Agility Peak 5 Series

AP5 rip through the lace eyelets for a lot of people, including myself. Otherwise a solid tall shoe.

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.

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.

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.

I have the gore tex model and use them for shorter trail runs when it's wet / muddy. They are great for my conditions on moderately technical trails, the grip is excellent. They would be nice for more casual wear and hikes as well. What I don't like: - The mid foot is a bit narrow for me which squeezes a bit and causes some arch pain. They are very slowly breaking in a bit or maybe my feet are adapting. For that reason I likely won't buy them again. - The laces suck. They're like hiking boot laces and don't lock down very well. They're also just a bit too short for me.

I love my 5's but I struggle with them causing arch pain for some reason. Only shoe that does it. Tried my usual Superfeet insoles and only slightly alleviates it. I wonder if the 6's midfoot and/or arch is exact same?

My winter shoes are [Agility Peak 5](https://www.merrell.com/CA/en_CA/agility-peak-5-gore-tex/58253M.html?dwvar_58253M_color=J068701#cgid=agility-peak-5&start=1). The upper is more robust than other shoes, providing some insulation. They have aggressive lugs for digging into snow and ice. I also like that the sole is firm, so it doesn’t collapse when I attach my spikes. The GoreTex model I linked to is waterproof. Very durable, I’m starting my second season with mine and they still look great.

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.

Yes, but expensive. If you want the best combo of affordability and durability, my vote goes to Merrell Agility Peak 5. A rugged shoe that can be snagged for much cheaper than Hokas.

I would echo this comment. Also a bigger guy, neutral gait, and my AP5 feel very stable. They are actually my winter running shoe because I find the foam and sole more firm compared to my other shoes, making them ideal for secure attachment of my winter spikes.

I run in Northern Alberta, so many months of winter running. Besides runners, I’d highly recommend spikes - I strap my on after the first snowfall and they stay on for the duration of winter. If it’s a lot of deep snow and ice underneath you’re dealing with, you want something like [Kahtoola Microspikes](https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction). As for shoes, I switch to a more robust shoe with stiffer soles in the winter. That’s so I get a bit more insulation, and the soles will support the spikes (soft sole shoes with thin uppers will just get squished by the elastic from the spikes, crushing your toes and cutting off circulation). My winter shoe is the [Merrell Agility Peak](https://www.merrell.com/CA/en_CA/agility-peak-5/58229M.html) - tough shoe with decent insulation.

Merrell Agility Peak 5 with Kahtoola Microspikes

Always nice to hear from another EW fan. I probably wouldn’t have said anything but it caught my eye that OP thinks the Agility Peak 5 is too wide… the AP5 is my winter shoe, and they are considerably more narrow than the EW. AP5 feels quite snug to me, so if OP feels that they are “too wide”, I’m guessing OP prefers a very snug fit!

Do you do winter running? The Merrell AP5 are my winter shoe because: good lugs, firmer sole to support my Kahtoola microspikes, and the upper is a bit more robust providing a bit of insulation.

Altra for summer (Experience Wild, extremely light and comfortable). Merrell for winter (Agility Peak, more robust upper for insulation, firmer sole to support spikes)