Our verdict
- Our top pick in best zero drop running shoes
- Our top pick in best Merrell running shoes
Pros
- Accommodates wide feet comfortably
- Exceptional ground feel
- Fairly priced at £100
- Merrell Vapor Glove 6
- Extremely flexible design
- Ideal for those with wide feet
- Maintains grip, even on wet surfaces
- 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
- Outsole shows wear quickly
Audience verdict
- Top 1% in barefoot running shoes
- We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests zero drop running shoes
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
+ + Outsole shows wear quickly | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audience score | 86 Great! | 85 Good! | 81 Good! | 79 Good! | |
Price | $90 | $165 | $150 | $130 | |
Pace | Daily running | Daily running | Daily runningSpeed training | Daily runningSpeed training | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 5.6 Altra VIA Olympus 2 5.3 Toebox width at the widest part | 10.4 oz / 295g 10.5 oz / 297g | 9 oz / 255g 9.8 Versatile enough for hiking, walking, or even gym workouts | 8.3 oz / 235g 10 Exceptional ground feel | |
Lightweight | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 0.0 mm 0.0 mm | -0.2 mm 0.0 mm | -0.8 mm 0.0 mm | 0.4 mm 0.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | |
Midsole softness | - | Soft | Soft | Soft | |
With just a 12.7% increase, you wont notice any difference, even in cold temperatures | - | Small | Big | Normal | |
Toebox durability | Decent | Good | Decent | Decent | |
oz / 283g | Decent | Good | Decent | Bad | |
Outsole durability | Decent | Good | Decent | Good | |
Breathability | Moderate | Warm | Breathable | Moderate | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Wide | Wide | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Wide | Wide | Wide | Wide | |
Stiffness | Flexible | Stiff | Moderate | Flexible | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Small | Small | Big | Normal | |
Torsional rigidity | Flexible | Stiff | Moderate | Flexible | |
Heel counter stiffness | Flexible | Moderate | Moderate | Flexible | |
Heel lab Heel brand | 7.6 mm 6.0 mm | 34.8 mm 33.0 mm | 27.6 mm 30.0 mm | 28.4 mm 28.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 7.6 mm 6.0 mm | 35.0 mm 33.0 mm | 28.4 mm 30.0 mm | 28.0 mm 28.0 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | Normal | NormalWide | Normal | |
Orthotic friendly | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Season | Winter | Winter | Summer | Winter | |
Removable insole | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #107 Top 43% | #132 Bottom 47% | #189 Bottom 24% | #219 Bottom 12% | |
Popularity | #167 Bottom 33% | #128 Bottom 49% | #63 Top 26% | #205 Bottom 18% |
Who should buy
We recommend the Merrell Vapour Glove 6 if you:
- Number of shoes.
- 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.
Who should NOT buy
The Vapour 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 And the result? A jaw-dropping 2.2N of force, proving that this shoe is incredibly bendable, which offers a bit of cushioning while still being zero-drop.
Durability is another aspect to consider. The Vapour Glove 6's outsole tends to wear out quickly. In comparison, the Vibram FiveFingers V-Trek 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 Toebox width at the big toe But one aspect where Merrells approach to minimalism truly excels is the spacious toebox.
Breathability
The Merrell Vapour Glove 6 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.
Then, we took a closer look under the microscope to understand why the toebox wasn't as breathable.
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.
Heel counter stiffness | 3 |
Average | 3.8 |
Durability
Toebox durability
We spent a long time testing the shoe and handling the upper. As a result of it, we realised 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.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Toebox durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-toebox-durability-21042383-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 2 |
Average | 2.4 |
oz / 283g
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.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness oz / 283g](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-heel-padding-durability-21042384-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 2 |
Average | 3.1 |
Outsole hardness
The outsole of the Vapour Glove is made by Vibram. That equals fantastic grip.
Who should buy.
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.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Outsole hardness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-outsole-hardness-21042387-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 75.6 HC |
Average | 80.5 HC |
Outsole durability
Given its softness, we had doubts about its durability.
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.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Outsole durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-outsole-durability-21042385-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 1.5 mm |
Average | 0.9 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.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Outsole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-outsole-thickness-21042386-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 3.9 mm |
Average | 3.2 mm |
Weight
Weighing just 5.6 oz (159g), the Vapour 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.
In fact, the upper is quite heavy because of all the padding it includes.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Weight](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-weight-21042405-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 5.61 oz (159g) |
Average | 9.35 oz (265g) |
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.
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 Vapour Glove 6. There's hardly anything between your feet and the pavement!
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Heel stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-heel-stack-21042390-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 7.6 mm |
Average | 33.6 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!
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Forefoot stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-forefoot-stack-21042391-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 7.6 mm |
Average | 25.0 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 Vapour Glove 6. Of course, the lack of a midsole certainly contributes to this precision...
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Drop](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-drop-21042394-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 0.0 mm |
Average | 8.6 mm |
Insole thickness
The EVA-based insole measured 3.8 mm, and it's the only cushioning you'll feel in this shoe.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Insole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-insole-thickness-21042395-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 3.8 mm |
Average | 4.5 mm |
Secondary foam softness
The outsole of the Vapour Glove is made by Vibram. That equals fantastic grip.
Who should buy.
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.
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 Vapour 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 Vapour Glove 6 is extremely flexible, scoring a 1/5 for us.
The video really speaks for itself!
Heel counter stiffness | 1 |
Average | 3.2 |
Heel counter stiffness
The story is the same with the heel counter. There are no added stability elements, no intrusive heel counters, absolutely nothing.
Heel counter stiffness | 1 |
Average | 2.8 |
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests
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!
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-midsole-width-in-the-forefoot-21042397-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 104.6 mm |
Average | 113.7 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
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.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Midsole width in the heel](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-midsole-width-in-the-heel-21042398-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 77.0 mm |
Average | 90.5 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!
Heel counter stiffness | 2.2N |
Average | 29.1N |
The EVA-based insole measured 3.8 mm, and its the only cushioning youll feel in this shoe
Following a 20-minute freeze, just like we did for the midsole softness test, we repeated the flexibility test. This time, the result was nearly identical at 2.5N.
Heel counter stiffness | 2.5N |
Average | 38.4N |
Difference in stiffness in cold
With just a 12.7% increase, you won't notice any difference, even in cold temperatures.
Heel counter stiffness | 12.7% |
Average | 36.2% |
Size and fit
Toebox width at the widest part
But one aspect where Merrell's approach to minimalism truly excels is the spacious toebox.
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.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Toebox width at the widest part](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-toebox-width-at-the-widest-part-21042400-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 98.3 mm |
Average | 98.3 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
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.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Toebox width at the big toe](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-toebox-width-at-the-big-toe-21042401-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 84.8 mm |
Average | 78.2 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 £100 shoe.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Tongue: gusset type](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-tongue-gusset-type-21042402-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | Both sides (full) |
Comfort
Tongue padding
This is pretty wild—the tongue is actually thicker than the shoe's stack height!
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.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Tongue padding](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-tongue-padding-21042403-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 8.2 mm |
Average | 5.6 mm |
Heel tab
There's no heel tab on the Vapour Glove, but we don't think it would fit with the design anyway, so it's all good!
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Heel tab](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-heel-tab-21042399-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | 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.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Removable insole](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-removable-insole-21042404-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | No |
Misc
Reflective elements
At just £100, we weren't expecting any reflective elements at all, and that's what we got.
![Merrell Heel counter stiffness Reflective elements](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39721/merrell-vapor-glove-6-reflective-elements-21042396-main.jpg)
Heel counter stiffness | No |