Merrell - Agility Peak 5 Series

Have served me well on many trail runs and races. Very comfortable & good grip however the build quality varies from shoe to shoe. People say the upper glue isn’t very strong but I’ve had no problems with mine on over 500+ Km. Come in many colours too so pick one that suits you!

Anything made for technical stuff like from La Sportiva or Salomon. I like the Merrell Agility Peak 5 and am mostly into technical, slippery downhill stuff.

I had issues with the SG6 and asked for recommendations awhile back. Many folks recommended the Merrell Agility Peak 5. I picked these up a couple weeks ago and couldn't be more pleased. They check all the boxes. Lightweight, comfortable and responsive ride, rock plate, and aggressive Vibram Megagrip outsole. The price is right too.

I also have AP5 and can confirm this. This is literally my only complaint for this shoe. I wish the foam was a little more responsive and comfortable. Other than that it checks every single other box. I did pick up the new Mount 2 Coast T1 and it is now my new favorite (if you remove the trash lacing system and replace with traditional lacing). They do not have a rock plate but I run in an extremely cheese grater rock style area and haven't had an issue with any rocks impacting my feet. The foam is next level. So bouncy and comfortable. Grip is also very good and the upper is comfortable. I can tell they will work great for sessions with a lot of time on feet.

Agreed here. Coincidentally wearing my AP5 BOA in the office right now. I’ve been really happy with my agility peaks and depending on where you’re based, the Merrell website has been running discounts.

Maine/White Mtn runner here. my experience: • wide foot/low stack/general purpose sticky lugs: Norda 002 • narrow foot/low stack/minimal lugs for rocky: salomon s/lab ultra 2,3 • medial width/high stack/fat lugs for mud/long days: merrell agility peak • narrow for mud: salomon s/lab pulsar sg, or any shoe with “cross” in the name by salomon

rocking norda 001’s still, 700 miles in. almost bald lugs and lookin preddy bad but feel great somehow norda 002 for sub 30k races, so fast and so sexi salmon pulsar trail pro for hot days, love em mostly merrell agility peak - put a few miles in these, they feel great if a tad tall

Really depends on what kinds of trails you'll be running, and what kind of milage. I have and like the AP 5 a lot, but use it mostly for muddier and/or steeper terrain on longer runs. It has aggressive lugs, that you don't need for smoother, flater single track. They'll of course work for that, but won't be as fun. Same with the Speedgoat (which I also own) but they're a little more stable, while not a agile. If you're coming from the road and some fast running, something like the Salomon Genesis might work better. Or even the Sense Ride, if you'll be doing mostly shorter runs. The Sense Ride is what I use for "speed" work on the trails, and it's a fun shoe. But it doesn't have deep lugs or a lot of cushioning/stack height, so I don't use it for longer runs.

Merrell Agility Peak 5.

I haven't tried any of those, but did try an earlier Peregrine (10 maybe), and didn't like it. Too "dead" and heavy for my liking. But the newer versions are better from what I've read. It could be worth a try, given how popular they are. I do have all three of the Salomons I mentioned, but also have and like the Merrell Long Sky 2 and their Agility Peak, which I'm wearing more these days because they have a wider toe box.

I would go with something that’s less squishy, I tried the AP5s and I felt I would roll my ankle. I went with asics trabuco 12s, did a couple of races in them. they’re pretty stable, and I over pronate a lot. my road shoes are. asics gel kayanos

Thank you for this. I haven't run in the SG5 but have tried the Agility Peak 5. The durability part is reassuring.

Over the years I’ve worn trail runners from Merrill and Salomon, or standard running shoes from Nike and NB. A comfortable fit was the main criteria. Even on wet ground I’d rather have fast drying sneakers than boots.

Personal preference. I'd recommend you bring waterproof so you can survive some rain/wet ground. I hike exclusively in Goretex trail runners in very rainy/rocky Vancouver, BC. Ditched any kind of above-ankle hiking boots for less weight and more agility. To each their own, though. I'm heading to Iceland soon also, on August 29th, and will be sporting these: [https://startfitness.co.uk/products/merrell-agility-peak-5-womens-trail-running-shoes-blue](https://startfitness.co.uk/products/merrell-agility-peak-5-womens-trail-running-shoes-blue)