A good pair of hiking shoes are worth their weight in gold.
So when I had the opportunity to test out the adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 hiking shoes, I jumped at the chance!
A few months earlier, I had seen the hiking shoes on the adidas website and I thought at the time how cool they looked.
I prefer hiking shoes that look and feel like a trail running shoe but perform like a hiking shoe, so I was looking forward to trying these shoes.
In the past I have worn hiking boots (both fabric and leather boots) but I have always found them to be too heavy and bulky on my feet.
The Free Hiker is a great mix of comfort and trail performance and is a solid offering from adidas in the hiking shoe market.
Before we jump into the review, I’d like to extend huge thanks to adidas for gifting me these hiking shoes.
adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 hiking shoes review
In this review I’ll look at the following elements:
- Fit and comfort
- Traction
- Breathability and waterproofing
- Stability and support
- Size and weight
- Style
- Durability and protection
Let’s get stuck in!
Fit
The fit of your hiking shoes is probably one of the most important factors, if not the most important factor to consider.
Much like running shoes, you want a pair of hiking shoes that fit correctly and provide the right levels of comfort.
The Free Hiker provided just the right amount of cushioning and comfort.
The shoe felt like a glove when I slipped it on my foot.
It felt secure and my foot felt protected, and the laces meant the shoe felt tightened evenly around my foot without any gaps.
Another huge plus was that the Free Hiker required hardly any break in.
I was able to wear these shoes from the get-go without any problems.
I can see a lot of similarities between the Free Hiker shoes and some trail running shoes on the market today.
They are lightweight and agile – just what you need for lighter hikes and smaller scrambles.
Related: The best training shoes for your next workout
Traction
The traction on this hiking shoe is second-to-none.
adidas has partnered up with Continental for the outsole and the shoe provides a lug design grip that makes hiking on rock, dirt, mud and in the wet a breeze.
I found the grip to be reliable and secure – it provided an excellent grip for trails and harder terrains alike.
At one point during one of my hikes, it was pouring with rain and I had to navigate down some trails with pretty uneven terrain including loose rocks and stones.
I was able to traverse down the hill pretty quickly with these shoes, whereas others in my group had to take it slowly as they were wearing more traditional hiking shoes.
Overall, I was really impressed with the grip on these shoes.
By far the best grip I have experienced on a pair of hiking shoes.
Related: What are foam runners? How to wear + where to buy
Breathability and waterproofing
The Free Hiker comes with Gore-Tex lining which did a great job at keeping moisture out.
At one point on one of my hikes I accidentally placed my foot into a bog, submerging it in water, yet my foot remained dry for the rest of my hike thanks to the Free Hiker.
The shoe’s synthetic upper was also great at shedding moisture – I had no issues with water absorption.
The only downside with a waterproof shoe is breathability.
My feet did feel hot and sweaty at the end of a long hike, but this is to be expected in a waterproof shoe.
I was grateful for the Gore-Tex lining as we had a fair few rainy hikes, but in the summer months you may want to consider the non-waterproof version of these shoes.
Related: Hydration and running performance: 4 key hydration tips for runners
Stability and support
The Free Hiker offers just the right amount of stability and support without making the shoe too sturdy and heavy.
I liked the fact that the shoe felt like a trail running shoe, but also provided my foot with a solid base and reinforced sides (made from EVA foam).
I feel like adidas have purposefully made the Free Hiker to feel like a trail running shoe, offering a soft midsole and plenty of flexion.
It’s a fast-moving shoe that doesn’t feel too heavy or overwhelming for your foot.
The only downside is that there isn’t much support around the ankle.
In this sense, the Free Hiker isn’t a true hiking boot but I don’t think it’s trying to be one either.
There are other versions of the Free Hiker that you can purchase that do offer top of the ankle support.
For shorter hikes and less-demanding hikes, the sock-like feel is plenty enough.
Related: 13 of the best running books to inspire you to run
Size and weight
What I love about the Free Hiker is that they are very lightweight.
I have worn leather hiking shoes in the past and I have always found these too bulky.
I like to be able to move with ease on a hike, much like I would do on a run, so the fact that the Free Hiker allows you to do this is awesome.
The Free Hiker is also a lot smaller than traditional hiking boots, which is welcome for any overseas hikes where you have a limited amount of luggage space.
Related: 8 of the best books about running to help you run stronger for longer
Durability and protection
adidas has used premium materials in the Free Hiker – from light and sleek synthetic materials to high end cushioning.
There’s also a good amount of foot protection in the form of the moulded toe cap and raised EVA foam along on the sides of the foot.
After a few hikes, the shoe is holding up well, and much of the shoe remains intact.
Related: How should a sports bra fit? The complete guide
Style
There’s no doubt, the Free Hiker is a cool looking hiking shoe.
If you like the look and feel of a trail running shoe, you’ll no doubt enjoy what adidas has to offer here.
The shoe comes in a variety of colours – from grey and silver hues to more impactful colours like orange and purple.
I went for the grey and turquoise model and wasn’t disappointed!
Related: 12 trail running tips for beginners
- 5 things I wish I’d known before returning to running - March 3, 2024
- Running 20 minutes a day: Benefits + how to start - January 27, 2024
- How to run your first 2 hour half marathon - January 16, 2024