With ‘skeleton-inspired lugs’ and a quite flexible sole, the Agility Peak Flex trail running shoe excels on rocky, slick, or muddy trails. We tested them more than 100 miles for this initial review.
On a narrow muddy ridge, I pushed past the urge to walk. Rain pounded down as I ran along a near-vertical drop. Now would not be a good time to slip and fall. I didn’t.
Merrell touts its newest trail runner as supremely flexible. Grooves cut in both the top and bottom of the midsole let the shoe bend up or down. A stiff heel lock keeps feet in place. A rock plate protects from hard edges.
In testing, we had a hard time noticing anything out of the ordinary under foot. Most shoes flex, and these do too. But this is a good shoe that delivers as a protective trail runner.
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Aggressive lugs follow the lines of long bones in the foot on the outsole. The “skeleton-inspired” lugs grip soft earth or rock, and provide excellent traction.
Available this spring, the Agility Peak Flex ($130) is a solid choice for trail runners.
Review: Merrell Agility Peak Flex
Where To Test
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