Merrell Agility Peak 5 Review
Merrell Agility Peak 5 Review
Another great offering from Merrell for comfort-oriented hikers and runners alike!
These are another highly-cushioned model, even more so than the La Sportiva Prodigio; you definitely feel like there's a lot between your foot and the ground here. The midsole foam isn't particularly bouncy, but it is very comfortable and not too soft, so it's excellent for long days on the trail. There is a midfoot rock plate for additional protection in rough terrain, though the thick cushion meant that I wasn't worried about feeling any rocks through the sole!
The lug pattern is pretty aggressive, with large, 5mm long, well-spaced, X- and V-shaped lugs that shed mud well and provide good traction on a variety of terrain. The outsole material is Vibram Megagrip, which is probably the most popular rubber compound for trail runners right now, and with good reason. Grip is excellent on rocks and roots as well as dirt and gravel paths. I didn't slip at all while descending several steep, rocky, very dusty slopes with some loose gravel, and I was pretty impressed.
The upper is a big strength of this shoe. It's largely made of a very breathable, flexible mesh; between the upper material and the well-padded tongue and heel collar, Merrell really knocked it out of the park with this upper design. The mesh is reinforced with nylon in all the right places where abrasion and wear are most likely to occur, so it should have some staying power as well, which isn't always the case for engineered mesh uppers.
These are a comfortable fit, as well -- not overly high-volume, but definitely roomy. There's plenty of space in the toe box, and the flexible mesh means that these should be comfortable for people with a variety of different foot shapes. If anything, I found that they fit a bit large - consider trying on a half size down from your usual, just in case. The flat laces stay tied and work well to lock down the foot for added precision. The arch support isn't overly noticeable, but it is there, and it's pretty consistent in terms of shape/placement with most of Merrell's other offerings.
As is the case with most maximally cushioned shoes, the thick cushion comes at the cost of a bit of stability, as you're higher off the ground than you would be with a more minimal shoe. This isn't a problem for most people, but may be an adjustment if you spend most of your time in thin-soled shoes.
Overall, a great shoe for hiking and running all year round, but especially in summer, due to the comfy and breathable upper material!
People who should try on this shoe:
-trail runners!
-people who appreciate or have been recommended maximally-cushioned shoes such as Hokas, or just appreciate a really cushy-feeling shoe
-day hikers who put in long days - your feet will thank you!
-folks who hike over a variety of terrain, including some mud - we all know that our thick clay Niagara mud gets pretty sticky, but this outsole design is pretty decent at releasing it
-people who get along with Merrells in general. If you've had other Merrells that you've liked and that fit you well, I'd encourage you to try these, as they should work well for your feet but provide a different experience from most of the other Merrell offerings!
Maybe not ideal for:
-people who prefer some groundfeel/don't like a very tall shoe. The La Sportiva Prodigio and Oboz Katabatic, as well as the La Sportiva Bushido, could be good options with less stack height but the same trail runner feel (or go full minimalist with the Merrell Trail Glove!)
-very technical terrain such as scrambling where precision is critical - the La Sportiva Bushido would be a lovely match for this scenario
-those who want firm or very structured shoes; a sturdier shoe like the Merrell Moab or Moab Speed would be a better choice
-Backpacking with a heavy pack - though this is a personal choice, I would choose something a little firmer for this use case
-frequent/constant road walking - it would be a shame to wear down these nice, aggressive, sticky rubber lugs on the sidewalk! You'll be fine with some dog walks or casual wear, but if the main use of the shoe will be on paved surfaces, then we have other options made with more durable outsole materials to stand up to the sandpaper that is pavement (such as the Merrell Morphlite and Keen Targhee IV.)
