Having worn Merrell Trail Glove shoes for the better part of the last decade, I have to admit this is the first version I am disappointed in. The "barefoot" feel is completely missing from the shoe. The toe box has been shrunk to a degree that disallows natural forefoot movement, but the most disappointing part of the shoe is the change to the "arch support". The new version of the arch support is so insanely rigid that it completely disallows natural foot movement, to the degree I do fear injury in these shoes and cannot continue to wear them. The arch support is strange in design and it feels like it locks my foot in place, and as if I can only utilize a flat footed foot strike, whereas previous versions allowed for a very natural "on your toes" forefoot foot strike. Regardless of the reasoning behind the design, I have found it unwearable, potentially injurious, and if nothing else, brutally uncomfortable. Please, Merrell, return to the trail glove 3 design. That was the best trail shoe I had ever purchased. These are easily the worst. It's really disappointing, I had ordered these for Christmas for a present to myself, was quite excited to receive them and now I don't know what to do with a pair of shoes I can't wear.
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