Merrell Vapor Glove 5

Detailed Review

The Vapor Glove 5 features a superlight design that balances flexibility, responsiveness, and breathability for a natural feel. Barefoot runners will find a friend in this shoe as a men’s size 8.5 weighs just 5.8 ounces each. The Vapor Glove 5 from Merrell offers most of the features a trail runner would expect from a zero-drop running shoe.

Material 

The Vapor Glove 5 is one of Merrell’s vegan-friendly shoes. It’s made primarily from recycled materials which feature 100% recycled laces and 40% recycled mesh lining. Its EVA foam insole is also 100% recycled top sheet. The Vapor Glove 5 also uses the same Vibram Ecostep outsole found in other Merrells shoes, which is made of 30% recycled rubber.

Its 2 mm Vibram Ecostep outsole makes the Merrell Vapor Glove 5 one of the thinnest on the market. With a 4mm EVA-foam insole, the stack height of this zero-drop shoe is 6.5mm, allowing the user’s feet to be right against the ground for better proprioception and feedback.

With a stretchy collar, the shoe is designed to integrate seamlessly with the foot. However, this sock-like feature is considered by some users, especially those with wide feet, a con. Some users were also concerned that the laces were too long, as they rubbed against the ground when walking. 

Vapor Glove 5’s barefoot attributes are rounded out by a simple structure and thin, breathable upper mesh-like material. However, a few wearers claimed the shoe lacks ventilation and could have been more breathable.

Weightwise, the men’s Vapor Glove 5 only weighs 5.8 oz each shoe for a size 8.5. However, several users found a weight difference depending on color. According to some Merrell Vapor Glove 5 reviews, the black version generally weighs more than other colors.

Durability & Protection

Despite being thin and light, the Vapor Glove 5 has been reinforced at key points to help increase durability and, therefore, longevity. A thin film of TPU was integrated on the sides of the shoe where the small and big toe touch. The reinforcement ensures that the sides are protected from abrasion. Several reviews loved this feature, along with its rubber toe bumper that protects the toes from debris.

The predominantly recycled mesh upper also features TPU reinforcements at the eyelets that give it some structure. Several users, however, claimed that the eyelets and upper part of the shoe began to tear even before a year of use.

Design & Usage

The Vapor Glove 5 features a completely redesigned outsole. Rather than a more conventional directional pattern, the new design employs a homogeneous pattern of 2mm lugs, which results in a thin outsole that is durable. 

The outsole is filled with lugs, which eliminates the thinner, blank spots between them that tend to wear through sooner, especially if you drag your feet or run on off-camber terrain frequently.

Vapor Glove 5 continues to win critical acclaim as the pinnacle of barefoot running footwear. Interestingly enough, the current design looks a lot like the Vapor Glove 3.

Several reviews mentioned how the Vapor Glove 5 performed well on varying distance runs but can be uncomfortable on mixed terrains, especially for new barefoot runners.

Comfort & Grip

The Vapor Glove 5 has a new outsole pattern that creates a flat platform. The thin outsole of this shoe, combined with the supple nature of the midsole, highlights your own natural gripping ability. However, a number of Vapor Glove 5 reviews mentioned that the shoes tend to slip a bit more over dirt but perform well over pavement and in the gym.

A number of good reviews loved the thin sole because it allows the feet to grip naturally. However, several users found the shoes didn’t drain very well when they got super wet.

When it comes to the new tongue design, the shoe receives positive reviews as many find it more comfortable. Due to the upper mesh material, the shoe is much more breathable than the 4, according to some vapor glove users.

Fit

With the Vapor Glove 5’s new tongue design, it creates a more sock-like fit. However, several reviews note that this feature makes it difficult to get into the shoe comfortably for people with wide feet.

Several reviews also mentioned how the toes will likely feel a slight pressure on the new TPU toe protection at first but can get better after a while walking in them.

There are also users who complain about the heel area. Some users have expressed concern that the heel area doesn’t stay as securely in place as the previous VG models did. However, it’s much more snug once the shoe is tightly laced.

Vapor Glove users noted how the sizing is accurate in the previous Vapor Glove models. However, some users found the Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 5 to run smaller. The same goes with Merrell Vapor Glove 5 women’s. 

Another remarkable change in the Vapor Glove 5 is the narrower toe box compared to the previous versions, which some users noticed. The toebox in this model is smaller, so those with wide feet will likely have trouble with fitting or will feel uncomfortable. Several users recommend sizing up at least a half size if not a full size.

Performance

Merrell’s Vapor Glove is a staple of its kind if you like being barefoot but want to stay protected. These barely-there shoes allow you to feel more naturally during a wide variety of activities. While this trainer is not as technically sound as a trail runner, several Vapor Glove 5 reviews claim it is equally capable of running on the pavement or enduring tough workouts. 

The Trail Glove series is an excellent alternative if you aren’t prepared to feel every pebble, and it also offers more protection on rocky trails.