Merrell hasn't announced the Vapor Glove 7 yet — but based on what we know about the VG6 and Merrell's release pattern, here's what to expect.
There’s No Official Vapor Glove 7 Yet
Let me start with the honesty: Merrell hasn’t announced a Vapor Glove 7. Not publicly. Not on their website. Not in any official release I’ve seen as of February 2026.
But people are searching for it. A lot. And I get the questions. “When is the Vapor Glove 7 coming out?” “Should I wait for the VG7 or buy the Vapor Glove 6 now?” “What will be different about the next version?”
So let’s talk about what we know and what’s reasonable to expect based on Merrell’s pattern with the Vapor Glove line.
The Vapor Glove 6 – Where It Stands Right Now
The Vapor Glove 6 is genuinely one of the best minimal running shoes available. It’s been out long enough that runners have put hundreds of miles on them, and the feedback has been consistent: this is a refined, battle-tested design.
Here’s what makes the VG6 work:
The Good:
- True minimal ground feel at 6mm stack height
- Incredibly lightweight (148g per shoe)
- Durable Vibram outsole that grips well
- Flexible upper that moves with your foot
- Affordable at around $100
The Honest Gaps:
- The upper mesh is thin and can puncture (not a design flaw, just reality of minimal shoes)
- Toe box is narrow — if you have wide feet, Xero or Bahé are better choices
- Break-in period is real for runners coming from cushioned shoes
- Zero drop means zero margin for adaptation mistakes
For most people exploring true minimal running, the Vapor Glove 6 is the shoe to try. It’s the reference point. It’s what “actual minimal” feels like.
But that doesn’t mean Merrell won’t improve it.
Merrell’s Pattern with the Vapor Glove Line
Looking at the release history:
- Vapor Glove 4: Released ~2018
- Vapor Glove 5: Released ~2020
- Vapor Glove 6: Released ~2023
That’s roughly every 2-3 years. If Merrell stays on that pattern, we could see a Vapor Glove 7 sometime in 2025-2026 — which means an announcement could be coming soon, or it could be further out than expected.
What’s telling: Merrell has kept the core design stable across versions. The VG4, VG5, and VG6 are all variations on the same theme: minimal, lightweight, barefoot-focused. Merrell hasn’t abandoned the VG line or treated it as an experiment. They’ve refined it.
That tells us something important: when the VG7 comes, it’ll likely be an evolution, not a revolution.
What the Vapor Glove 7 Needs to Deliver
Based on what runners actually want from the next Vapor Glove, here’s the wish list:
Better Upper Durability
The biggest complaint about the VG6 upper mesh is how easy it is to puncture. The shoe itself is durable (outsole lasts 400+ miles), but the upper gives up before the sole does. A reinforced mesh or a more durable material would be the #1 improvement runners want.
This is fixable without changing the shoe’s character. Merrell could upgrade the mesh material, add reinforcement patches, or use a tighter weave. Still minimal, still light, just more robust.
A Slightly Wider Toe Box (Optional)
The VG6 is decidedly narrow. This is intentional — it’s designed for runners with narrow feet who want minimal shoes. But a lot of runners with average-width feet struggle with fit.
The trade-off: wider toe box = slightly heavier shoe. If Merrell added width, would people still call it the Vapor Glove, or would it become something else?
My guess: Merrell keeps the VG7 equally narrow (honoring the product’s identity) but maybe releases a “Vapor Glove 7 Trail” variant with more toe room for off-road use.
Better Heel Lock
Some runners report heel slipping during longer runs, especially on descents. The VG6 upper is minimal, which means minimal heel structure. A subtle heel cup or slightly taller collar wouldn’t add much weight but could improve security on technical terrain.
Maybe New Color Options (That’s It)
The practical reality: the VG6 is already optimized. Major changes risk breaking what’s working. The VG7 will likely be:
- Same overall design
- Better upper material (durability upgrade)
- Possibly refined heel structure
- Updated color palette
Don’t expect revolutionary changes. Expect refinement.
Should You Wait for the Vapor Glove 7 or Buy the VG6 Now?
This is the practical question.
Buy the Vapor Glove 6 if:
- You want to run minimal shoes NOW
- You’re ready to start your barefoot journey
- You can live with the narrow toe box and upper mesh limitations
- You’re not willing to wait 6-12 months for a product that may not exist yet
- You’ve already made the mental commitment to minimal running
Wait for information if:
- You’re curious about minimal running but not urgent about starting
- You want to see what Merrell announces
- You have narrow feet and the VG6 feels too tight despite being designed for you
- You want to know the VG7’s specific improvements before committing
Realistic timeline: If an announcement is coming, expect it within the next 6-12 months (as of early 2026). Merrell tends to announce new models and make them available within 2-3 months of announcement. So worst case: you wait a year to see the VG7, then 2-3 more months to actually buy them. That’s 15 months total.
That’s not a short wait.
Merrell’s Barefoot Commitment Is Real
Here’s what matters: Merrell has invested in the Vapor Glove line for 8+ years. They haven’t killed it. They haven’t abandoned it for max-cushion shoes. They keep refining it.
That tells you that minimal running is a legitimate market segment (not a fad) and that Merrell takes it seriously.
The Vapor Glove 7 will come. The exact timing and specific improvements are unknown. But it will come.
What I’ll Do When the VG7 Launches
When Merrell officially announces the Vapor Glove 7, I’ll get a pair for testing. I’ll put them through my standard testing protocol (road, trail, different distances, varying conditions). I’ll compare them directly to the VG6 to identify what’s changed.
Then I’ll update this post with:
- Full specifications (stack height, weight, material upgrades)
- Comparison to the VG6 (what’s the same, what’s different)
- When you should upgrade (is it worth the switch?)
- Full review if significant changes merit it
I’ll add my name to the notification list and you can check back here for updates. This post will be the first place I share VG7 information.
In the Meantime: The Best Minimal Shoes Available Today
If you’re looking for minimal running shoes RIGHT NOW without waiting:
For true barefoot feel (like the VG6):
- Merrell Vapor Glove 6 — The reference point for minimal shoes
- Xero Shoes HFS — Slightly less minimal, wider fit
- Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III — True barefoot, street-ready
For minimal with options:
- Best Minimalist Running Shoes Roundup — The full spectrum from 6mm to 24mm
- Best Barefoot Running Shoes for Beginners — If you’re starting your minimal journey
The Bottom Line
The Vapor Glove 7 is coming eventually. Merrell has a pattern of refining, not replacing. When it lands, it’ll likely be an evolution of what makes the VG6 great, with improved durability and maybe some ergonomic tweaks.
Should you wait? Only if you’re patient and not urgently needing minimal shoes. The VG6 is still an excellent choice today. But if you want to know the moment the VG7 is real, keep checking back here.
I’ll be ready with a full review the moment I get my hands on a pair.