By Ryan Murphy, as told to Barret Wertz.
When Huckberry announces a collaboration, we tend to listen — especially when it’s with a brand that has been a top player in its industry for decades. The Huckberry X Merrell Agility Peak 5 Trail Sneaker is the latest partnership between these two lifestyle giants.
Huckberry’s commitment to being a premier one-stop shop for all things adventure and Merrell’s dedication to sharing the simple power of being outside make this a perfect match.
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What are trail running shoes?
Trail runners are designed to grip surfaces more effectively than road-running shoes. They use significant treads to provide traction on softer surfaces like sand, dirt, and mud.
These design elements also make trail running sneakers ideal for hikes. The cushion and support for running are beneficial for comfort during hikes, but be cautious on treacherous terrain, as these are low-top sneakers. While you can use trail running sneakers on the road, they may be heavier due to the additional materials designed to tackle more elements.
Huckberry X Merrell Agility Peak 5 Trail Sneaker
The Huckberry X Merrell Agility Peak 5 Trail Sneaker is a standout product from the collaboration between Huckberry, a top men’s adventure lifestyle retailer, and Merrell, a long-time leader in outdoor footwear. These trail running shoes are designed for optimal performance on various surfaces such as sand, dirt, and mud, making them ideal for both trail running and hiking.
They feature a lightweight design, a FloatPro midsole for maximum cushioning, a Vibram MegaGrip outsole for superior traction on wet and dry surfaces, and lace locks for a secure fit. The rock plate offers forefoot protection, and the exclusive, stylish, earthy colorway adds a nice touch. While they could benefit from additional arch support, I love these shoes for their durability, stability, and comfort.
How we tested
Over Memorial Day Weekend, I tested the new Agility Peak 5 trail sneaker in the most fitting way: by completing the Murph workout in them.
If you’re a fan of Huckberry, you likely know what The Murph is. For those who don’t, The Murph is a “hero workout” traditionally done over Memorial Day Weekend to honor fallen Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the War in Afghanistan.
The Murph is a grueling test of endurance that starts with a one-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and is capped off with another mile run (traditionally done wearing a 20-pound weight vest).
Our review
I put these to the test at the Official 2024 Murph Workout Challenge.
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The Agility Peak 5 is surprisingly lightweight, so I did not feel weighed down during the mile runs. Being lightweight is a huge plus, as the second mile is even more challenging after completing all the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats. Additionally, the bounce they provided was remarkable. The extra cushion is due to the exclusive FloatPro midsole, which offers the most cushion of any Merrell trail runner to date.
During the reps of pull-ups, push-ups, and squats, I felt stable and secure. My feet didn’t move or slip within the sneaker at all, thanks to the lace locks. The Vibram MegaGrip outsole provided exceptional grip on both wet and dry surfaces – including my pools of sweat. This would be particularly important in preventing any slips when taking to trails in the rain or through sitting puddles of water.
I suffer from flat feet and tend to pronate, so I’ve owned many sneakers in the past that I couldn’t wait to take off after a workout. With the Agility Peak 5, I did not have this issue, although I wish they offered slightly more arch support.
I don’t know if it was the Huckberry exclusive style, the FloatPro midsole, or the rock plate for forefoot protection, but I completed The Murph in 40 minutes and 40 seconds — an impressive time for the most advanced Murph workout if I do say so myself.
Although Merrell positions the Agility Peak 5 as a trail sneaker, I felt that if they could withstand this test, a hike should be a breeze.
I am happy to report they did not disappoint. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by how good they felt running on the road.
To round out the review, I decided to wear the Agility Peak 5 to the office the day after completing The Murph. They felt even better just walking in them. The cushioned midsole helped alleviate some of the inevitable soreness in my feet from the workout. The best part? They are stylish enough to wear just about anywhere. These can go from the trail to the bar, from the gym to the office.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Non-slip thick treads
- Exclusive colorway
Cons:
- Would like more arch support
Our verdict
The Huckberry X Merrell Agility Peak 5 trail shoes will definitely be a mainstay in my rotation for hiking, recreational runs, and even everyday wear when I’m looking for more comfort.
My next adventure in these trailblazers will be putting the Vibram traction lugs to the test while rucking. These lugs are designed to increase traction and shed debris with each step. Huckberry also has an entire section of its site devoted to rucking, which is one of the latest fitness trends. You can check out all of their additional products here.
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