Just came back from Val Gardena area (Col Rodella/Antermoia/Vajolet Towers). I used my Merrill Trail runners but packed a pair of black Rothy Mary Janes for pre and post in Munich and Innsbruck. They pack up flat, go anywhere and are comfy for walking. Highly recommend if it's not too late!
How did the minimal cushioning treat you on those distances? I got the adapt to supplement the longski’s, just assuming I’d need more support for a 100 miler. I did my Friday 100 in AGP5 and they were great aside from stability concerns.
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.
I have the Merrell AP5 and my criticisms is I find it a very dead shoe (lacks energy return). That is confirmed by RunRepeats review of the shoe (once I’ve learned about such things). They have an energy return metric as well as a shock absorption metric. It does “ok” in shock absorption (average) but low energy return. Their lugs are deep, which is great, but a little less grippy on bare stone than I’d expect, good for mud though. Basically I like as a hiking shoe but find it only ok as a running shoe.
Have you tried the Endorphin Edge? Has a carbon plate, great energy return, ok shock absorption, and you can get them for $70 because they are considered old technology. Great, fast shoe.
They are built like a tank, I would have zero durability concerns. It is a dead running shoe though, very little energy return. I think it is a much better hiking shoe than running shoe.
The AP5 (and apparently the 6 based on the runrepeat review) are the least energy return shoe I own. I think it is quite noticeable and I am not much of a runner. I consider it a hiking shoe.
I don’t have the Speedcross but do have the AP5. It is a pretty dead shoe, low energy return, confirmed by RunRepeat stats after I looked it up later. Slower shoe, good for technical trail. Narrow/tighter fit than say a wide toe box Altra. Not bad, just different. It reminded me of the Altra Olympus 5 as far as ground feel (dead, slower, but a solid shoe). I bought a second pair, my first Gore-tex shoe for snow since the deep lugs and enclosed shoe of the Goretex version would be good for me for that type of slower running.
Top Trail Running Shoes on Reddit
1
Mount to Coast
H1
85% positive of 177 users
Versatile road-to-trail, but struggles on wet, technical downhills.
HappySummerBreeze
