How comfortable are Merrell's treerunning shoes really? We all tried them on and ran to see how well they work.

On April 4 and 5, 2026, the "Trail Open Air Demo (TOAD)"—an interactive exhibition event where visitors could try out the latest trail running gear firsthand—was held at TCN Sports Park Nagayama in Ome City, Tokyo.

Our very own Fuinam Running Club♡ also took part in TOAD. We used the MERRELL booth as our base and organized a group run.

The booth was lined with the latest models for visitors to try on, and the "Agility Peak 6" was the one that drew the most attention from attendees.

The latest addition to the "Agility Peak" series, this model is a trail running shoe designed to deliver top performance regardless of distance or terrain. The moment you pick it up, the high quality of its construction makes it clear just how serious the brand is about this product.

Racing through the Ome Hills!

Now that everything is ready, let’s start the group run!

We left the Merrell booth and headed to the nearby trailhead. Being able to test the latest gear in the field is one of the unique highlights of TOAD.

Once you reach the main road, take the path along the railroad tracks toward Baigan-ji Temple.

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At Umeiwa-ji Temple, the weeping cherry tree in front of the main hall was in full bloom.

Once you leave the temple grounds and re-enter the trail, there’s a steep climb that continues for a while.

Once you reach the top of the steep climb, you’ll join the main trail of the Ome Hills Hiking Course.

The Ome Hills, the setting for this group run, is an area with many relatively gentle trails that are easy to run on. The participants enjoyed running at their own pace while testing out the comfort of their new shoes.

With just the right amount of cushioning and stability, plus a secure grip, your stride remains smooth even as the terrain changes. Combined with a lightweight, comfortable fit, your pace naturally picks up.

And that’s the finish. I’ve completed a roughly 6-kilometer trail run.

Take a closer look at the details of the "Agility Peak 6."

The "Agility Peak 6" I tested this time is a model designed with long-distance races—such as 100-kilometer and 100-mile events—in mind. After actually running in them, I found they offer a great balance of cushioning, stability, and traction, giving the impression of a pair that’s easy to handle regardless of the distance.

The upper features "Leno Weave," a lightweight, breathable, and durable material. Its non-stretch construction helps keep your foot stable during subtle movements on the trail. Additionally, TPU reinforcements strategically placed throughout the shoe provide solid protection against tree roots and rocks.

The midsole features "FloatPro" technology, which combines lightness with responsiveness. The result is a well-balanced feel that provides ample cushioning without excessive sink. Another key feature is the "FlexConnect" construction, which flexibly adapts to uneven surfaces and supports a natural stride.

In addition, the ESS lock plate built into the forefoot reduces upward force and provides stability, allowing the entire sole of the foot to make contact with the ground.

The outsole features Vibram Megagrip and Vibram Traction lugs. The 5mm lugs provide excellent traction, allowing you to step confidently on any terrain.

Overall, it’s a product that performs well across a wide range of distances and playing conditions. It’s safe to say it’s a reliable all-rounder.

The all-new "Agility Peak 6." If you're interested, be sure to check it out in stores.

MERRELL AGILITY PEAK 6 ￥22,000

Photo: Shintaro Mitsui
Text: Issey Enomoto