Hi, I was looking to get my first pair of trail runners, and I've been looking at these for a while. May I know what's your experience with the AP 5 in wet trails and rain? 🌧️
@BreadGamer_Medic I haven’t run these in the rain but they use a Vibram Megagrip outsole so I know they’ll perform extremely well in wet based on experience
I’m 65 and just bought a pair this last summer (2024) and found them to be oh-so-comfortable right out of the box and onto the hiking trail. Since then I’ve tried them out for my 5mi walkers/stair climbers and they’ve been amazingly comfortable. I’ve ditched many of my regular walking shoes and about to buy my 2nd pair of AP 5’s. If these can keep me walking more distance and comfortably (I’m fit, but had found my other shoes making me feel lethargic), then I’m all in!
On the subject of heel slipping: That happened to me too. I swapped the insoles, which are very nice and heavily cushioned at the heel, for some less profiled Salomon insoles and it got much better.
Also, would you use these are light-moderate warm weather hikers? I tend to favor trail runners for light hikes since they’re super light and breathable.
I've put quite a few miles on my agility peak 5 and I too have heel slippage, but only on my right foot. So far I haven't really noticed it affecting the performance but I do notice it as I run
Great review Alistair. This is a question you may not know or feel comfortable answering. I love the look of these trainers and was wondering if they would be suitable for playing Netball in. Normally I would look at court shoes but as you say these hold your feet well over various surfaces (apart from uphill). I’m wondering if they could handle change of direction etc needed for netball 🤷🏻♀️
Hey Mel 👋🏼 I think you may experience that heel slip on fast movements on the court, and when jumping to shoot. The New Balance Rebel 4 may work quite well for Netball..
Helen reviewed these but it's my understanding that compared to V3, the New Balance Rebel V4 features a more breathable and flexible mesh upper compared to the V3, alongside a tweaked FuelCell midsole for a more responsive feel. It's also slightly lighter, enhancing agility, and sports a new outsole design for better grip and durability. There's more info on it in her review here: www.trailandkale.com/gear/new-balance-fuelcell-rebel-v4-review/ or her video here: th-cam.com/video/LeGJcmH1O48/w-d-xo.html
My normal size in all my Brooks and Hokas is a 9, would you still recommend a 8.5 in the Merrells? I’m always looking for alternatives for my multiple pairs of Brooks!
Yes. Brooks and hokas are consistent for me too: I was wearing my usual size in this review (9) and although I was happy running in that size I can’t help but think the 8.5 may have been better.
@@trailandkale Would you still recommend a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe? That's what I went for, and it seems quite a lot (never ran before, and these are my first pair that I got today! Thanks)
@@trailandkale yes I did. I can still return them but I have read everywhere to oversize them to fit about an inch between the toe and the front of the shoe.
How would you compare the cushioning between the Agility Peak 5 and the MTL Long Sky? I've seen conflicting data regarding the cushioning in both shoes. I'm trying to figure out which might be better for a Camino (Via de la Plata) I'm doing later this year. Merrell shoes seem to fit me well and hence, I'm interested in them.
Sounds like a beast! I think the Ap5 may work better personally. The Long Sky 2 Matryx is great for shorter fast paced efforts either way very technical terrain.
@trailandkale interesting thank you. I believe people say that the agility peaks feel very similar to the mafatee speed 4s so that will be my point of comparison. I have a pair on order now as they're also nicely discounted at the minute! By the way, really like your review style. If there's one thing I'd request is that you do a comparison section. As it helps get an idea of their position in the market. Thanks!
Hey, thank you! I do (most of the time) refer to my roundup of the best shoes in the category of the shoe I’m reviewing (which is always updated on my site here: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/) - Alastair
I have spine-related issues that if the shoes ain't properly padded each step can be felt in my spine. Is this shoe well padded to absorb shocks and how long do them pads last?!
They have a pretty balanced midsole meaning they have medium cushioning and good responsiveness. If you need a super cushioned trail shoe, I'd start with these: Caldera 7: th-cam.com/video/mYEjGNdiXEU/w-d-xo.html , Cloudsurfer Trail: th-cam.com/video/-lx3tKBt4Xw/w-d-xo.html , or Nike Zegama 2: th-cam.com/video/Fci96nDfmjc/w-d-xo.html
They're not dissimilar to the SG5, maybe a little less cushioned, and a touch heavier. They don't have quite as good a heel lock either but they're very responsive, and have equally excellent traction.
I personally find the agility peak 5 much more competent in technical terrain than the Xodus Ultra 1. But I do like the midsole of the Xodus Ultra a bit more. That powerrun pb is pretty sweet
My only experience with Merrell Agility peak was the first version . It was a unique trail shoe including the lug design which resemble the bones of your foot. Unfortunately i could not buy any merrell shoes anymore since there is no local distributors bringing in any merrell product to my country.
Should heavy runners (107kg) pick a different shoe? I am thinking about buying this shoe but I am unsure whether it is a good choice for me or not. Btw: Thanks for the helpful review!
No I wouldn’t say avoid this one if you’re a heavier runner. It depends if you’re after very cushioned shoes though? They’re a great all round trail shoe with a nice balanced midsole
agree about the ankle slip, ordered them to try. prob a deal breaker for myself, pretty annoying. I ordered the speedcross 6 which fit amazingly, just looking for alternatives before i commit. I may order and the Thundercross and Speedgoat 5
Go with the Speedgoat 5 and checkout my Speedgoat 6 review (just published)… it’s out in July so a bit of a wait unfortunately but the 5 is still awesome
I only wore the shoe 7 or 8 times in the summer on my way to and from work.There was an opening on the front part.I sent it to the garage and they said it was caused by you.I wore Salamon for years, I did not encounter such a problem.Merrell disappointment
@@trailandkale No, it's the end of the shoe that curves at the end. I mean, the end point of the sole towards the front.No, it's the end of the shoe that curves at the end. I mean, the end point of the sole towards the front.
@@trailandkale The real problem is that I wore the shoes only 7 or 8 times to and from work. The weather is not rainy. I live in Turkey. I wrote to Merrell headquarters and they said there was nothing they could do. They are with you until they sell the product, but then they do not accept you and the faults of their products.
Beautiful trails! Thanks for putting this detailed review together! It was very helpful!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Let me know if you have any questions on these trail running shoes - or just say 👋🏼 - and thanks for watching - hope you enjoyed the run! -Alastair
Hi, I was looking to get my first pair of trail runners, and I've been looking at these for a while. May I know what's your experience with the AP 5 in wet trails and rain? 🌧️
@BreadGamer_Medic I haven’t run these in the rain but they use a Vibram Megagrip outsole so I know they’ll perform extremely well in wet based on experience
Thanks!! Now more confident in getting a pair
Glad I could help!
I’m 65 and just bought a pair this last summer (2024) and found them to be oh-so-comfortable right out of the box and onto the hiking trail. Since then I’ve tried them out for my 5mi walkers/stair climbers and they’ve been amazingly comfortable. I’ve ditched many of my regular walking shoes and about to buy my 2nd pair of AP 5’s. If these can keep me walking more distance and comfortably (I’m fit, but had found my other shoes making me feel lethargic), then I’m all in!
That’s so great to hear! Glad you’re enjoying them too
On the subject of heel slipping: That happened to me too. I swapped the insoles, which are very nice and heavily cushioned at the heel, for some less profiled Salomon insoles and it got much better.
Interesting! Good tip, thanks!
Also, would you use these are light-moderate warm weather hikers? I tend to favor trail runners for light hikes since they’re super light and breathable.
Yes you could! I tend to prefer trail runners for hiking too. More freedom to be light on your feet but still have all the benefits of a trail shoe.
Have you had any chance to compare it with Nike zegama 2?
What distances would you recommend these for?
They'd be great for anything up to 50K
I've put quite a few miles on my agility peak 5 and I too have heel slippage, but only on my right foot. So far I haven't really noticed it affecting the performance but I do notice it as I run
Thanks for sharing! It’s always validating when others notice the same things I point out.
Great review Alistair. This is a question you may not know or feel comfortable answering. I love the look of these trainers and was wondering if they would be suitable for playing Netball in. Normally I would look at court shoes but as you say these hold your feet well over various surfaces (apart from uphill). I’m wondering if they could handle change of direction etc needed for netball 🤷🏻♀️
Hey Mel 👋🏼 I think you may experience that heel slip on fast movements on the court, and when jumping to shoot. The New Balance Rebel 4 may work quite well for Netball..
@@trailandkale great thanks. Had a very Quick Look V3 has better colours. Is there much difference between V3 & V4 x
Helen reviewed these but it's my understanding that compared to V3, the New Balance Rebel V4 features a more breathable and flexible mesh upper compared to the V3, alongside a tweaked FuelCell midsole for a more responsive feel. It's also slightly lighter, enhancing agility, and sports a new outsole design for better grip and durability. There's more info on it in her review here: www.trailandkale.com/gear/new-balance-fuelcell-rebel-v4-review/ or her video here: th-cam.com/video/LeGJcmH1O48/w-d-xo.html
Should have watched this first before picking usual size! Oh well, exchange here I come. Great review!
Let me know how you get on with them on the trails ✌🏼
D-E toebox width. How would these fit?
These will fit you well
My normal size in all my Brooks and Hokas is a 9, would you still recommend a 8.5 in the Merrells?
I’m always looking for alternatives for my multiple pairs of Brooks!
Yes. Brooks and hokas are consistent for me too: I was wearing my usual size in this review (9) and although I was happy running in that size I can’t help but think the 8.5 may have been better.
@@trailandkale Would you still recommend a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe? That's what I went for, and it seems quite a lot (never ran before, and these are my first pair that I got today! Thanks)
No, I don’t recommend sizing up running shoes. The right pair for you should fit well without having to leave extra space. Did you size up?
@@trailandkale yes I did. I can still return them but I have read everywhere to oversize them to fit about an inch between the toe and the front of the shoe.
@OverJam52 you don’t want to size up on a shoe that already runs long. That’s not good advice
How would you compare the cushioning between the Agility Peak 5 and the MTL Long Sky? I've seen conflicting data regarding the cushioning in both shoes. I'm trying to figure out which might be better for a Camino (Via de la Plata) I'm doing later this year. Merrell shoes seem to fit me well and hence, I'm interested in them.
The long Sky 2 is a much firmer/responsive shoe. How long is via de la plata?
@@trailandkale The entire Via is over 700 miles however my wife and I are starting small and doing 120 miles.
Sounds like a beast! I think the Ap5 may work better personally. The Long Sky 2 Matryx is great for shorter fast paced efforts either way very technical terrain.
My next question, this or the north face vectiv infinite 2 for a very varied 100 miler with 5500m of climbing?
The vectiv infinite 2. Both are great all mountain shoes but the Vectiv is better.
@trailandkale interesting thank you. I believe people say that the agility peaks feel very similar to the mafatee speed 4s so that will be my point of comparison. I have a pair on order now as they're also nicely discounted at the minute!
By the way, really like your review style. If there's one thing I'd request is that you do a comparison section. As it helps get an idea of their position in the market.
Thanks!
Hey, thank you! I do (most of the time) refer to my roundup of the best shoes in the category of the shoe I’m reviewing (which is always updated on my site here: www.trailandkale.com/roundups/) - Alastair
I have spine-related issues that if the shoes ain't properly padded each step can be felt in my spine.
Is this shoe well padded to absorb shocks and how long do them pads last?!
They have a pretty balanced midsole meaning they have medium cushioning and good responsiveness. If you need a super cushioned trail shoe, I'd start with these: Caldera 7: th-cam.com/video/mYEjGNdiXEU/w-d-xo.html , Cloudsurfer Trail: th-cam.com/video/-lx3tKBt4Xw/w-d-xo.html , or Nike Zegama 2: th-cam.com/video/Fci96nDfmjc/w-d-xo.html
@trailandkale Thank you 😊
@DrReddyViv any time!
I've schreded an eyelet after only 100 km. Very thin material around the eyelets. Otherwise, splendid shoe!
That’s annoying! Hope it doesn’t effect performance.
Me too, after only a few runs :(
How are these compared to Hoka SG5 and Saucony Xodus Ultra 2?
They're not dissimilar to the SG5, maybe a little less cushioned, and a touch heavier. They don't have quite as good a heel lock either but they're very responsive, and have equally excellent traction.
Haven't tried the Xodus Ultra 2 - maybe @saucony send a pair over for review :)
I personally find the agility peak 5 much more competent in technical terrain than the Xodus Ultra 1. But I do like the midsole of the Xodus Ultra a bit more. That powerrun pb is pretty sweet
My only experience with Merrell Agility peak was the first version . It was a unique trail shoe including the lug design which resemble the bones of your foot.
Unfortunately i could not buy any merrell shoes anymore since there is no local distributors bringing in any merrell product to my country.
Oh that’s so annoying! Which country?
Should heavy runners (107kg) pick a different shoe? I am thinking about buying this shoe but I am unsure whether it is a good choice for me or not.
Btw: Thanks for the helpful review!
No I wouldn’t say avoid this one if you’re a heavier runner. It depends if you’re after very cushioned shoes though? They’re a great all round trail shoe with a nice balanced midsole
agree about the ankle slip, ordered them to try. prob a deal breaker for myself, pretty annoying. I ordered the speedcross 6 which fit amazingly, just looking for alternatives before i commit. I may order and the Thundercross and Speedgoat 5
Go with the Speedgoat 5 and checkout my Speedgoat 6 review (just published)… it’s out in July so a bit of a wait unfortunately but the 5 is still awesome
Are they waterproof?
No. There is a GORE-TEX waterproof version available though.
@@trailandkale thanks for the info! I’m thinking of buying the agility peak5 zero ready for winter in the Pyrenees
@carllawrence3756 ahh the Pyrenees- one of my favourite places to run
🤘🏻
Hey 👋🏼
I only wore the shoe 7 or 8 times in the summer on my way to and from work.There was an opening on the front part.I sent it to the garage and they said it was caused by you.I wore Salamon for years, I did not encounter such a problem.Merrell disappointment
How strange, where was the opening? Around your big toe area?
@@trailandkale No, it's the end of the shoe that curves at the end. I mean, the end point of the sole towards the front.No, it's the end of the shoe that curves at the end. I mean, the end point of the sole towards the front.
@@trailandkale The real problem is that I wore the shoes only 7 or 8 times to and from work. The weather is not rainy. I live in Turkey. I wrote to Merrell headquarters and they said there was nothing they could do. They are with you until they sell the product, but then they do not accept you and the faults of their products.