Review on Merrell Womens Trail Glove Sneaker Women's Shoes via Athletic by Vanessa Harrison

These shoes MUST be "barefoot" but with a slightly larger sole and outsole with more pronounced lugs to be good for the trail. I currently have Trail Glove 4s on my feet that fit that description. They have great flexibility, good toe box and allow the foot to provide most of the support. They actually have a lot of arch support, which is odd since arch support is basically against the sandal philosophy. But overall my 4 is a barefoot experience and ok for the easy trail. Spring. I got the Trail Glove 6 and was hoping they were similar but NO. They're stiffer, they're not as flexible, and they have a TON of arch support. I mean. it's incredibly noticeable. If you love arch support this might be your idea right here, but if you want your foot to do what it would in a regular sandal you will be greatly disappointed. They were on my feet for 20 minutes as I walked and sat in my living room and it was so noticeable that I ended up taking them off and was so relieved to get them off my feet. Like someone shaking your hand for a long time, holding it too tight. The saddest? You look damn great! I ordered from the Merrell website and received this pair in black rubber soles (brown rubber soles). They look perfect and the way they designed the laces is amazing too. I hope one day the Trail Glove 7 looks just as good but without the rock plate (that's the name of the reinforcement they added to this version and I'm sure it's less flexible because of that) and without the insanely distracting arch support . I could use a little more (removable) pads than the Trail Glove 4 and bigger lugs than the Trail Glove 4 if anyone reads Merrell :)