Merrell - Agility Peak 5 Zero GORE-TEX

[I use these](https://www.merrell.com/US/en/agility-peak-5-zero-gore-tex/58254M.html?dwvar_58254M_color=J007507#cgid=goretex&prefn1=genericSizeType&prefv1=M&start=1) and they are incredible for keeping feet dry and warm but are a bit too narrow for my wide feet.

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?

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

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.

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.

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!

Love my Merrell agility peak 5 gore-tex for snowy, muddy, nasty days, gore-tex keeps my feet pretty dry

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

Ah, sorry then. It’s a solid shoe!

Very comfortable and on sale! If you buy them from Merrell online use the promo code Extra40. I bought mine for $60.

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. 

I tried going a size up and just couldn't get the fit right.. 300km in these shoes now and hate them. I'm really finding that true to size works well with a cushioned moisture wicking sock, as long as the shoe allows me to splay my toes and feel snug in the heel. What you say rough sides, are you meaning fabric and stitching etc? The past 12months of trails I've been experimenting with: Adidas Agravic Ultra Salomon s/lab Ultra Salomon Ultra Glide 2 (sized up) Merrell Agility Peak 5 Hoka Speedgoat 6

Thanks for your recommendation and congrats on your race! not sure what REI is (I'm in Australia).what combo did you go with? I have been experimenting and don't mind an excuse to spend money :D I'm quite experienced running..(10 years with a decent marathon time) and don't have this problem with road shoes. The past 12months of trails I've been experimenting with: Adidas Agravic Ultra Salomon s/lab Ultra Salomon Ultra Glide 2 (sized up) Merrell Agility Peak 5 Hoka Speedgoat 6 Sock wise, experimented too and find cushioned, moisture wicking best, morino wool good too.

Not sure about this.. I'm quite experienced running 10 years with a decent marathon time and don't have this problem with road shoes. The past 12months of trails I've been experimenting with: Adidas Agravic Ultra Salomon s/lab Ultra Salomon Ultra Glide 2 (sized up) Merrell Agility Peak 5 Hoka Speedgoat 6

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.