Merrell Men's Vapor Glove 4

The Merrell Vapor Glove is one of the best conceived, best constructed minimal running shoes on the mass market. The Vibram toe cap and sole are tough, but the low profile gives you the feel of everything on your path. This is the barefoot experience minimal shoes offer. Needed protection with Maximum mechanical benefits. No socks, no break in. No problems. Read on for my reasoning, and how I ended up barefoot.I am a long time hobby runner that drank deep of the stride evaluation 150 dollar soft ride potion. I could never keep up with the “changes” in my stride or correct for all the issues in my running cadence.One day, I decided to throw my whole experience aside and do things differently. I spent time reading reviews and cautionary tales about the risks of running without layers of padding and micro suede between me and the road. I cautiously bought my first paid of Vapor Gloves, noting the reviews that said they would be hard for beginners to get used to.Pure joy ensued. I felt like a kid again, running out the back door to do whatever I wanted. My feet were in contact with the ground. I shortened my distance drastically to allow my tendons and muscles to rebuild, and to listen to my feet when they got tired or too hot. The result - my legs are more powerful than ever, my feet are strong and sturdy, my posture is improved, and my step is light and fast. I’m not breaking any records, but I’m ENJOYING running, and looking forward to sneaking out for an extra mile or three.Take the leap. Grab a pair. Go slowly and enjoy the outdoors!

Bought these after reading a couple articles on footwear for indoor rowing. While this model wasn't specifically mentioned the 0 lift and flat bottoms were just what I needed. Keeps my feet flat and does the trick. I've got a Hydrow, but all of them are pretty much the same as to how your feet work.I don't plan on wearing these outdoors, but I've walked around in the house with them. They're light, flexible, and comfortable. I wear a 13-14, depending on the athletic shoe, and the size was just right. I'm not a no socks kind of person but they wore fine without as well as using my thick Thorlo socks. The toe box is a little wide looking, but doesn't wear/feel that way to me.I could probably get an extra pair for yard work and they'd work well. Would be a good boat shoe, too. Won't catch me running in them, though. I need a little more support and cushion.Good buy.

I'm a big fan of Lems, regularly wearing Primals and Boulder Boots. Have had a few other brands of minimal shoe - softstars, xero sandals, VFFs and gave the Vapor Glove 2 a shot a couple years ago. I don't run in these shoes; I'm a yoga guy and appreciate how much more solid my feet feel using minimals as every day shoes.The VG2 was way too narrow in the toe box, and I have just slightly narrow feet. I had read that the VG4 addressed this problem, so I was willing to give them a try. Could always send them back.They feel like magic out of the box. The Primals are really lightweight and airy, but the VG4 feels like, well, vapor. They have that classic vibram cupped heel that lets your foot play correctly (the Primals have this feature too). The ground feel is phenomenal. I imagine they would only do so much again sharp rocks, but I think for my for foot shape there's really no closed-toe shoe that will feel less present than the VG4.My only concern is that they're so lightweight, I'm not sure how long they will last. I don't beat them up too bad. If they fall apart quickly I'll come back and dock a couple stars.

I have had these shoes for about 1.5 weeks. I have been out on three to four short runs from one to two miles each. My pattern is to run a personal 5 k once a week and then two to three other short runs of just one mile for warm ups before strength training or HIIT.Prior to the Vapor glove 4, I wore the old version of the New balance Minimus, which had a very thin sole. I must've had it 5 years. The soles and worn through, and parts of the tread were flopping off. I was disappointed that the current Minimus had a thicker sole. I did not realize the minimalist shoe trend had tapered off.I am a 10.5 size in both feet double E. The Vapor glove 4 did fit me like a glove. The sole is thin, and it gives me a good feel of the ground when I run. I love it. I bought a New Balance cross country track shoe because it was the thinnest sole available in the running shoe store, and I was told that was the shoe high schoolers used because it was light. However, I have become too accustomed to minimalist shoes, and I did not like that sensation of so much rubber between my feet and the ground. Those shoes were just way too thick compared to the NB minimus I had previously.I then ordered the Vapor Glove 4, and as soon as I slipped them on it must've been like how Cinderella felt when she tried on the right glass slipper. Lol. I just knew the fit was right. I did order size 11 for my 10.5 sized feet.I'm not an extensive long distance runner, so I cannot speak to how durable these shoes are, but with the limited experience in the last 1.5 weeks I really do love these shoes.I hope this information helps my fellow runners and athletes. Oh, I only rated these 4/5 because I have had these only a couple of weeks. if I am still getting the same comfort and reliability out of these shoes in 6 months, then I'd rate it a 5/5. We shall see.

I like these a lot. They are my first "barefoot" shoe after trying a few different types. I find myself grabbing them often, especially when going to the gym. The membrane on the top seems somewhat water resistant and very durable. The sole is super grippy yet very tough. I was a fan of Merrell hiking boots, and can now say I'm a fan of these.