As proof that the minimalist shoe movement is here to stay amongst trail runners, our top spot for the Best Women’s Merrell Running Shoes goes to the Trail Glove 5. This shoe has all the features of a top quality minimalist shoe with just enough supports to make it a viable option for everyone. Now, there are certainly a lot of similarities to the Trail Glove Shield here, but the main difference between the two is in the upper. Instead of the M Select Shield technology, the Trail Glove 5 uses the multiple layers of synthetic mesh that the Crush 2 uses to maintain breathability and keep out debris. The minimal TPU overlays provide some gentle support but the Barefoot 2 fit is there to provide the supportive glove-like feel that still keeps this a minimal shoe. Merrell put some more science into this design by conducting multiple studies of the foot in motion and created a shape with a fuller forefoot than other Glove models to accommodate that natural foot movement upon landings. While it’s still a zero drop shoe, it has the thinnest layer of EVA foam for a midsole and the TrailProtect plate while the Vibram outsole is thin, with grooves instead of lugs to allow for as much of that barefoot feeling as possible and transition you to road running with ease. Choosing your own adventure is easy when you have a shoe that can take you anywhere and that’s exactly what Merrell wants women to keep on doing.