Best Adidas Hiking Shoes: Top 5 of 2023

Last Updated on December 30, 2022 by James

Adidas are one of the biggest sports brands in the world. Millions of customers are massive fans of their high-quality footwear; and that includes hikers.

Although Adidas are better best known for their athletic equipment, they have a wide and varied range of hiking shoes. Using modern technology and a ‘sporty’ design, their footwear is starting to catch the attention of ‘trail seekers’ from around the world.

In order to give you an idea of how each product performs, we have reviewed and compared the best Adidas hiking shoes. By listing our favoured options and relaying the pros and cons, we are able to help you find a pair that suits your style.

Ranking The Best Adidas Hiking Shoes

1. Terrex AX3 GTX
2. Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX
3. Terrex Free Hiker GTX
4. Terrex Skychaser 2
5. Terrex Eastrail

Best Adidas Hiking Shoes Comparison

Name	Terrex AX3 GTX	Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX	Terrex Free Hiker GTX	Terrex Skychaser 2	Terrex Eastrail
Price	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Backcountry	View on Amazon	View on Amazon
Overview	Lightweight, durable and capabe in any weather conditions. Simply the best.	Supportive hiking boots that provide great foot protection and weather-resistance	Exceptionally comfortable hiking shoe with supreme cushioning and weather-protection	Lightweight hiking shoes with a fast and athletic feel that will put a spring in your step	Incredibly lightweight hiking shoe with great traction and comfort for a bargain price
Best For	Overall	Ankle Support	Comfort	Speed Hiking	Budget
Pros	Lightweight, waterproof, durable, comfortable, stable for a low-cut shoe, good traction	Supportive, durable, waterproof, good traction, comfortable, lightweight, breathable	Comfortable, good traction, lightweight, waterproof, great cushioning, protective	Lightweight, nimble, athletic, cushioned, springy, breathable, ecological	Comfortable, lightweight, cheap, great traction, good cushioning, breathable
Cons	Can feel stiff out of the box	Narrow fit, long break-in time	Expensive, runs large	Too flexible for off-trail use	Poor insole, narrow fit
Overall Rating	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	4/5
Material	Synthetic Mesh	Synthetic Mesh	Primeknit Textile	Recycled Textlie Mesh	Textile
Weight	13.9oz (394g)	14.6oz (414g)	14.6oz (415g)	12.8oz (363g)	10.2oz (289g)

Why Do I Need The Best Adidas Hiking Shoes?

Adidas are brand that have been synonymous with quality sports clothing and equipment. The German brand has become the second biggest sportswear manufacturer in the world since being founded in 1949.

Hiking shoes are a part of the Adidas footwear collection that many overlook. However, their products have come on leaps and bounds since the release of their first pair of trekking shoes in the 1970’s.

It should come as no surprise that Adidas are developing a range of hiking shoes that are modern in appearance and performance. Many of them are lightweight, bouncy and comfortable enough to keep you hiking with a smile.

The long track record that Adidas have of producing high-quality footwear should be enough to peak your interest. Although the futuristic design of their hiking shoes might not suit every style, it’s hard to deny the performance of their best products.

How To Choose The Best Adidas Hiking Shoes

Hiking Shoes vs. Hiking Boots

The first thing you need to decide upon is the style you require: hiking shoes or hiking boots. Each option has distinct advantages that are best suited to a different type of hiker.

Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are Adidas’ most common style. Using a low-cut design that falls below the ankle bone, they provide the freedom of movement you might expect from a sports shoe.

Hiking shoes are well suited to anyone day-hiking along trodden trails. The fast, light and flexible feel underfoot will allow you to hike with maximum comfort.

It’s worth noting that hiking shoes offer limited ankle support. If you’re planning on heading off-trail or carrying a heavy pack, this is not the style for you.

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots use a mid-cut height that sits just above your anklebone. It’s the most common boot style worn by hikers due to the increased ankle support.

Adidas have a small number of hiking boots that offer various levels of support. Each one is capable of performing well during more challenging outdoor pursuits that require added stability.

Keep in mind that hiking boots feel heavier underfoot than hiking shoes. However, they are a great choice for those heading on multiday trips.

Waterproofing

Deciding whether you require waterproofing or not is an individual decision. Thankfully, Adidas have a range of hiking shoes that offer various levels of water-resistance.

It’s often recommended that summer hikers stick to non-waterproof footwear. The added ventilation and reduced weight that comes with removing the waterproof membrane can vastly improve your experience.

If you’re somebody that regularly hikes in wet weather, then keeping your feet dry will be a priority. Despite the reduced breathability of waterproof shoes, they are paramount if you want to remain comfortable during the winter.

Adidas have teamed up with Gore-Tex to provide a range of waterproof shoes and boots to suit various hikers. The reliable nature of a Gore-Tex membrane ensures your feet will stay completely dry in a downpour.

Breathability

Breathability refers to the amount of hot air and moisture that is able to escape from inside the shoe. It’s a key feature for anyone looking to remain comfortable and avoid blisters in hot weather.

Fortunately, many Adidas hiking shoes are some of the most breathable on the market. The use of synthetic and mesh fabrics allows sweat to evaporate, while also making sure they dry quickly once wet.

Remember that waterproof hiking shoes will have reduced breathability in hot weather. However, the Gore-Tex membrane used by Adidas does allow a decent amount of perspiration to escape.

Weight

If you’re looking for a lightweight pair of hiking shoes; you will be happy with the Adidas Outdoor range. Most of their footwear is designed to feel light and athletic enough for fast-paced hiking trips.

The majority of Adidas’ hiking shoes weigh between 10-15oz. The use of thin-cut synthetic fabrics and modern materials has made them some of the lightest on the market.

Keep in mind that more supportive ‘hiking boots’ tend to be heavier, due to their thicker materials and mid-cut ankle. The addition of a Gore-Tex membrane can also cause a slight weight increase.

Some Adidas hiking shoes use a design that closely resembles trail-running footwear. Designed to be ultralight, flexible and athletic; they are great for comfort on day-hikes but can lack of support.

If you enjoy hiking at speed and want to save serious weight, it might be worth reading our review of the best lightweight hiking shoes.

Midsole

The midsole of your hiking shoe is the cushioning that sits just under the footbed. It’s tasked with absorbing shocks and providing protection for the sole of your foot.

Adidas hiking shoes use either EVA or TPU to create the midsole. It’s a ‘spongy’ material that is supremely soft and flexible.

You can expect plenty of rebound and energy return from most Adidas midsoles. It’s common to see the lighter shoes offering increased cushioning, while the heavier boots will use a slightly stiffer midsole to improve protection.

Outsole

The outsole of your hiking shoe sits between the midsole and the dirt. It’s the rubber layer that is tasked with making sure your feet grip to the trail.

Adidas use the prominent tyre manufacturer ‘Continental’ to produce most of their outsoles. The rubber has proven to be durable over time and provides moderate protection on uneven terrain.

Traction lugs are also applied to the outsole to improve grip. Heavier shoes often use larger lugs that are great for challenging terrain, while lightweight shoes tend to be minimalist.

Best Overall Adidas Hiking Shoes

Adidas Terrex AX3 GTX

• Material: Synthetic Mesh
• Weight: 13.9oz (394g)
• Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)
• Midsole: EVA
• Outsole: Continental Rubber
• Retailers: Amazon, Backcountry
• Alternate Versions: Terrex AX3 (non-GTX), Terrex AX3 Mid GTX

The amount of performance factors required to make a great hiking shoe is vast and varied, but we found the Adidas Terrex AX3 GTX showed its quality in almost every category. Weighing in at just 13.9oz, the lightweight design feels nimble and athletic when trekking across marked trails.

The AX3’s include a Gore-Tex membrane for complete dryness, which combines well with the mesh upper fabric to create admirable breathability in hot weather. We were also impressed with the level of stability offered for such a lightweight shoe, due to a midfoot torsion bar that provides lateral support on uneven ground.

Underneath the cushioned EVA midsole, you will find a continental outsole that is grippy enough for wet weather conditions. Another area the Terrex AX3 GTX impressed was protection, thanks to a solid toe cap defending against unnoticed rocks and tree stumps.

The overall performance of the Terrex AX3 GTX proves that Adidas know how to make a quality hiking shoe. It’s lightweight, weather-resistant, durable and athletic enough to keep any day-hiker happy.

Best Adidas Hiking Shoes for Ankle Support

Adidas Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX

• Material: Synthetic Mesh
• Weight: 14.6oz (414g)
• Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)
• Midsole: TPU
• Outsole: Continental Rubber
• Retailers: Amazon, Backcountry
• Alternate Versions: Terrex Swift R2 GTX, Terrex Swift R3, Terrex Swift R3 GTX

Adidas are best known their fast and flexible footwear, but the Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX proves they have the capability to product a supportive hiking boot. It features a mid-cut design that sits just above the ankle to improve stability, making it well suited to multiday pursuits on tough terrain.

The boots use a typically reliable Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing, with the heightened shaft cut ensuring water doesn’t enter through the ankle. The outer fabric uses ripstop mesh fabric that is lightweight, breathable and tough enough for heavy usage.

Underneath the boot, you will find a TPU midsole that is stiff enough to provide protection and support on uneven trails. The boots also feature Adidas’ usual Continental rubber outsole that has proven durability.

Anyone looking for a lightweight yet supportive hiking shoe will be impressed by the Adidas Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX. It’s durable and stable for serous outdoor excursions that require added protection.

Best Adidas Hiking Shoes for Comfort

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX

• Material: ‘Primeknit’ Textile
• Weight: 14.6oz (415g)
• Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)
• Midsole: TPU/EVA
• Outsole: Continental Rubber
• Retailers: Backcountry
• Alternate Versions: Terrex Free Hiker (non-GTX),

Nothing quite optimises the modern hiking shoe quite like the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX. It places an emphasis on comfort and cushioning with the use of a ‘sock-like’ fit.

The futuristic design fits snug to your ankle for a secure feeling at all times, while it also stops water from entering the shoe. In addition, they have used Gore-Tex waterproofing to make sure you’re fully protected from the elements.

By using ‘Primeknit’ textile upper fabric, these shoes remain incredibly lightweight without sacrificing durability. The soft and comfortable upper is complemented by a ‘boost’ midsole that gives superb energy return and cushioning.

Modern hiking is often about speed, comfort and cushioning; so it’s not surprising to see Adidas creating a shoe that ticks these boxes. The Terrex Free Hiker GTX feels superb on ‘fast and light’ day-hikes and won’t let you down if you face unexpected rain.

Best Adidas Hiking Shoes for Speed

Adidas Terrex Skychaser 2

• Material: Recycled Textile Mesh
• Weight: 12.8oz (363g)
• Waterproof: No (GTX Version Available)
• Midsole: TPU
• Outsole: Continental Rubber
• Retailers: Amazon, Backcountry
• Alternate Versions: Terrex Skychaser 2 GTX, Terrex Skychaser Lt GTX, Terrex Skychaser Lt

Adidas are well-known in the sporting world for their great selection of running footwear, so it’s not surprising to see them selling some of the fastest hiking shoes on the market. The Terrex Skychaser 2 is promotes speed and energy by adapting technology used for trail-running shoes.

Weighing just 12.8oz, the Skychaser 2 is incredibly lightweight for a performance orientated hiking shoe. The upper fabric is designed from textile mesh that promotes breathability, while also being made entirely from recycled products.

One area where we found the Skychaser 2 excelled was cushioning, thanks to a TPU midsole that is exceptionally springy and energetic. The outsole also offered superb grip on a range of surfaces and instilled confidence in wet weather.

The fast and flexible design of the Terrex Skychaser 2 makes it a popular choice amongst day-hikers. It’s super nimble at all times and a whole lot of fun to wear on flattened trails.

Best Budget Adidas Hiking Shoes

Adidas Terrex Eastrail

• Material: Textile
• Weight: 10.2oz (289g)
• Waterproof: No (GTX Version Available)
• Midsole: EVA
• Outsole: Traxion Rubber
• Retailers: Amazon
• Alternate Versions: Terrex Eastrail GTX, Terrex Eastrail Mid GTX

Finding a budget hiking shoe with reliable all-round performance can often seam like a challenge. However, the Adidas Terrex Eastrail has proven to be incredibly reliable during fast paced day-hikes on well marked trails.

Weighing in at just 10.2oz, the Eastrail was the lightest shoe in our review and a great choice for weight saving hikers. It features an upper made from synthetic textile that is naturally water-resistant, with a waterproof version also available if you’re willing to increase the price.

We found the Terrex Eastrail to be one of the most comfortable hiking shoes in our review, thanks to a soft and flexible design that feels great out of the box. It also offered superb grip on a both wet and dry surfaces, thanks to Adidas’ ‘Traxion’ rubber outsole.

The Adidas Terrex Eastrail proves that great quality hiking shoes don’t have to break the bank. It’s super lightweight, comfortable and durable enough to keep most hikers content.

Summing Up

Adidas is a brand that is held in high regard throughout the sporting world. The shoes on this list also prove that they are capable of making high quality hiking shoes that can compete with the more ‘traditional’ outdoor brands.

The modern preference for softer, lighter and faster footwear has worked to improve Adidas’ standing. More hikers than ever are looking for shoes that resemble sneakers due to the increased interest in ‘speed hiking’.

Finding the best Adidas hiking shoes for your style is an individual decision. However, the variety of boots we have reviewed in this guide are all suitable for a different type of hiker.

James

James is the founder of SnowSunSee. He started skiing when he was five years old and has been a qualified ski instructor for 8 years. He has taught skiing in many countries, including UK, Europe, Japan, China and Malaysia. When he’s not on the slopes, James spends his time travelling the world one trail at a time.