I have been wearing this shoe for a couple of days now, and my first impression is that it lives up to the excellent reviews by various minimalist runners who got hold of early samples. The shoe is very flexible - it can easily be rolled into a ball - and light (390 g for the pair on my scales). It has a wide toe-box that doesn't constrict my toes, and the fit is glove-like around my mid-foot. The heel-cup is also a good fit, with a low, soft heel-tab that doesn't irritate my Achilles insertion (unlike many running shoes). The upper is mainly a mesh outer so very breathable and perhaps a bit cold in winter. There is a soft lining with no exposed seams, so socks not needed. It is marketed as a trail shoe but the sole is fine on roads - very comfortable. Although there is no arch support (as there shouldn't be), the sole is contoured to fit the arch, which felt strange at first but I quickly got used to it, and it didn't affect running or walking. Ground feel is excellent even though there is good protection from stones and roots especially under the forefoot. I have tried various minimalist shoes including inov-8, vibram fivefingers and terra plana, which are all good shoes but the Trail Gloves are the best yet for me. I struggle to maintain good form unless I run in minimalist shoes, and these have got the feel just right. They look good, too (better than the photos on the website at the time of writing). The only bad points are cold toes and too expensive.

I love this shoe, I love the concept and the design, I am desparate to buy a pair but they are too narrow for my feet. I was so glad to hear that Merrell had spotted this gap in the minimal trail shoe market and were to release a wider version, only to discover that it is only available in the USA! I am one of many who would love to buy and use this shoe to venture into the world of barefoot and minimal trail running but who find it just too narrow. The heel cup is great, the wide toe box it great but the midfoot is a killer for my size 9.5 2/4E feet. The high sales of 2E and 4E road shoes by New Balance are testament to the need for a wide minimal trail shoe in the UK. Please Merrell, be the first to provide it.

I love the Trail Gloves, the weight, the fit, the true sockless inner and the wide toe box for good toe spread. They really do fit like a glove and not only is this very comfortable and adds to the minimalist feel but it means I don't get blisters like I do with conventional trail running shoes. Most shoes are too narrow in the toe for me and these are absolutely spot on. They don't rub anywhere around the ankle either! When they get dirty or stinky they come out the washing machine like new. I don't do enough regular running to use these all the time for longer distances. This is my leg conditioning though and not a fault of the shoe, hence still 5 stars. I also use them for the gym and walking long distances are fine as there's not so much impact.

The best trail shoes I have ever had. They make me go back to basics, enjoy the journey of the run and they just put a smile on my face. It's so odd but because you can feel the ground you just want to go new routes and discover new things - not just to see but to feel and experience. It's like I'm 5 years old again!

JUST STARTED RUNNING AGAIN AFTER A 3 YEAR LAYOFF DUE TO KNEE PROBLEMS . AFTER SEEING A PROGRAMME ON BENEFITS OF BAREFOOT RUNNING I DECIDED TO GIVE IT A TRY , AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I WAS ATTRACTED TO THE MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE AND AFTER TWO MONTHS HAVE NOT BEEN DISAPPOINTED IN ANY WAY . THESE SHOES ARE ULTRA COMFORTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT , I AM SO HAPPY WITH THEM I AM GOING TO TRY MY FIRST EVER HALF MARATHON IN THEM SOON, THANKS MERRELL FOR MAKING SUCH A GOOD SHOE AND GETTING ME OUTSIDE