Article by Dominique Winebaum
Merrell Agility Peak 5 X Janji ($150)
Introduction
I received the “Janji” version of the Agility Peak 5 in early August, a limited edition and colorful collaboration between Merrell and Janji highlighting a top seller trail shoe with an artful print from the Mongolian artist, Gawaa. This was my first introduction to Janji, a running apparel brand based in Boston, whose mission is to design responsibly, inspire people to run, and to support global water access. This collaborative effort was part of the Janji “artist series” featuring a print designed by an artist from a diverse region with 2% of sales supporting clean water in that place of the world.
Pros:
Comfortable, well cushioned with great rebound, fit true to size/ Dominique
Does double duty as a comfortable and sturdy hiker in the low top category Dominique
Vibram® Megagrip® 0utsole with great traction Dominique
All day comfort when walking and hiking Dominique
Roomy toebox though not a wide toebox Dominique
Well priced Dominique
“Janji” limited edition is a wonderful collaboration with Merrell Dominique
Special Edition features an original print that is dirt resistant to boot Dominique
Cons:
Heelhold is not super secure Dominique
First Impressions, Fit, and Upper
In June, I opted for the Merrell’s Moab Speed Mid 2 GTX (Review) when hiking the GR58/Tour du Queyras, an 8-day trek in the Hautes Alpes (FR) around the Queyras National Park (Trip Report and Gear Reviews) It is a top-down comfortable and lightweight hiking boot with a stable platform made for easy to moderate trails.
I would have worn Moab Speed Mid 2 GTX for our week of hiking in the Engadine, an alpine region in the Eastern Swiss Alps, if the opportunity had not presented itself to test the Agilty Peak 5 in early August. It’s a trail shoe that does double duty as a reliable and comfortable hiker in the low top category. To be noted, its outsole is designed for rugged trails, which is always a plus when hiking in my opinion.
Of course, this special “Janji” edition, with its print representing the Mongolian grasslands from the artist Gawaa, has been another reason for feeling good about the Agility Peak 5.
The fit is true to size with plenty of room in the toe box. I wore it walking and hiking, 8-10 milers per day, on mostly moderate trails, but occasionally on rugged trails, and even for some road walking.
A shoe that delivers all-day comfort like the Moab Speed Mid 2, however, it comes with a bouncier feel and a sturdier more aggressive outsole.
The upper is very breathable and I was well served with my “Janji” edition as I prefer a non GTX version when hiking in the summer. The engineered mesh and TPU upper is very resilient, yet has a supple feel and is reinforced with an abrasive and resistant toe cap.
Unlike Jeff Valliere and Mike Postaski who are serious trail runners; see their run focused review here, I did not give my Agility Peak 5 a tough workout, yet had plenty of time on feet hiking mostly moderate trails.
The foothold is secure and comfortable but for the heel, which can feel a bit loose.
Mike and Jeff experienced the same issue, however, Jeff found that by using the extra eyelet when tying them, it helped lock the heel in place.
Interestingly, the collar is lined with a mesh to “offer low water absorption,” something I did not test hiking in dry weather with no water crossings. Likewise, the mesh is supposed to improve the fit by being stretchier than a regular collar, something I personally question given the loose feel of the heel.
Merrell offers a wide-range of color choices, along with many options, for most of its models, yet I find it hard to beat this “Janji” edition for I like what it encapsulates, namely the work of an artist from a Mongolian country featured on a trail shoe! For sure I favor this “Janji” edition despite the wide-range of colors that are offered in many of the Merrell models.
Midsole:
The midsole is made with FloatPro™foam “for lightweight comfort that lasts,” which is so true! In comparison to the Moab Speed Mid 2, the midsole in the Agility Peak 5 has a bouncier and more energetic feel when walking/hiking.
There is plenty of comfortable and protective cushioning with a stack-height at 31-25 mm and a 6 mm drop, which is for me right on target.
A rock plate adds protection against rock and adds rigidity to the shoe enhancing stability.
Outsole:
I was happy that the outsole of the Agility Peak 5 was sturdier than in the Moab Speed Mid 2 and better designed for rugged terrain and wet surfaces.
The Vibram®Megagrip® outsole with 5 mm lugs plus mini side Traction Lugs provides great traction and a good grip – it is always important to feel secure underfoot!
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
The question for me is would I rather hike in a low top version of the Moab Speed 2, which is “the latest innovation in hiking” from Merrell, or the Agility Peak 5, which is primarily designed as a trail run shoe?
I tested the mid version of the Moab Speed 2 in Gore-Tex, not its low top version, and I was very pleased with my experience though I would have liked a sturdier outsole, especially on wet surfaces including wet rock. Thus, I tend to favor the Agility Peak 5 - as a low top - for its sturdier outsole that is adapted to rugged trails and handles wet surfaces better. Likewise, the midsole of the Agility Peak 5 is bouncier and more pleasing though most models are geared toward all-day comfort.
The “Janji” edition is an added bonus, but is also a limited option. I hope Merrell will continue its partnership with Janji into the future. A collaboration that inspires both runners and hikers!
RTR Collaborators, Jeff Valliere and Mike Postaski, reviewed the Merrell Agility Peak 5 and Peak 5 GTX ($140 / $170 Gore-Tex) in January 2024. See their in-depth review HERE
Dominique has run for over 40 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 10 and 11 minute miles and once a week down in the mid 9 minute miles. She races rarely, but always surprises more hard core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of 3:16 in her second marathon which at the time put her on the top 10 Swiss women’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been around Mont Blanc 3 times, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and completed the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mother of two grown children, both runners post college, and also enjoys nordic and alpine skiing, tennis, and gardening.
EUROPE Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
No comments:
Post a Comment