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When I think of Merrell, I usually picture a solid hiking brand that doesn’t quite catch my eye. Honestly, it never made it onto my radar as a trail running shoe option. That was until one of my favorite trail runners, known for their adventurous spirit, joined the brand. Then came the Merrell x Huckberry and Merrell x Janji collaboration versions of the Agility Peak 5 – designs that truly made me rethink everything I thought Merrell was. Suddenly, it wasn’t just another hiking brand, it looked like a serious contender in the trail running world. Not to mention, they looked cool! But here’s the real question: does having one of my favorite trail runners on board and some sleek-looking shoes make them a must-buy? Let’s find out!
Total Miles: 37
The Good:
- Vibram Outsole – I know I sound like a broken record, but a Vibram outsole will always land on my list of pros. The Vibram MegaGrip outsole offers a super grippy ride on all kinds of terrain, giving you that confidence you need on the trail. Plus, it’s flexible enough to adapt to the ground, ensuring a smooth and comfortable run no matter how rugged the path gets.
- Foam – The FloatPro foam really hits the mark – it feels fantastic underfoot, offering a perfect blend of comfort, responsiveness, and just the right amount of squishiness. For my first Merrell shoe ever, I wasn’t expecting much from the foam. However, count me a convert because the FloatPro has quickly become one of my favorite foams trail running. It gives you that cushioned ride without sacrificing the responsiveness you need on technical terrain.
- Ride – The longer I ran in the Agility Peak 5, the more I grew to love it. With each mile, the shoe seemed to get more comfortable, providing a smooth and cushioned ride that kept my legs feeling surprisingly fresh. It’s like the shoe really hit its stride the further I got into a run, turning those long-distance days into something enjoyable. And honestly, I didn’t expect that from a ‘hiking brand.’ Merrell truly brought their A-game with this one!
- Design – In my humble opinion, these might just be the best-looking trail shoes of 2024. The desert colorway with the subtle Huckberry collaboration or the eye-popping Janji design… absolute chef’s kiss! Most collabs tend to go overboard, turning the shoe into a flashy billboard for the brand – more of a ‘look at me!’ than a ‘run in me!’ situation – but not these designs. They have that effortless cool vibe, like they know they’re stylish but don’t feel the need to shout about it. Two trail shoe designs that stand out for all the right reasons.
The Bad:
- Drainage – I found that the Agility Peak 5 doesn’t drain water well at all. During a few of my runs where I encountered mandatory creek crossings, the shoe ended up squeaking for the rest of the day, which got old pretty fast. So, if you’re planning to take these on trails where they’ll get wet often, just be prepared for some extra sloshing and squishing each step of the way.
- Heel Slippage – I did experience some noticeable heel slippage on my first run, which was far from ideal. Luckily, it was a quick fix. I adjusted the laces and used a runner’s knot which completely solved the issue. Problem gone. However, it’s still worth mentioning since it might be something others will need to address out of the box.
The Pro:
“The Merrell Agility Peak 5 is my daily workhorse. It’s a comfortable ride on anything from dirt roads to the technical trails of Maine. If you need a reliable trainer, built for comfort and long miles, look no further!” – Coree Woltering Merrell Trail Pro
“I love the stack height. It’s the first shoe I reach for if my legs are tired from a hard week or training block. With the 5mm vibram lugs you can take it anywhere and can trust every step in any conditions.” – Reid Burrows Merrell Trail Pro
The Verdict:
The Merrell Agility Peak 5 has officially made me a believer in Merrell. If you’re in the market for a daily trainer that delivers a comfortable, responsive ride look no further. This shoe checks all the boxes for both comfort and performance on the trails. I’m happy to say that Merrell is no longer just a ‘hiking’ shoe brand – they’ve proven they can hang with the best in the trail running world.
*** Disclaimer – The Merrell Agility Peak 5 was provided by Merrell for review. Merrell did not pay for this review, all opinions are our own.***