The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is a minimalist running shoe, ideal for those seeking a true barefoot experience. Its design effectively caters to runners who prefer a zero-drop profile, making it suitable for various terrains, including easy trails and urban environments.

The lab results reveal a notable blend of comfort and performance, with the shoe's structure providing a stable base for activities. A key feature is its verified flexibility, which enhances agility during workouts. However, we found that the outsole may exhibit wear over time, and the fit could be too spacious for individuals with narrow feet.

Overall, the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 delivers significant value at its price point, emphasizing both comfort and grip in real-world conditions.


Pros

  • Foot-shaped toebox
  • Exceptional ground feel
  • Fairly priced at $90
  • Super agile
  • Extremely flexible design
  • Maintains grip, even on wet surfaces
  • Sockless ready
  • Perfect for road running or tackling easy trails
  • Versatile enough for hiking, walking, or even gym workouts

Cons

  • Overly spacious for those with narrow feet
  • Outsole shows wear quickly
  • The cushioned insole detracts from a true barefoot experience

Key Features

  • Vibram EcoStep outsole enhances grip and connection to the ground, ensuring stability on various terrains.
  • 100% leather upper offers durability and a stylish appearance that transitions seamlessly from trail to casual settings.
  • Lightweight design facilitates maximum performance during trail running and training, making it ideal for those who prefer minimalism.
  • Recycled mesh inner material contributes to sustainability efforts while providing breathability and comfort.
  • Lace-up closure type allows for a customizable fit, ensuring your foot remains secure during activities.

Specifications

  • Sole Material: Vibram
  • Outer Material: Leather
  • Inner Material: Recycled Mesh
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up

Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Xero Shoes Prio Xero Shoes Speed Force II Xero Shoes HFS II
Price $90 $90 $110 $120
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 5.6 oz / 159g 9.8 oz / 279g 6.7 oz / 189g 8.6 oz / 244g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 0.0 mm 0.4 mm 0.1 mm 1.0 mm
Strike pattern Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness - - - Firm
Difference in midsole softness in cold - - - Small
Toebox durability Decent Good Decent Decent
Heel padding durability Decent Bad Decent Bad
Outsole durability Decent Decent Decent Decent
Breathability Moderate Warm Breathable Breathable
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Narrow
Toebox width Wide Wide Wide Wide
Stiffness Flexible Flexible Flexible Moderate
Torsional rigidity Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Flexible Flexible Moderate
Heel lab Heel brand 7.6 mm 12.2 mm 10.6 mm 13.1 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 7.6 mm 11.8 mm 10.5 mm 12.1 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons All seasons Summer Summer
Removable insole
Ranking Top 47% Top 7% Top 32% Bottom 44%
Popularity Top 43% Bottom 34% Bottom 13% Bottom 25%