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.

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.

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.

Yes!! Went to these after the SG6 and I’m never going back

One of my favourite trail shoes of recent times. Great grip, ample cushioning, and I find it nowhere near as narrow as some reviews suggest. Coming from Speedgoats (which the AP5 beats hands down), there's a bit more wiggle room.

Merrell agility peak 5! I switched to them and never looked back. I have 5 pairs now and one with 2 ultras and 700km. Still holds up with no torn outsole.

I have 600km on my pair. PROS: Easy to run, enough cushion, breathable and fast to dry, room in forefoot, rockplate AVERAGE: Outsole works great, but are better options for wet rock. Too high for really techincal terrain for my taste. In general i like it, if fits great and your everyday terrain is not supertechnical is a nice shoe. I may repeat.

The Saucony Xodus has a pretty high stack, and the PWRRUN PB is definitely a super foam. Version 4 is set to release in a couple of months with significant upgrades over the previous model—most notably, a Vibram outsole ([Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 First Look](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klJoS7fwkJk)) Personally, I’m planning to grab a pair as soon as they drop and use them for all my summer 25 races. My Merrell Agility Peak 5s from last summer have flattened out, so it’s time for an upgrade!

I focus on trail running during the summer months, and last June, I picked up a pair of Merrell Agility Peak 5 — and absolutely fell in love with them. In 2022 and 2023, I ran in both the Salomon Ultra Glide and the Asics Trabuco, which are excellent trail shoes in their own right. However, the Merrells stood out offering great comfort and protection over long distances. They’re a fantastic all-around choice though they are a bit on the heavy side. Looking ahead to 2025, I’ve been considering the Saucony Xodus, as I’ve heard great things about them and am eager to see how they compare.

Merrill agility peak 5 have been a lot of fun and can get killer deals on them. I got house of dragon ones for under 60 I think lol

I'm going with the Prodigio Pro for UTMB Lavaredo... I'd also recommend the Merrell Agility Peak 5 if you like the Speedgoat but want more bite. They handle the trails around Mont Blanc super well.

Hello. As a lot of people say, a good road shoe will be good on the hard packed trails as well. But if you want a bit more traction and security, go with something that has a good foam and a smaller lugs. Options I’ve run in and like include: - Hoka Mafate Speed 4 / Tecton X - Salomon Genesis / Ultra Glide - La Sportiva Prodigio Pro - Merrell Agility Peak 5 - Brooks Catamount 4 - Saucony Xodus Ultra 1 / 2 (avoid the 3) For reference I am 85kg and usually run 30km / week.

I’ve run lots of technical alpine CO terrain up to 50k. I’ve found the Mafate Speed 4 and Xodus Ultra 2 to be comfortable and capable for long mountain days including scrambling. Merrell Agility Peak 5 also good. Speedgoat didn’t work for my foot but is a renowned mountain ultra shoe. I think pretty much any outsole will be capable in our dry climate and terrain, including some light scrambling- I would head to One of our great running stores in Denver metro and try on a bunch of pairs to see what feels good for your feet. Comfort is the most important factor for a long mountain day, more so than all the performance features *I do have a pair of Prodigio Pros that I intend to use for your stated purpose

Merrel Agility Peak 5 just used them for 30 days trekking in Nepal and they were brilliant no blisters or foot issues, tough as well lasted the trek np and super comfortable plenty pf room in the toe box. Also used them for runs as well and work great for running as well highly recommended

Absolutely shit on wet rock - like running on verglas

I have had 3 pairs of these. The first two were great. First pair lasted me 400 miles of hard wear, second were in great shape then a freak stick accident ripped a hole in the side of them. My 3rd pair however really let me down. Have had nonstop heel blister issues that never occurred in the first two. Not sure if it was a different production run or what, but it really soured me on them and forced me to look elsewhere

+1 for the AP5! Such a versatile shoe that handles hard, soft, loose and paved ground without issue.

They were my only shoe last year including training and they managed a very dry and dusty (and a lot of surprise tarmac) 50k, a week of running and hiking in the alps, and a boggy scrambly wet peak district 60k. No problems on any of it 👍🏻 highly recommend.

At almost 900km in my training pair of agility Peak 5 and still plenty of life left in them. Clocked around 1400km in inov8 roclites and 1600km in some older Merrells. Can't imagine having to replace shoes after just 500km! Shameful.

GREAT SHOE

I have the Merrell Agility Peak 5 non gtx. Worth it and they dry pretty fast too.

Merrel Agility Peak 5 GTX - is a great max-cushioned trail shoe, nice and light with Goretex for wet conditions

Try the Merrel Agility Peak 5 GTX - excellent max cushioned trail shoe with goretex

Try the Merrel Agility Peak 5 GTX - excellent max cushioned trail shoe with goretex

Compared to Speedgoat 5 and Merrell Agility Peak 5, similar but far far more durable. Also had the Merrell Long Sky 2, which were lighter and speedier than Tomir 2, but all 3 died and my Tomirs have done the same mileage and look brand new

My personal recomendation would be the merrel agility peak 5. No matter what i put them trough they just take it. Never had issues with ankle stability in these.

I actually have those Merrels in blue. I love them.

I wouldn't know haha. I have some wide feet and have no problems. About 100 miles of trails and they look like they are brand new besides mud stains.

I just started wearing the Merrell Nova and the Merrell Agility Peak. In my opinion the Nova are way more comfortable and the grip is great. Dont bother spending more money on the Agility Peak. They arent as comfortable and the grip is the same.

personally had a good experience with merrell agility peak 5. despite being a bit older model by now, they’ve been super durable for this kind of terrain and protected my feet from sharp rocks etc, and despite being relatively narrow, i’ve never rolled my ankle in them recently tried such terrain with new norda 005’s that i was soooo happy to get, and i ripped the midsole at the heel on the first run on over a mountain ridge. the upper holds super well but compared to the agility peak 5 it doesn’t protect you from injury by kicking a rock as much. bummer

No better use of vibram megagrip than what is on the AP5. Those X shaped lugs are awesome. Really wish they would work on their uppers though. Hard to get a good heel lock if your foot is on the narrower side.

I’m in Southeastern PA - I feel that rocky trail pain! I love Merrell - currently in Agility Peaks. I think it’s really individual. If you’ve got a show you love - they probably make one made for technical terrain…

my rotation is the hoka speedgoat 6 and the Merrell agility peak 5 and love them both

When it comes to footwear (and really most things in running), it's important to note that everything works for somebody, but nothing works for everybody. There is no "best" and things that you need to prioritize may not be what someone else needs to prioritize. Similarly, some people are highly sensitive to shoe choice while others can seemingly get on fine with anything. It's really all over the board when it comes to shoes. >What’s your current rotation and why? For road, Adidas Evo SL for speed/tempo stuff and Mount to Coast R1 for everything else. The Evo SL is bouncy, fast, and fun, which makes it perfect for speed work. The R1 has soft but resilient foam and a wide-ish toe box, which makes it comfortable for pretty much any distance. Evidently the R1 is super durable, so I'm looking forward to seeing how long they hold up. On trail, my go-to long run and race shoe is the Nike Zegama 2 as it does everything well and is extremely durable (my current pair has over 700 miles on them and they still feel good). For everything else, I use either the Merrell Agility Peak 5 or the Mount to Coast T1 depending on how I'm feeling and where I'm running. The Agility Peak is firmer and more nimble, the T1 is somehow both more stable and more comfortable. I would honestly be fine exclusively using either the Zegama or the T1 as they're both that good. I wouldn't want to do an ultra in the Agility Peak due to the firmness, but they're fabulous for shorter stuff. >Also, do you feel a lower drop helped or hurt your calves? Neither one really. After coming back from a long, injury-related hiatus, I found that 0mm drop caused my plantar fasciitis to flare up a bit, but I was also relatively weak at that point. I'm fairly certain it wouldn't be a problem now, but I just don't have any 0mm drop shoes on hand at the moment to test with. Beyond that, I can't reasonably associate any good or bad effects with shoe drop with my own running, but I do have a friend who stopped buying anything with less than an 8mm drop because he kept having Achilles tendon problems with low drop shoes.

Merrel always has great sales on Agility Peak 5, and they are an awesome shoe.

Love them, an absolute steal on sales like that

I feel this way about the agility peak 5, and some of the sales make them an insane value

Fair critique, the plate does go up far enough to cause that stiffness

Merrell Agility Peak 5 has been doing it for me, got them for like $60 and they dunk on things like peg trail (god awful lateral stability), terrex ag speed (Achilles killer), etc.

Lone peak is a good option.  I find them great on the rocky trails out in the Cascades.  I just picked up the Merrell agility peak when they were on sale last week.  They feel like they will be a good high stack trail shoe for easier trail like the PCT or closer to town stuff with less roots and rocks...

I bought the agility peak 5 online but returned them because I found them to be very stiff. I like my shoes to have a flexible forefoot sole and those Merrell had the stiffest forefoot I ever tried.

Nothing wrong, but buyer beware: the soles are very stiff. No flexibility.

I ordered a pair of the ap5 online and returned them because of the stiff sole, I prefer flexibility in the forefoot. But I also acknowledge it is just a preference thing, not a better or worse shoe design.

Bought a pair on sale online, the sole was extremely stiff and that's the reason I returned them, I like flexibility in the forefoot.

They can be found for cheap, but I returned a pair because the sole was incredibly stiff. I like flexibility, especially in the forefoot.

I bought a pair online and I returned them because the sole was very stiff, stiffer then anything I've had before. I like my shoes to have flexibility in the forefoot, especially trail shoes. But I can imagine that they do work for others. If price/value is important to you, have a look at INOV8, they're very durable and last forever. Also look at Reebok floatride energy trail, they're regularly on sale and are great value.

Merrell agility peak 5 for the long and long sky 2 matryx for the short. These are the truncheon carrying moustachio'd men of trail running

The AP5 is a really great shoes. The durability is ok but it's not like a Norda or a NNormal. I am on my 4th pair. I had problem with ripped eyelets. So I asked a cobler to put metals eyelets in my new pairs. Merrell send me a new free pair regarding this matter. I found that there is a breaking period. So I wear them casually for a week prior to run in them. Also I find that they killed it with the colors, they are absolutely beautiful. The brown and purple are the best looking shoes I ever had !

Agility peak 5. 4th pair !

I currently own both of the shoes that you mentioned. Agility Peak 5 is a fine shoe. Good grippy Vibram outsole. Very well cushioned. They are a bit on the heavier side, but not too noticeable, especially for a beginner. The drop is steep like you might see on road shoes, so that might be a good transition for you. I would try it on and see how it fits, as that is the most important part. The toebox is not very wide, so if you have wider feet, that could be a deal breaker.

I have the Merrell Agility Peak 5 and it's got a nice wide toe box if your small toe is getting squished. Mine are a half size up and fit well.

Shoe rotation is Hoka Speedgoat 5, Hoka Speedgoat 6, and Merrell Agility Peak 5. Will switch depending on trail conditions, training load, time on feet, etc.

Love mines. They are excellent in the mud, plenty of grip. They're also super comfortable and there's a lot of colors to choose from.

Some are saying the agility peak 5 but I found them to be way to stiff and “clunky” feeling. The closet shoe I’ve come to have that same stability, cushion and keep the fun bouncy feel have been the newest model north face vective enduris 4.

I liked them and think they are an overlooked all-arounder trail shoe that isn't too expensive for what you get. Hope it's ok to share, but I did a review video of the Agility Peak 5 on my channel: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb\_uvopflvY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb_uvopflvY)

Yes I agree that they are slightly too high, but shouldn't be a major issue for intermediate runners. Although they feel slightly heavy and stiff, they are like you said easy to run at albeit at slow to moderate paces. I don't see any fit issues apart from them being slightly loose in the heels. I disagree a bit on the technical part as they are at least as good or even better than speedgoats in technical terrain performance. Really i have other trail shoes like the Peregrine 13, zegama 2, speedgoats 4 and 5, and the AP5 feels more technically inclined than the rest. The deeply lugged outsoles also seem more durable than the other shoes that I have including those with Vibram soles. That being said, although they are not super comfortable nor speedy, they get the job done better than most competitors at a better value for money. I love them.

Merrell Agility Peak 5 Insane lugs, better than speedgoats, incredibly protective, great for extreme terrain. Nike Zegama 2 Comfy but heavy, the vibram grips well, but somehow the lugs are shallower. Good for walking and slow runs up to moderately rough terrain, but doesn't excel at anything. Saucony Peregrine 14 Good fitting shoe, protective, comfy with sightly lower stack height. Great for everything up to 10 miles, that's when my feet get sore due to the thinner midsole. Very nimble, but they do not grip well on wet rocks or roots. Oh yeah the lugs wear out faster than i hoped affecting the longevity, that's something to be considered as well. Puma Deviate Nitro 2 They are the bomb if you are running your trails instead of walking them. Super light and have enough grip to handle moderate terrain. But they have very little protection on the uppers and outsole (shallow stack height), so you kind of have to watch where you place your feet to avoid sharp rocks and stuff. But goddamn they are fast. I much prefer the Merrell and Puma over the others, because they excel for certain usage conditions. The Zegama is meh (weak energy return) except for walking, while the Peregrine is limited by low stack height and incapability to gain traction on certain surfaces.

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

I don't have a lot of trail shoes to compare to, but I'm currently using the Merrell Agility Peak 5 and, despite the long lugs, it handles periods of running on tarmac just fine.

Love the AGP5. It's become my go to shoe. Light, good cushion, rock plate. Everything I want. Plus they are on sale regularly.

I wish I could find them with 50% off, I love my pair, no problems with my feet on a 31 and 35 mile trail race, so a big thumbs up from me.

I loved the v1, tried the V2 in a store and felt the toe box had gotten a tiny bit smaller, moved onto the agility peak 5 after that.

The Merrell Agility Peak 5 is a narrower shoe with a terrific outsole. 5mm lugs. As a pure, fast, trail runner it is a bit dead. But for technical, slower terrain I like it. It can also be found really cheap right now.

Trail running shoes that is quick to dry. Lighter weight pa. Merrel Agility peak 5

I have 2 pairs of these, one Gore-tex and one not and I went TTS on both. I have pretty wide feet though.

I have 2 pairs of these, one Gore-tex and one not and I went TTS on both. I have pretty wide feet though.

Merrel agility peak kaso medjo mabigat siya.pero makapit di ka madudulas Salomon speed cross 6, wala silang official store dito sa pinas so di mo siya ma try in person

I use Merrell Agility Peak 5 (non waterproof version). Good lug size comfy as heck. Mesh upper dries fast. On a side note I swap out insoles for Dr. Scholl's rigid arch support insoles in all my shoes or boots. I did 75 miles across the Sierras in those last summer; still using them. Holding up well. I like 'em because you can lace them up tight as heck so there's no slippage, and it doesn't hurt your feet at all to hike in them like that. And, I need a wide fit and Merrell doesn't disappoint there. Just my two cents worth. Trail runners are a personal choice/fit/comfort. Everyone is different. But I'll never go back to boots.

You should check out the new MTL Adapt Matrix from Merrell. It has a 6mm drop and the cushion is a little softer. I have both the AP5 and the Adapt. The Adapt has a more secure fit and is more stable in rocky terrain. Both are great shoes though and the price you can get the AP5 (always on sale) for is great value.

I would look at the Merrell Agility Peak 5. They don't have a wide version, but if you're fitting into regular Speedgoats these will be higher volume. They have the stack height you want and a great outsole. You should know that most trail runners don't last for 500mi+. Most people find that they need to replace them by the time they're a few hundred miles in. It's not just about wear and tear on the uppers or outsole - by the time you get to that point, the midsole foam will often be seriously deteriorated. If you're looking for ultimate durability, I've heard positive things about Norda in that department, but no idea if they'll fit your feet and they're pretty pricey.

Merrell Agility Peak 5 are great, or check or the new LS Prodigio Max.

They're a great shoe. Light, lots of cushion, great grip. I personally find them a bit generous in sizing and you might consider going 1/2 size down from your usual; best thing is to try them on. I don't know why one commenter said they're heavy, they weigh about as much as the Speedgoats. They're pretty light for such a cushioned shoe. I also don't find them to be particularly narrow, especially compared to the Speedgoats. It all comes down to fit and you need to wear what fits you best, but at $120 these are a great value.

Merrell Agility Peak 5s have an aggressive outsole that's pretty good in mud, and they're roomy through the midfoot as well IMO.

LS Prodigio, Merrell Agility Peak and Topo MTN Racer as my go-tos. LS Bushido for techy shorter stuff. Saucony Peregrine ST for mud. Old pair of Cascadias with screws for the snow and ice.

If you're comfortable in/looking at high stack stuff like the speedgoat, consider the Merrell Agility Peak 5. Great outsole for technical stuff and a nice roomy fit.

I see a lot of praise for AP5, I love them, my favorite trail shoes along with the Mafate. BUT not when is muddy out there. I find they collect a lot mud. Unlike Mafate. During muddy runs I prefer the Mafate.

I am very, very pleased with my AP5. Got mine on clearance at breatheoutdoors for dirt cheap ($100CAN). Their characteristics make them an ideal winter running shoe… the best feature is the design is more robust, and yes, the sole is a bit firmer than other shoes, but that makes them excellent for supporting my Kahtoola microspikes without collapsing, and keeps the Kahtoola front rubber strap from crushing my toes. That they are a bit heavier doesn’t make much difference when I have spikes strapped on anyway. The AP5 upper is more robust, which provides a bit more insulation from the cold. And I LOVE the metal gaiter clip in the front which seems to be disappearing from many other shoes. I’ll use a lighter shoe for summer running, but AP5 is my winter shoe going forward.

I am very, very pleased with my AP5. Got mine on clearance at breatheoutdoors for dirt cheap ($100CAN). Their characteristics make them an ideal winter running shoe… the best feature is the design is more robust, and yes, the sole is a bit firmer than other shoes, but that makes them excellent for supporting my Kahtoola microspikes without collapsing, and keeps the Kahtoola front rubber strap from crushing my toes. That they are a bit heavier doesn’t make much difference when I have spikes strapped on anyway. The AP5 upper is more robust, which provides a bit more insulation from the cold. And I LOVE the metal gaiter clip in the front which seems to be disappearing from many other shoes. I’ll use a lighter shoe for summer running, but AP5 will definitely be my winter shoe going forward.

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.

I prefer Trail Runners about 95% of the time, unless in snow or something to that degree. I wore Merrell Agility Peak 5's for Annapurna and Hoka Speedgoat 5's for Buran Ghati and no blisters or sore feet. I loved them both but I think it's all a personal thing.

I felt like they were stiff at first but provided some cushioning. The tongue is thick but it didn’t become an issue for me, I felt like than ran a little long and I went down a 1/2 and I like a lot of room. They are $79 including shipping. This is a really store in MN, USA.  https://www.schulershoes.com/men-s-merrell-agility-peak-5-mensagilitypeak5merrell.html

Yep, agreed. Got these recently, and does hold up nicely on tarmac.

If your after something a bit more affordable. I just bought a pair of Merrell Agility Peak 5s and they're incredible. Massive step up from my tarkine trail devils. Took them for a few runs to break in, and then wore them for a multi day hike in Cradle-Mountain Tasmania; icy trails, wet rocks lots of technical terrain. Didnt have a single issue with my feet, and very breathable. Obviously you'll slip on ice, but every other bit of terrain, very grippy and comfy. I was going to get those or the speed goats, but they were significantly cheaper on sale and a lot of the reviews compared them to the speed goat.

I have to really work the laces to get my heel locked in well but overall have enjoyed running in these the last couple months!

For sure a wide roomy shoe and think I down sized .5 a size. Also ended up returning those because I thought they were too firm for my liking.

Up dito, I have agility peak 5 as well. Meron din akong Merrell Moab Mid 3. Cons lang for Moab, di ko ma-advise magamit pag malakas talaga yung ulan, para kasing tabo pag pinasok ng tubig yung loob. Mahirap din patuyuin, pero comfortable both.

Yup, comfortable din. Additional safety na din sa ankle since mid yung kinuha ko. Though, yung sa agility peak 5 baka manibago ka sa feel since parang nakayakap sa paa mo yung shoes lalo na pag nasanay ka sa normal na hiking shoes lang, pero comfortable pa din. Bouncy feel din pag natakbo.

I’ve got two pairs of trail runners 1 merrell and 1 Nike Pegasus gtx. Both 9.5ik size. The merrell are roomier but have a slightly harder sole. The Nike have a softer sole but are tight across the width of the foot. So as others have said try and get to a running shop and try them on with different types of socks.

I have a couple of pairs of trail runners . Nike Pegasus gtx. Normally use them for road running and a bit of trail. When I 1st got them they felt very tight round top of foot. They have given a bit but not too much. I’m normally a size 9 but have them in 9.5. I wouldn’t try and wear thicker socks with them, just trainer/running socks as they are very snug. I also have a pair of Merrel agility peak 5’s. These are better on actual trails again they are in 9.5 but can wear a slightly thicker socks if in colder weather. As with all shoes try them on in a shop if you can.

I have the same passion for good trail shoes and also a colourful rotation at the moment. In my rotation I’ve got 2x La Sportiva Akasha II - my absolute favourites for technical terrain and yes it is a very simple shoe, but I’ve ran a 100 miler in them and had no problems at all. Also here in Greece we have very technical mountainous terrain, so that’s why they are my go to. Just retired my SG 5s which I loved for daily training. Did 1000K in them - Never made it to a race though. Altra Olympus 5 - not a huge fan of the zero drop. I took my time and I’ll throw them in there every once in a while. The Salomon Slab Genesis is an interesting one. Could work for you, if you have narrower feet. It grew on me, but it does not compare to the Akasha II. Merrell Agility Peak 5 - not really a hidden gem anymore. Many say it’s like the SG 3. I like the shoe. Rugged, solid, but with a little bit of a loose heel. Every foot is different though. I’ve tried to find something that might blow me away just like the Akasha II did, but haven’t found that shoe yet. Give it a try!

Merrel agility peak 5. Current mileage is 240 km and good condition parin. Laging gamit sa trail ng wawa haha Makapit rin sya sa muddy terrain

You hit the nail on the head. The rain started really coming down when I was descending to Callahan Run (mile 55ish). I literally slid down Hemlock Mountain to the Pine Creek crossing. The NB More Trail V3 have 5mm lugs but they're big and flat, don't grip well. Great on buffed out, not great in mud/loose rocks. They also have Vibram outsoles but it's some recycled version that isn't nearly as sticky as Megagrip. I was going to say "Please only shoes with Megagrip" but I didn't want to limit the convo. Saucony, Altra, Nike propietary outsoles are so inferior compared to Megagrip. On those descents I was really wishing I was wearing Topo MTN Racer 3's or Pursuits, but the MTN Racer 3's rub my achilles terribly. I'm tempted to give the Mafate Speeds a try, but $180 is about $80 more than I usually spend on shoes. I always buy prior years models because I go through about 3 pair a year.

I'm kind of bummed - I recently saw Diego Pazos was wearing the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 when he placed 2nd in Hardrock this year. I'd never heard of these shoes (or any Merrell trail runners for that matter), so I looked into them and they were having a Black Friday sale, $59 for all trailrunner models. Instead of the LS2, I decided to get the Agility Peak 5 because they looked very similar to the LS2, had a bit more stack and only 1oz heavier. I ran in them yesterday in tons of mud and the tread and grip was OUTSTANDING. However, my heel was constantly coming up, I couldn't get a good lockdown. I've never experienced this is any pair of shoes. The smaller size is too snug in the toes, so I definitely can't go down a size. They're also super stiff so I mildly rolled my ankle a few times. How stiff is the LS2? I kind of wish I went with the lower stack just to try out more nimble shoes.

I have used Merrell long sky and Salomon Genesis for door to trail. Love both. Merrell agility peak 5 was great for that too. If the run is predominantly road with a little bit of buffed easy trail I’ve also used puma velocity nitro and forever run.