In direct opposition to the Bare Access Flex 2, these big girls are meant for some rugged runs over the roughest terrain. The Agility Peak Flex 3 is a shoe jacked up with the utmost in protective features for the trail, making it a favorite as the best Merrell hiking shoe for women in addition to trail running. The midsole has the FlexConnect foam with the heel Hyperlock for downhills and turns and Merrell listened to detractors of the Flex 2 and added a TrailProtect plate to this latest edition for additional protection from whatever the terrain may hold in store. But all this protection and cushioning doesn’t take away from the agile nature of the shoe and the reason for its name. The Vibram rubber outsole has Merrell’s M Select GRIP design, following the anatomy of the human foot to provide traction with flexibility where you need it most. Meanwhile, the grooves in the FlexConnect foam provide the shoe with a nimble responsiveness that is admirable for a trail runner and hiking shoe. Additional improvements are also present in the upper, such as a finer synthetic mesh, lighter TPU overlays that still provide structure, and the use of M Select Fresh antimicrobial agents to cut down on odor. Who wouldn’t appreciate that?