The Merrell Embark Gloves are considered minimalist trail running shoes. By minimalist it means that they are lightweight and are supposed to feel like you are barefoot. They require your feet to get used to, because they have a 0mm heel to toe drop, meaning that the heel is not inclined above the toe area, unlike it is in many other traditional shoes where your foot is placed at an incline. This allows for your foot to land flat, not heel to toe when you run, which is apparently healthier. Here is a diagram that I made that should explain the heel to toe drop concept.
The weight of the shoes depend on the size, but on average a pair of Merrells are 1 pound and 2 ounces. I wear a size 9 and my foot width is normal, and these shoes fit me really well. They fit like a glove, where the top and sides are tight and fit the shape of my foot, but the toe box is really roomy. It is a really comfortable fit.
The Merrell Embark Glove has a Gore-Tex membrane, which makes it completely waterproof. There is also a Vibram sole which is pretty durable and flexible. Thought the sole is very thin, I have stepped on glass and it did not penetrate the sole. The shoes do not have an insole. From previous experience I have noticed that the traction of these shoes is really good. I trekked while wearing these and they have a firm grip on trails.
Since these shoes are minimalist, they have very little cushioning, which may be a concern. I have been ok with the minimal cushioning, but after walking longer distances I have felt my feet ache a little bit.
Because of the Gore-Tex Membrane, the shoe’s tongue is completely attached to the rest of the shoe making it hard to put on. I can’t really slip them on my feet, instead it takes a while to put them on. I didn’t really like the laces that came with the shoes, so I removed them and bought Lock Laces on amazon for about 8 dollars. The original laces were way too long and would stick out while I was walking and were really annoying.
As I mentioned in the video, when I walked across the rock water got into my shoes even though they are waterproof. That’s because the shoes are cut bellow the ankle and if you step in water above your ankle, then water will get over the sides of the shoe. You can find the Merrell Embark Gloves on Amazon.com here.
Overall I would recommend these shoes.
What are your thoughts? Leave your comment below.