When choosing a barefoot running shoe, comfort is of the utmost importance, and the Merrell brand does it best. The Merrell Vapor Glove 4 is their most low-profile barefoot shoe with a minimalist design made for road running. The shoe is ultralight, weighing about 12 oz with a 2mm sole and 3 mm insole, which creates a seamless, natural feeling. This review will go over the Merrel Vapor Glove 4’s design and why it is overall a pleasant barefoot experience.
Product Details:
- Zero drop Vibram sole (2mm)
- Cordura® mesh
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) sole
- 3mm integrated insole
- Stackheight 6.5mm
- Merrell’s most low profile barefoot shoe
- Minimalist design
- Road-running shoe
- Shoe weight 12 oz/ 320g (full pair)
- Medium-wide toe box to ensure free toe movement
- The latest model that has been redesigned for peak performance
- Elastic thin laces
Introduction
It is rare to buy the same shoe model twice in a row, let alone three times! Yet, I now have three pairs of the same model shoe. The Merrell Glove 4 has proven to be an excellent addition to my lifestyle. It’s enhanced minimalistic features make it an easy choice for any barefoot wearer, as I detail in this FULL review.
Why Merrell Vapor Glove Shoes?
I bought my first Merrell Vapor Glove years ago. I started with an earlier model called the Merrell Glove 2 back in 2016. In the spring, I visited my local barefoot shoe store searching for a unique pair that I could add into my wardrobe. During this period, I mainly wore Vibram Five-Finger shoes. I needed more variety in my shoe collection, more specifically a barefoot shoe with a more “normal-looking” wide toe box. I chose the Merrell Vapor Glove 2 after some heavy deliberation.
Why is The Merrell Vapor Glove Shoes a good purchase?
To keep it simple, it’s an outstanding barefoot experience!
The main reason for my choice is that Merrell is the most comfortable when compared to other barefoot shoe options. I wear a US size 11.5, and the weight per shoe of this item comes to around 4 ounces. The thin zero-drop sole (2mm) and its 3-millimeter insole makes the shoes feel closer to a sock than a regular shoe. Another nice feature is that the sole runs upwards at the top, which provides extra protection for your toes without losing any contact with the ground.
The Merrell Vapor Glove models have been my most comfortable pairs compared to other lightweight sock shoes. They are also great if you are like me and don’t always spend time tying your shoes correctly. The fit of the shoe is loose, so I feel less aware that I have something on my feet. This is unlike most sock shoe models, which close just below the ankle which can be uncomfortable. Finally, the Merrell Vapor Glove 4 has a spacious toe box, which completes the whole experience. It truly is a barefoot shoe.
Flexibility
In the barefoot community, the flexibility of a shoe is often discussed. The Merrell Vapor Glove is extremely flexible. You can roll up and turn the shoe, which you can see in the photos. The stack height is approximately 6.5 millimeters and therefore takes up very little space.
Gym, is the Merrell Vapor Glove 4 the right shoe for the gym?
The Merrell Vapor Glove 4 excels at the gym! You can tell from most of the design features that this shoe was made for sports. Merrell shoes are used in jogging, kettlebell exercises, squats, and group lessons. Personally, I use them for the gym and jogging. I can only speak for jogging distances of 5 miles or less with Merrell, so I’m not positive on how they would be on longer distances.
Are Merrell Vapor Gloves water-resistant?
The Cordura® mesh and TPU upper material of the shoe is water-resistant and therefore not easily damaged by moisture. However, I would not recommend this shoe to people who spend a lot of time in a humid environment. I find that The Merrell Vapor Glove allows water to pass through quite easily. The sole of the shoe is thin and only covers the base of the foot and the toes. Therefore, the only protection from the water you have on top is the soft Cordura® mesh and TPU. I find that this material easily lets in water, which isn’t ideal for a moist environment. For example, if you were to walk through damp grass, your feet would most likely also be damp. Your foot is close to the ground because of the 2mm thin sole, which offers little protection at the sides of the shoe. I recommend wearing a different barefoot shoe in wet climates. If you’d like more information on that, we made a list of good barefoot boots on this page!
Can I wear the Merrell Vapor Glove 4 in winter?
The Merrell Vapor Glove 4 is not a suitable shoe for heavy winter weather. If the winter weather is dry and mild, you could attempt with a pair of thick socks. If you love barefoot shoes, I would recommend trying a pair out anyway. We have a dedicated page to that too. See here.
Can you wash the Merrell Vapor shoes in the washing machine?
Yes, you can wash the Merrell Vapor Glove 4 in the washing machine. Do not wash in hot water! Set your washing machine on cold or low water temperature. Make sure to put it to little or no spin. You can even wash your shoes in a garment bag or fill the load with other soft things like towels for extra protection. You can use liquid detergent, which is what I use. I recommend this over washing powder that can sometimes leave traces and lumps on the shoe. Please do not machine dry them as it can damage the shoe. The glue in the shoe can melt, peel off, and crumble, affecting its overall composition. Let them air dry instead. Please do not put them directly on top of the water heater as that can also melt parts of your shoe.
To put it simply:
1) Wash on a delicate setting or with cold water
2) Select No spin or Slow spin
3) Add Liquid detergent
4) Let it air-dry
How long did the Merrell Vapor Glove 2 last?
I had them for two years in which I wore them intensively. They should have been replaced after one year, but I liked them so much that I continued to wear them. It first started to show wear on the upper side after a year and a half, more specifically on the part where the instep passes to the toes. This is from the bending motion of your foot when taking off while walking. Finally, I had to say goodbye when the sole was so worn that it lost all grip.
How long do Merrell Vapor Glove 4 shoes last?
The durability of the Merrell Vapor Glove 4 depends on the way you use it. It also depends on the intensity of the surface on which you use it. Care and maintenance also play an essential role. The upper part of the Vapor Glove 4 shows no wear after six months of intensive wear from what I experienced. However, the bottom/sole of the Vapor Glove 4 will already show signs of wear at that time. If you live in the city, the wear and tear could occur quicker because of most roads’ hardness. I estimate that with intensive use the Merrell Vapor Glove 4 should last at least 1 year.
For more tips on Merrell maintenance click here!
Is the Merrell Vapor Glove a good shoe for a barefoot shoe beginner?
If you are considering getting your first barefoot shoe, I recommend the Merrell Vapor Glove 4. It’s a veritable shoe that’s great for the gym, in the summer, or simply as an extra pair. If you are considering purchasing your first barefoot shoe, Leguano has posted a must-read article. It details how a beginner can transition from a regular shoe to a barefoot option:
Is the Merrell Vapor Glove 4 a shoe for everyday use?
The shoe can be worn every day in mild weather. This is because they are comfortable and versatile enough for many activities. If you prefer a sneaker-type shoe as your everyday shoe option, the Merrell Vapor Glove will fit easily with your style. Personally, I wear mine as a summer or a sports shoe. I wouldn’t say they are the best for everyday wear in other conditions as they aren’t weather-resistant enough. Other barefoot models are prone to less wear and tear and built for those elements.
The page, Best barefoot brands for every day, is dedicated to this topic.
My experience overall-
Overall my experience with the Merrell Vapor Glove 4 has been exceptional. As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I have now purchased this shoe three times as they effortlessly fit into my lifestyle. They are one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned and make an ideal gym companion. Although I wouldn’t recommend them for everyday use or if you’re looking to wear them in humid or winter conditions. The Merrell Vapor Glove 4 successfully represents the brand’s mission to create a shoe that gives you a lightweight barefoot experience. If you are interested in purchasing a pair, you can find them here
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Overall great barefoot experience
- An ideal shoe for in the gym
- Flexible
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Suitable for daily use in mild weather
- Easy to clean
- Variety of color choices for this model
Con’s
- Feet become wet in damp conditions
- Sole wears quickly
Barefoot shoes that are similar or close to the Merrell Vapor Gloves.
Check out our brand guide. We have created a complete list of all Barefoot Shoe brands that make sneakers and barefoot sports shoes.