From the moment it was announced, everyone knew the Terrex Free Hiker was an instant hit. Rarely we do we get technical hiking shoes that look this good when worn with regular street attire. If you actually wear the shoes for hiking, though, then you probably noticed one glaring flaw: it’s not waterproof. That changes with the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX, a Gore-Tex version of the popular silhouette.
Like previous versions, the shoes combine the technical elements of hiking boots with the urban aesthetic of modern sneakers. As such, you get perfectly functional hikers that make it look like you were just out clubbing your buds and decided to tag along for an impromptu backcountry trip. Or something like that.
Unlike the original model, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX comes with a Gore-Tex membrane, allowing it to keep out water whenever you find yourself braving the rain or walking across a shallow puddle. They also threw in a special torsion system for the Continental rubber outsole, which provides the necessary traction on wet and rocky surfaces, allowing you to wear it in the rainy days of fall, whether you’re actually hiking or just hanging out with friends at a local show. Suffice to say, if you want to look stylish on a hike without getting your feet wet during the rainy shoulder season, Adidas’ sneaker-slash-hiker-boot just became a viable contender.
The rest of the footwear retains, pretty much, what made the original shoe so popular. It’s got that Primeknit upper laid over the Gore-Tex, providing the snug yet stretchy fit that keeps your foot stable in otherwise tricky surfaces, while abrasion-resistant welded overlays and a TPU toe cap provide added protection in the unpredictable environment of the backcountry. Sure, it doesn’t look as hardwearing as a traditional hiking boot (and we don’t think it is), but the darn thing should perform capably enough to get you through everything but the most hardcore hikes unscathed.
The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX comes with the same Boost midsole as many of the brand’s sneakers, giving it a springy and responsive feel that will be so useful when hiking across long trails, all while combining the right balance of flex and stability to keep you performing at your best. It retains the same mid-height profile as many hiker boots, so your ankles are properly protected, with the sock-lock construction securing your entire foot from the ankle down.
As with the regular version of the boot, it comes with a traditional lace-up system that uses sturdy fabric laces and webbing loops for a more secure fit, with a pull loop in the rear making it easier to stretch the opening for slipping your foot in and out. It should come in a generous selection of colorways, too, so you can blend in with the rest of your hiking group with dark earth colors or look like the most colorful character prowling the backcountry.
The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX will be available in September 2, priced at $250.