Our verdict
- Why? Because it does an excellent job at keeping debris away Secondary foam softness
- Why? Because it does an excellent job at keeping debris away best Merrell running shoes
Pros
- Authentic minimalist experience
- Genuine zero-drop design
- Provides a good amount of cushioning
- Since its so narrow, we also expected a snug fit, but it wasnt too bad 93.9 mm
- Sturdy and long-lasting upper
- Perfect for summer adventures
- Exceptionally flexible
- Super quick and agile on corners
- Toebox width at the big toe
Cons
- Completely unsuitable for winter conditions
- In the forefoot, we measured 16.0 mm, just 0.1 mm less than in the heel
- Might be excessively narrow for some runners
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
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Audience score | 80 Good! | 74 Bad! | 81 Good! | 82 Good! | |
Price | $120 | $130 | $140 | $155 | |
Trail terrain | Light terrain | Moderate terrain | Light terrainModerate terrain | Light terrainModerate terrain | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 7.8 oz / 221g 9 oz / 255g | 9.6 oz / 272g 9.1 oz / 258g | 10.2 Midsole softness in cold 10.7 Sturdy and long-lasting upper | 9.5 And this is mostly because the shoe is really foot-shaped, with 86.0 in the big toe area 9.8 oz / 277g | |
Lightweight | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 0.1 mm 0.0 mm | 0.1 mm 0.0 mm | 1.4 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 | |
Might be excessively narrow for some runners | Normal | Normal | Small | Small | |
Plate | - | - | - | Rock plate | |
Toebox durability | Decent | Very bad | Good | Good | |
But heres a cool idea for Merrellhow about a glow-in-the-dark brand logo | Bad | Decent | Decent | Decent | |
Outsole durability | Decent | Good | Decent | Good | |
Breathability | Moderate | Breathable | Moderate | Moderate | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Narrow | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Wide | Wide | Wide | Wide | |
Stiffness | Flexible | Flexible | Moderate | Moderate | |
Crafted from a minimalist perspective, we werent expecting any reflective elements on this shoe | Small | Normal | Small | Small | |
Torsional rigidity | Flexible | Moderate | Flexible | Stiff | |
Trail runners looking for a minimalist shoe thats also comfy enough for everyday walking or hiking | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | Moderate | |
Lug depth | 2.5 mm | 3.3 mm | 3.0 mm | 3.0 mm | |
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand | 16.1 mm 14.0 mm | 22.1 mm 20.5 mm | 22.7 mm 25.0 mm | 28.6 mm 29.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 16.0 mm 14.0 mm | 22.0 mm 20.5 mm | 21.3 mm 25.0 mm | 28.7 mm 29.0 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | Normal | NormalWide | Normal | |
Season | Summer | Summer | Summer | Winter | |
Removable insole | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Orthotic friendly | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #209 Bottom 16% | #248 Bottom 1% | #201 Bottom 19% | #177 Bottom 29% | |
Popularity | #173 Bottom 31% | #178 Bottom 29% | #65 Top 26% | #99 Top 40% |
Midsole softness in cold soft to firm
We give a big thumbs-up to the Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails 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 Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails 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 Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails 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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Toebox durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-toebox-durability-21042335-main.jpg)
Trail Glove 7 | 3 |
Average | 3 |
But heres a cool idea for Merrellhow about a glow-in-the-dark brand logo
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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails But heres a cool idea for Merrellhow about a glow-in-the-dark brand logo](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-heel-padding-durability-21042336-main.jpg)
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...
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Outsole hardness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-outsole-hardness-21042343-main.jpg)
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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Outsole durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-outsole-durability-21042337-main.jpg)
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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Outsole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-outsole-thickness-21042339-main.jpg)
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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Weight](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-weight-21042358-main.jpg)
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 Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails 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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Heel stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-heel-stack-21042345-main.jpg)
Trail Glove 7 | 16.1 mm |
Average | 32.2 mm |
Forefoot stack
In the forefoot, we measured 16.0 mm, just 0.1 mm less than in the heel.
With this stack height, only runners really used to minimalist shoes yet its surprisingly stable.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Forefoot stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-forefoot-stack-21042344-main.jpg)
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, Were curious if this will affect its durability. Lets see. Big props to Merrell for nailing this one!
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Drop](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-drop-21042348-main.jpg)
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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Insole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-insole-thickness-21042350-main.jpg)
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!
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Midsole softness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-midsole-softness-21042349-main.jpg)
Trail Glove 7 | 28.8 HA |
Average | 23.0 HA |
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests
The insole is a bit thinner than average at 3.4 mm, but that's typical for this kind of shoe.
Midsole softness in cold
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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Midsole softness in cold](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-midsole-softness-in-cold-21042346-main.jpg)
Trail Glove 7 | 36.8 HA |
Average | 28.7 HA |
Might be excessively narrow for some runners
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 |
Trail runners looking for a minimalist shoe thats also comfy enough for everyday walking or hiking
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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Midsole width in the forefoot](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-midsole-width-in-the-forefoot-21042351-main.jpg)
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!
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Midsole width in the heel](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-midsole-width-in-the-heel-21042354-main.jpg)
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 |
Add a shoe
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 |
Crafted from a minimalist perspective, we werent expecting any reflective elements on this shoe
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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Lug depth](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-lug-depth-21042356-main.jpg)
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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Toebox width at the widest part](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-toebox-width-at-the-widest-part-21042352-main.jpg)
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.
Completely unsuitable for winter conditions!
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Toebox width at the big toe](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-toebox-width-at-the-big-toe-21042353-main.jpg)
Trail Glove 7 | 86.0 mm |
Average | 79.0 mm |
Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails
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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-tongue-gusset-type-21042355-main.jpg)
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.
At a plush 8.3 mm, the tongue is incredibly padded, delivering a surprisingly high level of comfort.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Tongue padding](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-tongue-padding-21042357-main.jpg)
Trail Glove 7 | 8.3 mm |
Average | 6.4 mm |
Heel tab
We didn't find a heel tab on the Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails. This wasn't a surprise, though, since the brand also skipped it in the previous version.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Heel tab](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-heel-tab-21042360-main.jpg)
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.
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Removable insole](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-removable-insole-21042359-main.jpg)
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?
![Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe thats built for the trails Reflective elements](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39722/merrell-trail-glove-7-reflective-elements-21042347-main.jpg)
Trail Glove 7 | No |