Free delivery on orders over £80adidas TERREX Women’s Free Hiker GORE-TEX Boot Review
Words & photos: Laura Jones
We asked adventurer, marathon runner and Ellis Brigham ambassador, Laura Jones, to test out the adidas TERREX Women’s Free Hiker GORE-TEX Boots during her trips throughout the Cumbrian countryside. From comfort and stability under foot, to weight and aesthetic appeal, here’s what Laura thought.
Testing Environment:
I live in beautiful Cumbria, right on the edge of the Lake District, and spend most of my spare time enjoying the mountains we're lucky enough to have on our doorstep.
For this gear test, I used the boots over several different hikes in different locations and terrain.
The first outing was up our local fell, Wild Boar in the Howgills. It’s around 700m high and the path is mostly rocky, crossing a few small streams, before steeper slopes to the summit.
I also used them on a lakeside hike along Ullswater on mixed paths and the shoreline. I didn’t use them on super long hikes or technical scrambling, as they weren’t really designed for these, but I did get a great feel for the product on varied ground.
Initial Thoughts:
A light and comfortable waterproof shoe ideal for low level hikes.
Foot Protection:
These are lightweight shoes, so I didn’t expect heavy duty foot protection. That said, they were certainly protective enough on the rocky paths and grassy fells where I tested them. They do have a reinforced box around the toes, which is ideal for stepped paths or moving over more loose terrain.
Traction:
The Continental soles have a moderately aggressive tread and provided great traction. It has extra deep tread at the front of the shoe ideal for walking up steep, soft ground, and the rest of the tread alternates to give good grip both up and down hill.
Stability:
The stability was fit for purpose, and the slightly higher cuff added to feeling of support. They do have a very flexible sole, so don’t expect a stiff boot, but for a light trail walking shoe they’re definitely up to the job. I did have some foot movement in the shoes on descent, but this could be due to sizing or lacing.
Comfort:
These were very comfortable, and almost had a sock-like comfort. The higher cuff fitted perfectly, ideal for keeping small debris out of the boots, and gave a slightly higher water line - ideal for boggy ground or small streams. The shoes held my feet well and once I’d got used to the sensation of the cuff, I barely noticed it.
Weight:
These felt very light weight on the feet, more like a trainer than a boot. This means I’d reach for these boots for summer hikes or when I wanted to move quickly and not be encumbered by heavier boots.
Sensitivity/Trail Feel:
The sensitivity seemed to have struck the perfect balance so they were precise, and I could feel the trail, but also padded enough that I didn’t notice grit and small stones.
Materials:
The shoes are GORE-TEX lined which worked perfectly when I was crossing water, with the face fabric beading perfectly. There are some reinforced areas around the shoe, but overall it’s a lightweight product so long term it’s hard to say how the fabric will perform without more testing.
Aesthetics:
These are a very simple, subtle, sporty looking pair of boots. If they were under a trouser hem they’d look like trainers. The only thing that stood out initially was the white sides of the soles, but after a few hikes they’re not looking so bright anymore.
Pros
Lightweight, waterproof, with a little bit of extra ankle protection than trainers.
Cons
Ankle cuff takes a little getting used to initially as they don’t feel like either a shoe or a more traditional walking boot.
Overall Verdict
I think these would be a popular choice and make a great pair of boots for low level hikes on easy-ish terrain in the summer months. They’re well suited for somebody looking to venture on to longer walks and perhaps looking at buying their first pair of boots, but also for those who wouldn’t want a big heavy boot, or wouldn't need more protection for rockier objectives like scrambles and winter walking.
Reviewed by: Laura Jones
Ellis Brigham ambassador, Laura Jones, is a marathon runner and adventurer based in Cumbria.
Follow Laura on Instagram @explaura_
You May Also Be Interested In...
|
|
|
