REASONS TO BUY
Well-tractioned
Protective
More affordable
Versatile
Reliable
REASONS TO AVOID
Feels more like a hiking shoe
Not the most sensitive
Merrell Agility Peak 5 - Women's Review
This trail shoe feels a bit more like a do-it-all shoe than a true trail running shoe, but it offers the reliability and traction we know and love from Merrell
Wintery trails and the Merrell Agility Peak go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
Merrell has a knack for crafting highly capable shoes that, while reliable, don't necessarily feel fast. The Merrell Agility Peak 5 is no exception — it's packed with fantastic features like rugged traction and beefy protection, all wrapped up in a surprisingly lightweight 7.84-ounce design. For runners seeking a durable, budget-friendly trail shoe that thrives in rugged conditions, this shoe delivers everything they need. However, those looking for a bouncy midsole or a cutting-edge trail racing shoe may find the Agility Peak 5 a bit underwhelming. We recommend it as an all-purpose outdoor shoe, ideal for a variety of adventure scenarios where dependability and durability are key.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Merrell Agility Peak 5 - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Trail Running Shoe for Women |  Best Wide Toe Box Option |  Best Bang for Your Buck | Best for Rough Terrain | |
| Price | $104.96 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $185.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $111.93 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $140.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $142.78 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | With its rugged grip and dependable protection, this shoe is ideal for runners tackling tough trails, though it prioritizes durability over a fast, bouncy ride | Offering exceptional traction, comfort, and versatility, this shoe combines a nimble build with rugged protection, making it ideal for trail runners of all levels | Though not the most agile, this shoe shines in comfort, traction, and all-day trail durability | With a reliable build, lightened weight, and road-shoe fit, this shoe remains a go-to for trail runners who value consistency over flashy upgrades | If a well-tractioned powerhouse of a shoe is what you're after, this 7mm-drop, stacked-with-tech shoe is the one for you |
| Rating Categories | Merrell Agility Pea... | Hoka Mafate Speed 4... | Topo MTN Racer 3 -... | Saucony Peregrine 1... | La Sportiva Bushido... |
| Comfort and Fit (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Foot Protection (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Sensitivity (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Merrell Agility Pea... | Hoka Mafate Speed 4... | Topo MTN Racer 3 -... | Saucony Peregrine 1... | La Sportiva Bushido... |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 34 mm | 36 mm | 32 mm | 30 mm | 28 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8 mm | 3 mm | 6 mm | 4 mm | 7 mm |
| Rock Plate | Yes | No | No | Yes | 1.5 mm dual-density compressed EVA rock-guard in forefoot |
| Measured Lug Depth | 4.1 mm | 5.3 mm | 4.3 mm | 5.6 mm | 3.8 mm |
| Measured Weight | 7.84 oz | 7.96 oz | 7.80 oz | 7.80 oz | 9.11 oz |
| Upper | Engineered mesh and TPU | Jacquard mesh | Mesh | Mesh | Air mesh / thermal adhesive microfiber / high frequency welded ripstop overlays |
| Midsole | FloatPro Foam Midsole | ProFly+ | ZipFoam | PWRRUN foam | 4 mm LaSpEVA / Compression Molded MEMlex |
| Outsole | Vibram MegaGrip | Vibram Megagrip with Litebase | Vibram | PWRTRAC | Bi-Compound FriXion XT 2.0 V-Groove3 |
| Sizes Available | 5 - 11 US regular | 5 - 11 US | 6 - 12 US | 5 - 12 US regular, wide, GTX | 5.5 - 11 US regular, wide |
| Heel Tab Type | Tiny finger loop | Finger loop | Extended heel pull | Finger loop | Finger loop |
| Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6 mm | 4 mm | 5 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Standing at 34 mm in the heel with an 8 mm drop, Merrell stuffed a serious amount of protection into the Agility Peak 5. Built for rugged and technical terrain, this shoe makes a great all-purpose adventure companion that can take you from trail running to backpacking to hiking with ease.
Runners who consistently tackle unforgiving trails and execute a lot of walk-jogs will love the fit and feel of the updated Agility Peak by Merrell.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort and Fit
The Agility Peak does a great job of combining comfort and performance. For a stiff shoe, its padded heel collar and thin yet comfortable tongue provide a softness that I did not expect. The upper textile is as soft as it is strong, allowing air to flow freely for ample comfort. The laces could use a bit of an update so they stay tied tighter for longer, but otherwise, the Agility Peak offers a fiddle-free, comfortable running experience. The heel collar feels secure, but the overall opening is a bit wider than average, making it suitable for runners with higher-volume feet and ankles. The width of the midfoot and toe box are average and unimposing, but this shoe runs long. We recommend buying your true or half size for an accurate fit.
For a shoe that we describe as stiff, the Agility Peak combines some stretchy, high-quality textiles to become a notably comfortable shoe.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Traction
The outsole of the Agility Peak 5 features Vibram Megagrip, and true to its name, it delivers impressive grip. The interior lugs are X-shaped, with sharp teeth that provide multidirectional traction, while the exterior lugs combine arrow and chevron shapes to create even more biting edges along the outsole. From a terrain-focused perspective, the Agility Peak's outsole is one of the best we've tested, offering exceptional traction that makes it an ideal choice for runners or hikers who want a single high-performing shoe for various adventures. However, while its sharp 4.1 mm lugs excel on most surfaces, they struggle to shed wet sand, which can clog the outsole. That said, I experienced no issues with mud, as the aggressive traction kept me steady even in slippery conditions.
While the traction of the Agility Peak is super secure, it also holds onto wet sand more than other shoes.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Stability
The Merrell Agility Peak offers a natural sense of lateral stability without needing additional support structures. Its overall stiffness provides a secure platform on uneven terrain, even with an 8 mm drop. The midfoot lock and plush yet rugged heel collar contribute to a stable ride. This design ensures the Agility Peak remains steady underfoot, delivering confidence and support without compromising rugged function. The shoe's base feels wide even though it is an average of 4 inches. This sensation adds to the confident feeling it allows during runs.
The outsole rigidity and shape inspire confidence and stability on most terrain types.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Foot Protection
The Merrell Agility Peak 5 is a stiff, rugged shoe that is ready to protect your feet from whatever the trails throw at you. Its heel stack stands at 34 mm, and the firmness of the outsole and included rock plate protect soles from the spiky trail features you may encounter in the backcountry. The cushion feels more robust in the rearfoot, making it a standout choice for heel strikers. The engineered mesh upper is breathable but allows water to infiltrate when splashing through puddles. Though we don't always love a wet foot, the breathability of the mesh allows the Agility Peak's upper to dry quickly, making it even more suitable for adventure running.
The Agility Peak is a well-made shoe. All of its elements come together to create serious underfoot protection that is well-suited for variable terrain.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
We have already addressed that the Agility Peak feels like a mild hiking boot. This is mostly because the bulk of its 7.84 ounces rides underfoot. The weight of this shoe is certainly not a deal breaker, but its distribution doesn't feel like an agility-focused shoe. Runners seeking a lightweight, rocker-centered shoe for speed and energy return should look elsewhere. But runners who want a versatile adventure shoe will find comfort and security in the weight of the Agility Peak.
Neither the lightest nor the heaviest, the Agility Peak's weight is concentrated underfoot, giving it a hiking boot-like feel.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Sensitivity
The stiff outsole and midsole of the Agility Peak 5 trade sensitivity for durability, making it feel less like a traditional trail runner and more like a lightweight hiking boot. This shoe seems purposely built for tromping over rugged terrain with confidence. Its 8 mm drop positions your forefoot 26 mm above the ground. That thickness, along with the combination of a rock plate and other protective features, significantly mutes the underfoot trail feel. While this design enhances security and protection, it comes at the cost of a more intimate connection with the terrain.
The insole shape and style of the Agility Peak make it strongly stable but only moderately sensitive.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Merrell Agility Peak 5?
There's almost too much to love about the updated Agility Peak to fit into one review. Affordable, durable, and incredibly capable, this shoe is a reliable option that trail runners can count on for the long haul. Its rugged construction and dependable design have made it my favorite for hiking and backpacking adventures. While it might not be the fastest or most exciting shoe for running and lacks some of the technical features seen in race-focused models, it excels at what it's built for — keeping runners comfortable and secure on the trails. If you're looking for a sturdy, no-nonsense trail companion, the Agility Peak is hard to beat.
There is so much to love about this shoe. Despite its middle-to-low standing among our shoes, the Agility Peak is a sturdy shoe that will make most runners happy.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?
Runners seeking an awesomely sturdy running shoe to keep them company on long trail excursions should check out the offerings from La Sportiva. The Jackal II and the Bushido III are ruggedly durable options with fantastic traction. Both La Sportiva shoes are a bit firmer than the Agility Peak, but all three options are versatile runners built for rugged terrain. The Merrell Antora 3 is another trail running shoe that rides more like a hiking boot. Outfitted with similar traction and comfort, the Antora is slightly less expensive than the Agility Peak.
—Ally Arcuri
You Might Also Like
