Merrell Agility Peak 5 Review: A Deeply Cushioned Trail Shoe That Runs Light

Introduction

The Merrell Agility Peak 5 sits on the cushioned, all-round end of the trail running spectrum, and it is a very different shoe from Merrell’s stripped-back mountain race offering, the MTL Skyfire 2. Where the Skyfire 2 is aggressive, lightweight and thin underfoot, the Agility Peak 5 is a deeply cushioned trail shoe with a striking outsole, and it feels and looks like a well put-together piece of kit from the first look.

Our first runs covered roughly nine miles along a Cornish coast path and through woodland trails, including puddles, slippery roots and occasional mud. The short version: it was a joy to run in straight out of the box.

Key Specs and What Changed

Compared with the previous version, the Agility Peak 5 brings a more exaggerated rocker geometry in the midsole and a more sculpted heel for extra comfort and better lockdown. In the UK it retails for £140, weighs 304 grams in a UK 9.5, and uses a 6mm heel offset with a 31mm heel stack and 25mm under the forefoot. The construction is also vegan friendly.

Outsole and Underfoot Protection

The outsole is one of the highlights. A bright yellow midfoot logo signals Vibram Megagrip rubber, and the chunky 5mm traction lugs are genuinely aggressive. Reverse-facing lugs at the heel are designed to bite on steep descents, while aggressive forefoot lugs handle climbs and mixed terrain. On the first runs, the outsole coped fine with puddles, slippery tree roots and a bit of mud, and it looks well equipped for much worse conditions.

The FloatPro foam midsole feels very soft when pressed, yet the shoe stays nimble thanks to dual-direction FlexConnect grooves for improved ground feel. An orange rock plate pokes through the outsole to cover the midfoot and forefoot, so underfoot protection should be solid on rocky trails.

Upper, Comfort and Recycled Materials

The upper uses Merrell’s SPR mesh on the ankle collar, gusseted tongue and heel cup, a fabric chosen for its low water absorption. It should drain well, resist soaking up water, and remain stretchy and breathable. Merrell has gone further than most brands here: the laces, inner mesh liner and bootie cover are 100% recycled material, not the 20 to 30% that is common elsewhere.

Practical touches include a D-ring and Velcro attachment at the heel for gaiters, a handy heel pull tab, and a substantial toe bumper for extra protection on the trails.

How It Ran on the Trail

On a roughly nine-mile first outing along the coast path and through woodland, the shoe felt awesome from the start. The midsole is a little firmer than some cushioned rivals, but those flex grooves keep it feeling nimble, and although 304 grams is not featherweight on paper, it runs noticeably lighter than that number suggests. The increased rocker geometry feels efficient, almost helping the forward motion.

Given the sticky Megagrip rubber and deep lugs, this looks like a strong choice for wet, muddy UK conditions, and nothing in the first run gave a reason to doubt it.

Fit, Ride and Comparisons

The fit is more generous than the Skyfire 2, with a bit more width, though it is still a fitted shoe rather than a wide one. Sizing is true to size, unlike the Skyfire 2, which runs small. The midfoot feels secure with the gusseted tongue, the heel lockdown is excellent, and padding around the tongue, collar and heel cup hits just the right level.

The closest comparison from past experience is the Hoka Speedgoat 3: very similar fit and feel underfoot, similar toe box shape, similar stack height and rocker geometry, with the Agility Peak 5’s midsole sitting slightly firmer. It also brings to mind the Hoka Kiger family in overall character. For anyone who loved that earlier generation of cushioned trail shoes, this is high praise worth acting on.

Buying Advice

If you want one cushioned trail shoe that handles wet and muddy conditions, runs lighter than its weight suggests, and fits true to size with a secure midfoot, the Agility Peak 5 is an easy recommendation at £140. It suits everything from easy long runs on mixed terrain to faster days on the coast path.

Conclusion

After a nine-mile first run there were essentially no negatives. The fit works, the upper is plush and breathable, the FloatPro midsole delivers genuine comfort, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole handled everything thrown at it. It is a very easy shoe to run in, and the best sign of all: they went straight back on for the next long run.