REASONS TO BUY
Great for beginners
Excellent traction
Breathable upper
REASONS TO AVOID
Fit is narrow and snug
Large stack height isn't the most sensitive
Merrell Trail Glove 8 - Women's Review
These shoes won't let you feel everything underfoot, but they are kinder to new barefoot shoe wearers, runners, and those who want a little cushion
Credit: Becca Glades
By Becca Glades ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ May 8, 2026
RELATED: The Best Barefoot Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The Merrell Trail Glove 8 offers a middle ground for those new to barefoot shoes, or those who simply don't want to commit to an extremely low-to-the-ground feel. They have some cushion underfoot, making them ideal for extensive walking or running. The Vibram outsole and exposed lug pattern is very grippy on various surfaces, and we were able to take these on light-to-moderate trails with confidence. Still, they offer a more grounded feel than traditional athletic and hiking shoes, with versatility that works from urban walks to exploring the riverside. Keep in mind these have a more narrow fit, and those with wide feet might feel restricted.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The larger stack height and Vibram outsole make this shoe more versatile than most barefoot shoes. Credit: Becca Glades
Likes
The Merrell Trail Glove 8 continues to be the shoe we recommend to beginners who are used to traditional shoes with a thick cushion underfoot and a heel-to-toe drop. This is because they still have 14 millimeters of stack height, which offers a little more cushioned feel than most barefoot shoes. That said, they have a more familiar feel as you are making the swap to barefoot styles.
The underfoot stack also makes them a great barefoot running shoe for both road and trail as the impact is less jarring compared to those with just a few millimeters underfoot.
The Vibram traction is one of our favorite features of this shoe, making it capable for off road journeys. Credit: Becca Glades
The Vibram outsole and tread pattern make these shoes more capable for trail and gravel adventures. These are one of the few barefoot shoes we have tested that have an exposed lug pattern that bites into the earth. While we wouldn't take these to scale a peak, they are more than capable of light-to-moderate dirt and gravel trails and paths.
These have a slim fit, which we find both a pro and a con. If you have narrow feet and are usually sliding around in barefoot shoes, this is a good choice. Still, the toe box offers enough space for a toe splay.
The narrower fit of this shoe isn't great for wide feet, though they are a great fit for those who usually find barefoot shoes too roomy. Credit: Becca Glades
We appreciated the improved durability of this version, which includes overlays across the toe box, sides, and laces. The Vibram outsole wraps up around the sides as well, which helps cut back on damage from rocks and twigs.
We were confident in the shoes' materials, even with bumps against rocks. Credit: Becca Glades
Dislikes
As mentioned, the fit runs narrower, so wide or tall feet will feel restricted. The partially gussetted tongue with elastic also makes the shoe fit tight, especially at first. Our tester with tall feet disliked this as the tongue felt like it was squeezing the top of her feet.
The stack height is both a pro and a con depending on your preferences. While ground feel is dampened, it's also more comfortable for new barefoot shoe wearers. Credit: Becca Glades
Ground sensitivity is dampened due to the larger stack height. While we think this is great for new barefoot shoe wearers, it also means you won't feel as much beneath your toes. If you're after a pure barefoot feel, you should opt for a thinner soled shoe.
The Trail Glove is also among the stiffer shoes in our lineup. Still, they are far more flexible than traditional shoes, but they don't offer the same level of flexibility that other barefoot shoes do. We found this to loosen with time, but they never became as flexible as the shoes that use minimal materials.
The Trail Glove 8 is stiffer than other barefoot shoes that we have tested, but they are still plenty flexible. Credit: Becca Glades
Should You Buy the Merrell Trail Glove 8?
There is a lot to love if you are new to barefoot shoes, prefer a little cushion, or want a running option. The 14 millimeter stack height is more welcoming to those who have never walked on a barefoot shoe platform, but it also means you won't feel as much beneath your feet. They run narrow, so those with wide feet will want to look elsewhere.
What Other Barefoot Shoes Should You Consider?
The Merrell Vapor Glove 7 is very similar to the Trail Glove, but has only 6 millimeters of stack underfoot. This offers a much lighter feel and has some of the best ground feedback that we have seen. While the Trail Glove feels a bit stiff, the Vapor Glove is extremely flexible, yet still offers a Vibram outsole for grip on slick surfaces. They are also slightly wider in the toe box. If you need a medium-to-wide-fitting shoe, the Vivobarefoot Gobi II Leather is a great choice that is still very stable and beginner-friendly. This is thanks to the cork insole that offers comfort but can be removed for even more ground feedback.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Merrell Trail Glove 8 - Women's versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $130 List Check Price at Backcountry |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | These shoes won't let you feel everything underfoot, but they are kinder to new barefoot shoe wearers, runners, and those who want a little cushion |
| Pros | Great for beginners, excellent traction, breathable upper |
| Cons | Fit is narrow and snug, large stack height isn't the most sensitive |
| Rating Categories | Merrell Trail Glove 8 |
| Ground Feedback (30%) | |
| Stability (20%) | |
| Traction (20%) | |
| Weight (15%) | |
| Durability (15%) | |
| Specifications | Merrell Trail Glove 8 |
| Stack Height | 14 mm |
| Measured Weight (per pair, US 9) | 13.9 oz |
| Heel to Toe drop (mm) | 0 mm |
| Outsole | Vibram TC5+ |
| Upper Material | Mesh and TPU |
| Removable Insole | No |
—Becca Glades
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