The adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low is the newest addition to the Free Hiker family. Last year, I reviewed the mid-cut Free Hiker 2. Now it's also available as a low-cut hiking shoe. Will it garner as many 5-star customer reviews as its taller brothers and sisters in the Free Hiker series? Learn more in this adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low GORE-TEX review.
Testing the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low on an easy fall hike
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adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low GORE-TEX Review
My adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low GORE-TEX review* is based on several test hikes that I completed between Fall, 2023 and Spring, 2024. Most of my hikes were easy to moderate hikes on well-maintained trails since adidas TERREX made them for more casual hiking styles. I joined the dog-walkers on Musser Gap Trail, hiked Mt. Nittany with the after-work hikers, and wore my Free Hikers for some early morning speed hikes along Spring Creek and for a walk-heavy weekend in Philadelphia. I also added some singletrack mountain biking trails and short-but-steep hikes to test this shoe's support and traction on moderately difficult terrain. Here's my preliminary review of this shoe's support, weight, fit, comfort, weather protection, traction, and value.
TERREX Free Hiker 2.0 is best for well-maintained trails
Support
Let's be clear: adidas TERREX didn't make these shoes for super-strenuous day hikes or backpacking trips. But that doesn't mean that they aren't sneaky supportive. These shoes actually have a light EVA stabilization frame that gives them a stronger backbone than you'd expect by looking at them. If you try to flex the Free Hiker 2 Low, you'll see that they bend slightly at the ball of the foot and demonstrate good torsional rigidity, too. The external heel clip also solidifies the ankle on each landing.That means your feet won't feel as fatigued on longer hikes, and your ankles will have some help on the trail.
I noticed that support on 12-mile test hike along the Allegheny Front Trail and a 12-mile day pounding the pavement in Philadelphia for a weekend away.
Weight
The Free Hiker 2 also weighs more than you might think. My men's size 12 weighed 2lbs 6oz/pair. That's heavier than average for a hiking shoe, thanks to this shoe's copious cushioning and that hidden support. It leans into comfort more than weight savings.
Women's Free Hiker 2.0 Low
Fit
adidas TERREX's fit runs slightly narrow. HIkers with narrow- to standard-size feet will probably want to size up 1/2 size from their everyday shoes. Hikers with wide feet may be able to squeeze into these cushy, casual hikers by sizing up more than usual. I size up a full-size from my everyday shoe size to get juuust enough width in the Free Hiker 2 Low.
adidas' BOOST foam makes the Free Hikers extra-cushy
Comfort
This is this shoe's key selling point. If you're after heavily cushioned hiking shoes with an athletic build, it's hard to beat the TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low in the comfort department. They're stacked with the same BOOST foam that adidas uses in its best running shoes. That delivers more cushion for pushin' down the trail. I mostly wear my Free Hikers as travel shoes, due to their superior cushioning. I also gifted a pair to my Dad, who has serious foot and ankle problems. He's also a big fan of that cushioning for everyday wear.
Weather Protection
The Free HIkers are available in GORE-TEX—still the most durable and breathable waterproofing on the market. I've splashed through some puddly city streets and stream-side trails in my pair with no water seaping in through the waterproof membrane. Just keep in mind that waterproof shoes only provide 2-3 inches of waterproofing. That's enough to protect against shallow puddles and mowed grass—and not much else.
Traction
Free HIkers feature moderate traction designed for multi-use trails. The Continental rubber is soft enough to smear on rocks for decent grip, and the moderately deep chevron-shaped lugs that are also mud-appropriate. I've had no slips and haven't taken any spills on my test hikes in the TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low. At the same time, I haven't really stretched my pair since they're made for more casual hiking, not brawler day hikes and backpacking trips.
Value
adidas TERREX has dropped the price of their Free Hikers over time. When this series first dropped, I thought they were overpriced sneakers. However, I now know they're more technical shoes than I first thought, and they're no longer $230. With a MSRP of $180 (GORE-TEX), they're the same price as the HOKA Anacapa Low, which is not a bad comp. That's not cheap—especially for hiking shoes built for more casual hikers. Howeer, their current price seems fair, given their superior comfort and optional GORE-TEX waterproofing.
Free Hiker 2 Low: Pros vs. Cons
Reviewing two pairs of Free Hikers—low-cut and mid-cut—has certainly improved my view of the adidas TERREX brand. The adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low is more technical than it looks and super comfortable, too. It's not a good buy for peak baggers. However, it has a lot to offer hikers, travelers, and dog walkers who spend more time on well-maintained trails and less time in the backcountry. Here's a quick overview of this shoe's pros and cons, based on my first-hand experience testing the latest Free Hiker over the past year:
Conclusion:
Overall, I have no hesitation in recommending the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low to more casual hikers and travelers. I find these shoes more cushioned than the HOKA Anacapa Low and prefer these low-cuts to the mid-cut Free Hiker 2 (since that 3/4-cut doesn't add much support). If you mostly stick to well-maintained trails and value comfort over everything else, these are sneaky good hiking shoes if they fit you well. The Free Hiker could be a worthwhile upgrade for casual hikers who want a well-cushioned shoe— which is why the Free Hiker 2 now tops my list of the best casual hiking shoes.
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