Review of the Merrell Agility Peak 5

For some time now we have also been selling Merrell in our (web)shop. We have several pairs at home to test them properly. We are enthusiastic about a number of them and are going to sell them. The first one we have is the Agility Peak 5. Here are our experiences.

• Made for trails with lots of obstacles and debris. Lots of changes in speed, direction and elevation.
• 100% recycled laces and webbing
• The SBR/mesh collar and tongue offer low water absorption and improved stretch properties for a better fit.
• Cover with D-ring
• External sling closures in the heel
• Protective and wear-resistant toe cap
• 100% recycled breathable mesh lining
• 100% recycled mesh footbed cover
• Cleansport NXT™ treatment for natural odor control
• 50% recycled EVA foam footbed
• Rock plate for protection
• FLEXconnect™ bidirectional flex grooves in midsole for better ground contact
• FloatPro™ foam midsole for lasting lightweight comfort
• Vibram MegaGrip high-performance rubber outsole provides unmatched grip on both dry and wet surfaces
• The Vibram traction tread pattern is specially designed to increase traction and shed dirt with every step
• Vegan

Now for the specifications of the Agility Peak. We will limit ourselves to the basics:

• Heel drop: 6 mm
• Stack Height: 31/25 mm
• Studs: 5 mm
• Weight: 300 grams (men) and 235 grams (women)
• Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
• Midsole: FloatPro
• Rockplate: Yes
• Suggested retail price; 160 euros

We tested them on various surfaces. I myself ran 56 kilometers of the Grizzly 100 on them. Read the review of that run here.

It is a very comfortable shoe with a nice fit. That is of course to be expected when you have reached the fifth edition of a model. The grip is more than sufficient for most surfaces. I found it a bit loose at the heel, so I fasten it with a heel lock. It is not the lightest shoe on the market, but you hardly notice that. It is also made for longer work. For short distances I am testing the Merrell MTL Longsky. A completely different shoe.

The Agility Peak will definitely remain in the shoe rack, because it is a pleasure to walk in.

The Merrell Agility Peak 5 is often compared to other popular and well-cushioned trail shoes that are suitable for long distances and rough terrain. Here are some comparable models:

1. Hoka Speedgoat 5 : This shoe is known for its excellent cushioning and grip, with a Vibram Megagrip outsole, similar to the Agility Peak 5. However, the Speedgoat has a lower drop and a slightly lighter weight, making it popular among ultra runners.

2. Salomon Sense Ride 5 : Salomon's Sense Ride series offers versatility and grip, especially on technical trails. It has a slightly lower profile and less cushioning than the Agility Peak 5, making it suitable for runners who want a little more ground feel.

3. Altra Olympus 6 : Like the Agility Peak 5, this shoe offers generous cushioning and a wide fit. However, the Olympus has a zero-drop, which means there is no height difference between the heel and the forefoot. This model is popular among runners who want a natural running style and comfort over long distances.

4. Brooks Caldera 6 : The Caldera 6 is similar to the Agility Peak 5 in terms of cushioning and stability. It has a slightly less aggressive outsole, but offers a stable ride, making it suitable for long runs on varying trails.

5. The Sportiva Jackal : The Jackal is designed for long distances and rugged trails, with excellent grip and a good balance between cushioning and responsiveness. This shoe offers a bit more ground feel than the Agility Peak 5, making it suitable for technical trails.

6. Nike Terra Kiger 8 : Although the Kiger is less cushioned than the Agility Peak, it still offers a lot of grip and a dynamic running feel. It is often chosen by trail runners who want a light, flexible shoe with good grip on both dry and wet surfaces.

Each of these shoes has unique features and benefits, but they all share characteristics that suit runners who grip, cushioning and comfort important for long trails.

Wij hebben met twee personen de Agility Peak getest en zijn tot bovenstaande conclusie gekomen. Uiteraard hebben veel bekende Youtubers en reviewsites deze schoen ook getest. Hieronder lees je een samenvatting van hun ervaringen.

RunRepeat prijst de Agility Peak 5 om zijn uitstekende Vibram Megagrip-buitenzool, die zorgt voor grip op diverse terreinen. De schoen biedt veel demping dankzij de bijna 40 mm hoge zool, wat vooral gunstig is voor langeafstandslopers. Hoewel de schoen iets zwaarder is dan verwacht en de daadwerkelijke drop afwijkt van de opgegeven 6 mm, wordt hij aanbevolen voor trailrunners die op zoek zijn naar stabiliteit en duurzaamheid.

RunRepeat

GearJunkie benadrukt de samenwerking tussen Merrell en Huckberry voor een speciale 'Dune'-editie van de Agility Peak 5. De schoen wordt geprezen om zijn FloatPro-tussenzool, die zorgt voor een uitnodigende, veerkrachtige demping. De 5 mm diepe Vibram Megagrip-noppen bieden uitstekende grip op zowel natte als droge oppervlakken. Hoewel de schoen iets zwaarder is dan sommige prestatiegerichte trailrunningschoenen, wordt hij aanbevolen voor ultralopers die op zoek zijn naar comfort en stijl.

Gear Junkie

Deze Spaanse website benadrukt het comfort en de veelzijdigheid van de Agility Peak 5, dankzij de FloatPro-tussenzool en het Vibram Megagrip-loopvlak.The shoe is flexible, which contributes to a dynamic running experience. Although it is less suitable for highly technical terrain, it is recommended for medium to long distances on less demanding trails.

Trail Running Review

This website praises the Agility Peak 5 for its excellent grip thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm deep lugs. The FloatPro midsole offers comfortable and responsive cushioning, ideal for long distances. Although the shoe is a bit heavier than some competitors, it is recommended for trail runners looking for durability and comfort on various terrains.

Believe in the Run

Advnture highlights the Agility Peak 5’s improved cushioning and stability, with a thicker FloatPro midsole and a protective rock plate. The Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs offers excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces. While the shoe has a higher stack height, which won’t suit all runners, it’s recommended for technical trails and longer distances.

Adventure