The first time I saw the Merrell Agility Peak 5 BOA GORE-TEX trail running shoes, I knew I absolutely had to try them.
Not only did they look awesome (I love a classic black), but they also appeared very comfortable with their mesh uppers and Vibram MegaGrip outsole. Most importantly, they featured the coveted BOA Fit System.
BOA Fit System
Admittedly, I am the type of person the BOA Fit System was made for.
Somehow, no matter how firmly I tie my shoes (and with double knots!), they either get progressively loose, or just come untied.
Whether I’m hiking or just going about my day at work, repeatedly stopping to tie and re-tie my shoelaces throughout the day gets tedious.
I like to lace my shoes tight and in place. For a while, I switched over to shoes with the quicklace system. And they worked… until they didn’t. One year later, the quicklace system doesn’t remain tight throughout the day.
Meanwhile, my partner has been wearing the La Sportiva Jackal II mountain running shoes for well over a year and he’s had no problems whatsoever with the BOA Fit System. Additionally, I have a pair of Bontrager indoor cycling shoes with a BOA Fit System that I’ve worn for years, and the stainless wires have never aged or loosened.
So, I absolutely needed to find a hiking/running shoe that had a BOA Fit System! I was thrilled when I discovered the Merrell Agility Peak 5 BOA GORE-TEX.
More than a trail running shoe
A more refined (i.e. plain color and BOA Fit System) version of the colorful and popular Merrell Agility Peak 5, the Merrell Agility Peak 5 BOA GORE-TEX definitely spoke to me.
Classified as a trail running shoe, the Merrell Agility Peak 5 BOA GORE-TEX is packed with tech you’d expect to find in footwear designed to keep your feet dry and steady on a trail with uneven terrain. Key features include:
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GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, exceptional breathability and waterproof performance
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SBR/mesh collar and tongue offer low water absorption and enhanced stretch properties for improved fit
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External rear sling locks in the heel
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Protective and abrasion-resistant toe cap
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Cleansport NXT™ treated for natural odor control
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Rock plate for protection
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FLEXconnect® dual-directional flex-grooves in the midsole for enhanced ground connection
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FloatPro™ Foam midsole for lightweight comfort that lasts
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Vibram MegaGrip high performance rubber outsole features unparalleled grip on both dry and wet surfaces
While I’m not a trail runner, I do need shoes with those features (especially grip) when I take the dogs out for walks on our neighborhood trails.
For light outdoor excursions such as hiking on easy trails that require some support, the maximum cushion Merrell Agility Peak 5 BOA GORE-TEX is great!
First of all, the BOA Fit System keeps my feet dialed in to a precise comfort level that stays in place the entire time. Also, if I’m wearing thicker socks or my feet are tired, I can adjust the setting to loosen the wires for enhanced comfort.
Secondly, unless I’m hiking a 14er, hiking boots are overkill. The lightweight Merrell Agility Peak 5 BOA GORE-TEX provides just the right amount of support and grip for light hikes.
Thirdly, they provide enough comfort where I don’t need to use a support insole.
Finally, the breathable engineered mesh and TPU upper prevented my feet from getting hot and sweaty.
I prefer black shoes because I can wear them at work and they go with pretty much everything, so they’ve been filling in as my everyday footwear. However, having a solid black shoe isn’t ideal for hiking because they get dusty almost immediately.
Eco-friendly
It should be noted that the eco-conscious Merrell Agility Peak 5 BOA GORE-TEX incorporates recycled materials that make me feel good about what I’m wearing. Recycled materials include:
• 100% recycled webbing
• 35% recycled BOA Fit System
• 100% recycled breathable mesh lining
• 100% recycled mesh footbed cover
• 50% recycled EVA foam footbed
Overall Impression
One of the reasons I have worn Merrells for well over a decade is because they are available in a size 5, and not that many outdoor footwear companies carry my small shoe size. Kudos to Merrell to always be thinking of those with small feet!
The Merrell Agility Peak 5 BOA GORE-TEX is an attractive shoe that is perfect for mountain living. They’re ready for changing conditions, varied terrain, and whatever else the trail may bring.
While I’d be interested in the shoe even without the BOA Fit System, the solid plain color and precise BOA Fit System are what immediately sealed the deal for me (no more loose shoelaces coming undone!).
My first impression was accurate- the Merrell Agility Peak 5 BOA GORE-TEX are exactly the all purpose recreation shoes I have been looking for!
Kate Agathon
Dr. Of Stoke
Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.
A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.
Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.
The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.
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