Merrell

Merrell has been making outdoor footwear since 1981, long before the barefoot movement. Their barefoot line launched in 2011 with the Trail Glove and Vapor Glove, bringing minimalist options to a mainstream audience. As a Wolverine World Wide brand, Merrell has global distribution that smaller barefoot companies can't match.

Philosophy

Merrell's barefoot line applies minimalist principles — zero drop, flexible soles, wide toe boxes — to outdoor footwear backed by decades of trail shoe engineering. They bridge the gap between mainstream hiking brands and dedicated barefoot companies.

Product Range

• Trail Running — Trail Glove 7 for technical trails
• Road Running — Vapor Glove 6 for road and gym
• Hiking — Wrapt series for light hiking

What Sets Merrell Apart

Availability. You can find Merrell at REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Amazon, where most barefoot brands are online-only. The Trail Glove and Vapor Glove have been refined over multiple generations and are trusted workhorses in the barefoot community.

Merrell's barefoot shoes are moderately wide — wider than conventional shoes but narrower than Xero or Altra. They offer a familiar fit for people coming from mainstream footwear.

Who Chooses Merrell

Outdoor enthusiasts who want proven trail shoes with barefoot characteristics. People who prefer trying shoes in stores before buying. Runners who want a zero drop option from a brand they already know and trust.