Merrell Trail Glove 6 Eco

Detailed Review

The Merrell Trail Glove 6 Eco embodies style, comfort, and minimalism all at the same time. A barefoot shoe specifically designed for trail running, the Trail Glove 6 has many characteristics you’d expect from minimalist shoes.

Made from Recycled Materials

The Trail Glove 6 Eco is made from recycled materials. The upper is crafted from 65% recycled mesh for optimum air circulation and ventilation, so your feet can breathe. The 40% recycled mesh lining also allows heat and moisture to escape helping to ensure that your feet stay nice and fresh.

The laces and webbing pull tab are both 100% recycled. When it comes to its midsole, it has BLOOM® performance midsole foam, which is made of 10% algae biomass. Its outsole made from Vibram® EcoStep is also 30% recycled rubber.

Durability & Protection

The Trail Glove 6 features a BLOOM® Performance Midsole and a TrailProtect™ Rock Plate. These features both add extra flexibility and protection to trail runners.

With its shock-absorbing power, this midsole provides increased endurance and joint and ligament protection. The rock plate embedded between the midsole and outsole shields the user’s feet from rocks and debris. In addition to providing protection, several users mentioned how the rock plate allows for dexterity under the foot, allowing them to remain in control.

There’s no question regarding the protection the Trail Glove 6 provides, but several Merrell Trail Glove 6 reviews have complained about how it is not durable. Many users mentioned how the tread and soles came off easily only after a few uses.

Design & Usage

The Trail Glove 6 is probably the most stylish in the series. There are quite a few good features in this next-generation Trail Glove, making it perfect for trail runners seeking a minimalist shoe. 

It has a unique lacing system. It has standard laces on top and a secondary system underneath, allowing for better fit and adjustment. However, several users complained about how the lace holes are stretchy and don’t feel like they tighten down all the way.

In addition to trail running, a good number of Trail Glove 6 reviews loved how these shoes are suitable for fitness training, weight training, jogging, walking, cycling, and general everyday use.

Despite their minimalist padding, flexible sole, and not overly bulky construction, these shoes have relatively strong arch support, which is not your typical barefoot shoe feature.

Comfort & Grip

The Trail Glove 6 Eco features a Vibram® EcoStep outsole, which combines durability, traction, and sustainability. Users can confidently take on the next level of adventure with confidence thanks to the 3 mm lugs, which grip smooth, rough, wet, and dry surfaces with ease.

With a tremendously grippy sole, the Merrell Trail Glove excels in steep, boulder-strewn mountains and loose dirt tracks. Some users said they found the traction of this trail shoe to be even better on technical terrain. Many others said they like them for light trails and paved surfaces as well. They are also good on wet surfaces due to the Vibram outsole.

One drawback the Trail Glove 6 received is probably its arch support. Several users complained that the arch support was excessive, equating it with a semi-barefoot or minimalist shoe only and not a good barefoot shoe. Several users discovered that it was a little uncomfortable when hiking due to the high arch support. 

However, a good number of reviews mentioned that there’s a need to acclimate to the arch support as you’ll find it very helpful when on trails. Several Trail Glove 6 users consider it to be their go-to trail running shoe.

Fit

The Merrell Glove 6 Eco features an advanced minimalist fit. The shoe’s Barefoot 2 construction keeps the user’s foot in a natural position. 

Besides the external sling to lock in the heel, the shoe also features a 100% recycled webbing pull tab to secure the laces and lock in the feet. However, some users mentioned how the lace holes can be stretchy, making them feel it’s not secure enough.

There’s also a reason these are called gloves. Several Trail Glove 6 reviews pointed out that they fit as if they were a glove, allowing a more natural trail-running experience. However, some users complained about how it was too cramped. Those with wide feet may find these pairs of minimalist shoes a bit uncomfortable.

However, a good number of reviews mentioned how those with really skinny feet may find a friend with these shoes as they fit really well.

This glove runs half a size large in comparison to the Trail Glove 4. Those looking for a similar fit to the Trail Glove 4 version should order half a size down from their usual size. Comparatively, the Trail Glove 5 sizes are the same.

When it comes to fit, several users mentioned giving the shoe some time to acclimate to your foot to take advantage of its full potential.

Performance

While there have been complaints about excessive arch support and poor fit, this particular shoe offers a good balance of ground feel and protection against small rocks and debris. The shoe performed well on large rocks, ensured good pressure distribution when walking on small rocks, and handled loose gravel and dry grass slopes well. This is an excellent barefoot shoe for longer hikes and more challenging trails with its well-rounded, comfortable design.

Although the Merrell Trail Glove 6 Eco isn’t the most barefoot of shoes, anyone seeking a minimalist shoe and aspiring runners looking for a trail shoe will enjoy the support and feel this shoe offers.