With its Terrex line, Adidas aims to provide the active outdoorsman with hiking boots that excel mainly in very light weight and ultra comfort for long hikes. We previously tested the Swift R3, which left a good impression. Curious to see if we can say the same about the Adidas Free Hiker GTX.
The Adidas Free Hiker GTX traveled with us for several months. From the mountains and valleys in Slovenia to the canyons and deserts in the U.S. So it’s safe to say that the shoe underwent a solid baptism of fire and was tested on all types of terrain!
You can read our findings on the shoe here in our Adidas Free Hiker review.
Review: Adidas Terrex Free Hiker
✓ Perfect and comfy fit
✓ Urban look
✓ Good grip
✓ Light weight
✓ Good breathability and waterproofness
Specifications of the Adidas Free Hiker GTX
Key specifications:
- Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing (GTX).
- Sole made of Continental rubber for optimal grip.
- Lightweight: 365 grams.
- Comfortable sock-like construction and ripstop mesh upper
Light as a feather
During our review of the Adidas Free Hiker it became clear that this shoe differs from a normal hiking shoe in several ways. First and foremost, the shoe is feather light! At only 12,87 ounces, it is one of the lightest hiking shoes currently on the market. So especially on long trails, this is a huge advantage because you don’t get tired as quickly.
Sock-like construction
Perhaps the thing that sets the Adidas Free Hiker apart most from other hiking shoes is the construction of the shoe. The sock-like construction with upper ripstop mesh ensures that you put the shoe on like a sock. This makes the shoes very comfortable! And yet, the Adidas Free Hiker provides good support and stability. Of course, you should not go trekking with it with a 20-pound backpack. This shoe is not made for that.
Gore-Tex
Breathability and the waterproof Gore-Tex membrane were also extensively tested. In terms of waterproofing, the Gore-Tex membrane obviously does what it should. Walking through small rivers, wet grass etc… the shoe keeps the water out nicely. However, it is important to mention that the Gore-Tex membrane is only present for the lower 2/3 of the shoe. At the neck of the shoe and the “sock” area under the laces no Gore-Tex membrane is provided. In these areas, however, everything has been done to keep the water out as much as possible. However, if you step through higher water, it is possible that some water might seep in. In the few cases that this happened, the amount of water was always very limited. At most there were some small wet spots on the socks above the ankles when we walked through a river.
Of course, Gore-Tex not only keeps the water out but also wicks perspiration from the inside out thanks to the breathability of the membrane. So the shoe breathes very well so you don’t risk wet (and afterwards cold) feet due to perspiration.
During our days through the deserts of Western America, we did notice that our feet did get a little overheated. These were of course extreme temperatures of over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Still, certain shoes are better equipped for this, despite the fact that the Adidas Free Hiker GTX also features a Gore-Tex membrane. Presumably the sock-like construction does have some impact on the heat-regulating capabilities during hot days.
Grip
The shoe features a Continental sole. This uses the same rubber used for car tires and F1 cars. So there is no lack of grip with the Adidas Free Hiker GTX. And we notice this when we walk over wet rocks and stones.
In comparison, the Terrex Swift R3 still performs slightly better than the Free Hiker. This is mainly because the Swift R3 has a different sole profile and a stiffer construction.
Stability
You would think that a shoe that fits like a sock could not provide enough support and stability. Adidas managed to do just that with this Free Hiker after all! The shoe may be sock-inspired in construction, but they are built out enough with reinforcing materials to provide stability and support.
If you take the shoes on rough terrain or steep, long descents, you will find that they fall a bit short. You will survive, but in such a context it falls a bit short.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strenghts
- Perfect fit thanks to the sock-like construction
- Urban look
- Good grip
- Light weight
- Good breathability
- Waterproof
Weaknesses
- Less suitable for very rough terrain
- Lack of stability on steep and rough descents
Looks of the Adidas Free Hiker GTX
Adidas obviously has experience making stylish sneakers. This is a strength they also play off in the development of their Terrex range of hiking shoes. For hikers who secretly want to look stylish on the trails, too.
The Adidas Free Hiker GTX should not be inferior in that respect. It is a sporty shoe but without the looks of a standard hiking shoe. In that respect, you can actually use it just fine as a leisure shoe. With jeans over it, the shoe even looks a bit like a regular sneaker. Perfect for going out to a restaurant after hiking.
The Adidas Terres Free Hiker is available in a variety of colors.
Who is the Adidas Free Hiker GTX for?
With the Adidas Free Hiker GTX, adidas aims at hikers and hikers who want to grind miles quickly and featherlight. Not hikers who want to reach an abandoned summit via steep trails or over rough terrain, but those who opt for comfort, lightness and style or smooth terrain. And who, of course, also have an eye for a nice urban shoe in a cool color.
Think of hikers who want to hike long-distance trails without very technical sections or heavy luggage. By the way, did you know that ultrarunner Timothy Olson set a speed record on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2021? This is a trail of more than 2485 miles that runs parallel to the west coast of the US. It is no coincidence that Timothy Olson grabbed this record with shoes from Adidas Terrex.
Conclusion
In 1 sentence, you can compare the Adidas Free Hiker GTX to a city SUV: you may be able to drive it on the trails, but it is not a Toyota Landcruiser with which you can blast in the dunes.
Do you want a shoe that is light, very comfortable and suitable for both leisure and hiking? Then the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX is an excellent choice!
>> The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX is available on Amazon
