 HC |
Average | 85.3 HC |
Outsole durability
For our third and final Dremel test, we ran the tool at 10K RPM against the maze-like Vibram outsole.
Sadly, we noticed more damage than expected at 1.5 mm. This leads us to suggest the shoe is suitable only for trails, but not for concrete, as it would likely wear out too soon.
Trail Glove 7 | 1.5 mm |
Average | 0.9 mm |
Outsole thickness
The previous damage is particularly troubling, considering the mere 1.8-mm outsole thickness we just carefully measured.
Trail Glove 7 | 1.8 mm |
Average | 2.4 mm |
Weight
Weighing in at 7.8 oz or 221.0g, the Trail Glove 7 seems light on paper. But considering its low stack height and minimalist design, we believe Merrell could have done a better job.
Ideally, they should aim to get this shoe under 7 ounces, perhaps in the next version.
Trail Glove 7 | 7.80 oz (221g) |
Average | 10.34 oz (293g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
Some may believe that minimalist shoes don't have a midsole, likely due to the popularity of the FiveFingers saga—although most of them do have a midsole.
The Merrell Trail Glove 7 features 16.1-mm of FloatPro EVA foam. And to us, this feels like the perfect middle ground.
It keeps the minimalist spirit alive while providing enough cushioning to protect your muscles and create a bit more distance between your foot and the ground.
Trail Glove 7 | 16.1 mm |
Average | 32.2 mm |
Forefoot stack
Number of shoes.
Secondary foam softness minimalist shoes Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails.
Trail Glove 7 | 16.0 mm |
Average | 24.4 mm |
Drop
Merrell says that the shoe features a true 0-mm drop, and our measurement came in at an almost imperceptible 0.1 mm.
That's a tiny difference, especially considering we're accustomed to seeing much larger variances in nearly every other shoe, Altra Lone Peak 7. Big props to Merrell for nailing this one!
Trail Glove 7 | 0.1 mm |
Average | 7.8 mm |
Insole thickness
The insole is a bit thinner than average at 3.4 mm, but that's typical for this kind of shoe.
Trail Glove 7 | 3.4 mm |
Average | 4.7 mm |
Midsole softness
With its ultra-thin midsole and minimalist design, we understood Merrell couldn't opt for a super-soft foam formula.
True to our expectations, at 28.8 HA, the FloatPro midsole is satisfyingly dense and firm, exactly what we were hoping for. After all, a minimalist shoe is built to really engage and strengthen your foot muscles!
Trail Glove 7 | 28.8 HA |
Average | 23.0 HA |
Secondary foam softness
The insole is a bit thinner than average at 3.4 mm, but that's typical for this kind of shoe.
Our top pick in
When we put the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes to mimic cold conditions, our Shore A durometer showed a reading of 36.8 HA.
Trail Glove 7 | 36.8 HA |
Average | 28.7 HA |
Crafted from a minimalist perspective, we werent expecting any reflective elements on this shoe
That's a 27.6% difference, which aligns with the average. However, since this midsole is already firm at room temperature, we didn't feel a big change.
After all, once you pass the 30.0 HA threshold, everything feels really firm underfoot.
Trail Glove 7 | 27.6% |
Average | 26.8% |
Stability
Lateral stability test
Despite its narrow design, the Trail Glove 7 feels really stable when running straight, but it truly shines when taking corners. With its firm midsole and narrow build, it's like a racing car with bucket seats for your feet.
Torsional rigidity
We just mentioned how awesome it is at taking corners, and a lot of that comes from the super-low torsional rigidity of the shoe. Of course, we rated at 1/5 in the lab.
Trail Glove 7 | 1 |
Average | 3.5 |
Heel counter stiffness
And the heel, just as you'd expect with any minimalist shoe, follows the same approach. There's no heel counter, no added stability elements, nothing. Another 1/5!
Trail Glove 7 | 1 |
Average | 3.2 |
Midsole width in the forefoot
When we first unboxed the shoe in the lab, we could tell it was really narrow. Now it's time to put numbers to our observations.
Measuring at 102.1 mm, it's indeed quite narrow, although that's what we expect from this type of shoe.
Trail Glove 7 | 102.1 mm |
Average | 111.9 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
The rear of the shoe, measuring 79.7 mm, sticks to the same minimalist approach. It's pretty much the opposite of a stability shoe, yet it's surprisingly stable!
Trail Glove 7 | 79.7 mm |
Average | 89.6 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
We've already seen in this lab test how bendable this shoe is, but there's one test left: the longitudinal stiffness. Obviously, this shoe doesn't have any kind of plate, but is it stiff?
Well, of course not! At just 10.5N, it's one of the least stiff shoes we've ever tested, making it a delight for all-day wear, even in the mountains.
Trail Glove 7 | 10.5N |
Average | 28.4N |
Stiffness in cold
We repeated the 20-minute freezer test to gauge the shoe's stiffness in harsh winter conditions. Afterward, it took 11.9N of force to bend the shoe.
Trail Glove 7 | 11.9N |
Average | 38.4N |
Difference in stiffness in cold
That's only a 13.9% difference, but to be honest, we don't think this is a shoe meant for the coldest winters anyway.
Trail Glove 7 | 13.9% |
Average | 35.3% |
Grip / Traction
Lug depth
As we mentioned at the beginning of the review, one of the most interesting aspects of this shoe is its Vibram outsole. Specifically, it's the Ecostep Recycle outsole made with 30% recycled rubber.
It performs well on easy or moderate trails with its 2.5 mm lugs, but it's not meant for mud or technical terrain at all.
Trail Glove 7 | 2.5 mm |
Average | 3.6 mm |
Size and fit
Toebox width at the widest part
Since it's so narrow, we also expected a snug fit, but it wasn't too bad (93.9 mm).
We mentioned earlier that the shoe looked lighter on paper than in reality, and this time it's the opposite—it feels roomier than it appears on paper.
Trail Glove 7 | 93.9 mm |
Average | 98.7 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
And this is mostly because the shoe is really foot-shaped, with 86.0 in the big toe area.
Seriously, it fits just like a... glove!
Trail Glove 7 | 86.0 mm |
Average | 79.0 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
Merrell has included a fully-gusseted tongue, which is always a big plus, but it's particularly needed in a trail running shoe.
Why? Because it does an excellent job at keeping debris away.
Trail Glove 7 | Both sides (full) |
Comfort
Tongue padding
We believe many might expect a thin, minimalist tongue, but that's not what you get here.
oz / 272g.
Trail Glove 7 | 8.3 mm |
Average | 6.4 mm |
Heel tab
We didn't find a heel tab on the Merrell Trail Glove 7. This wasn't a surprise, though, since the brand also skipped it in the previous version.
Trail Glove 7 | None |
Removable insole
Unlike most running shoes, Merrell glues the insole in, making it impossible to remove. And honestly, given its unique shape, we'd struggle to replace it with just about any other insole anyway.
Trail Glove 7 | No |
Misc
Reflective elements
Crafted from a minimalist perspective, we weren't expecting any reflective elements on this shoe.
But here's a cool idea for Merrell—how about a glow-in-the-dark brand logo?
Trail Glove 7 | No |