Our Top Overall Pick
Merrell’s Nova 4 Sneaker
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Merrell has built a strong reputation for comfortable, trail ready footwear, and many of their most popular shoes now rely on mesh uppers, foam cushioning, and rubber outsoles rather than traditional leather. That makes the brand a solid choice if you want performance for running, hiking, travel, or everyday wear while still leaning toward more animal free materials. From minimalist barefoot styles to cushioned trail runners and easy slip on clogs, there are Merrell models designed to handle rough terrain, long days on your feet, and casual use without sacrificing grip, support, or durability.
Below, you will find some of the best vegan friendly Merrell shoes, compared for materials, comfort, and real world use so you can pick the pair that fits your lifestyle.
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1. Merrell’s Vapor Glove 6 Sneaker
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The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is a minimalist barefoot shoe designed for trail running and training, featuring a 0mm drop and 6mm stack height for optimal ground connection. It incorporates a 100% recycled breathable mesh upper with recycled laces and webbing, plus a Vibram EcoStep Recycle outsole containing 30% recycled rubber for enhanced traction on various surfaces. The shoe includes an integrated EVA foam insole and Cleansport NXT odor control treatment. Weighing approximately 160g per shoe, it utilizes Merrell Barefoot 2 construction for natural foot positioning, delivering flexibility, stability, and moderate ground feel ideal for minimalist runners and barefoot-style enthusiasts on trails or soft terrain.
2. Merrell’s Nova 4 Wp Sneaker
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The Merrell Nova 4 is a versatile lightweight trail runner built for mixed terrain including trails, hiking, and daily use. Weighing about 9.7 oz, it features a breathable mesh upper, FloatPro midsole with medium-firm cushioning, and FlexConnect technology for responsive flexibility. The Quantum Grip outsole delivers reliable traction across various conditions. With a roomy toe box and 8mm drop, it suits wider feet and offers balanced comfort rather than maximum performance. The waterproof version includes a membrane that keeps water out while allowing moisture to escape, making it an affordable and beginner-friendly option at $130.
3. Merrell’s Antora 4 Trail Running Shoes
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The Merrell Women’s Antora 4 is a lightweight trail running shoe weighing 7.7 ounces, featuring FloatPro™ foam midsole cushioning and Merrell Quantum Grip™ rubber outsole for traction. The vegan-friendly design incorporates 100% recycled materials in the mesh lining, footbed, laces, and webbing. With a breathable mesh and TPU upper, protective toe cap, and FLEXconnect® flex-grooves for stability, this APMA-approved shoe is built on a women-specific last. Suited for moderate, dry trails and distances from 5K to half marathons, it offers balanced cushioning and good ground feel, though it may lack traction on highly technical or wet terrain.
4. Merrell’s Encore Breeze 5 Clogs
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The Merrell Women’s Encore Breeze 5 is a vegan-friendly slip-on clog designed for everyday casual wear and walking. It features a breathable mesh upper with knit collar, fully recycled mesh lining and footbed cover, and Cleansport NXT odor control. The shoe includes a removable PU footbed, molded nylon arch shank, FloatPro Foam midsole for lightweight comfort, and a Merrell sticky rubber outsole for reliable traction. Weighing around 6.7-7.3 oz per shoe, it combines easy-on convenience with sustainable materials for all-day comfort during daily activities.
5. Merrell’s Nova 4 Sneaker
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The Merrell Nova 4 is a lightweight trail running shoe designed for road-to-trail transitions, moderate trails, and everyday activities. It features a breathable engineered mesh upper, FloatPro foam cushioning, FLEXconnect grooves for flexibility, and a Merrell Quantum Grip outsole with 4mm lugs. With an 8mm drop, 29-21mm stack height, and weighing approximately 9.7 oz per shoe, it offers a roomy toe box and quick-drying properties with odor control. The shoe performs well on varied terrain but provides limited stability on steep descents, making it ideal for versatile outdoor comfort.
6. Merrell’s Vapor Glove 4
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The Merrell Vapor Glove 4 is a minimalist barefoot trainer designed for trail running and road use, featuring a zero-drop design with a 6.5mm stack height for maximum ground feel. Its construction includes a lightweight Cordura mesh and TPU upper, breathable mesh lining, and a Vibram TC5+ outsole with 2mm lugs for reliable traction. Weighing approximately 4-7 ounces per shoe, it incorporates a Hyperlock TPU heel counter for added security. This model is known for superior responsiveness, excellent foot feedback, and enhanced durability, making it ideal for minimalist runners seeking barefoot-style performance across varied terrain.
7. Merrell’s Vapor Glove 4 Sneaker
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The Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove 4 is a minimalist barefoot trail running shoe offering a glove-like fit and superior ground feel on smoother trails. It features a lightweight Cordura mesh and TPU upper, breathable lining, integrated insole, and Hyperlock TPU heel counter for added security. The zero-drop Vibram TC5+ outsole with 2mm lugs and 6.5mm stack height delivers excellent traction and proprioception. With its wide toe box for natural toe splay and sock-like construction, this shoe suits trail runners seeking a natural barefoot experience on moderate terrain, especially those with strong, conditioned feet.
8. Merrell’s Trail Glove 5
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The Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 5 is a lightweight, zero-drop trail running shoe built for natural foot movement and technical terrain over shorter distances. It features a breathable mesh and TPU upper, Hyperlock TPU heel counter, TrailProtect forefoot rock plate, and a Vibram TC5+ outsole with 3-4.5mm lugs for traction on mild to moderate trails. The shoe offers nimble handling, flexibility, a wide toebox, and snug fit with lateral stability zones and responsive foam. While excellent for agility and ground feel on rocks and roots in warm weather, it provides limited cushioning and protection for longer runs and performs less effectively in wet or muddy conditions.
9. Merrell’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
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The Merrell Moab 3 is a versatile mid-height hiking shoe designed for all-terrain trail use. It features a waterproof membrane, shock-absorbing Air Cushion midsole, and Vibram TC5+ outsole with 5mm lugs for reliable traction. Vegan alternatives are available in the construction, which includes a molded nylon shank for arch support and a contoured footbed. The shoe offers exceptional out-of-the-box comfort with minimal break-in, a roomy toe box for wider feet, and a stable fit. As the bestselling hiking boot globally, the Moab 3 is recommended for rugged trails and mixed weather conditions, delivering dependable performance and durability.