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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 barefoot shoes blend comfort and performance in a way that’s surprisingly accessible—even if you’re not a seasoned barefoot runner.
First: What is BOA?
BOA is a dial-based closure system used on shoes, boots, and other gear to replace traditional laces or straps. Instead of tying or tightening manually, you turn a dial to tighten thin, strong cables (usually made of stainless steel or a similar material) for a precise and secure fit. To release it, you usually pull the dial outward to loosen the cable instantly.
It’s fast, secure, and makes me wonder why I don’t have more footwear with BOA (my only real footwear with BOA are my snowboard boots).
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 with half the stack height.
Sole Thickness Comparison
- Merrell Trail Glove 7: Features a total stack height of 14 mm, comprising a Vibram® outsole, a minimal FloatPro™ foam midsole, and a 3.4 mm insole and approximately 240g per shoe.
- Merrell Vapor Glove 6: Offers a more minimalist design with a total stack height of 7.6 mm, consisting of a Vibram® outsole and a 3.8 mm EVA insole, with no midsole cushioning and approximately 130g per shoe.
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.
Bottom Line
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, though it will be difficult to run on rough terrain as these are truly barefoot with thin soles. 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. If you’d like to ease into barefoot shoes a bit slower, check out the Merrell Trail Glove.
When you’re ready for full-on barefoot running and hiking, check out our list of the best barefoot hiking sandals of 2025.
