Details
Brand
Merrell
Heel To Toe Drop
0mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Minimalist
Key Features
• 3D knit sock-like fit• 4-way stretch mesh in the upper• Bungee lacing system• Hyperlock TPU heel counter• Flex Connect EVA midsole• M Select Grip + outsole• Zero drop• 2-millimeter lugs in the outsole• 0.6 ounces• Vibram rubber in the outsole• Fast drying upper material• Vegan-friendly uses absolutely no animal products in its production
Upper
The upper of the Merrell Trail Glove 4 Knit is made from a Mesh and TPU material. It features a bungee lace-up system that keeps the runner protected from falling and also allows the runner to create a fit that is as snug as they need it to be. The inner and outer lining of the shoe is made from a breathable mesh that allows air to enter and exit the shoe, providing a high level of ventilation. A hyper lock TPU heel counter keeps the foot locked in place to eliminate the risk of irritation. The upper design is colorful and stylish too.
Midsole
The primary material used in the midsole is an Integrated EVA Foam. The footbed is lined with this foam to provide extra cushioning and support. Additionally, Merrell uses their patented FlexConnect Dual Directional midsole. This provides flex grooves to support the natural movement of the runner and helps the runner move quickly and efficiently on tough terrain. The zero drop design keeps runners feeling connected to the ground and stable.
Outsole
This shoe uses a combination of materials to provide a durable, protective ride for runners. For starters, Merrell uses their patented M Select Grip+ material. This material is anatomically designed with flex grooves that mold to the shape of the foot and enable the runner to have a neutral, flexible running experience that supports their natural gait cycle. In addition to the M Select Grip+, Merrell selected Vibram rubber as their primary outsole material. This material is not only durable and highly protective, it provides excellent grip and traction. The shoe features 2-millimeter lugs to keep the runner upright and safe even on an uneven or slippery terrain. Whether running on wet or dry surfaces, the runner is covered.
Breathability
This shoe features a dual breathable lining. The inside of the shoe and the outside are both layered with this breathable mesh. This allows air to flow into the shoe, circulate, and exit to help regulate the temperature inside of the shoe. Runners reported virtually no irritations or blisters in these shoes so much so that they can be worn with or without socks. The lower ankle profile also helps the foot breath and keeps the runner cool even during warm weather.
Comfort
This is a barefoot, zero drop running shoe. Not every runner thinks that this is the definition of comfort, but for runners who enjoy the minimalist, barefoot design, this is a perfect shoe. The shoe is so lightweight and can be worn with or without socks. Also, the bungee lacing system allows runners to personalize the tightness of the shoe. The TPU hyper lock heel counter helps keep the foot locked down and provides a bootie-like feel. The upper is extremely breathable too so runners reported feeling comfortable in any weather condition. The upper material is fast drying so runners don’t have to worry about traversing through puddles or streams during their workouts.
Style
This barefoot running shoe is stylish and comfortable enough to wear as part your everyday outfit. The shoe comes in four unisex colors, Vapor, Black, Blue Depth, or Hot Coral. The color options provide a look for those who like bright vibrant colors and for those that like a more subdued look. They look sleek and thin on the foot and won’t add any unwanted bulk.
Durability
The outsole of the shoe is where runners can expect to find the most durability for this shoe. Merrell relies on a combination of their patented materials and famous, high-quality materials. M Select Grip + lines the outsole to protect the runner from sharp debris that can be found on the ground. This unique Merrell material is practically puncture-proof. The rubber used for the outsole material is Vibram rubber. Runners report that this material not only provides added grip, it also holds up well against all terrains and weather conditions. The price is slightly higher for this shoe, but runners reported that it is worth the price because of the extended life they can get out of it.
Protection
Runners know that one of the most important elements of a trail running shoe is its ability to protect the runner from harmful debris that can be found on the trail and to keep them upright during their runs. The Merrell Terrex Solo has added layers along the outsole that are puncture proof and still manage to be extremely lightweight. The Merrell Trail Glove 4 Knit uses their patented M Select Grip + outsole to add extra grip and traction that is perfect for steep inclines or declines. This material also helps keep the runner upright regardless of the terrain or weather conditions. In addition to the outsole, the upper of the shoe provides an added structure through the bungee lacing and the Hyperlock TPU heel counter keeps the foot snuggly locked in place to reduce the risk of injury. Finally, the upper material is quick drying to eliminate the risk for blisters and irritations while running in wet conditions.
Responsiveness
This shoe has a zero drop that creates the most responsive ride possible. Runners are able to be protected from the harmful elements on the trail while still feeling very connected to the ground below them. The integrated EVA footbed responds quickly and efficiently to changes in pace, direction, and terrain. The Vibram outsole rubber is tough enough and thin enough to protect the runner without adding bulk to slow them down or get in their way. The midsole is made with an adaptive material that anatomically fits the foot.
Support
This shoe is super lightweight and flexible, but support can be found in the upper. The upper features a 3D knit construction that wraps the foot in a snug bootie-like fit to reduce the risk of injury. In addition to this, the upper features a hyper lock printed TPU heel counter that helps to keep the foot in place and reduce the risk of unwanted side to side movement, even on varied terrain.
Terrain
This shoe can handle any terrain that a runner can dream up. It is great for steep inclines and declines because of the heel counter. The Vibram Rubber outsole adds traction regardless of the conditions of the trail and the M Select Grip + is specifically designed to adapt to a variety of different terrains. This is a zero drop shoe that is also good for road running and casual wear.
Price
This shoe is not for the runner who is on a very tight budget. It costs more than the average running shoe on today’s market. However, runners commented that because of the long lasting outsole materials, this shoe is a great investment.
Drop
This is a zero drop, barefoot running trail and road running shoe. It has a modest heel and toe height of 14 millimeters which means that the runner will feel connected to the ground below them. This shoe does not feature any additional cushioning or technology to propel the foot forward, and instead, relies on building up the muscles in the shin, Achilles, and calf to protect the runner and propel them forward.
Stability
This is not a stability shoe for the runner who is looking for support with over or under pronation and is looking for help to change and improve their gait cycle. This is a shoe that supports the natural movement of the foot.
Flexibility
These shoes are very flexible. They are anatomically designed to fit the foot and adapt to the different needs of each runner. Although the outsole is powerful and protective, it is thin enough that it can bend and move easily with the runner. This is a barefoot running shoe that can be worn with or without socks and feels more like a bootie than the tough trail running shoe that it is. Merrell uses their patented Flex Connect, Dual directional EVA midsole that supports the natural gait of the runner. Additionally, the upper of the shoe is made from a 4-way stretch mesh.
Traction
One of the areas where this shoe really shines is in the traction that it provides to the runner. It features two powerful outsole materials, Vibram rubber, and Merrell’s M Select Grip+ that are both designed to help keep runners upright regardless of the terrain or weather conditions. Runners described these shoes as sticky and agile.
Bottom Line
The Merrell Trail Glove 4 Knit is a shoe that is designed for runners who are looking for a barefoot trail running experience. The shoe is incredibly lightweight and flexible, providing an adaptive fit for any terrain. This shoe is great for speed and runners loved it as a companion for obstacle racing too because of the added traction provided through the outsole material. The upper is made of a stretchy, breathable mesh that dries quickly. The shoe is stylish and runners commented that it goes well with casual outfits. Although the price is slightly higher than the average running or trail running shoe on the market, the longer life expectancy of the shoe makes it a great investment.
