adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Gore-Tex Review

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Key Features:

• Arch type and support: neutral, medium cushion
• Material: Gore-Tex upper, Ultraboost midsole
• Use: Hiking
• Terrain: Trails
• Price: $230
• Standout feature: Boost Foam midsole and waterproof membrane

Though traditional hiking shoes are certainly still around, there has been a shift in recent years to more lightweight, flexible and cushioned options. Many of the most popular models are coming from running shoe brands like Hoka, and Altra, but another dynasty running shoe brand, adidas has recently entered the chat with a couple of models. This one, the Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2.0 is complete with Gore-Tex to keep your feet warm and dry, and adidas’ signature Boost foam (found in the midsole of the brand’s shoes) which gives it a super plush and responsive ride.

If you are in the market for a new hiking boot, this one could be a great option. But if you aren’t sure whether to stick with your classic hard soled leather boot or try something a bit more innovative, keep reading to learn more about the Terrex, and if it could be a fit for your preferences and hiking style.

Design

Though the Terrex has similar support to that of a boot, it looks more like an adidas Ultraboost than it does a traditional hiker. But don’t think that this shoe is any less equipped to handle hours, if not days, on the trail. It has a lugged continental rubber outsole that gives it great grip without feeling heavy or weighed down, and it keeps you feeling secure with every step even in wet or loose conditions.

Since this shoe features the boost foam found in most of adidas’ running shoes, it has a soft, responsive feel that prevents fatigue and discomfort and provides more energy return than a typical hiking boot. With a softer foam, it also needs some stability to support you over uneven terrain. It does this with an internal frame and heel counter which prevent the shoe from having excessive movement or flexibility, and keep the foot securely in place.

The upper of the shoe may look like mesh fabric, but it has a Gore-Tex membrane which makes it fully waterproof and increases breathability and durability. It also has a gusseted tongue which prevents any dirt, rocks, or sticks from slipping in from the sides. The upper is also soft and flexible which makes it comfortable but supportive on the ankle, and the shoe comes in five different colorways for the women’s model, and seven colorways for the men’s.

Hiking with the adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2.0

While gear like a quality backpack, trekking poles and hiking socks can all make or break your hiking experience, there is arguably nothing more important than a proper pair of hiking shoes. And while boots are great for beginners or those that like a bit more support, more and more people are opting for a lighter, more cushioned, and frankly more comfortable option.

The Terrex Free Hiker is a great option if you want something lightweight to take you on everything from a day hike to a backpacking trip. It will keep your feet dry and comfy even in damp conditions, and it won’t weigh you down with heavy materials like leather or a full rubber sole. Though it does have a plastic heel counter and internal frame which give the shoe some stability, it is more flexible than a traditional hiking boot, but more supportive than a trail running shoe which leaves the ankle exposed and more susceptible to turning.

Since these have a rubber outsole, they still have a decent grip on loose, wet, and uneven terrain. This makes them a great choice for everything from rooty or rocky trails, to grass, to rock scrambles—though they don’t have a ton of toe protection besides the plastic toe cap, so you want to be careful when jamming your toes in a foothold.

What We Liked About the adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX 2.0

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Stylish design
• Waterproof
• High cushion

What We Didn’t Like About the adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX 2.0

• Expensive
• Could have more toe protection

Customer Reviews

Customers on adidas’ website gave an overall positive review to these hikers, with 4.1/ 5 stars. They loved how comfortable they were, and found they held up well over long hikes. They also enjoyed the stylish design of the upper and found that it kept their feet dry and warm even in wet conditions.

Complaints were mostly with sizing. Many found that the shoe runs short and narrow. While I found them to be pretty true to size, those with a wider foot or those that prefer some more toe room may want to size up a half size.

Who the adidas Terrex Free Hiker is Best For

This shoe is designed for hikers that like something cushioned, lightweight, and fast. It can work for everything from a day hike to a medium-length backpacking trip. Since it is so light, it may be best for a more experienced hiker that knows how to confidently traverse technical terrain. It also has a neutral fit—though an insole could be added for additional arch support if you need it.

Who the adidas Terrex Free Hiker is Not Best For

While it can hold up to some decent mileage, it may not be quite rugged enough for a thru-hike, or super technical trails that can beat up your shoes due to the exposed midsole. This shoe also may be too soft for super jagged rocky trails, and the outsole does not perform the best in very muddy conditions.

If you have a wide foot, this also may not fit you correctly as many customers felt it fit on the narrow side, particularly in the toe box.

How We Tested the adidas Terrex Free Hiker

Though customer reviews are a great source, nothing beats getting your hands (or in this case feet) dirty and testing the product for yourself. I took the Terrex out for a test drive on my local trails which are shockingly technical for small town Pennsylvania. They had excellent grip on large rock slabs, and wet, muddy ground— and they felt stable and supportive when walking over jagged rocks and uneven surfaces.

Though the shoe did fit slightly narrow in the toe box, I was comfortable in my size and had plenty of room in the length. Where I found it to be wide was the heel, and though the slight movement wasn’t much of a concern on a short hike, I do wonder if it might blister on something longer.

The midsole was flat, but comfortable underfoot, and it had just the right amount of cushioning without feeling unstable. My biggest issue was with the collar which swoops upward in the rear of the shoe. Though the intent is to be stable, I felt that it was a bit constricting and could cause discomfort in the lower calf over a long period of wear. That said, it will not hit the same spot for everyone, so it could be a better fit for you depending on your calf size and height.

Finally, these shoes claim to be waterproof, so I put that to the test by standing in my bathtub and gradually raising the water level. While gaps from the tongue do eventually allow for some water to seep in, you can comfortably step in a good 3-4 inches of water without worrying about finishing your hike with soggy socks.

Fit

These shoes seem to be fitting a bit on the small side. Though adidas shoes usually run a bit large, these are a tad narrow and slightly short—though they may just feel short for those with high arches as there is not a ton of height to the shoe; meaning if you have a high volume foot it will definitely be on the snug side. The shoe itself is pretty adjustable with a lacing system designed to bring the upper together to hug your foot and prevent any shifting during your hike. It also has a decent heel height in the back which gives pretty good ankle support and prevents twisting and over rotation which can cause injury.

adidas Terrex Free Hiker original vs. 2.0

Version 2.0 of the Terrex Free Hiker has seen a lot of change since the original drop. It not only looks better, but also feels and functions better than before. To begin, it has much better grip. The outsole has been redesigned to have larger lugs that lock better into uneven ground than the previous model. It also has improved on the waterproofing. While the previous model was somewhat waterproof, it did allow some water to seep in. This one however fixed the problem, and as long as you are not stepping into knee-deep puddles, your feet will stay dry.

This model also has a taller upper with more padding which adds both comfort and support, and helps to balance out the cushiony midsole which alone would be too soft for uneven terrain.

How the adidas Terrex Free Hiker Stacks Up Against Similar Shoes

This shoe is most similar to other hikers manufactured by companies that primarily deal in running shoes. Two of the most popular are the Hoka Trailcode GTX and Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Mid 2.

The Trailcode GTX is the most similar, with a high cushioned midsole, waterproof upper, and mid-ankle fit, but it does have a couple of differences from the Terrex. It is slightly lighter weight than the Terrex, coming in at 12.7 ounces to adidas’ 13.5 (a difference that won’t be that noticeable even after hours of hiking) and it has a Vibram sole which does provide superior grip than the Terrex.

The Lone Peak is also quite similar in design though it retained Altra’s signature foot-shaped fit and zero drop. This shoe is the lightest of the three at only 12 ounces, but to get the lightweight feel, you have to be willing to sacrifice a good amount of cushion. This shoe is also not fully waterproof though it is water resistant.

adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX FAQs

Can you run in the adidas Terrex GTX?

No, this is not a running or trail shoe. Despite the Boost midsole, it is still a hiking boot and would not allow for enough ankle movement for running.

Is the adidas Terrex GTX good for walking?

This is a great shoe for walking as long as it is used on trails. You would not want to use this shoe on pavement as it would wear down the rubber outsole quickly.

Should I size up or down in the adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX?

Some people found it to run a bit short, though others thought it ran true to size. If you are between sizes it’s best to size up, and if you have a wider foot you will definitely want to go up at least a half size.

Are the adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX waterproof?

Yes, the gore-tex layer makes them waterproof.

Final Thoughts: Are the adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX Right For You?

Whether new to hiking or a seasoned trail vet, the Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 could be a great option to help you hit the trails. It is equipped to handle rugged conditions thanks to waterproofing, stabilization, and a grippy rubber outsole, but underfoot it feels like your favorite Adidas running shoe.

If you are planning on taking a day trip, weekend getaway, or month long traverse through the backcountry, these hikers will make your miles fly, and keep you stylish on the trails.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.