****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I've had several pair of both Tesla and Merrell Vapor Gloves now and for the money, the Tesla is a better value. Take the Merrell name off the shoe and there isn't a bit of difference between these two shoes for comfort, durability, fit, longevity, or the mileage you can get out of them. Bottom line- if name brand recognition is important to you, get the Merrell Vapor Glove. If value is important to you, get the Tesla. But, if you believe that spending 2-3 times as much on the name brand item over the lesser known brand that is equal or better in value, go right ahead. It's your money.Update- After 74 miles (120KM) of road running on asphalt and concrete, you can see the results on the soles on these shoes. That distance only counts the road use, not treadmill. If you want to include that, it would be about three times as much, but I dont track my treadmill mileage. Granted, some of this wear and tear can also be linked to my gait. Results- Minimalist shoes like the TSLA naturally force you to run on the front part of your foot since you dont have the unnatural cushioning that most wedge shaped soles have. These are Zero Drop, minimal padding and shaped like your foot. Hence, natural running. And since the body is self-correcting when it comes to running, by not having the extra absorbtion of all that cushioning on your heels, you will naturally keep your heels off the ground, use your arch and front half of your foot to run; thereby reducing the shock and impact on your lower legs, knees, hips, etc.. Notice no wear at all on the heels of these shoes. I still recommend not only these shoes for running, but just about any kind of zero drop, minimalist, foot shaped running shoe. The low cost of these is a definite advantage. I'm quite sure they are made in the same factories as the name brand shoes that you'll pay 3-4 times as much for. Remember, running should be like sex. If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right.
