The Merrell Vapor Glove

So my next shoe review is one of the most anticipated. It is the Merrell Vapor Glove. I was very excited to test these shoes for a lot of reasons and at the same time very skeptical. This is probably one of if not the most minimalistic shoe on the market that can still be considered an actual shoe. My first impression while pulling these out of the box was WOW they are incredibly light. The shoe has a true 0mm drop and a 0mm crush. the stack height meaning when it is crushed to it's lowest point from top to bottom is only 5mm. The upper is made up of a light weight mesh material that really has no rigidity or structure except for the built-in heel strap that helps lock your foot into the shoe. The Vibram rubber sole is ridiculously flexible. As you will see in the pics it can roll up inside itself and twist up two times. Its unreal. Before putting the shoe on I was actually concerned that the shoe was so minimalistic that it would be uncomfortable and really hard on my feet. My other concern would be about durability of the thin rubber wearing out quickly and also the ultra thin mesh upper. The shoe is designed to wear with or without socks. Of course the most minimalistic way would to be sock-less. But I've found that am just not comfortable not wearing them in a shoe. With these I decided to wear Injinji 5 toed socks to get the most out of the toe freedom of this shoe. I have to say I have come to love these socks. They help keep your toes from chaffing and also help prevent athletes foot. And for anyone that wears athletic shoes all day and is active all day like I am as a trainer knows that it's a constant battle. So these are a big help along with anti-fungal powder or spray.

Now for the first time slipping them on my foot. And again WOW! These things are like a glove... literally. They conform to your foot almost like a sock. Initially I just walked around in them and got a feel for them. As simple as this shoe is it's clear that Merrell has put a lot of engineering into it. It is actually extremely comfortable with just the right amount of cushioning under the foot. It really lets your feet do what they are designed to do and that's move and flex and WORK! Being that this is the most extreme barefoot shoe I've experienced I decided to ease into them slowly. I first just started wearing them around and doing light workouts in them. I was so surprised that my feet didn't even hurt after wearing them all day. Then I started getting in 1-2 mile runs to get used to them. Now this is the time to really take your time and really work and focus on your technique while running. Again I say WOW! I feel like I could run all day in these. They really force you to have good technique which in turn helps you run more efficiently. Then I started using them for more plyometric workouts and lateral movements. This is where the shoe didn't quite feel as strong. It could be that my feet muscles just aren't quite strong enough to take on the movements but I felt a little unstable at first. I have felt that it's getting better with time. 

And what about Ninja Warrior Training? Well as expected the Vibram sole has great grip on almost every surface. Although on Tempest's Warped Wall(which is painted and somewhat slick) it didn't feel as grippy as other shoes I've tested but it still gets you up the wall just fine. Another obstacle where it didn't feel as strong is the Hanging Doors. And it's not the grip that is the problem. The problem is it feels like your feet are going to peel out of the shoe. This is a drawback to the shoe being so flexible. Tightening the laces more does help but it makes the shoe a little more uncomfortable.

So the verdict on the shoe. It is a downright AMAZING shoe! I love these shoes. I feel like my feet are getting better and stronger by the day. As always the Vibram rubber sole is miraculous. With over a month of full abuse and some good miles on them the rubber hasn't even shown wear. The upper is actually holding up as well which I think wearing socks helps. I've seen some other people's Vapors and it seems that their toes wore through the mesh. I feel like the more I wear them the better they get and the more I like them. As far as Ninja Warrior Training goes I'm not fully confident. I still feel uneasy in some movements and obstacles and feel that some other shoes are a little better. But I think that with time I might like them more. So I would say this is yet another great option to wear to compete in. 

Tarzan Approved!

P.S. Just some tips on these shoes. As far as fitment goes I would recommend at least a full size down from what you normally wear. I almost feel like I could maybe even go down 1/2 size on mine. They will have the toe room in them but you also want the rest of the shoe to fit like a glove. The other thing is to take your time working into these shoes especially if you are new to minimalist shoes. These are extreme and your muscles will need to get accustomed to them.