Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove

www.merrell.com, 6.2 ounces
Let’s say this up front about Merrell’s Barefoot line: Buying a shoe called “Barefoot” is not the same as actually being barefoot.  And even if you’d hoped to forget the thin layer of Vibram between you and the ground, the Trail Glove’s brassy color selection makes this difficult (my own pair looks as if I skinned a giant bumblebee).  That being said, Merrell has created a pretty unstoppable pair of minimalist trail runners here, comfy and versatile, without any extra baggage.  A wide toe box allows your toes to splay slightly, making it easy for runners to get that ideal midfoot strike.  The Vibram soles and thin forefoot plate hold up equally well on tar or packed clay, offering protection from rocks and divots.  The Trail Glove delivers for hikers, too.  These shoes hugged the trail on a recent wet weekend in Acadia National Park, scoring points for impressive traction and quick-drying microfiber.  Even off-trail, the fit and comfort level make it tempting to beat around the house in these, and they transition nicely from performances shoes to flexible, mud-caked slippers.
—Brian Kevin