Stay grounded and energized with the Trail Glove 8, Merrell’s minimalist trail shoe built for natural movement. Featuring a thin layer of Merrell’s high-efficiency FloatPro™ foam for lasting comfort, FlexConnect™ technology for better ground connection, and a Vibram® outsole for reliable traction on wet and dry terrain, the Trail Glove 8 is designed to move with you—wherever the trail leads.
REVIEWS
28 Reviews
claudiutiganetea
Unfortunately, as with many more customers, these dig into my ankle. This is nowhere a minimal shoe anymore. It is stiff, has a hard outershell, thick sole. I will be returning my pair and buying another pair of Trail Glove 7. I was really excited about these but they are not an iteration, but rather a full turn to the worse. The market already offers shoes like these, which are light and plastic-y. The Trail Glove is supposed to feel like a sock around your feet and get you into the barefoot life.
Shoeless Arizona
After owning 4 pairs of TG7’s I’m sad to say I have to the I have to look elsewhere. The TG8 is nowhere near the same shoe. The new seams over the toe box create raw spots on top of my toes, the toe box is considerably narrower than previous models and does not feel nearly as planted. I want my TG7’s back, the black on gum was so good.
JimC2
Big fan of Trail Glove 7 (wore out a pair of those, bought a second pari, and was in the process of wearing them out when I bought these TG8s). Positive comment first: The greatly improved durability of the sole is a welcome improvement, albeit at the cost of thicker rubber... probably the only way to accomplish that. Now the negatives: the soles are so much thicker that you don't really feel the ground anymore (the little rocks won't hurt your feet anymore, I guess), they're just normal shoe soles with no arch support. The rest of the shoe is also built heavier, unnecessarily so- it was a really great feature of the TG7 to collapse almost flat, packed inside a suitcase, but these don't crush down like that. The rim of the shoe rubs my malleolus (ankle bone that sticks out sideways, google it people), and that is an unwelcome change. The TG7s "just fit" like they almost weren't there, but these, well, these are just another run of the mill athletic shoe masquerading under a minimalist brand name. Hopefully the TG9 is more like the 7 and they discontinue the 8 (or just call it something else); meantime I'll cross-shop other shoe brands.
Swal
Great shoes comfy from the start would be better with more colour range.
Tim
I just received these shoes and it's the first time I've tried this style of Merrell shoe. They are very comfortable and light weight but are durable enough that I can walk on gravel without feeling every rock. Can't wait to get them on the trail.
marc
upper is stiff with hot spots, not a good fit, the thicker sole takes away from the ground that stretched out my foot and made them feel good. Bring back the sock like trail glove mesh model please!
Geo
I've worn these for the better part of a week and they are very uncomfortable. It seems to be a poorly designed shoe. They rub along the inner ankle nearly causing bruises. I've had several other models of trail gloves and these are a major disappointment. I only give them the second star because I like the style; however they fail to be the functional shoe. Did I mention they are uncomfortable?
Mike
Not the best version of this shoe. The 5s and 6s were probably the best version. The stiffer sole is nice for protection and running. Unfortunately the new tongue and ankle style rub and make these really uncomfortable. The thicker construction also takes away from the barefoot feel of the older versions. Please revisit the construction on the TG5s, they really were the best shoe.
Veggie
Good Sole is nice and grippy, flexible enough on wet shiny surfaces. same grip experienced with the 6's, let not mention the debacle with the 7's tread, eye roll. Heel drop of zero is lovely and no arch support like the 7's is a good move, fit around heal and mid foot is as to be expected from Merrell. Not so good Foot inside the shoe feels a little inflexible. The toe box shape is getting there, I have standard splayed feet, toes are touching and not emu toed, find the outer 3 toes still are too close to toe box, ample space for big toes and 2nd, or maybe too much depending on how you look at it. Take a page from Xero, their toe box shape is perfect. The Burrito tongue sux, not wide enough. I may have a slightly higher arch than some but find the tongue doesn't quite touch lace up edge, leaves a gap. the 6 and 7's where perfect, why change it! Overall i'm really happy, but a little sad with some of my hopes for this model.
At least it's not crowding my toes, but these fit loose and sloppy overall. Please bring back the Trail Glove 4.
DNM
I previously had the trail glove 7. Wore them at work and at home. Comfortable and really stylish. The trail glove 8 is a step backward. I don’t like the extra plastic on the outside. Removed the rubber on the inner part of the shoe as well. Not sure what the aim was with the new design. The 8 isn’t as comfortable As the 7.
Great shoes ignore bad reviews, used to wear vapor gloves (4-6) and these feel much better for my feet, they’re comfortable and seem solid/dependable from 3 weeks wear almost every day
BoomboomBriz
Worn the Trail Glove since the first generation. Each one was a bit better than the last until this one. Frequently hike distances up to ultramarathon in length. Trail Glove 7 is the best they've come out with. This one doesn't have the traction like the 7 did and the harder exterior shell the 8 has digs into my ankles. I was looking forward to using the 8's on a 72 mile hike I have coming up but will overnight another pair of 7's instead.
Rinse
Great style but not quite as comfortable as id like. Pretty snug for barefoot, more of an "in-between" shoe. the outer shell is pretty stiff and by far the least comfortable aspect. but still, they look great and are overall solid
Norm from Michigan
Both shoes dig into my ankle on the top on the inside. I've only run 15 miles so far. Hoping they limber up?
Read All Reviews (28)
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