I'm legitimately stoked on the new adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL—the new, lightweight version of the Free Hiker. The SL may stand for "speed lace," but it just as easily could stand for "super light." This shoe is much more athletic than other adidas TERREX hiking shoes. After testing it out on several New Mexican trails, I like Free Hiker SL for best for speed hiking. But I can see multiple groups of hikers pulling the trigger on this new hiking shoe for 2026. My adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL review shares why I've already added it to my list of the best lightweight hiking shoes.
Testing the new TERREX Free Hiker SL off the Piedra Lisa Trail outside Albuquerque
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adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL Review
My review of the new adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL is based on varied test hikes in New Mexico's Sandia Mountains. I tested mine with speed hikes in the foothills, fast-moving fitness hikes, and moderately difficult trails with steep switchbacks, rock scrambling, snow, ice, mud, scree, and rocky footing. This range of trails and testing conditions helped me evaluate the Free Hiker SL's support, weight, comfort, fit, weather protection, traction, and overall value.
As always, this is an independent review (not a sponsored post) based on my personal hiking experience and my professional experience as a Backcountry Gearhead and footwear manager at Appalachian Outdoors.
Testing the TERREX Free Hiker SL in Embudito Canyon
SUPPORT
The TERREX Free Hiker SL isn't a burly hiking shoe, but it has enough backbone for hiking. Underneath all that cushion, it's reasonably stiff from heel to toe, This takes some heat off your feet. Plus, this rigidity makes it tougher to turn an ankle on uneven ground.
On my test hikes, I never rolled an ankle—in spite of my genetic foot and ankle problems. Even though this is a lightweight hiking shoe that emphasizes comfort, I feel confident tackling moderate to difficult terrain in this surprisingly supportive hiking shoe.
The Free Hiker SL weighs several ounces less than the Free Hiker 2
WEIGHT
In spite of that support, the new TERREX Free Hiker SL is one of the lightest hiking shoes I've personally tested and reviewed. At 14 ounces per shoe (men's size 12.5), it's closer in weight to heavier trail running shoes (Brooks Cascadia) than the average hiking shoe (Merrell Moab).
If you're looking for a lightweight hiking shoe that really is lightweight, the Free Hiker SL is legit. I'm personally impressed with its weight-to-support ratio.
The Free Hiker SL has thick and responsive cushioning
COMFORT
Comfort is one of the calling cards of adidas TERREX hiking shoes. The Free Hiker SL is not as indulgent as the original Free Hiker—a super-cushy casual hiking shoe. But it's still a max cushion shoe that's potentially comfortable on city streets and steep trails.
We all have different comfort preferences, but I'm personally a fan of this shoe's blend of stiffness and cushiness. It's feel isn't far off from the HOKA Speedgoat, one of the world's most popular trail running shoes. Compared to other lightweight hiking shoes, the Free Hiker SL is softer underfoot than the Salomon X Ultra 5 and athletic like the Oboz Katabatic Wind. Most men and women should find this shoe comfortable—as long as it fits.
SL = Speed Laces
FIT
The adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL has a roomy fit—not as narrow in the forefoot and toes as other TERREX hiking shoes I've tested and reviewed. The regular Free Hiker squeezes my moderately wide feet, even when I size up a full size. However, the SL seems wider with more volume. If you have wider feet or want a roomier toe box, the Free Hiker SL will fit you better than other TERREX hiking shoes. If you love the fit of other TERREX hiking shoes, you might find the SL bigger than you prefer.
One more thing about fit. The Free Hiker SL features speed laces ("SL"). Instead of tying your shoes, you pull on the laces and tighten down the plastic lock. This feature may be a pro or con for you.
I'm personally a fan of speed laces. But I prefer Salomon's quicklaces to adidas' speed laces. I can't cinch adidas' speed laces as tight as Salomon's (which have a loop that's easier to pull into a lockdown fit).
Choose the Free Hiker SL GTX for GORE-TEX waterproofing
WEATHER PROTECTION
TERREX uses GORE-TEX waterproofing for weather protection. In spite of what many influencers and online trolls claim, GORE-TEX provides reliable and breathable waterproofing. In my book, it's a plus that the Free Hiker SL GTX uses GORE-TEX over a cheaper, less reliable in-house waterproof membrane.
Two of my test hikes included consistent snow and occasional snowmelt. As expected, my feet stayed dry. If you want a lightweight hiking shoe with reliable weather protection, the Free Hiker SL GTX is a solid choice.
Testing rock traction in Embudito Canyon
TRACTION
My test hikes included almost every type of terrain that hikers can experience: sand, snow, ice, mud, gravel, scree, and solid rock. I've found the Free Hiker SL's traction good—not great.
The SL has moderate tread that's appropriate for mixed terrain. I didn't have any big traction troubles on any test hikes. In fact, the shoes handled ice better than expected.
At the same time, the shoes' grip did require me to slow down on tougher terrain. I experienced some little slips on smooth rock and a little more sliding on steep, gravelly switchbacks than I experience in shoes with more aggressive lugs.
For the average hiker, the Free Hiker SL's tread is fine. But this shoe's outsoles may come up a little short if you need more specialized tread.
The TERREX Free Hiker SL is a solid value
VALUE
With a MRSP of $150, the TERREX Free Hiker SL costs less than most hiking shoes today—especially GORE-TEX hiking shoes. For my money, the SL is a great value. You actually get several plusses for palatable price: solid support, excellent weight savings, several comfort pluses, and GORE-TEX waterproofing.
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Men's adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL GTX
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Women's adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL GTX
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adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL: Pros vs Cons
Based on my first-hand test hikes, here are the pros and cons of the new TERREX Free Hiker SL:
Should you buy the adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL?
The new TERREX Free Hiker SL is a versatile hiking shoe with a lot to like. It's supportive enough for more serious hikers yet light enough for fast hikers with light packs and those who prefer lighter hiking shoes. Plus, it also scores points for comfort, GORE-TEX waterproofing, and overall value. Overall, the Free Hiker SL is a true sidewalk-to-summit hiking shoe. I recommend it for men and women who want a lightweight hiking shoe that's comfortable enough to wear around town yet serious enough to tackle some tougher trails, too.
Even though I'm done testing them, I'll continue to wear my SLs for speed hiking and fitness hikes that call for lighter, more athletic footwear. I've also added them to my list of the best lightweight hiking shoes.
How is the TERREX Free Hiker SL different from the Free Hiker 2?
The TERREX Free Hiker SL is lighter and more athletic than the Free Hiker 2 and features speed laces. Both Free Hikers feature maximum cushioning and GORE-TEX waterproofing. However, the Free Hiker features softer cushioning for comfort on casual hikes. The Free Hiker SL features more responsive cushioning and a firmer build, so it can handle more difficult trails as well as city trails and more casual uses.
I like the TERREX Free Hiker SL for fast-moving fitness hikes on moderate trails
Conclusion
I test heaps of new hiking footwear each year. The Free Hiker SL is now my favorite adidas TERREX hiking shoe and one of the few hiking shoes that I'll keep wearing long after finishing this review. I'll continue to add to this post as I rack up more miles and hiking experiences in my pair. But my first impression is that adidas TERREX slayed this lightweight addition to the comfort-oriented Free Hiker line.
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Men's adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL GTX
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Women's adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL GTX
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