MERRELL VAPOR GLOVE 6 REVIEW | Lightest Barefoot Shoe?

[@thatfitfriend]

Shop the latest deals on the Merrell Vapor Glove 6! Shop Merrell: fave.co/3N38kOg Shop REI: www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-734e25f82503&website_id=83ec72ed-a4ea-4e29-b3f8-73f54836ea2a&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F217067%2Fmerrell-vapor-glove-6-trail-running-shoes-mens The above is an affiliate link; if you buy through that link, I may receive a small commission on the sale. I buy ALL of the products featured on this channel and an affiliate link is NOT a sponsored link. I don't take money from companies and the commissions from affiliates help me buy more products and produce more content. At TF2, you have my promise that every review is performed independently and companies have no idea I'm reviewing their gear until it goes live Either way, use the link or don't! I just want to make sure you find the best workout shoes for your individual needs and wants. Reach out if you ever have additional questions!

[@Mysterios0]

Vapor Gloves are my favorite for jump rope. That toe cap is just enough to keep my weighted ropes from taking off my toe nails if I mess up.

[@thatfitfriend]

I love that! Such a specific use case that I didn't even consider here. Thank you for sharing!

[@PaulHo]

Thank you for that incredibly disturbing visual.

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

FINALLY someone covered the new model. Been trying to get it but it's hard to find in the EU. Nothing beats the Vapor Gloves when it comes to mixing lightness, flexibility and durability and I love the new functional design!

[@thatfitfriend]

Super minimal shoe. Going to dig these in the summer like my 5s!

[@slavasss2189]

@@thatfitfriend this one still has more stack height than vivo primus? 6mm over 4mm if i am correct?

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

@@slavasss2189 That's because VGs have 2mm lugs that help them grip in various terrains much better than Vivos so it's worth it. Ground feel is great anyway.

[@squidlyminimalisim]

@@slavasss2189 yes ive tried both and the merrel feels way more light flexible and minimal i think they have a 2mm eva midsole which makes em thicker but doesnt make em any stiffer

[@CptAngelKGaming]

@@slavasss2189 The 2mm difference is just the lugs which are super grippy and feel much better than the Primus soles.

[@gillXt]

Awesome review! I’ve worn the Vapor glove 5’s for just shy of a year. They’re my every day shoe, I hike the New Hampshire 4000 foot mountains in them and I walk 16-22 miles a day, walking dogs for a living, in Boston. I’ve even worn them all winter long and with warm socks and my feet have stayed warm. I hope the 6’s are just as solid of a shoe. I’m still waiting to see a few more reviews on them before I get a pair. It was the reviews that made me steer clear of the trail gloves

[@thatfitfriend]

Love to hear it! Keep me posted on what you decide to do!

[@gillXt]

Alright! So here’s my review! I ended up getting a pair of the 6’s two weeks ago and have put around 300 miles into them at this point. Most of those miles have been walking, trail running and I went on a good hike on Friday and again today. I got so used to my 5’s and the sole being so extremely worn leaving almost nothing between me and the ground, and I really grew to love that feel. The build on the 5’s was a problem for me. When I got my first pair, the stitching in the heel started to come apart within a couple of days of wearing them, I contacted Merrell and they sent me a second pair which held up better over time and I continued to wear that first pair as well, but I always had stitching issues in the same areas. After walking around 100+ miles a week, doing trail running and hiking many of the 4000 footers in the White mountains of New Hampshire, I think they held up really well and I got almost a year out of both pairs before I got holes in the heels. I got more miles out of these than I had gotten out of previous barefoot shoes from Vivo or even my first pair of TSLA’s from Amazon. I feel with the 6’s the build is far superior and I can tell that I won’t have stitching issues in the same places that I did with the 5’s. The lugs took a bit of getting used to, but as I said, I was so used to the very worn down sole on my 5’s, now I’m just picking pebbles out of the lugs in the 6’s. I never noticed the arch being an issue in the previous model, but my first 100 or so miles in the 6’s, the arch was a bit bothersome, but with some wear, I’ve either gotten used to it, or it’s just gotten softer and more broken in. I think the one big thing that I don’t like about this model is the tongue. When on trails, it allows for more debris to get into the shoe which I almost never had that issue in the previous model where it was more sock-like. I’m very curious now to see how the 6’s hold up over the next several months, as the lugs wear down and we will see if I can get out of them what I did the 5’s.

[@thatfitfriend]

@@gillXt you are an absolute legend for taking the time out of your day to share a follow-up! This will help others out, no doubt and I’m glad the 6s have done well for you Thank you, friend 🤝

[@Vintagebleu]

​@@gillXtthanks for this. Hope the 6s did well. I'm torn between them and the 5s

[@bluebarnflowers]

@@gillXt -Hi, could you give us another update on the 6?

[@andresamell9367]

discovering new shoes one review at a time, this one seems to be really versatile. needless to say, impeccable as always!

[@thatfitfriend]

Merrell make a nice wide range of shoes, tbh! I'll typically rock their barefoot shoes or boots the most. Thank you, sir!

[@hwangersnmash]

Thanks Jake for the review. For someone with a wide and flat foot and generally a 2E in shoes, I'm glad that you have highlighted that these may not be the best fit due to their shape. Keep up the good work mate!

[@thatfitfriend]

Ay, glad it helped you out! Thank you

[@AThirstyPhilosopher]

What a thorough review! I appreciate the work you do to produce such a useful review. Thank you!

[@thatfitfriend]

Thank you!

[@dhoye1225]

1st review I've seen on the shoe, and it's a quality review. Well done. I just got my vapor gloves 6s and trail glove 7s. The VGs feel perfect for walking the dog, lifting and errands...so, most of my life haha

[@thatfitfriend]

Thanks, brother. Feel you there! A little too breathable for most days here in Denver, but I'll def be rocking these a bunch more come spring/summer!

[@slavasss2189]

Make a review!! I cant see anything on TG 7 on youtube yet

[@bfg4547]

Are any of those good for CrossFit and running? Thank you

[@dhoye1225]

@@bfg4547 I like the vapor gloves for running, if you're feet are ready. They're pretty minimal so you'll feel every rock/root and have shin/joint issues if you don't ease into them with solid form. They are too "armored sock" for lateral movement if you see that a lot in crossfit. You can't feel the ground nearly as well in the Trail Glove 7s but they have more of a wall to keep your foot from rolling in the shoe while performing lateral movement. Hope that helps!

[@bfg4547]

@@dhoye1225 thank you! They are gonna be my first barefoot shoes so I Will go easy and slow with them! If you have better suggestions please let me know

[@B702K]

Recently purchased the Vapor Glove and the the Trail Glove. Very impressed with both. Very light and versatile. Good for lifting and erg rowing and skiing. Very comfortable.

[@michaelstevens5712]

Thanks for the thorough review! I've been waiting for this shoe since about 20 minutes after my 5s came in the mail, lol. It looks like a move in the right direction, but I still really just hope they revisit the VG4 design as a little more of a daily wear shoe.

[@thatfitfriend]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@4000Wiggins]

I still really liked the 5s. But I’ve since worn through the sole after 2 years of continuous use.

[@tigerjazz61]

I own the vapor glove 5 and love them!!! Not sure I like the way the outsole rises up on the toe box on the vapor glove 6 but have not tried them yet. I use the 5’s for running and jump rope and am very pleased with them.

[@thatfitfriend]

Love it! Yeah...I'm not stoked on it either, but I do see some utility with it when going to the river and water-y hikes this summer.

[@lukenewman9909]

Props for the quick review man

[@thatfitfriend]

These have been sneakily strong performers!

[@chrisidema]

It comes in black, so it's definitely casual. I've had the 4 and the 5, and I'm now buying the 6.

[@thatfitfriend]

Even in black…I’m not dressing up this shoe 😅

[@hmf33]

Hey Jake, I was comparing between these and the Trail Gloves for running. I will be doing some tempo runs and trail running and was leaning more towards the Trail Gloves for these purposes, but I haven't tried these models on before, so wanted to get your idea on their ideal use cases.

[@thatfitfriend]

I’d go trail! You’ll get more range with them, too!

[@deadhound3168]

I got the all black ones for my first pair and I love the hell out of them! Good review

[@thatfitfriend]

Thank you!

[@SlipKnighT09]

Hey, great review. I see there's a leather 6 model now, what are your thoughts on that compared to this one?

[@thatfitfriend]

Thank you - they look okay, but I feel like if the ask is casual wear then you can find better leather options that look better. Splay 101, Icarus Ascent Gen 2, Vivo models, and Xero models all look better, imo

[@SlipKnighT09]

Awesome! Thankyou so much for the reply and info, cheers!

[@krakatoasundra]

Really great review. wow, uutdoor shoes with great indoor training capability. This one looks like a winner!!

[@thatfitfriend]

Yeah, not bad and good price point!

[@hablabamosa]

Would you say the VP 6 is good for deadlifts and squats ?

[@thatfitfriend]

Yeah!

[@toddboucher3302]

Might need to check them. I picked up a pair of vapor glove. It was either two or threes way back and the tow box was a little narrow for me. I’ve actually heard they got wider. I heard model four and five they started widening them up a little. We got a merle store around here. Maybe I’ll pull in there and see if they have a parent try them out.

[@thatfitfriend]

Def suggest trying on in person if you can in that case

[@ChumTheOgryn]

Always top quality content mate. Miss the moustache tho.

[@thatfitfriend]

Thank you! Haha, the face fuzz will always come and go 👨

[@informallyeducated]

Great, thorough review! Mine arrive on Wednesday and I plan to use them exclusively for my morning runs, which are on pavement. I worried a bit about the lugs because they will probably wear pretty quickly on pavement, however, I was seduced by their super light weight.

[@thatfitfriend]

Dope, let me know how you like them! Imo, they’ll give you a longer runway than some of the other flatter treads on other bf shoes.

[@informallyeducated]

@@thatfitfriend I hadn't considered that! Good point. Thanks for your reply. All of my FiveFingers are nearly worn through and figured I'd give Merrell a shot.

[@bfg4547]

This one or trail glove 7 for CrossFit and running? Thank you

[@thatfitfriend]

Hit you back on my other video! Think trail is the move

[@guraygu]

Great review. I've tried every other version of this shoe and they definitely did not do well with wide flat feet. Disappointing to hear that trend is continuing. The sole seems really good. They should really do more versions of it with different upper styles.

[@thatfitfriend]

Yeah...they definitely have a weird sole construction and I'm curious why Merrell keeps using the same(ish) last construction/sole in these models because that's been an issue in the past model as well.

[@slavasss2189]

Come on, this arch support is done for flat feet especially...

[@woozie5069]

was going to use it on plastic title floor for ball hockey

[@4000Wiggins]

Should the Vapor gloves fit like a glove or should I buy a half size up for more room in the toe box?

[@thatfitfriend]

Individual preference! I like a bit more room because I hate my toes/toe nails hitting the end. Half size up would be a safe call imo

[@mcmjr405]

Are they good for people who have high arches? I have a very high arch myself. I’m looking for a next step in barefoot shoes from my Altra’s since I can’t find any Trail Glove 5’s.

[@thatfitfriend]

They should be okay, but I tread lightly in saying that because this model’s sole can be super hit or miss for folks. I like them and I have a normal arch height. Worth a try, imo!

[@matthewallenmiller4024]

Super comfortable but I got holes in them after a few months just from walking around.

[@thatfitfriend]

@@matthewallenmiller4024 Merrell can be wicked hit or miss, did you try reaching out to them to see if they’d replace? Long shot but could be worth it

[@adimperial]

I need the vg4 back. The 5’s didn’t work

[@thatfitfriend]

None on eBay or Amazon?

[@eliefeinstein6182]

I’ve seen Merrill claim there is zero arch support in this shoe. Is it possible it just wasn’t wide enough for your foot and that’s what you’re feeling?

[@thatfitfriend]

Read the other comments, it’s not that there’s a blocky “support” it’s that you feel the sole’s bend there. I don’t have crazy wide feet, so if I’m feeling it folks with 2E > will def feel it

[@eliefeinstein6182]

@@thatfitfriend got it. Thanks for the reply.

[@thatfitfriend]

@@eliefeinstein6182 it’s weird because it’s not arch how we think of it traditional shoes, but there’s definitely a weird feeling you get from that rubber. You’re welcome

[@eliefeinstein6182]

⁠​⁠@@thatfitfriendMine just arrived, and I definitely feel the sole’s bend. Way too narrow for me. I’ll be returning these and will not be ordering a size up because that’d be too long.

[@JorgeSanchez-ev7xc]

HI Jake, can you review the Freet tanga ? or freet pace? , and comprare with vivo is very simmilar 4 mm outsole and I think they have better grip but I have not tested them.

[@thatfitfriend]

Yeah! I can them to the queue!

[@markdover3825]

You said that for those with a flat arch they might want to look into other models.. what models would you recommend looking into for those with flat feet?

[@thatfitfriend]

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail models work well. But these can be decent, I just try to make it known than the sole of these can feel a little off-putting at times for certain types of feet!

[@trevorkeogh983]

Is this going to be the same fit as trail glove 6? Because I’ve tried the 7 and it feels a little longer

[@thatfitfriend]

Trail Glove is on my list, so I can't speak to that atm! Will report back soon with more data, though.

[@leonardocozza3140]

Hi would you pick these glove over altra rivera 4? which are better for gym? thanks

[@thatfitfriend]

Super different types of shoes. Barefoot compared to traditional running/training shoe. It's like apples to oranges with fit, feel, and ground impact. What do you currently wear and how do you train?

[@leonardocozza3140]

@@thatfitfriend hi thanks for your answer. I was looking also at altra escalante which has even less drop than Rivera. I am actually switching from swimming to gym... Not a fun of running so I would go for elliptical gym cyclette and stair master for cardio + stairs at home (good training for hiking which I love) + weights of course. I think for the gym barefoot are better I mean at least this is the idea based on what am reading... Maybe the altra are too cushioned though. Thanks :)

[@Shawn_at_UNDERGROUND_TAPES]

Does anybody have experience with BOTH Vapor glove 5 and 6. 6 says to Size down a half size, 5 does not.

[@thatfitfriend]

I have both and found them both to fit TTS!

[@Pandemos]

The arch. AAAAARRRRGH! They screwed this up just like every Trail Glove and post Vapor 4 (3 and 4 are PERFECT on this). Which automatically makes them no longer barefoot style shoes. There should be 0 arch "support" for barefoot shoes.

[@jimjamthebananaman1]

There isn’t any arch support in these at all; trail glove does, but these are literally flat as pancakes.

[@AntonioSilva-nb5xh]

Do these have a thicker sole than the 3's? I've the leather ones and while i love them the very thin sole isn't the best for my sesamoids (ive absolutely no trouble with Xero for example).

[@thatfitfriend]

I never tried, the 3s so I have limited scope there. Apologies, but don't want to speak to something I don't know about/haven't experienced!

[@AntonioSilva-nb5xh]

I've bit the bullet and ordered the 6s, just used them today. They do have a thicker sole because of the lugs. Used on my CrossFit training at lunch time and they're perfect.

[@motherlove8366]

@@AntonioSilva-nb5xh Do you know if the leather ones are at all waterproof?

[@AntonioSilva-nb5xh]

@@motherlove8366 they're not. They're good for light rain and such, but not full waterproof. I'd assume if you apply some waterproofing spray or wax they'll perform better in that regard, but they're not rubber boots.

[@gurpymcbonbon]

How would you compare these to the geo racer and the xero 360?

[@thatfitfriend]

Grittier outsole with more grip. Also, less structure throughout! All good models, just different feels.

[@tbaylo4034]

I don’t see the first con as really valid. You wouldn’t buy an athletic shoe and expect to wear it with jeans and a polo. If you are looking for a barefoot shoe for that, I recommend the Birchbury.

[@thatfitfriend]

Most cons are contextual. If you’re someone that wants that one shoe for everything, then it’s a knock. Doesn’t mean it’s a con across every context or a huge negative on the shoe. Just a negative in certain scenarios, Brah

[@slavasss2189]

Trail glove 7?

[@thatfitfriend]

Plan to grab a pair as it gets warmer when I’m hiking more this spring 🤝

[@wonskrad7240]

can one use it as an aqua shoes? for pool and beach swimming?

[@thatfitfriend]

I do! I’ll use for creeks in the summer

[@Adam-fw6hu]

I worn out 3pairs of vapour gloves. Its always the upper that tears first where the shoe bends most

[@thatfitfriend]

I can see that! Feel like that’s the trade off with their Uber minimalist mesh upper 🤔

[@johncouch5648]

I really wanted to like these. The sole design is amazing, with the heel rise and toe bumper and grip. But the forefoot is too narrow and the color ways are just off-putting. Gray with orange? Off white with blue? Good lord, just make them in white and black. Maybe red with the gum sole.

[@thatfitfriend]

Yeah...it's like Altra's colorways, lol. Like come on...give us something neutral and easy.

[@Ev1L1ves]

I got mine for $45 at rei used well worth it

[@KP-ox5yo]

Anyone (including Jake) have some tips for another barefoot shoe apart from VFFs that fit flat feet? I think I could have problems with the midfoot arch in these shoes for the reasons mentioned in the video. Such as shame, since barefoot shoes really help us plagued with flat feet. Completely crazy the industry hasnt realised this customer segment and catered more towards it.

[@thatfitfriend]

What do you want the shoe for? Can drop options based on what you want em' for!

[@KP-ox5yo]

@@thatfitfriend road running!

[@AZjesse1]

@@thatfitfriend Can you recommend a solid barefoot shoe for the gym? I’m sold on getting these for the gym but if you have a better recommendation I wouldn’t mind hearing it

[@m7rayven195]

Vivobarefoot, Xero Shoes... Both are the largest brands in barefoot context

[@SirJazz]

Mine smell so bad out of the box like rubber or plastic. Its not real. I let them outside for a week and I can't wear them because of the bad rubber smell. Anyone has the same problem? Bought them directly from merell.

[@thatfitfriend]

Didn’t have that issue with these. I’d exchange them, tbh. I’ll get that with Amazon models here and there but never had an issue with Merrel 🤔

[@spyderm4n]

Just got a pair in beige color and yea they smell heavily of chemicals. Assumed it was from the soles!

[@BlackBird-fb8im]

i’m here looking for long drive shoes. thanks.

[@thatfitfriend]

What do you currently wear/what type of shoe are you after?

[@BlackBird-fb8im]

@@thatfitfriend i do long drives (7 hours) for work, just wondering if this shoes is good for driving. i have been using crocs swiftwater for a while now.

[@911mykid]

With a 1.5 ml soft out sole. Reviews of everyday use, says they last about a month.

[@thatfitfriend]

Think a lot of it also depends on context of usage. Curious how much concrete volume folks are hitting with that because one of my concerns with them has always been their concrete usage/skinny lugs wearing down, too! Comes with trail shoes like this with thinner outsoles and I see this happen with other minimalist shoes that are more poised to be trail/hybrids versus just daily wear models.

[@sunteem369]

How are they holding up after some months? I‘ve heard they are not very durable… thanks!

[@cyzam]

Bought these for myself and missus for every day use. Sole lasted 2-2.5 months before heel wore through. Im 60kg she's 40kg. Absolutely crappy shoes. They're worth max 10 bucks

[@thatfitfriend]

Bummer to hear that, dude!

[@ekjellgren]

I'd think Vibram Fivefingers would be better in all those scenarios.

[@thatfitfriend]

Eh. They’re just soooo ugly 😅

[@ekjellgren]

@@thatfitfriend Totally worth it.

[@Adam-fw6hu]

Not everyone likes the feeling of spreaded toes.

[@thatfitfriend]

@@ekjellgren I’ll invest in a pair and get a review up on them. Any suggestions on models you like?

[@ekjellgren]

@@thatfitfriend Yes, I have. Good attitude btw. I've used Komodo Sports at the gym for 10+ years, they also have the V-Train 2.0 now. Also I have the V-Trek for colder outdoor weather, and some CVT Hemp and LB:s, and a pair of V-Trail for mountaneering.

[@T-Dimensional]

Where do we draw the line between shoe and sock

[@thatfitfriend]

Good question, amigo

[@joshhambleton90]

Whether or not you can wear in public

[@KathrineJKozachok]

Since they ruined a good thing with #5, and I bought up all the #2 & #3 models I could find; I have no inclination to try their #6.

[@miguelfernandezgonzalez4015]

Maish os meus duraron muito popuco tempo carallo

[@thatfitfriend]

Bummed to hear that. Outsole tread fade fast? How much concrete use were you used them for? That's been a pain point I've heard from others.

[@furiousdoe7779]

Its not wide ....

[@thatfitfriend]

Yeah…I mention that it’s not “widest” compared to other models.

[@mwarsell]

Terrible shoes. Please don't buy. So that they are not sold out so fast everywhere.

[@grundlevision]

I respectfully disagree with your review. Merrell keeps taking steps in the wrong direction. The Vapor Glove 6 is both heavier and higher from the ground than the Vapor Glove 2, which was my favorite version of the Vapor Glove. I'm going to assume you got paid or free stuff for your review.

[@thatfitfriend]

Lol, because you disagree you assume I get free stuff and that why I make reviews? Weak. I buy pretty much everything I review and I don’t care if you disagree, tbh. It’s normal to have disagreements especially in the context of reviews which are opinions…unless you’re watching channels that do actually get paid to produce their garbage adverts. Regardless, dude. I don’t care if you think I get paid or not or disagree. Believe what you want and it would be weird if everyone just agreed with every piece of content I produced. Would be wicked boring. Side note, I also love the Trail Glove 7 and that has a little arch *gasp*. I must be getting paid 😂 it’s normal to interpret shoes differently…