The WHITIN trail running shoe has proven that it’s a big hit with fans of barefoot, minimalist shoe runners. Thia popularity is probably in part to the price point; they are between 1/2 and 1/3 the price of more prominent name brands producing similar-looking trail shoes.

WHITIN barefoot running shoes are often compared to Merrell barefoot shoes. So in this review, we’ll take a look at the WHITIN trail running shoes in more detail. Then, we’ll see how it stacks up against Merrell’s barefoot trail runners.

WHITIN Trail Running Shoes

Are WHITIN A Merrell Trail/Vapor Glove Knockoff?

When comparing the WHITIN shoes to Merrell Vapor Gloves and Merrell Trail Glove 5, it’s undeniable they aesthetically look very similar. I would say they are more comparable to the Trail Glove 5 in terms of looks, though. Take a look below and see what you guys think

Merrell Trail Glove 5 Shoes

They’re zero drops, come with a removable insole, which has some padding on the heal and has had some excellent reviews. The materials and design look like Merell barefoot shoe offers.

The WHITIN barefoot running shoe weighs in at 350 grams, so they’re heavier than the Merrell Trail Glove 5, which weighs just 226.8 grams.

Merrell Vapor Glove 4

Compared to Merrell Vapor Gloves, WHITIN shoes are more padded, and you’ll feel less of the terrain than you would in Merrells. That’s not necessarily a good or a bad thing; it just depends on your preference. Barefoot running shoes are meant to give you that terrain contact feel. However, I guess they’re varying degrees to what amount of underfoot feel runners really want.

WHITIN Trail Running Shoes Summary

It is harsh to call WHITIN trail shoe knockoff; I guess all brands, to some degree, get inspiration from other companies. Yet style-wise, they are very similar. The price point is spot on, too, especially if you are new to barefoot running.

If you’ve been running in regular shoes for your whole life, you shouldn’t just grab a pair of barefoot shoes and run your regular distances straightaway. The risk of injury is highest when you first start running in barefoot shoes. Your body and brain need time to adjust to barefoot movement and the feel underfoot. You might run in barefoot footwear for a month or two and decide they are not for you – they’re not for me anyway.

If there is a chance of that happening, I see little point in spending hard-earned money on a £70-100 pair of minimalist shoes until you know for sure. Therefore, as a barefoot running entry-level/taster shoe, the WHITIN are a sound choice.

If you’ve got to the end of this guide and decided barefoot running shoes are not for you. Please take a look at some of our other guides, such as Best Trail Running Shoe For Mud Under £100 and our Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes (not minimalist shoes).

Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links, and I earn a small commission from any sale that occurs via my links. This, however, does not change my opinion; I always do my best to provide the facts and suggest products that will benefit my users. You pay no more and no less for using these links. It does, however, help to sustain my blog.

Disclosure: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases." We earn commissions (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site. We do our very best to offer comprehensive and detailed reviews and guides, regardless of the links placed.