Perhaps our favorite trail running shoe from Merrell is the Agility Peak series. After the Agility Peak 5 was well received, there have been a few updates, and the Agility Peak 6 has now been launched.
Refined fit (also a bit narrower at the back)
Less bulky than the 5
Nicer upper
Table of contents
What has been improved on the Merrell Agility Peak 6?
The Merrell Agility Peak The 6 is not a completely new shoe. Merrell has primarily tried to retain the strengths of the Agility Peak 5, but to make the shoe more practical and flexible to use.
You notice that especially during long trails and technical sections.
The biggest improvement: less sluggish feel
The Agility Peak 5 was known as:
- comfortable
- stable
- trustworthy
But also:
- quite substantial underfoot
- somewhat stiff in movement
- less precise on technical trails
With the Agility Peak 6, the boot feels clearly more supple.
Not suddenly light or minimalist, but:
- easier to submit
- roll off more smoothly
- less “blocky” during tempo changes
Especially on:
- singletracks
- technical descents
- winding trails
You notice that difference immediately.
The fit is refined
The Agility Peak 5 had a fairly loose fit.
That worked well for:
- wide feet
- ultras
- hike-run use
But less good for runners who wanted more control.
At the Agility Peak 6, Merrell improved the lockdown:
- midfoot fits better
- heel sits more stably
- less shifting in technical sections
Important: It remains relatively comfortable and spacious compared to many other trail models. Merrell hasn't suddenly made it narrow.
Where I at the Agility Peak 5 the heel lock really needed, that is not necessary with the 6.
The shoe walks more smoothly
This is probably the most underrated update.
The geometry of the Agility Peak 6 feels more modern:
- The transition from landing to take-off is smoother.
- less “flat” feeling under the forefoot
- more efficient handling on long stretches
With the 5, you sometimes had to work a bit harder to maintain the pace. The 6 feels more energy-efficient, especially after several hours of running.
That makes him more suitable for:
- ultras
- long training days
- continuous runnable trails
More control on technical trails
The Agility Peak series remains a maximalist trail shoe. As a result, it will never steer as directly as a low technical shoe.
But the 6 does feel more controlled.
Mainly:
- in descents
- on rocky ground
- during rapid changes of direction
is the shoe more stable without feeling as “tank-like” as the 5 sometimes did.
What hasn't really changed
What we really don't like is when a shoe is good, the brand completely updates it into an almost new model. Because what is good should be left as it is. That is why so much has remained the same.
Grip: little has changed, and that is fine
Merrell, for example, is using Vibram again. MegaGrip. Definitely the market standard at the moment.
That was already one of the strongest points of the Agility Peak 5:
- much confidence in wet stones
- good mud grip
- strong sustainability
The Agility Peak 6 builds on that, but there is no huge revolution here. That is actually a positive thing: the grip of the 5 didn't really need to be better.
It remains a fairly large trail shoe
The Agility Peak 6 feels more refined, but still:
- built up
- firmly damped
- focused on comfort and protection
Anyone looking for a playful racing shoe will probably still find this model to be too much shoe.
The foam is comfortable, not explosive.
The damping feels:
- stable
- protective
- long-lasting comfort
But not extremely energetic or aggressively fast.
That also suits the character of the shoe.
For whom are the improvements particularly interesting?
The update to the Agility Peak 6 is particularly interesting for trail runners who:
- found the 5 just a bit too slow
- want more precision
- running technical trails
- combining ultra-distances with faster sections
- seeking a smoother ride without losing stability
Do you mainly run quiet, long trails or hikes and are you satisfied with the Agility Peak 5? Then you will notice the differences, but probably won't find them life-changing.
Final verdict
The Merrell Agility Peak 6 feels like a more mature version of the 5.
Not spectacularly different, but clear more refined:
- better fit
- smoother processing
- more control
- less sluggish feel
Merrell has primarily addressed the practical irritations of the Agility Peak 5 without losing the shoe's strong ultra-DNA.
That makes the Agility Peak 6 a better all-around trail runner than its predecessor, especially for runners who spend many hours on varied terrain.
Dirk
Founder of Trail.NL. Has run a lot. From all kinds of mud runs to ultratrails, and from the well-known road marathons to hour runs. Tests a lot of shoes and other gear.
