[Review] Merrell's barefoot shoes are fresh

Since I got the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 BOA®, I've been using them mainly for everyday use, and occasionally for walking or running in the mountains behind my house.

I personally think that barefoot shoes, shoes with a rocker on the thick sole, and carbon shoes used in marathons all have their own merits, and I wear them according to the time and occasion. Sometimes I go into the mountains behind my house in sandals, sometimes I go trail running in thick-soled shoes, and sometimes I go into the mountains in my sporty shoes.

So, I don't have any strong feelings towards barefoot shoes, but I think that these types of shoes definitely make you feel the fun of having the soles of your feet close to the ground. Especially when walking or running on a trail, there is no cushioning at all, so you naturally take small steps to find a safe spot. If you get used to shoes with a strong grip, you tend to land carelessly, but with the Vapor Glove, a careless landing immediately comes back as pain.

I don't think that just wearing barefoot shoes will dramatically improve the way you walk or run. But it can be a trigger to notice problems in your movement more than thick-soled shoes. Rather than training your feet, bending the soles and toes makes it easier to think deeply about how you walk and run. I think that's what these shoes are like.

This model in particular has a lightweight upper with a high fit, and the BOA® fit system provides an excellent sense of oneness with the foot. From here, I would like to review the comfort and usability of the shoes in detail.

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The soles of your feet are very close to the ground

I think the soles of these shoes are particularly thin compared to other barefoot shoes. On paved roads, you can feel the ground directly under your feet, and on trails, you feel like you are moving forward while skillfully avoiding small bumps, branches, and rocks. In other words, it's not just "close to barefoot," but it feels like you're having a "conversation" with the ground.

What's more, the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 BOA® has a Vibram® EcoStep outsole that provides a firm grip, giving you a sense of security even on uneven ground.

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BOA® provides excellent fit adjustment

It goes without saying that it's better to have a sense of unity between your feet and your shoes, and in that respect the BOA® fit system on this model is truly outstanding.

Just by twisting the dial, the shoes fit perfectly and are less likely to come loose. There's no need to bother with tying shoelaces, so you can easily put them on when you go out for a morning walk or a short hike.

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Can you change just by wearing them? ──Realization and re-examination

Putting on the Vapor Gloves won't immediately change the way you walk or run.

However, because the flexion of the sole of the foot and the use of the toes are stronger than with thick soles, you naturally notice things like "this landing hurts." I think this is enough to make you rethink the way you walk and run.

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You'll want to wear these shoes after you come down from a mountain climb - one of their many relaxing features

The appeal of these shoes is not limited to active situations. Rather, they also show their true value after descending the mountain.

When I took off my heavy hiking boots and put on the Vapor Gloves, my feet felt surprisingly light. The high breathability and soft upper gently wrap around my sweaty feet, and the barefoot feel of the sole is so comfortable.

When traveling by car, you can put it in the car and walk to the hot springs or take a stroll to the nearby riverside. The feeling of having free legs is similar to a little "reward time".

The Vapor Glove 6 BOA® is great because it can be used in both ways: as a pair of shoes for walking, and as a pair of shoes to look after your feet.

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Points to note

If you are not used to wearing barefoot shoes and suddenly try to walk or run long distances, you may experience severe muscle pain in your calves (especially the soleus muscle). If you mistake this muscle pain for "working" and push yourself too hard, it could lead to serious injury, so be careful.

Also, running long distances increases the risk of metatarsal fractures. Bones do not become stronger all at once, so it is best to avoid running long distances in sandals or barefoot shoes. I have experienced this myself, and I think many people have made this mistake at least once.

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Summary: People who are used to thick soles should try these.

The Vapor Glove 6 BOA® feels like it's training your feet, but it's comfortable to wear. It's important to rely on the performance of your shoes, but it's also important to take the time to face your feet sometimes.

Now that thick-soled shoes are all the rage, perhaps this kind of "back to basics" pair of shoes feels fresh.

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Product Information

• Product name : Merrell Vapor Glove 6 BOA® (Men's)

• Weight : Approx. 170g (27cm, one shoe)

• Sole thickness : 2mm (without midsole)

• Outsole : Vibram® EcoStep

• - Fit System : BOA® Fit System

• Price : ¥16,500 (tax included)

• Product page : here