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Review · Outdoors & sports

Merrell Agility Peak 6 review

Merrell's cushioned trail shoe with a 38 mm heel stack, 5 mm Vibram Megagrip traction lugs and a forefoot rock plate.

By the HearSmart research desk · Updated November 9, 2026

Performance (40%)
9.0
Ease of use (25%)
8.4
Value (35%)
8.6

The Agility Peak 6 is the most protective shoe on this list. Merrell lists a 38 mm heel and 30 mm forefoot stack of FloatPro foam, the tallest here, and adds a forefoot rock plate that it says shields against erratic terrain. The Vibram Megagrip outsole now uses Traction Lug tech on every lug, and the lugs are 5 mm deep, which Merrell says helps them grip and shed debris. FlexConnect grooves run the full length of the midsole to keep the shoe stable over long distances, and a bellows tongue keeps grit out. Merrell rates it for rugged trails with heavy debris and frequent direction changes. It weighs 10.12 oz per shoe and comes in medium and wide widths. The 8 mm drop suits heel strikers but is high for runners used to low-drop Altra or Topo shoes, and at $160 it costs $10 more than the Peregrine 16.

Who it is for

Runners who want deep cushioning, aggressive lugs and underfoot protection for long miles on rugged trails.

Price

$160 for the men's version at the Merrell US store when checked.

Men's Agility Peak 6 $160.00 USD
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

  • 38 mm heel and 30 mm forefoot stack of FloatPro foam
  • Vibram Megagrip outsole with Traction Lug tech on 100% of the lugs
  • 5 mm lugs and an 8 mm drop
  • Forefoot rock plate against sharp, uneven terrain
  • FlexConnect grooves along the full midsole for stability

Strengths and weaknesses

  • Strength: The tallest stack on this list
  • Strength: 5 mm lugs, tied for the deepest listed here
  • Strength: The only shoe here with a published forefoot rock plate
  • Weakness: 8 mm drop is the highest here with the Nike Pegasus Trail
  • Weakness: 10.12 oz per shoe
  • Weakness: Merrell does not publish a toe box width

Key facts

  • Price: $160 (men's)
  • Weight: 10.12 oz (287 g) per shoe
  • Stack height: 38 mm heel, 30 mm forefoot
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Outsole: Vibram Megagrip, 5 mm lugs

Where it ranks

Merrell Agility Peak 6 is No. 4 in our Best Trail Running Shoes verdict.

Alternatives we scored

Visit merrell.com · Questions or corrections: editorial@hearsmart.org