The adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 has completely revamped the Free Hiker for 2026. I've tested and reviewed several versions of the Free Hiker—the comfort-oriented hiking shoe in the adidas TERREX line. The older models were super-cushy and surprisingly supportive for casual hiking shoes. They were also heavier than they looked. With version 3, adidas has transformed the TERREX Free Hiker into a lightweight hiking shoe (that's still comfortable). My adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 review is based on my recent test hikes in New Mexico (USA).
Testing the TERREX Free Hiker 3 hiking shoe in Embudito Canyon
This post includes affiliate links. If you click on a button and buy something, the retailer may share a small percentage of the sale with Hiking Feet. That's free for you—and keeps this site alive. Thanks for supporting my free and independent hiking shoe reviews.
adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 Hiking Shoe Review
I've spent the past week testing the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 hiking shoe on several trails to evaluate its support, weight, comfort, fit, weather protection, traction, and overall value. Adidas made the TERREX Free Hiker 3 for trail-to-town use: hiking trails, urban trails, all-day comfort. But I also tested the shoe's limits on a tougher test hike up and down the Pino Trail (9 miles, 3000' elevation gain) and some off-trail scrambling in Embudito Canyon. I've also tested its sibling—the Free Hiker SL. Overall, this review is based on more than 50 miles of first-hand hiking experience in the new Free Hiker and hundreds of miles of personal experience in the older Free Hikers.
As always, this review is 100% independent. Hiking Feet never publishes sponsored content. I test hiking footwear more than 1,000 miles each year and draw upon my expertise as the former footwear manager at Appalachian Outdoors for every review.
Testing the TERREX Free Hiker 3 in Embudito Canyon
SUPPORT
The TERREX Free Hiker 3 prioritizes comfort over support. Even so, I pulled off some moderately difficult test hikes over steep and rocky terrain. Similar to HOKA hiking shoes, the Free Hiker 3 features more than an inch of cushioning, which adds some rigidity to its soles. The result is that this shoe is more supportive than it looks. In spite of my foot and ankle issues, I hiked rock gardens and rough trails without rolling an ankle or over-stressing my feet.
That said, the Free Hiker 3 has more of a fast-and-light build than a traditional hiking shoe build. You shouldn't buy this shoe for its support. But it's got a little backbone if you need some foot support and lateral support.
The Free Hiker 3 is a lightweight hiking shoe
WEIGHT
The new TERREX Free Hiker 3 is significantly lighter than its predecessors. My pair (men's size 12.5) weighs 1 lb 14 oz — a half-pound less than my Free Hiker 2 hiking shoes. (The women's weighs several ounces less.) This measured weight meets my cut-off for a lightweight hiking shoe. On the trail, the Free Hiker 3 also felt lighter and more athletic than the average hiking shoe.
The TERREX Free Hiker 3 has above average cushioning
COMFORT
The adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 has at least three comfort features that deserve a shout out. (1) If you prefer a lighter hiking shoe, the Free Hiker 3 has a light and athletic build that's appropriate for trail-to-town use. (2) The shoe features more cushioning than most hiking shoes, too. (3) The floating heel inside the shoe is a unique feature that adidas added to secure the heel for a better fit and more stability.
In the field, I was 100% a fan of the first two features. I found the Free Hiker 3 lighter and more athletic than the Free Hiker 2. The new Free Hiker is plenty cushy—similar to a HOKA—but not as indulgent as the older Free Hiker. When I hiked a hard 9+ miles on the Pino Trail, my feet felt fresh all the way through the hike.
The flaoting heel worried me at first. The chord connecting the heel to the laces hit the inside of my foot in a weird way. But I didn't notice it once the shoe started breaking in.
Floating Heel of the Free Hiker 3
HOW DOES THE FREE HIKER 3 FIT?
The adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 has a standard fit—roomier than other TERREX hiking shoes I've tested and reviewed. Hikers with wider feet may be able to squeeze into the Free Hiker 3 by sizing up a full size. This shoe also features a fitting quirk—a "floating heel" linked to the lace system to lock your heel into place.
If you've previously found TERREX hiking shoes too narrow for you, the Free Hiker 3 may fit you. If you love the fit of other TERREX hiking shoes, you might find the Free Hiker 3 too roomy.
The Free Hiker 3 GTX features traditional shoelaces. If you prefer speedlaces, try the TERREX Free Hiker SL.
The GORE-TEX lining inside the shoe seals out rain & snow
WEATHER PROTECTION
The "GTX" in the TERREX Free Hiker 3 GTX stands for GORE-TEX. GORE-TEX is a weather protection plus because it's reliable (guaranteed for life) and breathable. If you'll be hiking through wet grass or muddy urban trails, GORE-TEX provides more trustworthy weather protection than other brands' proprietary waterproofing.
The tread on the TERREX Free Hiker 3
TRACTION
Based on my test hikes, the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 has average traction for a hiking shoe. On my test hikes, I didn't have any serious traction troubles on gravel, rock, or scree. At the same time, the Free Hiker 3 was more reliable on moderate terrain. I had to slow down some steep descents on the Pino Trail and couldn't completely trust the tread on the granite slickrock at the bottom of Embudito Canyon. I experienced some minor slippages on both those test hikes.
Still, the average hiker should be fine, traction-wise, in the TERREX Free Hiker 3 GTX.
.
The TERREX Free Hiker SL adds a speed lace (SL) option
VALUE
The low-cut Free Hiker 3 GTX that I tested and reviewed retails for $180. That's not cheap for a low-cut hiking shoe. That said, prices are skyrocketing these days, and the TERREX Free Hiker 3 has GORE-TEX waterproofing, extra-cushioning, a lightweight build, and athletic styling you won't find on too many hiking shoes. Plus, the low-cut is $40 cheaper than the Free Hiker 3 Ultra (with its sock-like bootie that runs up the ankle a bit).
Click on the buttons below to see current prices and available colorways:
Men's adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 GTX
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 GTX
Check current price, styles, and colors:
adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 Hiking Shoe: Pros vs Cons
Before buying the TERREX Free Hiker 3 GTX, weigh its pros and its cons:
Should you buy the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3?
If you're after an athletic, lightweight, and highly cushioned hiking shoe, the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 GTX scores comfort points and performance points. It's also a standout hiking shoe for urban trails and a stylish alternative to traditional brown hiking shoes. I like it best for fast hikes over moderate, mixed terrain and for city hikers hunting for a trail-to-town shoe. I'll be adding this new hiking shoe for 2026 to my list of the best lightweight hiking shoes.
How is the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 different from the Free Hiker 2?
The biggest difference is the TERREX Free Hiker 3 is lighter and more athletic than the comfort-oriented Free Hiker 2. The Free Hiker 3 also has a roomier fit, which better fits my moderately wide feet (if I size up).
I like the TERREX Free Hiker SL for fast-moving fitness hikes on moderate trails
Conclusion
If this review has you stoked on the newest addition to the Free Hiker family, please consider purchasing your pair through the affiliate links in this post. If you click on those buttons and then buy something, the retaile may share a few dollars of the sale with Hiking Feet. This is FREE for you—and keeps this site alive.
If this site hooked you up, I appreciate you hooking me up, so I can continue to provide free, independent, and expert reviews to help others buy hiking shoes that fit their feet and match their hiking style.
Men's adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 GTX
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's adidas TERREX Free Hiker 3 GTX
Check current price, styles, and colors:
