Merrell - Vapor Glove Series

Merell Vapor Glove for ever. (Always the "last year" model, to keep it cheap, they also became my "casual" shoes.)

Over the years I’ve worn trail runners from Merrill and Salomon, or standard running shoes from Nike and NB. A comfortable fit was the main criteria. Even on wet ground I’d rather have fast drying sneakers than boots.

i love the trail glove! what does the vapor glove have going for it?

I've started off with the 6's. Great show wear it daily and run with it, but similarly looking to make the altar shift for a little more comfort / support.... Recurring bursitis is not fun

Merrell Vapor Gloves might do it for you if you already like Merrell.

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).

I have medium - wide flat feet and love them. Half a size up (so usually UK10/eu44, but 10.5/45 in these. They are my favourite trail runners yet. Edit: pictured is Trail Glove, I have Vapor Glove which looks almost identical. Would assume similar fit but couldn't say for certain.

Pedals: whatever is cheap and in stock at my LBS. Right now I'm rocking Bontrager yellow plastic whatever's on my tourer and Wellgo aluminum whatevers with those little Allen key studs on my hard tail. Does my shoe stick? Does it spin? Is it greaseable? That's all I care about. For shoes I just wear whatever I have on, most commonly a set of trail running shoes. I take Merrell Barefoots for touring specifically, mostly because of their ease of washing, light weight, and versatility. Don't overthink it.

I have several pairs of merrell vapor glove 3 and I love them, however, my Xeros are way more roomy and have a nice grip offroad. My partner does around 30km per week with the dog and his pair (similar to those) are in great condition after 2years.

I have a few vapor gloves 3 and I love them for indoor training, but the sole is way too smooth for anything else. My partner walks/runs around 40km per week with the dog and his pair of Xeros are still in great condition after 2y. I recently got my first pair of Xeros and they are roomy and comfortable, way more space than the vapor gloves. The sole has a little bit of cushion but not too much. I can feel every stone with my vapor gloves.

I actually have those Merrels in blue. I love them.

I wouldn't know haha. I have some wide feet and have no problems. About 100 miles of trails and they look like they are brand new besides mud stains.

I have pretty large haglund's both heels, and have had luck trying shoes with a flexible and also what I would describe as a 'bulbous' heel (which essentially contacts heel just above my haglund's) For (lighter) trails: Craft Nordlite Ultra Easy runs: Mizuno Neo Zen Minimalist: Merrell Vapor Glove 6 (not tried other versions) I'm still trying to find a more substantial trail shoe for winter though - saved this thread to see future recommendations 🤞

I rotate through 2 pairs and run trails but also roads to get to trails. I love Merrell minimalist trail shoes. Super flexible, allow my feet to move easily, allow my feet to be strong (I feel too much cushion in shoes takes away from your awareness of your stride and doesn’t allow your feet to move naturally). You want to be sure to get a pair with a rock plate if you’re running trails.

Personally I disagree. I have the vapor gloves and they’re the most airy shoes I own.

Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is my personal favorite. They’re very breathable on top imo

Anecdotally me as well. Like 20 sprains on the right side. My street runners are super max cushion but trail runners are always relatively “flat” in terms of drop and stack.  Trails: I had Merrill’s “barefoot” with 0 sprains but couldn’t do them distance  A Handful in my fellraisers Salomon  Majority in speed crosses.  Bottom of my feet getting torn up is the exact opposite though. Adjusting to barefoot was tough. And then sometimes it was just bad foot placement. (Stepping on a root or rock and not paying attention)  But haven’t had one in a few years - knock on wood. Right side had ACL reconstruction and so the real fix was to strengthen my glutes and hammys and the/ ankle. 

Modern Trail Gloves suck. Vapor Gloves are still great. The Trail Gloves have a very agressive arch support. Their sole is a little bit ticker as well, but that may actually be more in line with what OP is looking for (more similar to what he has now).

There are arguments either way. I go completely barefoot a lot. From experience it’s very hard to twist your ankle in a bad way when you are barefoot because you are so low to the ground (-> less leverage on the joint) and have more feel. Otherwise I use relatively low shoes (Merrel Vapor Glove, Saucony Peregrine) which make it more dangerous but still feel pretty safe.

Merrell Vapor Trail. I’m fairly new to trail running, but it’s sooo light. It’s a minimalist shoe though, so if you’re not down with that or you’re a heel-striker who intends to stay that way, it’s probably not for you.

I’ve got two pairs of trail runners 1 merrell and 1 Nike Pegasus gtx. Both 9.5ik size. The merrell are roomier but have a slightly harder sole. The Nike have a softer sole but are tight across the width of the foot. So as others have said try and get to a running shop and try them on with different types of socks.