Agility Peak 5

Speaking broadly of the brand, I kind of wrote off Merrell for a long time before the the AP5's came on my radar when they started clearing them out this fall. For those who don't know, Merrell and Saucony are both owned by Wolverine brands and it seems like Wolverine is struggling a bit with their trail running strategy. Saucony expanded their trail presence a few years ago with models like the Endorphin Edge and Endorphin Rift, but has aggressively pulled back from that and now have only three non-budget trail shoes (Peregrine, Xodus Ultra, Ride TR) in their lineup. I bring this up because I'd heard rumors that Wolverine didn't think Saucony would focus on trail when Merrell was their "trail" brand. So far I've not seen any evidence that Merrell is increasing their trail running line or expanding into higher end trail super-shoes. It doesn't seem like Merrell gets much/any shared tech from Saucony so while the world moves forward with better foams it seems like Merrell is kind of staying put? I bought the AP5 this fall when they went on sale and came onto my radar. I've only got \~40 miles on my first pair, but once they broke in after 15-20mi and the mid-sole softened up they've been pretty great. The Vibram outstole is as good as anything and the rest of the shoe seems fine (although I have concerns about the thin tongue). I wouldn't hesitate to try the AP6, but at MSRP they've got a lot of competition with models like the Hoka Speedgoat 7, Saucony Xodus Ultra 4, etc.

IMO, I'd avoid expensive supershoes for hiking as a general rule. They tend to make a lot of compromises in comfort and durability and cost a lot more. A pair of Cascadia's, Speedgoats, Peregrines, Agility Peaks, Zagamas, etc. are going to probably be a much better choice.