They\u2019re priced the same, too. So I gave these Peak 5 trail shoes a run for their money to see if they’re a genuine rival to Hoka’s popular trail shoes.\u202f\u202f <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kieran Alger is one of our top running gear reviewers. On this occasion, he was tasked with putting the Merrell Agility Peak 5 through its paces over a mixture of distances and paces to see where its excels, and where it slips up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The Merrell Agility Peak 5 is a well-cushioned daily-trainer-style trail shoe that aims to balance cushioned comfort with speed and versatility. It uses a new recipe \u2013 medium-density FloatPro foam that\u2019s softer and more energetic than previous Peak models. There\u2019s also a rocker to help smooth the ride and provide extra efficiency for those heel-to-toe transitions.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n It packs less midsole height overall than the Hoka Speedgoat 5 with a chunk less in the forefoot. The midsole also features dual-directional flex-grooves in the midsole for enhanced ground connection. So if you\u2019re looking for a shoe with a little more forefoot ground contact, this is worth a look. There\u2019s also a rock plate for extra protection from the gnarlier lumps underfoot.\u202f<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Up top, the Agility Peak 5 have engineered mesh uppers with generous pliable TPU overlays that wrap the shoe from toe to heel. That\u2019s good for durability. There\u2019s also a gusseted wrap-around tongue that prevents lace pinch.\u202f<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Flip them over and there\u2019s a generous covering of 5mm Vibram traction lugs. The mix of chevrons and X shapes are specifically designed to increase traction and shed debris with each step.\u202f<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n Merrell has included some extra clever details here, too. There\u2019s a D-Ring \u2013 a little loop at the bottom of the laces that gives you more lacing options \u2013 and a Velcro gaiter attachment at the heel.\u202f<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re also treated for natural odor control (though there\u2019s not much that can control my trail foot odor). There\u2019s a more expensive GORE-Tex edition too if you want extra water repellency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to the midsole, the Merrell Agility Peak 5 stack height is listed as 31mm in the heel and the 25mm in the forefoot for a 6mm drop.\u202f<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Peak 5 tips the scales at 280g or 9.9oz in a UK size 8.5 shoe. That\u2019s a bit lighter than the Hoka Speedgoat 5 and around the same as another road-to-trail favorite, the Nike Pegasus Trail 4.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n At launch the Merrell Agility Peak 5 price was set at $140 \/ \u00a3140. That\u2019s the same as you\u2019ll pay for a Speedgoat 5 in the UK and $15 cheaper in the US.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nMen’s Fitness verdict
How we test trail running shoes<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Merrell Agility Peak 5 design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Product](\"https:\/\/mensfitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/Merrell-2.jpg\")
Merrell Agility Peak 5 weight, stack height and drop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n