Merrell
Trail Glove 8
Merrell's zero-drop minimalist trail shoe now has a Vibram TC5+ outsole with 3 mm lugs and a roomy toe box. RunRepeat found it flexible and natural on trails and pavement, with little shock absorption or underfoot protection, as you'd expect.
What's new: A Vibram TC5+ outsole replaces EcoStep rubber with wider-spaced 3 mm lugs, plus a thinner tongue, simpler lacing and a lower weight at the same price, according to RunRepeat.
About the Trail Glove 8
With a 14 mm stack and a zero drop from heel to toe, the Merrell Trail Glove 8 is the brand's minimalist trail shoe, designed to keep the foot close to the ground. It replaces the Trail Glove 7.
The biggest change is the outsole: EcoStep rubber gives way to Vibram TC5+, with full-length coverage, 3 mm lugs and FLEXConnect horizontal grooves to let the sole bend. A thin layer of FloatPro, a basic EVA foam, sits underneath a non-removable insole. The upper is mesh with TPU reinforcements, a reinforced toe box and a burrito-style tongue attached on one side.
It weighs 210 g in a men's UK 8.5 and comes in a standard fitting for men. For more cushioning on technical ground, the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx offers a 4 mm drop. The Trail Glove 8 belongs among zero-drop running shoes.
Specs and features from runrepeat.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
Watch Merrell Trail Glove 8 reviewsOpens YouTubeWhat the critics say
83/100 review score
- RunRepeat 80/100
The reviews in briefRunRepeat's Carlos Sánchez found the Merrell Trail Glove 8 a clear improvement, with a grippier, more durable Vibram outsole, lower weight and a lab-measured roomy, tall toe box. He enjoyed its flexible, natural ride on trails and for walking, but flagged very little shock absorption, limited protection from trail hazards and a non-removable insole.
- Positive: Grippier, more durable Vibram outsole than before
- Positive: Roomy, foot-shaped toe box
- Positive: Flexible, natural feel and lighter than the previous version
- Mixed: Insole can't be removed
- Negative: Very little shock absorption
- Negative: Limited protection from sharp rocks and roots
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Trail
- Type
- 210 g
- Weight
- 14 mm
- Heel stack
- 0 mm
- Drop
- No plate
- Plate
- Neutral
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5.
What it feels like
Fit
True to size
RunRepeat measured a roomy, tall toe box and an average overall width.
What Reddit runners say
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On TikTok
Trail Glove 8 on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the Trail Glove 8
RRP around £120. Tap through for today's price.
Merrell Trail Glove 8
In short
A great choice if you want a zero-drop, barefoot-style shoe for light trails and pavement with grip and room for your toes. If you need cushioning or protection on rough ground, look elsewhere.
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