Merrell Vapor Glove 7 - Women's Review

It's hard to beat the ground feel of the Merrell Vapor Glove 7. Basically, you just need to be barefoot if you want anything less. Each version of these shoes impresses us with their grippy Vibram outsole and airy upper that moves from city to river with ease.

Ground Feedback

The Merrell Vapor Glove 7 offers some of the best ground feedback in our lineup. The outsoles are very flexible, meaning your foot can bend around anything it steps on. We felt just about everything we were walking on, from small pebbles on the lakeshore to sidewalk cracks around town. There wasn't much that we couldn't feel under our feet.

Still, our feet were protected from sharper rocks. The Vibram outsole, though flexible, is still durable and avoids punctures. The upper adds to the overall barefoot feel. It is a light and airy mesh that dumps heat and kept our feet cool on warm days. We love these shoes as a water shoe too, as they drain water effectively and dry fast.

Some might even find the minimalist feel too much, especially those new to barefoot shoes. It is worth noting that the lack of insoles means a less gradual adjustment period compared to those that offer insoles. Though typically just a couple of millimeters thick, this extra cushion can make the transition from regular shoe to barefoot shoe less painful. But, if you're a seasoned pro or frequently walk around without shoes, you might not notice.

We weren't a fan of the gussetted tongue, though. One of our testers with tall feet found the tongue barely big enough to cover her foot. Plus, the elastic is tight over the top of the foot, though it stretches and breaks in with wear.

Stability

The Vapor Glove 7 has decent stability thanks to the low-to-the-ground sole. They are just 6 millimeters thick, with no option to increase or decrease this stack as they have no removable insole. The rounded exterior is both a pro and con for stability. While it offers a more natural feeling footstrike that rolls with your foot, it's also less stable when standing still.

We also find these shoes to be narrower than most other barefoot shoes, which can decrease the stable feeling. These aren't the best choice for wide feet, but those with narrow-to-medium width feet will appreciate the glove-like fit.

Traction

The Vibram TC5+ is a major perk for the Vapor Glove 7. It is grippy on all surfaces, including wet rock and tile, though not specifically slip-resistant. These are the shoes we prefer when hanging out at the lake or riverside due to their excellent grip.

Indoor and urban traction is also great. We never had any slips or near-slips in these shoes. The inverted tread pattern is more than many barefoot shoes offer, which allows for more traction on loose dirt.

Weight

At just 11.6 ounces per pair of women's size 9s, these are among the lightest shoes we have tested.

The light weight is no surprise considering our minimal these shoes are. The mesh upper is thin, and so is the outsole. The interior padding is light and not overly done in any place. Plus, the lack of insoles reduces weight.

Durability

The mesh uppers aren't the most durable and will wear faster than leather options. However, the Vapor Glove includes overlays in high-wear areas, like around the toe, heel, and laces to increase its longevity.

Still, we don't expect these to last more than a year with normal wear, especially if you use them as water shoes. However, the Vibram outsole is more durable than other options. We expect you'll see the wear first along the mesh toe box, including possible holes, depending on how often you are wearing the shoes.

Should You Buy the Merrell Vapor Glove 7?

The Merrell Vapor Glove 7 is for the experienced barefoot shoe wearer, or someone who frequently walks around barefoot. They are so minimal underfoot that you'll feel everything, but they can take some adjustment if you're new to the style. That said, if you're after minimalism, these are a fantastic choice. They double as a water shoe, meaning they are a great option to pack in your bag for a tropical destination. Otherwise, the light and airy upper will keep your feet cool on the hottest summer days.

What Other Barefoot Shoes Should You Consider?

Because the Vapor Glove doesn't have removable insoles, they can be a harder adjustment compared to those who do. Insoles allow for a more gradual adjustment to barefoot shoes. However, if you're set on the style but concerned about the minimalism, the Merrell Trail Glove 8 is very similar but has more stack underfoot. These have a similar look and a grippy Vibram outsole, but offer a little extra cushion for those new to barefoot shoes. The Lems Primal Zen is another great choice for new and experienced barefoot shoe wearers. The insole offers a little extra cushion and can be removed for a more minimalist feel. Meanwhile, the toe box is wider than the Vapor Glove, but still breathable for warmer weather.