Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide Review: Fit, Comfort, Grip, and Trail Performance

I wanted to upgrade my trail running routine with a pair of Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes, and this is my review of them.

I used Merrell hiking shoes on my first half marathon and figured a proper pair of trail running shoes would be even better for my 50K ultramarathon. The shoe needed to be comfortable, wide enough to fit my big feet, and good to run over 30 miles in.

I’ve really put the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes to the test. I trained with them for about a year and then used them to run my first 50K trail race. I also wear them as my primary hiking shoe.

I mainly use these trail running shoes on moderate to rugged trails with a lot of rocks, uneven terrain, roots, rolling hills, and creek crossings.

If you’re looking for a dependable but inexpensive trail running shoe, then this review is for you. If you find this review helpful and you want me to make more, please consider supporting me today by Buying Me a Coffee.

Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide Width Overview

Here’s a quick overview of the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes:

• Shoe type: Rugged Trail Running Shoe
• Wide-width option: Yes
• Current retail price: $160
• Available sizes: US 7 to 14 / EU 40 to 49
• Cushioning: Yes
• Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
• Weight: 4.25oz per pair
• Outsole: Yes
• Rock protection: Yes
• Upper material: Breathable
• Intended trail conditions: Rugged, Long-Distance Ultramarathons

First Impressions

My first impression of the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes is that they looked great.

I loved the black shoe with a sporty style to it. It reminded me of a really elegant black sports car. The quality of the shoes has been phenomenal too, and I am hard on my trail running shoes.

After putting them on, they feel like they’re a part of my body without being too tight-fitting or uncomfortable.

The cushioning was definitely noticeable. I got the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes because I wanted that cushion between my feet and the ground. That isn’t for everyone, but for this 250-pound, 6’5” tall guy, it has been a lifesaver.

They feel right. They don’t feel too small or too big. They feel right there in the middle, like shoes are supposed to feel.

The wide foot feature fit me perfectly. I have a lot of issues finding shoes that are wide enough to fit rather than being so wide that my feet move around in the shoe. These shoes were a great fit from the get-go.

How Do the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide Shoes Fit?

This is how I would say the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes fit me for trail running:

Toe Box

The toe box fits perfectly.

I am able to move my toes. When running downhill, my toes aren’t crammed into the shoes. I never lost a single toenail during my ultramarathon race.

Midfoot

The shoe feels very secure on me.

My feet didn’t move back and forth or side to side during my runs. There were no tight spots that made hot spots. There were no weird pressure points being pressed on by the shoe, even with thicker socks on.

Heel

The heel of the shoe felt as great as the rest.

My heel stays put as I run. There is no slipping around. There were no hot spots being made because of the shoe.

Sizing

The shoe is true-to-size.

I heard Merrell shoes were smaller than their size. I’ve used them for several pairs of running shoes and hiking boots, and they have always been true-to-size. I recommend getting your correct size for trail running shoes.

Comfort and Cushioning on the Trail

The Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes were overall very comfortable when trail running in them.

The shoes are comfortable during my short training runs and during longer runs. The cushioning feels great and stable even after hours of running in the shoes. The underfoot comfort was spot on, too.

The shoes felt great as I ran over rocks, roots, and uneven terrain.

My feet never really felt tired after using them to run. They’re perfect for trail running. They’re also perfect for hiking, too.

I didn’t just wear these on a couple of hiking trails. I trained in them every week for a year straight and then ran a 50K ultramarathon wearing them.

Traction and Grip

The Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes are awesome in terms of grip and traction on the trail.

I never had any slippage issues running on the trails. Dry dirt, gravel, rocks, roots, mud, and leaves never stopped me once. I can’t remember a single time when I slipped or even almost fell trail running in these shoes.

I feel really confident when running up and down hills while wearing the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes.

Rock Protection

The Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes have a built-in lightweight plate to protect your underfoot from hard and jagged elements on the trail.

I’ve run on sharp rocks, roots, and uneven terrain and have never even noticed a once of pain or intense pressure coming from my foot. The 32.5-mile ultramarathon I ran was through some of the rockiest and most rooted areas of the Shawnee National Forest.

On top of the great protection, the foam between my feet and the ground wasn’t so thick that I couldn’t feel the ground.

Breathability and Heat Management

I feel like the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes performed well in the heat.

My feet never really got hot, and I tried them all summer long when we were getting 105-degree-and-over days. The shoe felt breathable and would dry quickly after running through creek crossings. Mind you, they’re not waterproof, but they are fast-drying.

I think these trail running shoes are perfect for warmer weather.

Performance on Long Runs

I wore the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes during my first 50K Ultramarathon in the Shawnee National Forest in the middle of August.

I’m not a fast runner, and it was my first ultramarathon. I was running for a little over 12 hours straight. I had also worn the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes for about a year training up to my ultra.

My feet never swelled up. My toenails never fell off. The cushioning felt fine for the entire 32.5 miles of running.

I did get blisters. It was because debris was getting into the shoe and I was wearing the wrong kind of socks. I did have toe pain because I would occasionally shuffle and kick rocks, and there is no protection from that.

For the most part, I think my issues were really due to my own issues and not so much the shoe, other than debris getting into them.

Running vs. Hiking Performance

I used the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes for both trail running and hiking.

Trail Running in the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes

The Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes are great for trail running because of the cushioning, support, and comfortable fit.

These shoes are really lightweight and not as noticeable while running.

The grip of these trail running shoes is one of the best grips I’ve ever experienced from an outdoor shoe. I have never once thought I was slipping in them.

The thick foam cushioning is the main reason I bought them, and I was not disappointed.

Hiking in the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes

The Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes make for a perfect hiking and walking shoe.

They’re stable to wear on easy, moderate, and rugged terrain. I never noticed any slipping on wet rocks or issues with balancing. In fact, I feel more stable wearing trail runners on a hike than I do wearing actual hiking boots.

The shoes provide some protection, like in terms of a rock plate, but beyond that, the material is pretty thin all the way around.

I am able to hike in the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes all day long and even use them on backpacking trips without any problems whatsoever.

Durability

After 180 miles of running in the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes:

There are no signs of outsole wear, lug wear, or any wear at all. The upper condition still matches what it looked like brand new. It still fits as it should; I haven’t had to change the laces, and there is no damage at all to the shoes.

Honestly, I see them lasting for another 200 miles at this rate.

What I Like About the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide

I like that these shoes:

• Have a wide fit for my wide, big feet (13 inches)
• Have cushioning as I’m running with a heavy load (I’m 250 pounds)
• Have protection built in to keep the jagged rocks of the Shawnee from destroying the bottom of my feet.
• Have the best grip and traction I’ve ever experienced on the trail.
• Were comfortable and barely noticeable for my entire 50K ultra trail race.
• Feel stable and don’t impact my balance when I want to sprint a little faster in uneven conditions.

What I Don’t Like

I don’t like:

• The fact that there aren’t any gaiter features (that I’ve found) to help keep natural debris from my shoes.
• The price is high, but not as high as other trail running shoes.

Who Should Buy the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide?

I recommend getting the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes:

• Trail runners with wider feet
• Larger trail runners
• Long-distance runners
• Ultra runners
• Run/walk trail runners.
• Hikers who also trail run
• Runners wanting more protection on rocky terrain
• Hikers who prefer hiking in a comfortable shoe

Who Might Want a Different Shoe?

Don’t get these trail runners if you’re:

• Runners wanting a minimalist shoe
• Runners who prefer strong ground feel.
• People who don’t need the additional width
• Runners primarily doing pavement or smooth paths.
• Hikers who prefer boots
• You need something waterproof.

Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide vs. My Previous Trail Running Shoes

I recently reviewed the Merrell Moab Speed 2 shoes. Those are hiking shoes that people use as trail runners. I put 215 miles of running and hiking in them and even ran a half marathon.

If I were to compare these two shoes, it would be like this:

You could compare them briefly with your Merrell Moab Speed 2, since you’ve already put.

Fit: They both fit about the same, though the Agility 6 feels a little easier for width.

Width: The Agility 6 is wider than the Moab Speed 2.

Cushioning: The Agility 6 has more cushion than the Moab Speed 2.

Traction: Both have really good grip and traction.

Weight: Both seem to be lightweight, but the Agility 6 does feel lighter.

Stability: Both are stable to run in.

Long-distance comfort: The Agility 6 provides more comfort for longer runs.

Out of both of them, I’d choose the Agility 6 for longer trail runs and ultras and the Moab Speed 2 for shorter runs and hiking.

Final Verdict: Would I Recommend the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide?

Overall, the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes are a great option for both trail running and hiking.

The biggest strength of these shoes is the cushioning that provides comfort for ultramarathon trail running. The biggest weakness is the lack of gaiter support, which is really a personal preference more than anything else.

If you’re an ultrarunner or you’d rather hike in a comfortable pair of trail runners, I highly recommend the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Wide trail running shoes.

I would buy these again and again. I wore them on my 50K. I’d wear them on a 100K.

If you want to buy these shoes, they’re $160.00 at REI. If you buy them using my link, I’ll earn a commission, but it will not impact your price.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my review.

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Have a great day and get out there and run.