Merrell - Trail Glove 6

If you like the ride of the AP5, you must be partial to a firm and protective shoe. Btw, V6 is coming out soon and I was able to try it on - it does seem to have more space in the toebox, but perhaps a slightly softer and more flexible right. (I think it will be a good update). Other options you might check out - TNF Infinite 3 - while it is still available, just make sure you size up by 1/2 so your toes don't get squeezed. Also On Cloudultra 3 - a little softer, but still not squishy, also has a fiberglass speedboard for some protection. Have you tried the Tecton X 2? That's a firmer foam with carbon plates, wider toebox than the AP5. Also look out for the La Sportiva Prodigio 2 in the spring - that one might be perfect - firmer midsole, very good fit and stable.

Merrell Trail Glove 6's. The Vibram soles on that shoe are fantastic!

Have had the 3s for ages, now got the 6s, my favourite shoe ever I think, just bang on in every respect (for the majority of the year).

Im looking for an alternative to altra mt king 2, stack between 1-2 cm but not 5 cm stack? the merrell trail is to narrow for me but other than that pretty perfect with a firm and rather low stack.

Topo Pursuit has replaced Lone Peak for me. I felt Altra's quality has drastically declined and Topo is a good alternative. I am mostly a Merrell Trail Glove person these days, Pursuit is the one trail shoe I own that's not barefoot style.

Merrel Trail Glove, theyre amazing

Fellow Pennsylvanian here... and this struggle is real! I'm somewhat in the same boat as you as I've been trying to find shoes that are protective against the rocks and roots of our region while also being durable enough to get your money's worth out of the shoes. Here's my progression of footwear over the past 5-7 years or so along with some insights you can take as suggestions. None of these options are zero drop though except the Merrell trail gloves. Adidas Terrex - Pros: good coushion, plenty of padding and protection against rocks. Cons: not wide enough for my feet and they changed the cut of the heel stabilizer to be too high. Merrell Trail Glove - Pros: out of box comfort and very light. Cons: not at all good on rocks. Asics Gel Venture - Pros: out of box comfort and good tread. Cons: not durable, not wide enought, bad quality control. Merrell Moab Speed 1 - Pros: great durability of shoe body, available in wide sizes, and sufficient protection against rocks. Cons: tread is not durable. However, this is probably my favorite trail runner and I wish it was still in production. Its a 500 mile shoe with 300 mile tread. Brooks Cascadia 13 and 15 - Pros: quality tread and good rock protection. Cons - not as wide as I'd like in their 2E size and the heel lock fabric deteriorated quickly causing blisters on my heel. New Balance Hierro V7 - Pros: good coushion and heel support. Cons - that damn flappy thing on the heel, lack of padding in the tongue, durability. Brooks Cascadia 16 - Pros: great rock plate, awesome tread, and wider toebox in 2E size. Cons - shit quality. Regardless, I went through 3 pairs and just dropped the 3rd in the trash after hiking up Old Rag in Shennandoah a week ago. 500 mile tread on a 250 mile shoe body that is not worth the cost. Merrell Moab Speed 2 - Pros - lightweight and PA approved rock plate. Cons - durability and the redesign in general. Wore these on a 260 mile section hike and they messed up my feet and gave me blisters on top of my toes. Was fully refunded though. Merrell Nova 4 - arrives in the mail today in advance of a 120 mile AT section in central Va in a couple of weeks. Might move onto Topo Terraventures or Ultraventures next.

Or Trail Gloves. If they even still make those

Oh that’s a bummer but good to know! I have an old pair that are basically like being barefoot but with tread instead of skin.

Merrell trail glove’s were awesome on my last trip. No problems with my feet even though they were wet like 80% of the time. I used darn tough socks with them. They are semi bare foot shoes, sole thick enough to scramble on sharp rocks.

I've used a variety of flat shoes over the years (New Balance minimus, Merrell trail glove, Vivo Barefoots I forget the model....) and love it. I feel like my toes feel comfy and I have managed to avoid injury Big believer in barefoot shoes! I know not everyone has that opinion but I run in softer trail environment and it just feels good