Article by Dominique Winebaum
Merrell Agility Peak 5 X Janji ($150)
Introduction
I acquired the “Janji” model of the Agility Peak 5 in early August, a restricted version and colourful collaboration between Merrell and Janji highlighting a prime vendor path shoe with an clever print from the Mongolian artist, Gawaa. This was my first introduction to Janji, a working attire model primarily based in Boston, whose mission is to design responsibly, encourage individuals to run, and to assist world water entry. This collaborative effort was a part of the Janji “artist collection” that includes a print designed by an artist from a various area with 2% of gross sales supporting clear water in that place of the world.
Professionals:
Comfy, effectively cushioned with nice rebound, match true to dimension/ Dominique
Does double obligation as a cushty and durable hiker within the low prime class Dominique
Vibram® Megagrip® 0utsole with nice traction Dominique
All day consolation when strolling and mountain climbing Dominique
Roomy toebox although not a large toebox Dominique
Properly priced Dominique
“Janji” restricted version is a superb collaboration with Merrell Dominique
Particular Version options an authentic print that is grime immune to boot Dominique
Cons:
Heelhold is just not tremendous safe Dominique
First Impressions, Match, and Higher
In June, I opted for the Merrell’s Moab Velocity Mid 2 GTX (Evaluation) when mountain climbing the GR58/Tour du Queyras, an 8-day trek within the Hautes Alpes (FR) across the Queyras Nationwide Park (Journey Report and Gear Critiques) It’s a top-down comfy and light-weight mountain climbing boot with a steady platform made for simple to average trails.
I’d have worn Moab Velocity Mid 2 GTX for our week of mountain climbing within the Engadine, an alpine area within the Jap Swiss Alps, if the chance had not introduced itself to check the Agilty Peak 5 in early August. It’s a path shoe that does double obligation as a dependable and comfy hiker within the low prime class. To be famous, its outsole is designed for rugged trails, which is at all times a plus when mountain climbing in my view.
In fact, this particular “Janji” version, with its print representing the Mongolian grasslands from the artist Gawaa, has been one more reason for feeling good concerning the Agility Peak 5.
The match is true to dimension with loads of room within the toe field. I wore it strolling and mountain climbing, 8-10 milers per day, on largely average trails, however sometimes on rugged trails, and even for some highway strolling.
A shoe that delivers all-day consolation just like the Moab Velocity Mid 2, nevertheless, it comes with a bouncier really feel and a sturdier extra aggressive outsole.
The higher may be very breathable and I used to be effectively served with my “Janji” version as I choose a non GTX model when mountain climbing in the summertime. The engineered mesh and TPU higher may be very resilient, but has a supple really feel and is strengthened with an abrasive and resistant toe cap.
In contrast to Jeff Valliere and Mike Postaski who’re critical path runners; see their run targeted evaluation right here, I didn’t give my Agility Peak 5 a troublesome exercise, but had loads of time on ft mountain climbing largely average trails.
The foothold is safe and comfy however for the heel, which might really feel a bit free.
Mike and Jeff skilled the identical situation, nevertheless, Jeff discovered that by utilizing the additional eyelet when tying them, it helped lock the heel in place.
Curiously, the collar is lined with a mesh to “provide low water absorption,” one thing I didn’t take a look at mountain climbing in dry climate with no water crossings. Likewise, the mesh is meant to enhance the match by being stretchier than a daily collar, one thing I personally query given the free really feel of the heel.
Merrell provides a wide-range of shade selections, together with many choices, for many of its fashions, but I discover it laborious to beat this “Janji” version for I like what it encapsulates, specifically the work of an artist from a Mongolian nation featured on a path shoe! For certain I favor this “Janji” version regardless of the wide-range of colours which are supplied in most of the Merrell fashions.
Midsole:
The midsole is made with FloatPro™foam “for light-weight consolation that lasts,” which is so true! Compared to the Moab Velocity Mid 2, the midsole within the Agility Peak 5 has a bouncier and extra energetic really feel when strolling/mountain climbing.
There’s loads of comfy and protecting cushioning with a stack-height at 31-25 mm and a 6 mm drop, which is for me proper on track.
A rock plate provides safety towards rock and provides rigidity to the shoe enhancing stability.
Outsole:
I used to be comfortable that the outsole of the Agility Peak 5 was sturdier than within the Moab Velocity Mid 2 and higher designed for rugged terrain and moist surfaces.
The Vibram®Megagrip® outsole with 5 mm lugs plus mini aspect Traction Lugs offers nice traction and a superb grip – it’s at all times vital to really feel safe underfoot!
Trip, Conclusions and Suggestions
The query for me is would I reasonably hike in a low prime model of the Moab Velocity 2, which is “the most recent innovation in mountain climbing” from Merrell, or the Agility Peak 5, which is primarily designed as a path run shoe?
I examined the mid model of the Moab Velocity 2 in Gore-Tex, not its low prime model, and I used to be more than happy with my expertise although I’d have preferred a sturdier outsole, particularly on moist surfaces together with moist rock. Thus, I are inclined to favor the Agility Peak 5 – as a low prime – for its sturdier outsole that’s tailored to rugged trails and handles moist surfaces higher. Likewise, the midsole of the Agility Peak 5 is bouncier and extra pleasing although most fashions are geared towards all-day consolation.
The “Janji” version is an added bonus, however can be a restricted choice. I hope Merrell will proceed its partnership with Janji into the longer term. A collaboration that conjures up each 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 evaluation HERE
Dominique has run for over 40 years, constantly about 25 miles per week at paces between 10 and 11 minute miles and as soon as per week down within the mid 9 minute miles. She races not often, however at all times surprises extra laborious core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of three:16 in her second marathon which on the time put her on the highest 10 Swiss girls’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been round Mont Blanc 3 instances, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and accomplished the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mom of two grown kids, each runners submit faculty, and likewise enjoys nordic and alpine snowboarding, tennis, and gardening.
Purchasing at our associate REI for the Janji Agility Peak 5 is way appreciated and helps assist RoadTrailRun
Samples have been supplied at no cost for evaluation functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought by way of procuring hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are fully the authors’.
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