Merrell - Agility Peak 5 Series
Models:
Agility Peak 5 BOA® GORE-TEX®
Agility Peak 5
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Reddit Reviews:
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Based on 1 year's data from Mar 17, 2026 How it works
Liked most:
13
1
"About 100 miles of trails and they look like they are brand new besides mud stains."
"I did 75 miles across the Sierras in those last summer; still using them. Holding up well."
"I’ve had no problems with mine on over 500+ Km."
22
1
"AP5 works great for nearly all the course."
"aggressive Vibram Megagrip outsole"
"oh yes, 100%. I really love them."
8
0
"the price you can get the AP5 (always on sale) for is great value."
"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."
"they get the job done better than most competitors at a better value for money. ... I love them."
15
9
"they dunk on things like ... terrex ag speed (Achilles killer)"
"Didnt have a single issue with my feet ... very comfy"
"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."
27
2
"AP5 works great for nearly all the course."
"aggressive Vibram Megagrip outsole"
"They are excellent in the mud, plenty of grip."
Disliked most:
4
2
"The Merrells feel clunky, stiff, and heavy compared to the Hoka."
"medjo mabigat siya"
2
3
"Absolutely shit on wet rock - like running on verglas"
"a little less grippy on bare stone than I’d expect"
"Outsole works great, but are better options for wet rock. ... I prefer Asics trabucos for this type of terrain, closer to the ground, more grip o wet rock and not soft."
0
4
"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"
"I don't see any fit issues apart from them being slightly loose in the heels."
"Really wish they would work on their uppers though. Hard to get a good heel lock if your foot is on the narrower side."
1
4
"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."
"the sole was extremely stiff ... I like flexibility in the forefoot"
"I found them to be way to stiff and “clunky” feeling."
Alert_Impress9020 0.7I 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
Alternative_Act_8913 0.7Have 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!
andinfinity_eu 0.7Anything 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.
AppearanceLess5393 0.7The higher stack makes me suffer on rock trails
Argrint 0.7Merrell Agility Peak : good traction on rock and in the mud, durable Vibram sole, good cushion and dries pretty fast (remove the inner sole for faster drying). I tested the AP4 and AP5 which were pretty roomy for wider feet. I have not tested the Agility Peak 6. It's a good option to consider if the Hoka (too tight for me) or Altra (heel slippage issues) shoes don't fit you perfectly. I've also heard great things about trail shoes from Topo Athletic.
ATXguy13 0.7I 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.
avakerin 0.7I got the AP5 na and nagamit ko sa VERY muddy (since it was raining hard) trail 🥹 It was such a GREAT investment ako lang hindi nadulas sa mga kasama ko (though I know it also comes with techniques, but you get my point!), it’s very grippy on various terrains (yes, even on muddy and slippery rocks for me), it’s lightweight, and it’s also water resistant! Kaso nalubog ko talaga siya sa putik hahaha it’s so worth it! 🤩
batmanjerkins 1.0Agreed 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.
Capital_Historian685 0.7Merrell 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.
ChuckFugger 0.7Salomon Glide Max TR 3rd pair- 200 miles - Distance on buffed out nontechnical trail. Salomon Thundercross 2nd pair - 50 miles - Winter with screws Salomon Genesis 2nd pair - 180 miles - Do anything shoe at casual pace Merrell Agility Peak 5 - 112 miles - Technical trail, foot protection, but untrustworthy at speed. Salomon Genesis S/Lab - 354 miles - Do anything at speed, nearing end of life. Replacement pair waiting in the closet. Hoka Clifton 9 - 304 miles - Pavement