Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX
Pros
- Boot-like stability
- Highly durable and protective
- Lightweight for what it offers
- Excellent waterproofing
- Breathable for a GTX shoe
- Responsive ride
- Very secure foothold
- Great grip and deep lugs for mixed terrain
Cons
- Stuffy for summer
- Can be too stiff (even stiffer in cold)
- Break-in needed
Key Features
- EVA midsole for cushioning and comfort
- External heel clip for added stability
- Continental Rubber outsole for superior grip in all conditions
- GORE-TEX membrane for waterproof and breathable performance
- Made with at least 50% recycled materials
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX is designed for hikers seeking stability and comfort during winter conditions. This shoe excels in preventing ankle twists and provides excellent grip on icy or frosty surfaces.
During our testing of the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX on both trails and in lab environments, we noted its significant stability. The embedded Pro-Moderator technology in the midsole effectively prevents ankle rolling, contributing to a firm heel counter rating of 4/5 and a rigid structure rated at 5/5. This combination ensures a secure fit that protects against twists and sprains, giving it an exceptionally solid feel akin to that of a boot while maintaining the freedom of a hiking shoe.
This shoe performs well on snowy or muddy terrains, featuring lugs that measure 4.4 mm, slightly deeper than the average of 4.3 mm. These provide notable traction across various surfaces, such as soft, muddy trails, snow, slippery rocks, and asphalt. The rugged Continental outsole stands out with its chevron design, allowing for efficient mud shedding and enhanced grip on loose descents.
The Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX also offers exceptional comfort, with a heel stack height that is 9% higher than average. Our measurements show the plush midsole at 26 HA, which is 18% softer than typical options. Remarkably, after being frozen for 20 minutes and retested, the midsole only increased in firmness by 17%, reaching 30.5 HA, comparable to most hiking shoes at room temperature. This feature ensures a comfortable ride in diverse weather conditions.
However, this shoe may not be suitable for hikers who prefer a low heel-to-toe drop and a more natural walking experience. With a heel stack height of 36.6 mm and a forefoot stack height of 20.7 mm, the total drop measures 15.9 mm, which exceeds the average drop of 12 mm in hiking shoes.
Adidas Terrex Trailmaker
Pros
- Extra lightweight
- Amazing in-shoe comfort
- Highly breathable
- Balance of cushion and ground feel
- Stable for a light shoe
- More flexible than average
- Welcomes wide feet
- Secure lockdown (bootie upper)
Cons
- Outsole lacks durability
- Not enough grip on wet terrain
Key Features
- Waterproof GORE-TEX: Ensures your feet stay dry while allowing moisture to escape.
- Durable Upper: Made from textile and synthetic materials, ensuring rugged performance.
- Continental Rubber Outsole: Offers extraordinary traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
- Mid-Height Cuff: Provides additional ankle support during uneven terrain hikes.
- Lightweight Design: Weighs only 13.4 ounces (size 9), making it easy to wear for extended periods.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Terrex Trailmaker is an excellent choice for hikers seeking a budget-friendly, lightweight shoe. Designed for those who value agility and durability without compromising on cost, this model stands out in the category of inexpensive hiking footwear.
Weighing just 12.7 oz (361g), the Terrex Trailmaker is lighter than average by 1.2 oz (34g), providing a feeling of freedom and agility during hikes. Users reported retaining energy throughout their treks, thanks to its lightweight design.
Contrary to common assumptions about affordable shoes, the Terrex Trailmaker demonstrates significant durability. After conducting a test using a Dremel on the fabric upper with a force of 3.2N at 5K RPM, we noted only a slight scuff, resulting in a durability rating of 3/5. This shoe effectively withstands rigorous trail conditions with minimal signs of wear.
At a retail price of just $110, the Terrex Trailmaker offers considerable value, being $18 less than the average hiking shoe price. This affordability combined with its performance makes it a notable option for budget-conscious hikers.
However, it is important to note that the Terrex Trailmaker may not be suitable for backpacking. The lack of substantial ankle support and 3 mm less cushioning underfoot can limit its effectiveness for long-distance hikes on technical trails, particularly when carrying heavy loads. Long-distance hikers are advised to consider alternative options.
Adidas Terrex AX4
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Feels like a trail running shoe
- Breathable
- Water-repellent
- Excellent grip
- Durable for the price
- Stable platform
- Contains recycled materials
Cons
- Lacks toe protection
- Flimsy insole
- Aggressively tapered toebox
Key Features
- Continental Rubber outsole for superior traction on wet and dry surfaces.
- Dual density EVA midsole provides cushioning and support during long hikes.
- Lining: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Footwear ensures breathability while keeping your feet dry.
- Sockliner: Molded sockliner enhances comfort and fit, adapting to your foot's shape.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported.
- Sole material: Rubber for enhanced durability.
- Outer material: Leather constructed for rugged use.
- Closure type: Lace-Up for a secure fit.
The Adidas Terrex AX4 is a stable and affordable hiking shoe, best suited for hikers seeking reliable support on the trail. Priced at just $90, it offers notable value as it is $22 less than the average cost of summer hiking shoes.
This shoe features an ample midsole that effectively prevents ankle rolls, with measurements of 111.5 mm at the forefoot and 87.9 mm at the heel, placing it around the average width for hiking footwear. The stiff heel counter secures the heel during steep climbs and rough terrain, contributing to its overall stability; in lab tests, it received a stiff rating of 5/5.
Despite a slightly lower stack height, the Terrex AX4 enhances midsole performance. Lab testing showed the midsole registering 39 HA, which is 27% firmer than average, providing both firmness and protection while walking on trails.
However, it should be noted that the Adidas Terrex AX4 lacks flexibility for winter hiking. After simulating winter conditions in a controlled environment, we observed a 66% increase in stiffness compared to room temperature. For those needing a more winter-ready option, consider the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX.