Mountain shoes
Product 2022
Woman, Man
It would be wrong to consider this Merrell Agility Synthesis Zero Gore-Tex as a “pure” winter trail shoe. With its qualities and look its uses can be broader. We also intend to use it at the Marathon des Sables next March. Indeed, its fully integrated gaiter provides a certain amount of waterproofness (but not total), it could be good against sand, stones and twigs in trail running.
What is this Merrell Agility Synthesis Zero Gore-Tex like on the snow? after all it was designed for this. There is a very craggy Vibram sole, which was very effective both downhill and uphill. On cross-slopes, the grip was also reassuring. The sole doesn’t clog with snow, even very cold snow.
The first feeling is that the shoe is quite high. The other is you notice pronounced cushioning on the entire length of the shoe and more marked at the heel. This is quite surprising for “snow use” where filtration is not particularly a required quality. This cushioning does allow you to use it in other seasons.
The heel’s lateral stability could have been firmer: the sole’s edges are very soft. We liked the grip under the forefoot and the possibility of good spring, especially on the flat and uphill.
Take note, this Merrell Agility Synthesis Zero Gore-Tex fits big, at least half a size bigger.
Why? Is the runner supposed to wear a thicker sock because it’s winter conditions? We liked the overall comfort for a shoe with a stiff upper. The latter accompanies all the foot’s movements, testers described its good “flexibility”.
The Merrell Agility Synthesis Zero Gore-Tex doesn’t have a tongue, the flat lace comes directly over the gaiter’s zip. Considering how thin the material is here, we were surprised that there were no pressure points. Would need checking over long distances.
Occasionally, the gaiter zip doesn’t slide really well, but it is rare. You must zip it to the top to be able to tighten the laces. If you do a double knot, it is just about held by the elastic.
The Merrell Agility Synthesis Zero Gore-Tex is kitted with a Gore-Tex membrane which provides a convincing seal even at the gaiter and zip. Do note: this Merrell does not have insulation, even with a membrane, it is still quite cold (but it does not absorb moisture).
The shoe, unlike most snow trail running shoes, is easy to put on, just open the zip wide. The strap at the heel helps you to slide your foot in.
We really like this Merrell Agility Synthesis Zero Gore-Tex’s combination of aggressiveness and minimalism. For example, we liked the cord eyelets, the two big logos on either side of the shoe and the gaiter’s very successful integration. A very good shoe, at a high price, for snow trail running but not only that!
19.5 mm6 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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