Merrell has been making versatile footwear for a long time, and their Trail Glove 5 and Trail Glove 6 are the new additions to their famous trail running shoe line that has a glove-like fit.
These minimalist trail runners look and feel like barefoot footwear but offer a surprisingly high level of strength in the structure. These models are packed with features that make them great for many activities and adventures in the outdoors, but the question is how they differ.
This blog post will compare these two models and thoroughly examine their variations.
Similarities and Differences between Merrell Trail Glove 5 and 6:
| Features | Merrell Trail Glove 5 | Merrell Trail Glove 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched in | 2019 | 2021 |
| Stability | Adequate stability | More Stable |
| Flexibility | Flexible | More flexible |
| Sizing | 8-15 for Men5-11.5 for Women | 7-15 for Men 5-11.5 for Women |
| Weight | 15 oz. | 13 oz. |
| Cushion | Less Cushioning | Lightweight Cushioning |
| Outsole | Vibram Rubber | Vibram Ecostep |
| Insole | EVA | EVA |
| Midsole | EVA | Bloom Performance |
| Upper | Synthetic Mesh | Recycled Breathable Mesh |
| Retail Price | $100 | $110 |
Merrell Trail Glove 5 vs 6: Good, Bad, and the Worst:
Ahead we’ve pulled together a head-to-head comparison of Merrell Trail Glove 5 and 6 so if you are interested to know the differences stay tuned:
1) Comfort:
The low-profile design of the Merrell Trail Glove 5 makes for a snug yet comfortable fit, so you can wear this model for long periods.
The upper material is also breathable which helps keep your feet dry when you run or walk in hot weather while the padded collar gives you extra comfort.
Also, due to the use of M Select Fresh technology your feet will feel fresh all day long by preventing the development of odor-causing bacteria. As an added benefit, the EVA foam midsole will give your feet enough cushioning and stability even while you’re running over rocks and other uneven surfaces.
On the other side, the collar of Trail Glove 5 is too high, so a part of the inside of the shoe rubs against the skin which might be irritating and cause blisters.
Nevertheless, the new version, Merrell Trail Glove 6 has almost similar construction but provides much more comfort than the old ones as the toe box is spacious, and they have better padding at the side of the foot.
In addition, the brand includes BLOOM performance midsole foam, making them better for any runner in search of a softer feel in their shoes on any trail surface.
You will also benefit from an updated Vibram Ecostep Rubber outsole, which is lightweight and great for a comfortable ride.
Also See Our Comparison Between: Merrell Moab 2 And Moab 3: Which Is Better?
2) Popularity:
The Merrell Trail Glove 5 was launched in 2019 and after two years, a new version of Trail Glove 6 was released; they looked similar to the previous one but had upgraded functions and quickly got fame.
The Trail Glove 6 become a best-seller not just because of its fashionable silhouette and splash of beautiful colors, but also due to its carbon-negative construction and improved responsiveness. So, these shoes have become a desirable choice for trail runners and outdoor lovers.
3) Running:
Merrell Trail Glove 5 and Glove 6 are designed for better traction when you’re off-road rather than your road running shoes.
You can use both of these models for daily moderate runs on light trail surfaces. You should start with a few short, easy runs a week to get used to the lack of cushions, then gradually increase your speed and distance. However, their lack of support discourages using them for speed-running.
4) Walking:
Walking in Merrell Trail Glove 5 and Glove 6 on smooth surfaces helps you make the foot’s muscles and joints stronger and more flexible. This improves the function of your foot and makes the body’s posture and balance better.
Moreover, Trail Glove 6 is a little bit more supportive than Trail Glove 5, so it can be better worn on uneven areas as well.
5) Flat Feet:
Merrel Trail Glove 5 and Glove 6 are made to interfere as little as possible with the natural movement of your foot. In general, this means uppers are shaped like your foot and have large toe boxes that let your forefoot completely relax and your toes splay which is suitable for your flat feet.
But even so, these shoes can be painful for some people because they don’t have enough arch support which is needed for fallen arches.
6) Design:
The Merrell Trail Glove 5 and Glove 6 are designed with barefoot trail runners in mind. The concept of a barefoot runner is it offers your foot a little grip and safety while not giving you any other ankle or heel support.
However, the Merrell Trail Glove 5 is a barefoot shoe with surprisingly slight support. It has a rock plate, 3 mm deep lugs, and a bit of arch support, all of these features are often found in more durable trail running footwear.
Generally, Trail Glove 5 is suitable for runners who are transitioning to barefoot running or need a bit of cushioning in shoes to take on backcountry hikes and trail runs.
Keep in mind that, they don’t offer enough protection for any uneven ground, and other difficult terrains you may encounter while trail running.
In contrast, the brand asserts that the sixth version of their renowned Trail Glove shoe is designed to replicate the shape of the human foot while keeping the foot in position as it would be in without shoes.
In addition, the Merrell Trail Glove 6 has a little more support, a better fit, a slightly sturdier sole, and increased abrasion resistance compared to the prior one.
You can wear these with or without socks, and it will feel like you are wearing a pair of slippers that are pushing you further without putting so much force.
In short, people who value a barefoot-like sensation when running and walking on light trail surfaces, pavements, around town, and roads will find this model to be a wonderful option.
What do customers think?
Overall many customers have said that in addition to trail running, the Trail Glove 5 and 6 are ideal for light hiking, city travels, and easy trail exercises.
The 5th iteration of Merrell Trail Glove received compliments because it was able to meet the needs of consumers, particularly those who desire a trail running shoe without a bulky frame or constricting design.
Even when making sharp movements, runners claim to maintain a steady stride, also, it does not restrict the foot’s motion.
Consumers also praised the gripping and long-lasting nature of this model while many experts claim that the outsole barely shows any sign of wear after miles of testing. However, the outsole has several flex grooves, and because of this some reviewers have called the shoe “rigid.”
Contrarily, Merrell Trail Glove 6 were praised for its adaptability and effectiveness, with some users reporting they could even be used on uneven roads. According to numerous reviewers, the Merrell Trail Glove 6 is “insanely light” at 6.9 ounces per shoe, and on the move, it feels “even lighter,” they stated.
A lot of walkers are “blown away” by the simplicity of the shoe and how the colors stand out.
Buyers claim that the improved lacing mechanism provides a snugger and more secure fit and it has also been observed by some that the laces are shorter than on Glove 5.
Several trail runners stated that the Trail Glove 6 can be worn right out of the box, while previous models had to be broken in first. A handful of reviewers, on the other hand, felt that the available sizes for this model were larger than their usual sizes and others did not find the right fit.
Conclusion: what to choose?
Trail runners who prefer or are interested in trying out minimalist, barefoot-style running shoes will enjoy the outdoor activities in Merrell Trail Glove 5 and Trail Glove 6. However, we will recommend that you should build up your speed and distance over time to get used to the zero drop and minimum material underfoot of these models.
To crown it all, Merrell Trail Glove 5 can be reliable for handling light and softer grounds, and the glove-like feel would make your run and walk more delightful, whereas, Merrell Trail Glove 6 offers more support to help you move forward on the trail.
In addition to assuring performance, Trail Glove 6 has a sustainable construction and employed recycled materials which is a plus.
We highly recommend checking out both pairs if you’re searching for barefoot trail running and walking shoes.