Merrell Women's Vapor Glove 5 Sneaker Review
The Merrell Women's Vapor Glove 5 Sneaker in Spearmint is the latest iteration in the brand's signature minimalist footwear line. This shoe is engineered to emulate the natural shape of the human foot, allowing your feet to maintain their natural position as if you were barefoot. The Vapor Glove 5 offers an improved fit compared to its predecessors and boasts increased abrasion-resistance, making it ideal for both casual wear and outdoor activities.
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Features
- Mesh and TPU upper for enhanced breathability
- 100% recycled laces contributing to eco-friendliness
- Stretch collar facilitating easy on and off access
- 40% recycled mesh lining for added comfort
- EVA foam insole with a 100% recycled top sheet ensuring cushioning
Pros
- Lightweight design promotes a natural walking experience
- Excellent grip due to rubber sole material
- Eco-conscious materials used in construction
- Versatile style suitable for various occasions
Cons
- May not provide enough cushioning for long-distance running
- Fit may be too snug for those with wider feet
- Lace-up closure requires regular adjustment during activity
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Merrell Vapor Glove 5 | Altra Escalante | New Balance Fresh Foam Zante |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimalist Design | Yes | No | No |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Moderate |
| Cushioning | Low | Moderate | High |
| Eco-friendly Materials | Yes | No | No |
Detailed Review
The Merrell Women's Vapor Glove 5 Sneaker excels in several categories:
- Comfort: Thanks to its lightweight construction and breathable upper, you will find these shoes comfortable for all-day wear. The EVA foam insole adds just the right amount of cushioning without sacrificing the minimalist feel.
- Performance: If you're an enthusiast of natural movement or engaging in light to moderate physical activities, you'll appreciate how well these shoes perform. They offer excellent traction and stability, particularly on dry surfaces.
- Design: Visually appealing, the Spearmint colorway is vibrant yet versatile enough to pair with different outfits. The eco-friendly construction also appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
- Durability: The upgraded abrasion resistance means that even with regular use, these sneakers can last longer than previous versions.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Great for short to medium durations; minimal cushioning for long runs. |
| Performance | 4/5 | Ideal for natural movement; excellent grip on various surfaces. |
| Durability | 4.5/5 | Enhanced materials increase lifespan significantly. |
| Design | 4/5 | Aesthetic appeal with eco-friendly focus. |
User Reviews
Very lightweight, very flexible, very comfortable. I ordered my normal size and had no issues with the fit. Great for hiking if you're not carrying a heavy load on your back (ankle safety). The soles are awesome. You can leap onto big rocks and not worry about losing your footing. I noticed they seem quite breathable as they kept my toes nice and cool on a short 2 mile trek in the woods and I didn't slip and slide going down steep muddy hills. I'd buy these again.
This shoe has a very thin soul and you will feel every stone you step on so you have to watch your steps. Besides that it's like wearing a sock on top with a thin sticky soul. They are very comfortable for the barefoot shoe crowd. No support whatsoever for anyone who is not into barefoot shoes. I wear them all day long.
I bought these shoes in an 8, and they were super tight—as in, too short for my foot. I have worn an 8 / 39 UK for years, and this model fit like a tight 7. I bought a pair in a 9.5, and that's the right size for me. It's not about width, it's about length. Also, these shoes give you zero support, probably by design; so if you have flat feet or are prone to heel pain, definitely size up so you can fit your orthotic insert into the shoe. I wear them to ride my elliptical and lift weights in my home gym. They're super lightweight and my legs don't get as tired during a long workout.
I own Merril hiking sneakers and love them so I thought I would love these since they would be more “broken in”.. they are def cute in color, but it felt like my heels were below my toes.. it did not feel flat like zero is supposed to feel. My feet after a half hour walking in house felt tired, so I returned them. Better to stick with Hey Dudes, super comfy with wide toe area… and if u dont like their insoles buy dr schol’s and insert them, nice feel. I returned the merrils
Great shoes, very light. No support however.Feels like you are grounding, yet with shoes.
I returned these because they didn't fit properly.
I use these for my 3-4 mile regular walks and easy hikes. They;re so comfortable and really do fit like a glove and are quite light. They do have a little arch support but are zero drop. I got a half a size bigger to give plenty of room for my toes, toe separators, and Dr Scholl's gel insoles for flats. I'm still getting used to barefoot shoes, so the insole with its minimal arch support and heel raise of less than a half inch really helps my feet, calves, knees and hips readjust.
As a plantar fasciitis/heel spur sufferer, I never thought I’d be able to wear shoes like this. But after nearly a year of diligent work with my trainer, my balance and foot/arch strength have improved to such a point that I am pain free. I wanted to try these in conjunction with continued training, giving my toes space and my feet the chance to do what they are supposed to in reacting to the multiple surfaces in which they come into contact. So far, I LOVE them. Run a little small, as I have a long second toe that was not accommodated in the top shape of the toe box. Order 1/2 size up if you have long second toes.