Although
the Pace Glove has been widely reviewed and it is solely the colours that have
been updated in 2013, I feel the shoe warrants some words on how it has
performed for me.
As an Ultra
runner I strive to keep my footwear as minimal as possible yet with the
required cushioning and comfort to complete the distance at hand.
My aim is
to complete all Ultra distances in my Pace Gloves but as with all barefoot
running, patience is a virtue and whilst my feet are strengthening my top
distance to date is 24 miles.
The Pace
Glove is part of Merrells M-Connect Series where the ethos is to connect your
feet to the terrain. By encouraging mid foot landing in a minimal or zero heel
to toe drop shoe, the feet and legs strengthen, improving running technique and
hence efficiency.
APPEARANCE
With a vast
selection of colours available for both the women’s Pace Glove and the men’s
Trail Glove, there is something for everybody, from subtle to vibrant!
Although
down to individual taste, I think the shoe looks modern with a nicely contoured
shape and although the toe box is sufficiently roomy, this doesn’t take
anything away from the overall look of the shoe.
As a matter of habit I fit all my new shoes with lock laces as a personal choice, although the original laces on the Pace Glove tend to stay in their knots a lot better than many other shoes I've worn.
CONSTRUCTION/PERFORMANCE
So, the
Pace glove is my number one training shoe unless the conditions warrant studs,
in which case I choose a fell shoe. This leads me on to the grip provided by
the Vibram outsole.
Considering
the tread is not particularly deep, the shoe remains pretty stable in muddy
conditions and the good ground feel and zero drop keep you connected to the
terrain well.
Although I wouldn’t wear these on a very wet, steep fell race, I would certainly be happy on a steep smooth dry grassy descent.
Although I wouldn’t wear these on a very wet, steep fell race, I would certainly be happy on a steep smooth dry grassy descent.
They
perform equally well on wet roads, to me there is almost a “ghecko effect”
where there is suction when I land on the forefoot.
Although
the Vibram sole is approaching 10mm, the shoe is still incredibly flexible and
can be easily folded in half with one hand.
The ground
feel provided by the Pace Glove suits the terrain I run on. Not once have I had
bruising to my feet after encountering rocks, roots and stones.
The glove
has a 1mm forefoot shock absorption plate, 4mm EVA mid sole and a fused rubber
toe bumper.
Although I would
say the proprioception is less than some other minimalist footwear, I do
believe Merrell has got the balance right here.
Of all the
features of the Pace Glove, the one that really stands out for me is the
incredible “lightness” of the shoe. No other shoe to date has matched how
light-footed and springy I feel whenever I put them on my feet and run. They
literally make me feel as if I am dancing down the trails and skipping up them!
My size 8’s
weigh just 185g/6.5oz per shoe, mostly due to the lightweight breathable mesh upper
which although lets the water in easily, I find within a few steps on dry land
any water has happily squelched back out!
Finally,
the lacing system holds the glove securely around the mid foot enabling you to
enjoy the roomy toe box without slipping forward in the shoe on descents.
I would
advise to go up a size or half size. The shoes are so unobtrusive generally
that a size up should give your toes extra room to splay without any problems.
I have read over and over how most runners run in shoes a size too small. Don’t
be afraid to return them if the sizing doesn’t feel right.
All in all,
a sleek, durable and comfortable minimalist shoe…
