Agility Peak 5 Zero GORE-TEX

[I use these](https://www.merrell.com/US/en/agility-peak-5-zero-gore-tex/58254M.html?dwvar_58254M_color=J007507#cgid=goretex&prefn1=genericSizeType&prefv1=M&start=1) and they are incredible for keeping feet dry and warm but are a bit too narrow for my wide feet.

I use trail runners for all my hiking these days. Half my hiking is on very rocky desert trails, which does beat up the soles and any mesh, but any other shoe is too hot for me! I get a good year out of some pairs, then they turn into yard shoes or water shoes. My advice for finding a pair that can take a beating - get something like Merrell peak 5s. They have a toe cap to protect the areas that get scuffed the most and a very aggressive (deep) tread that is good even after you lose a few mms

Very cool shoe that is hard to find, especially the original blue colorway. Solid waterproof choice though.

I have the gore tex model and use them for shorter trail runs when it's wet / muddy. They are great for my conditions on moderately technical trails, the grip is excellent. They would be nice for more casual wear and hikes as well. What I don't like: - The mid foot is a bit narrow for me which squeezes a bit and causes some arch pain. They are very slowly breaking in a bit or maybe my feet are adapting. For that reason I likely won't buy them again. - The laces suck. They're like hiking boot laces and don't lock down very well. They're also just a bit too short for me.

I love my 5's but I struggle with them causing arch pain for some reason. Only shoe that does it. Tried my usual Superfeet insoles and only slightly alleviates it. I wonder if the 6's midfoot and/or arch is exact same?

My winter shoes are [Agility Peak 5](https://www.merrell.com/CA/en_CA/agility-peak-5-gore-tex/58253M.html?dwvar_58253M_color=J068701#cgid=agility-peak-5&start=1). The upper is more robust than other shoes, providing some insulation. They have aggressive lugs for digging into snow and ice. I also like that the sole is firm, so it doesn’t collapse when I attach my spikes. The GoreTex model I linked to is waterproof. Very durable, I’m starting my second season with mine and they still look great.

The AP5 is my winter shoe. I like that forefoot is a bit stiffer than my other shoes, so when I strap on Kahtoola spikes, the forefoot doesn’t collapse from the Kahtoola elastic and squish my toes. The upper is a bit more robust as well, providing a bit more insulation from the cold.

Yes, but expensive. If you want the best combo of affordability and durability, my vote goes to Merrell Agility Peak 5. A rugged shoe that can be snagged for much cheaper than Hokas.

I would echo this comment. Also a bigger guy, neutral gait, and my AP5 feel very stable. They are actually my winter running shoe because I find the foam and sole more firm compared to my other shoes, making them ideal for secure attachment of my winter spikes.

I run in Northern Alberta, so many months of winter running. Besides runners, I’d highly recommend spikes - I strap my on after the first snowfall and they stay on for the duration of winter. If it’s a lot of deep snow and ice underneath you’re dealing with, you want something like [Kahtoola Microspikes](https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction). As for shoes, I switch to a more robust shoe with stiffer soles in the winter. That’s so I get a bit more insulation, and the soles will support the spikes (soft sole shoes with thin uppers will just get squished by the elastic from the spikes, crushing your toes and cutting off circulation). My winter shoe is the [Merrell Agility Peak](https://www.merrell.com/CA/en_CA/agility-peak-5/58229M.html) - tough shoe with decent insulation.

Merrell Agility Peak 5 with Kahtoola Microspikes

Always nice to hear from another EW fan. I probably wouldn’t have said anything but it caught my eye that OP thinks the Agility Peak 5 is too wide… the AP5 is my winter shoe, and they are considerably more narrow than the EW. AP5 feels quite snug to me, so if OP feels that they are “too wide”, I’m guessing OP prefers a very snug fit!

Do you do winter running? The Merrell AP5 are my winter shoe because: good lugs, firmer sole to support my Kahtoola microspikes, and the upper is a bit more robust providing a bit of insulation.

Altra for summer (Experience Wild, extremely light and comfortable). Merrell for winter (Agility Peak, more robust upper for insulation, firmer sole to support spikes)

Love my Merrell agility peak 5 gore-tex for snowy, muddy, nasty days, gore-tex keeps my feet pretty dry

Merrell Agility Peak have a GoreTex version with built in gaiters.

Ah, sorry then. It’s a solid shoe!

Very comfortable and on sale! If you buy them from Merrell online use the promo code Extra40. I bought mine for $60.

My AP 5 are strong in rotation and I believe the 6s haven’t been significantly altered. Good lugs and drainage. Just on looks the AP looks heavier and more aggressive while the T looks lighter and fleeter. Consider your typical trail conditions/season.