Mountain shoes
Product 2026
Woman, Man
We had the chance to run in both the laced version of the Merrell Agility Peak 6 and the Boa version. It is quite rare to have the opportunity to compare the advantages and drawbacks of these two technical options on essentially the same shoe. The other model is the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Low Vent, which has a different drop: 6 mm compared with 8 mm on the Boa-equipped version.
The Merrell Agility Peak 6 features the Boa Fit fastening system. The dial allows for micro-adjustment in both directions: you can tighten or release the pressure. In actual use, while running, how does this technical solution perform? It frees up space across the top of the shoe and gives it an extremely streamlined design. Tension is distributed through three thin straps across the instep.
Getting the shoe on requires a little attention. You need to use the heel pull tab, which is almost retractable and sits flat against the shoe thanks to an elastic attachment at its base. We would have liked to see another pull tab at the top of the tongue to make it easier to get the foot in. However, as the shoe is used, the materials soften and getting your foot inside becomes easier.
Once your foot is properly positioned in the Merrell Agility Peak 6 Boa, simply turn the Boa dial and you get a level of wrap and tightening precision that is close to exceptional. Foot placement is extremely precise in this lightweight shoe, which feels almost like a second skin.
With a simple turn of the Boa dial, you can adjust the pressure on your foot with remarkable precision. The result is precise, powerful and exceptionally well distributed. If we had to choose between the laced Merrell Agility Peak 6 and the Boa version, we would opt for the Boa without hesitation.
Of course, ease of entry can be taken into account, but this is ultimately a very brief part of a trail running outing. Another concern that comes to mind for runners is the dial’s exposed position on the side of the shoe, which could potentially be hit by a rock or similar obstacle. Our experience showed that this is extremely rare and that the dial is very securely attached.
In terms of the shoe’s dynamic qualities, we found the same characteristics we had previously highlighted. Slim and precise, this is unquestionably a shoe that makes you want to push harder. Why do we say that? First, there is the pronounced rocker towards the forefoot, which encourages you to commit to your stride and accelerate. Then there is the excellent heel stability. Some testers even described the Merrell Agility Peak 6 as “firm.” But appearances can be deceiving: the foam softens as the miles accumulate.
Firm, and above all extremely stable laterally, the Merrell is not heavily cushioned under the metatarsals. This allows you to maintain excellent foot placement while benefiting from a very good rebound if you naturally adopt a forefoot strike.
Another major strength of the Merrell Agility Peak 6 is its incredibly powerful grip in very muddy conditions. The outsole does not clog up with mud and remains reassuringly secure on off-camber rock slabs and other sections that are usually difficult to negotiate.
The runner’s heel is held securely, while the total weight is 300 grams in a size 43. The weight-saving work has clearly paid off.
The shoe is carefully constructed, with an effective mesh upper. The Merrell Agility Peak 6 also gives a strong impression of durability, although this will need to be confirmed over time. The toe bumper is highly effective, offering good protection without making the front of the shoe excessively stiff.
An extremely effective shoe for technical trails, offering undeniable strengths: aggressive grip and excellent lateral stability at a time when brands are increasingly opting for very — perhaps too — soft foams.
The Boa Fit version of the Merrell Agility Peak 6 takes foot placement precision and overall fit another step further compared with its laced counterpart.
8 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
Receive your answers by mail. Do you have a particular question concerning the design, use, durability or other about a tested product? We will answer your question personally.
