When I’m hiking in Alaska, it’s crucial to wear the right outdoor footwear. With variable terrain and unpredictable weather, I need to know that my hiking shoes are going to hold up come rain or shine.
The adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe is one of the newest hiking shoes in the Terrex collection, adidas’ growing line of outdoor adventure gear.
I was excited to test the adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 shoes while exploring some of my favorite trails around Alaska and see how well these women’s hiking shoes would hold up.
In this post, I’m going to be sharing my first look and experience of the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe.
AndreaKuuipoAbroad.com is a member of the adidas Blogger Community. This article features gifted products. Read more about my Affiliate Disclosure.
adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe Product Details
- Regular fit
- Mesh upper with seamless overlays
- Lace closure
- GORE-TEX membrane
- EVA stabilization frame
- BOOST midsole
- External heel clip
- adidas PRIMEKNIT collar
- Upper contains a minimum of 50% recycled content
Design
The adidas Free Hiker 2 fills the gap between a robust hiking boot and trail runners. These hiking shoes were built to provide the support and protection needed to stay comfortable on the trail.
This shoe features adidas BOOST technology and PRIMEKNIT collar, EVA stabilization frame, external heel clip, mesh upper, lace closure, molded and abrasion-resistant toe cap, fabric pull-loops, rubber outsole, and a GORE-TEX membrane.
I love that these shoes are made with premium materials, yet still recycled. The upper is synthetic and features at least 50% recycled content.
Style
The women’s adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 comes in five colorways. I chose the color Silver Dawn / Blue Dawn / Solar Gold. I really liked the fun color options in this shoe and it really stands out amongst Alaska’s outdoor summer palette.
Here are the five colorways available:
- Silver Dawn / Blue Dawn / Solar Gold
- Core Black / Grey Six / Grey Three
- Wonder Red / Core Black / Pulse Lilac
- Wonder Steel / Core Black / Linen Green
- Wonder Taupe / Taupe Met. / Impact Orange
Fit
One of the things I look for in a hiking shoe is a wider toe box. Although these aren’t specifically for wide feet, I was happy with the amount of space I had when I slid my feet into these shoes.
It was easy to get in and out using the fabric pull loops at the front and back of the collar. The lace closure was easy to tighten and didn’t come undone after I tied my laces (I always double knot).
Support
If you’re looking for a supportive hiking shoe, these adidas hiking shoes are reinforced with an internal EVA stabilization frame.
The shoe is ankle height, which will help to protect your ankles when hiking over boulder fields or on uneven terrain. I found the sides to be quite stiff, but they didn’t dig into my leg. I think they will be super comfortable after I break them in a bit more.
Grip
The outsoles on the Free Hiker 2 shoe are Continental™ Rubber, which are made to provide excellent grip across rough terrain, whether it’s wet or dry.
Having footwear with reliable traction is really important when hiking back down steep slopes, which occurs a lot in Alaska. On the climb up, you’ll also be happy with the amount of lugs on the bottom of the shoe. These will help you get up those steep and muddy climbs.
Comfort
The midsole in these hiking shoes uses adidas’ BOOST technology, which is also used in their running shoes. This means that you can expect the same level of cushioning and comfort in these hiking shoes as you would in a pair of running shoes.
The BOOST midsole is made from thousands of tiny capsules that are filled with a soft, elastic material. When you step down, these capsules compress and then spring back, providing a responsive feel. This helps to reduce impact on your joints and makes it easier to hike for long distances.
Performance
One of my favorite features in these shoes is the breathable GORE-TEX protection. I love using waterproof hiking shoes in Alaska, especially during the break up season when the snow melts and the trails are wet and muddy.
The GORE-TEX membrane is a thin, waterproof layer that lets moisture escape, but prevents water from getting in. This means that your feet stay dry and comfortable, even when hiking in wet conditions.
Size & Weight
The adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 was designed to be lightweight. A women’s size 7 shoe only weighs 13.5 ounces, which is less than one pound!
With most hiking shoes, you will want to size up so that you have enough room to wear comfortable hiking socks. I ended up getting a size 7.5, which was a perfect size.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe offers a great combination of comfort, support, and durability.
I love the lightweight feel and found them super comfortable to hike in. I’m looking forward to seeing how they hold up as I continue to break them in while hiking across Alaska’s rugged terrain.
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Do you have any questions about the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2.0 Hiking Shoe? Share them in the comments!
