Altra Superior 7 vs Merrell Trail Glove 8
Superior 7 or Trail Glove 8? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want a light, flexible, close-to-the-ground trail shoe? Get the Superior 7.
Want a minimal, zero-drop trail shoe? Get the Trail Glove 8.
Get the Superior 7 if
- You want more foam underfoot (7mm more at the heel)
- You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
Get the Trail Glove 8 if
- You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.5 oz
On the run
Superior 7: Light, natural, zero-drop trail. Light, flexible and natural, with excellent ground feel and solid traction. Not ideal for heel strikers.
Trail Glove 8: The barefoot trail shoe. Minimal and flexible with true zero drop and very little cushion or protection. Better grip from the new Vibram outsole.
Specs side by side
| Superior 7 | Trail Glove 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $130 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 21 / 21mm | 14 / 14mm* |
| Drop | 0mm | 0mm |
| Weight, men’s | 8.3 oz* | 7.76 oz |
| Weight, women’s | Not listed by Altra | 6.1 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard | Standard |
| Built for | Trails, Tempo & workouts | Trails, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Superior 7. True to size but less roomy than other Altras, with a low toebox. Wide available.
Trail Glove 8. True to size with a roomy toebox. The insole isn’t removable.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Superior 7 · Shop the Trail Glove 8 · Compare other running shoes