Home Gear Review: adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX

Review: adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX

An on-point and waterproof low-rise hiking shoe.

Feature type Review

Read time 4 mins

Published Apr 22, 2024

Evie Butler Evie is a UK-based adventurer, personal trainer and traveller. She can be found out hiking in the hills, skiing or snowboarding on the mountains, swimming in open waters and running around new cities. You name an activity, and she’ll happily get stuck in. An avid outdoorswoman with a passion for veganism, sustainability and exploraration.

OUR VERDICT

A perfect low-rise option for those wanting something cool-looking but with good ol’ reliable waterproof protection!

£165 from adidas

Weight	365g
Drop	10mm
Features	GORE-TEX membrane; BOOST midsole; Continental™ Rubber outsole

Pros

Colourway and cool design
GTX membrane
Makes use of recycled material

Cons

Larger fit – might need to size down
Pricey

WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR

I was desperate for a great pair of hiking shoes that were waterproof, but also stylish. I love the in-between of shoe and boot, Sometimes my hikes don’t always require the full hiking boot, so being able to have a lower shoe is great and makes a genuine difference.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I personally love the design. I sometimes find hiking shoes can be a bit, well, dull, but I would definitely wear these into town on a rainy day to protect my feet. But I also know I could easily take a hike up into the local trails and have great protection.

I was ever so slightly disappointed with the sizing. I’m a UK 5.5 and when trying them on they definitely feel more like 6.5/7 – so I had to layer up with extra insoles and thicker socks in order to try and make them fit. So just be aware when you do order, that they come up big compared to your normal shoe size.

THE TEST

I took them out on a very wet and muddy day that involved hiking up and down grass banks. I wanted to test the durability when it came to a day with torrential rain, and also the tread on the banks to see how well it does in slippy environments.

In the long run, my concern is the soft Styrofoam style material used on the soles. I’m not sure how long it will last especially on more rocky terrains. This may not endure years of usage, but only time would tell.

Although it was pouring down with rain all day on the day of usage, the GTX membrane certainly kept me dry. I wasn’t concerned at all about getting wet, I do feel like the membrane and mesh upper kept a breathable flow through the shoes and kept me dry.

The shoes use a mid-high design and have cushioning around the ankle, which definitely gives more support than some lower rise trail shoes. With the ankle collar, you still feel a great amount of support in the shoes for the trails. However it certainly won’t give the same support as a higher rise boot, so shouldn’t be used for more technical terrain that would require that.

WHO ARE THESE SHOES FOR?

I think these are the perfect hybrid for anyone from beginners to the more hardcore wanting to get out on hikes, hills, trails and paths without being restricted by a high boot. Let’s be honest: they’re also pretty great for those who like a bit of style on the shoe.

WHAT STANDS OUT

Inclusion of GTX

We all need a good waterproof shoe.

Grip

They have great grip, particularly for wet slippy days.

Design

They’re a really cool looking shoe.

They’re a really cool looking shoe

VALUE FOR MONEY

If you’re looking for that fashionable hybrid, then, yes, these are great; but don’t buy without trying sizing first. At £165, they do come up a little costly, but you know they will last a good couple of years.

BASE BOTTOM LINE

These are a very good looking pair of shoes, and they are certainly comfortable. I rate the durability as well as the tread on the sole; they are certainly suited to those slippy environments or rocky terrains.

While I wouldn’t say that they’re super suited for more technical terrain, they are a great shoe for switching from the city and out onto the hills and trails.

Heading out on a hike?