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If you’ve ever been annoyed by shoelaces or found yourself intrigued by the concept of barefoot-style footwear, the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Boa might just be your next trail companion. Lightweight, eco-conscious, and outfitted with a Boa fit system, these minimalist shoes blend comfort and performance in a way that’s surprisingly accessible—even if you’re not a seasoned barefoot runner.
A Barefoot Fit That Feels Just Right
Let’s start with sizing. While I usually rock a 9.5, I had to size down to a 9 for the Vapor Glove 6 Boa. And like most barefoot-style shoes, they take a little getting used to—especially if you’re transitioning from something more cushioned (read about how to transition to barefoot style shoes here). But once you ease into it, these are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve walked and trail-run in.
Just be warned: the Boa system makes it easy to overtighten. If you crank that dial like you’re securing your foot to a snowboard, you’ll feel the side of the shoe pushing into your arch—not a great feeling as it’s a pretty aggressive arch meant to mimic the actual shape of your foot. Keep it modest, and the fit is superb. In fact, once dialed in, I could slip them on and off without adjusting the Boa, and they still felt secure enough to run in.
I should backup and say that these are extremely reminiscent of the Merrell Trail Glove 7 (see the review here) which was a full redesign of the Trail Glove 6 that had some major durability issues. The Trail Glove 7 incorporated the same durable one-piece sole design and similar materials to the Vapor Glove 6, though this shoe feels somewhat lighter.
Wide Toe Box, Serious Grip
Merrell gets the minimalist formula right here: a roomy toe box allows your toes to splay naturally, offering better stability and comfort over long distances. Traction is excellent, thanks to a Vibram® Ecostep outsole with a tread pattern that’s grippy on everything from damp dirt to dry, dusty terrain.
There’s a moderate level of ground feel—not so much that you’ll wince at every sharp pebble, but enough to instinctively avoid large rocks while running trails. It strikes a nice balance for those transitioning into barefoot shoes.
Boa Done Right
The Boa Fit System is the highlight here. It’s easy to use, highly adjustable, and shockingly reliable. While the shoes may initially feel a touch loose (especially if you have narrow-ish feet like I do), once you find your preferred setting, you’re good to go. It’s the kind of setup that makes you wish all your footwear had Boa closures.
The Details That Matter
While they only come in a couple color options—black and black/white for men, black for women—they’re understated enough to pass as everyday casual wear – sort of. They actually look a little odd with casual shorts or jeans but I’m probably just reacting to the lack of laces and how the fabric folds over the top.
Also worth a nod: these kicks pack in some solid sustainability cred. With a 100% recycled mesh lining and footbed cover, natural odor control via Cleansport NXT™, and a Vibram® outsole made with 30% recycled rubber, they’re as Earth-friendly as they are foot-friendly.
Final Verdict
Pros:
- Boa system is fast, reliable, and eliminates the need for tying laces
- Lightweight and comfortable (190g per shoe!)
- Excellent traction and moderate ground feel
- Eco-conscious materials and thoughtful design
Cons:
- Slightly limited color options (the none boa versions have way more colors)
- Easy to overtighten if you’re not careful but easy to know when you do
The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Boa is an ideal choice for barefoot veterans and curious newcomers alike. It’s a thoughtfully designed, no-fuss trail shoe that performs well, looks fine enough for casual wear, and makes you question why all shoes don’t have Boa dials. Whether you’re easing into minimalist running or just sick of floppy laces, this one’s a win. Then when you’re ready for full-on barefoot running and hiking, check out our list of the best barefoot hiking sandals of 2025.
Check Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Prices
