Merrell - Agility Peak 6 GORE-TEX®

Agility Peak 6 just dropped yesterday. Get it instead

These shoes just work for my feet. No issues at all. I have had heel issues for years and the 6mm drop plus the fit is perfect. Plan on running a 50k next month in them .

Heel is way better. I have no slip compared to the 5’s.

Just received a pair of these (free - for transparency). Have only been for a couple of runs in them and I liked them more than I expected to. I’m a wide toe box guy so expected them to tear my toes to pieces but was ok. The grip is epic - definitely meant for rough trails and as little road as possible. The tongue is thin/minimal which I never like for long races as laces can start biting into the top of your feet - can’t say whether these will do that though too early to tell. I think for sub-ultra muddy rocky events and training they’ll be really good.

I didn't think about it... which I guess means it's ... good? Well for this sample size of one it seemed ok at least!

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.

Had a pair last year, thought it was a decent enough trailrunner. At about 180 miles a piece of sharp metal came through the sole and stabbed my foot, maybe a tack or something that secures the tread to the shoe bottom. Never could pull it all the way out. Probably just a defect, but it still left a sour taste in my mouth.

If you like the ride of the AP5, you must be partial to a firm and protective shoe. Btw, V6 is coming out soon and I was able to try it on - it does seem to have more space in the toebox, but perhaps a slightly softer and more flexible right. (I think it will be a good update). Other options you might check out - TNF Infinite 3 - while it is still available, just make sure you size up by 1/2 so your toes don't get squeezed. Also On Cloudultra 3 - a little softer, but still not squishy, also has a fiberglass speedboard for some protection. Have you tried the Tecton X 2? That's a firmer foam with carbon plates, wider toebox than the AP5. Also look out for the La Sportiva Prodigio 2 in the spring - that one might be perfect - firmer midsole, very good fit and stable.

Have had the 3s for ages, now got the 6s, my favourite shoe ever I think, just bang on in every respect (for the majority of the year).

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

Ah, sorry then. It’s a solid shoe!

I have both the Merrells and the Speedgoats (I live in the PNW so both are Goretex) and of the two I prefer the Speedgoat. The Merrells feel clunky, stiff, and heavy compared to the Hoka. The Speedgoats are light but sturdy, and so comfortable. They also have great traction.