Merrell Trail Glove 2, Men's Trail Running Shoes

This is a pretty great shoe for running and working out. I like a "barefoot style" shoe but that can take some getting used to if you haven't tried them before.I wish they had some more variety of sizes though. I really wear about 11-1/2 US size, I suppose, but based on my previous Merrell Trail Glove shoe, this ran a little narrow, so I'm now trying a 12 this time. The width of the 12 is perfect for me, but now these are a little too long in the toes. I think that sometime before my time people used to be able to commonly get shoes in different widths if you go by what old movies and books suggest. I guess nowadays we have a lot more choices in shoes than our grandparents did, but less of a chance of getting them to fit right-- except that all of my ancestors would have been wearing handmedowns from siblings, so I guess those wouldn't have fit right either. Still, when buying new shoes in this day and age, it would be great if you could pick a length and width. Especially when footwear companies push all of this shoe technology talk and hype about barefoot shoes improving natural movement. How natural can your movement be when you can't get a shoe that fits your foot right?Anyway, the fit is close enough, so I won't complain too much, just wanted to mention it so that the buyer may beware if this is an issue for you. The shoes are really comfortable and lightweight though. I do martial arts and they are great for working out outdoors. Great for running in and great for jumping. Seems like I am less likely to roll an ankle compared to shoes that have a bulky sole that you are perched up on. With these, it is like you are planted right on firm ground. That being said, you do not get much of a cushioning effect as there is barely any sole at all, so you really have to work on using your feet like and legs like shock absorbers-- that is where the "natural movement" comes in, I guess. The shoe doesn't do the work, your body has to. This just covers your foot a bit so your skin doesn't get ripped up on rocks and concrete. Like the name suggests, it is basically a glove for your foot.Only other thing I will mention is that the color in the photo is a bit off. The color in the photo looks more like Black and Gold (or amber/deep yellow) but as the name "Black/Tang" suggests, the true color is more of a tangerine orange if you care. So these do not go as well with a Steelers jersey as you might guess from looking at the photo.

About two years ago I learned about barefoot running and minimalist shoes, and that was when I purchased the original Trail Glove which I adored. I pretty much wore nothing but that shoe, which is probably why I wore a hole through the sole about six months ago.I was pretty upset about wearing a hole through such an expensive shoe, especially so quickly. That was the major reason why I held off on buying the Trail Glove 2 for six months. I tried wearing a european shoe I had that was somewhat minimalist for most of my non-athletic activities. I still used my Trail Glove 1 for going to the gym (to lift weights mostly). But with spring coming, I felt that I was going to want to run outside again, and moreover I was really missing the feel of the barefoot shoe in my day-to-day.So I buckled, and decided to buy the TG2, and after about a month of use I couldn't really be happier with the shoe. It's pretty much everything the TG1 was, with some improvements.Namely, the TG2 is much more comfortable to wear without a sock than the TG1 was. The TG1 had some interior seams that rubbed and irritated the skin. The TG2 has some seams, and they irritated me the first day. I'm not sure if my feet just got used to it, or if the seams just got worn down a bit from frequent use, but now I can wear the shoes barefoot without any complaints.Another thing is they have done a pretty good job and making the shoes less smelly. I bought my TG1 shoes along with a friend of mine, and I quickly gave up wearing them without a sock because they quickly started to stink. My friend however, stuck with no-socks, and her shoes smell terrible. Now, I wear about 50/50 sock and no-sock, but the shoes still smell fresh and nice. Even if they eventually start to smell (which they surely will) I can live with throwing the shoes into the washer every month or so. With the TG1 I would have had to do weekly, maybe even daily, washes to keep them smelling alright.I think part of the improvement with the smell is that the shoes breathe a lot better now, and so your feet sweat less. I do make sure to wear a sock when I run though, so keep that in mind.Overall, if you liked your TG1, you'll probably love your TG2. My only hope if that these last longer than my TG1s, if they wear out prematurely I'll update my review.

Shoes are very good, Merrell trail glove 2 (minimalist) with vibram sole and rock plate.Recommended only if you have been using minimalist shoes earlier, otherwise could take some time to getting used to it.The product description should have been much better to describe it.

I have had and worn extensively two other 'barefoot' running shoes (Vivobarefoot), so this purchase of the Merrell Trail Glove 2 was a small venture into the unknown. After a week (and about 30km of tarmac, trails and fields) it has been a success.The fit is OK, within the 'normal' range for the size (UK 8) but at the small end of the normal range - so if you are mid-way between two sizes definately go for the larger. The build quality seems excellent, although only time will tell. The instep is cut away from the sole somewhat, so they feel to be giving some arch support which I would prefer not to have, but that's a small point.Running in them is as good as any other barefoot shoes I've had. Comfortable enough on day 1 to forget you are wearing them. The sole seems very slightly thicker than the Vivobarefoots (I don't feel stones quite as much) which may be a good or bad thing depending on your viewpoint - it's not enough to concern me. They also look good!If you are new to barefoot running you will obviously need to build up calf muscles over a period of weeks and learn the style properly, but these would be a good pair of shoes to start with.P.S It's always worth while occasionally running completely barefoot (choose some nice smooth tarmac and some soft grass) - however much you think you are running 'barefoot' a real barefoot session will show where you are not!

I received this product yesterday 4th March 2015 within 3 days from the placing order. I was much eager to wear this shoe which i decided as per my choice after lot of hectic search of shoes. I today unpacked the product and the found color is as fluorescent as shown in the picture. The small reflectors of the shoes are also good. When i lifted in my hands it was so light that i could not felt the weight of it...it is so nice !! The mesh material so flexible that as it becomes the part of your foot. Only feeling of the lacing up feel you the existence of shoe !! After i wore the pair i took little stroll in the early morning on the road first. I could not resist to hop on then...then sooner i was off road under the rocky and gravel heel. I took strides quickly and without stop i climbed the heel in one breath. All muscles of my feet, toes, tendons, knees were working smoothly on every landing of foot on toe on the ground. As i was jogging ahead i was more enthusiastic to trail on. I trailed almost 8 km trail of various type of ground levels and types. But it did not let me down. It done absolutely marvelous job and i really satisfied about the sole of the Vibram rubber which is awesome technically !!! I really recommend who are enthusiast of various types of trek then go for this shoe. Only i have to try in the rainy season too . But this is also good in casual type too. So go for it .

Not as comfortable as I had hoped

I started running 18 months ago at age 58. Looking for a new pair of trainers I came across these minimalist, lightweight shoes and thought I would give them a try based on the good feedback. After my first week I am not disappointed, they are everything they say. Excellent quality, comfortable without socks and they they are helping me to improve my technique. The web site has a blog with lots of advice and videos on barefoot running technique that I've found to be really helpful, including good advice on a gradual transition, not using them all the time initially. They are worth it.I am already noticing a difference, running is feeling easier, my times have got a little faster and I'm looking forward to my next run!