Good, but why did they not just modify the trail gloves? - Merrell Ascend Glove Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Unfortunately I didn't get change to run in them after breaking my big toe...

My first impressions were that they seemed good. Compared to the Trail Gloves, the fit is similar, the tread is noticeably more aggressive, they have a little more sole protection, and the flexibility and ground feel is not much less. They feel like the Inov-8 Trailroc 235's, but sturdier.

However, what I can't understand is why Merrell designed the upper so much differently to the Trail Gloves. The Ascend Gloves don't have the fantastic lacing system of the Trail Gloves, and the toe rand is much shorter, leaving the mesh much more exposed to getting damaged and torn. This doesn't make any sense given that the Ascend Glove is meant to be more of a mountain shoe.

Overall, though, they seem a good choice for technical trail running for those adapted to zero-drop shoes. They're perfect when the Trail Gloves are struggling for grip or the ground is getting rough and rocky.

I just wouldn't expect them to last as long as the Trail Gloves due to the inferior upper.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.