If you're considering adidas hiking shoes, you may be on to something. I used to have a rule: don't buy hiking shoes from any brand that makes basketball shoes. But then I tested some adidas—or, more accurately, adidas TERREX, which is adidas' outdoor brand. It's the exception to the rule.
But the brand isn't for every hiker. Over the past five years, I've personally tested each of the adidas TERREX hiking shoes, so I understand their recommended uses. This adidas hiking shoe guide breaks down your choices in the TERREX line up.
Testing the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 on the Allegheny Front Trail
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adidas TERREX hiking shoes
adidas has split its TERREX hiking shoes into two lines for 2026. The "Free Hiker" series leans in comfort. The "Skychaser" series prioritizes protection. Across those two product families, there's a lightweight option and a budget option.
Here's a quick overview of the four TERREX hiking shoes for adidas fans:
* Any TERREX boot with CLIMAWARM+ in its name is an insulated winter boot—NOT a hiking boot/shoe. Don't make the same mistake as the adidas CLIMAWARM+ reviews where folks don't realize they're wearing a WINTER boot!
Which adidas TERREX hiking shoe should YOU buy?
ADIDAS TERREX FREE HIKER 2
Most Comfortable adidas Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
Think of the Free Hiker 2 as a technical hiking sneaker, not a traditional hiking shoe. This shoe is all about comfort, thanks to adidas's BOOST cushion midsoles, which are super-cushy. I can vouch for this shoe's all-day comfort. I've worn mine for 12-15-mile hikes on non-technical trails and for all-day sightseeing in Dublin and Philadelphia, where I pounded the pavement for 8 hours. My feet appreciate this shoe's copious cushioning and its lightweight stability frame—a technical feature which supports your feet and ankles more than most sneakers and casual hiking shoes.
As I explained in my full Free Hiker 2 review, this is a sneaky-good hiking shoe—as long as you're tackling well-maintained trails. The adidas TERREX Free Hiker is NOT made for technical terrain and runs a little heavy. It may be worth the price if you value comfort more than weight savings and support. If I worked on my feet all day, I'd probably pick the Free Hiker 2 as my everyday shoe. As is, I mostly wear mine for travel, urban trails, and the mild foothills trails behind my house.
Best Fit
Average to narrow feet:
The TERREX Free Hiker 2 runs slightly narrow in the toes
Best Match
mild terrain, urban hikes, travel,
working on your feet, trail-to-town
Men's TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low GTX
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Women's TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low GTX
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Literally taking the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 for a walk in the park
ADIDAS TERREX FREE HIKER SL
Lightweight adidas Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
New for 2026, the adidas TERREX Free Hiker is the lightweight version of the super-comfortable Free Hiker. This is the TERREX you should buy for hiking quickly over mountainous terrain. It's significantly lighter, and more athletic, than the other TERREX hiking shoes. Plus, it's available in waterproof-breathable GORE-TEX and features fairly aggressive tread to handle steep ascents and descents. The SL apparently stands for "speed laces," but it could also stand for "super light" since I felt fleet-of-foot when testing them.
After just a few test hikes, the Free Hiker SL quickly became my favorite adidas hiking shoe. If you're a fast hiker with a light pack—or want a lightweight hiking shoe to wear from the sidewalk to the summit—start with the new Free Hiker SL.
Best Fit
Average to wide feet: The TERREX Free Hiker SL
has the roomiest fit on this list
Best Match
speed hiking,
hikers who prefer lightweight hiking shoes
Men's adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL GTX
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Women's adidas TERREX Free Hiker SL GTX
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The new TERREX Free Hiker SL is a legit, lightweight hiking shoe
ADIDAS TERREX SKYCHASER
Most Protective adidas Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
The Skychaser is the hiking shoe adidas made for hikers who want more foot protection for rocks, roots, and rough terrain. I've hiked some moderate to difficult trails in my Skychasers without any issues. This shoe's stiff underfoot with a midfoot shank that limits foot fatigue and adds resistance against rolled ankles. The protective toe cap, ripstop uppers, and plastic overlays also add some foot armor. This shoe's heavier than it looks (not as athletic as the Free Hiker SL) and not as cushy as the Free Hiker 2. Still, it's moderately cushioned with a more approachable build than many traditional hiking shoes.
Best Fit
Average to narrow feet
Best Match
moderate to difficult trails, hikers who value support and protection more than weight savings
Men's adidas TERREX Skychaser
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Women's adidas TERREX Skychaser
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ADIDAS TERREX SKYCHASER AX5
Budget adidas Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
The Skychaser AX5 is the entry-level adidas hiking shoe for budget-oriented buyers. It's a capable hiking shoe that's not quite as protective as the regular Skychaser. I've tested my pair on moderate trails in New Mexico, and the support and traction were up to mixed mountain terrain. It's not the lightest or most athletic hiking shoe, but it's more supportive than most budget hiking shoes. Plus, it features (optional) GORE-TEX waterproofing, which is unusual at this price point. At a time of skyrocketing prices, the adidas TERREX Skychaser is a great value—one of the best budget hiking shoes I've personally tested and reviewed.
Best Fit
Average to narrow feet
Best Match
occasional hikers, beginners, budget buyers,
trail to town use
Men's adidas TERREX Skychaser AX5
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Women's adidas TERREX Skychaser AX5
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My TERREX Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes look unscathed after a 5-mile test hike at Organ Pipe National Monument
adidas TERREX FAQs
What is the best adidas TERREX?
The best adidas TERREX hiking shoe depends on your end use:
- For all-day comfort on less technical trails, the Free Hiker 2 is the best adidas TERREX hiking shoe.
- The TERREX Skychaser is the most protective adidas hiking shoe for tougher terrain.
- If you prefer a lightweight hiking shoe, the new Free Hiker SL is the best adidas TERREX hiking shoe for you.
Are TERREX Free Hikers waterproof?
TERREX Free Hikers are available in either a waterproof or non-waterproof version. If you want the waterproof version, choose the Free Hiker 2 GTX: "GTX" stands for GORE-TEX waterproofing. The non-waterproof version costs $20 less.
What is the difference between the TERREX Skychaser and Free Hiker 2?
The TERREX Skychaser is a more protective hiking shoe made for more demanding trails, and the Free Hiker 2 is a comfort-forward hiking shoe for more casual hikers, urban trails, and less technical terrain.
Are adidas TERREX Free Hikers worth the price?
The Free Hiker 2 may be worth the price if you prefer highly cushioned hiking shoes and mostly hike well-maintained trails or wear your hiking shoes as everyday shoes. Plus, it's price has actually gone DOWN the past few years (at a time when most prices have shot up.) If you're a serious hiker who mostly hikes more difficult trails, the Free Hiker 2 isn't made for your hiking style.
Is the adidas TERREX AX5 better than the Free Hiker?
No, the AX5 (now the Skychaser AX5) is adidas TERREX's entry-level hiking shoe. It's more supportive than the Free Hiker, but it's made for occasional hikers or budget-oriented hikers. For better performance, choose the adidas TERREX Skychaser for more rugged trails that call for more foot protection or the Free Hiker 2 for better comfort on less demanding trails.
Do adidas TERREX shoes run big or small?
adidas TERREX hiking shoes generally fit slightly narrow in the forefoot and toe box. Hikers with standard or narrow feet generally find they run true-to-size, but hikers with wide or high volume feet may find they run slightly small. As a hiker with moderately wide feet, I size up one full-size from my everyday shoe size in adidas TERREX hiking shoes for a hiking fit.
Should you buy adidas TERREX hiking shoes?
adidas TERREX is a reputable brand that targets a new generation of hikers who prefer shoes that don't look or feel like traditional hiking shoes. If you're into traditional hiking shoes, this isn't the best brand for you. But the TERREX line up includes a standout casual hiking shoe (Free Hiker 2), an up-and-coming lightweight hiking shoe (Free Hiker SL), and a one of the best hiking shoes for budget-conscious hikers (Skychaser AX5). If adidas hiking shoes fit your feet and your hiking style, I have no hesitation recommending TERREX hiking shoes after testing and reviewing them for five years.
