Adventuring Outdoors with Adidas Terrex

I find myself with a staggering collection of shoes taking up space in my home, predominantly made up of various trail running shoes and adidas Terrex hiking footwear. In reality, it’s quite revealing to observe my hobbies and interests just by examining my choice of footwear.

With a series of hiking excursions and adventures scheduled for the upcoming year, I am always eager to test out new shoes beforehand. As an adidas blogger, I have the luxury of choosing from the latest offerings. Sure, I could likely get by with my current collection, but honestly, can a girl have too many shoes?!

My Outdoor Escapades

In recent years, I have significantly increased my hiking mileage. It never ceases to amaze me how much I once disliked being taken on family walks as a child. Though it may sound trite, I believe that with age, our appreciation for nature and outdoor activities only grows deeper. There’s nothing that excites me more than venturing into the wilderness with a pack on my back, friends alongside me, and breathtaking vistas sprawling for miles ahead.

I initially found my enthusiasm for the outdoors through running. I never viewed myself as a runner before; aside from the obligatory race at school, I had little experience until eight years ago when a friend convinced me to join a beginner’s running group. Despite my initial reluctance, I attended my first session and astonishingly completed a 5k. I was the most shocked person there!

Since then, I’ve been a member of that running club for eight years, consistently hitting the trails or roads three to four times a week, irrespective of the weather. As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with pride for sticking with something that remains a challenge for me (does running ever get easier?). I’ve forged incredible friendships and found a passion that has benefitted me in numerous ways. For me, running isn’t about accolades or racing; it’s about enjoying movement in nature, gaining mental clarity, and relishing in the unparalleled feeling of freedom it offers. I yearn for trails through forests, rocky terrain, and those exhilarating hills too!

I am fortunate to live near countless beautiful trails, and my running habit has naturally evolved into a love for hiking. Residing in the South Downs, my garden sits adjacent to the Serpent Trail, providing me with endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Last year, I tackled three segments of the South Downs Way, a 100-mile trail that stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne. I completed the first section from Winchester to Petersfield (25 miles) on two occasions and trekked from Amberley to Eastbourne (57 miles) over two days. The scenery is breathtaking; though you can walk the opposite direction, I advocate for finishing in Eastbourne where the views, especially of the Seven Sisters, are incredibly dramatic while your legs might feel weary.

I also hiked for three days in Italy’s Grand Paradiso National Park, navigating a rugged terrain of lush meadows, steep mountain paths, boulder climbing, and even snow. It was undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but the sense of accomplishment, empowerment, and newfound confidence made every difficult moment worthwhile. And the vistas! The air was pristine, the grass vividly green, and the landscape was nothing short of spectacular. From the beauty of Valsavarenche Valley to the imposing Gran Paradiso peak, those three days of hiking invigorated my love for outdoor adventures and inspired plans for even more explorations this year (stay tuned!).

Equipped with Proper Gear

Hiking teaches you a great deal; it’s not merely about placing one foot in front of the other. For instance, map reading is an invaluable skill in which I’m still honing my abilities, and I’ve often relied on more skilled friends to guide me. Knowing what gear to carry is also crucial—preparing for a single-day hike is distinct from what’s needed for multiple days. And you quickly learn which footwear performs best for you since the right shoes can be critical. I discovered this the hard way on my first hike along the South Downs Way, where I developed severe blisters from ill-fitting boots that hadn’t been adequately broken in. I persevered, feet in agony and covered in blister bandages, and resolved never to endure that again. Thus began my journey with the adidas Terrex collection.

I’ve previously discussed this range in my article titled ‘Could These Be The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes Ever?’, and truly, they are remarkable. The adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2 has accompanied me on numerous hikes since that initial blister experience, and I’ve not encountered blisters since. They have traversed different terrains in various weather conditions and have continually performed exceptionally. In my opinion, they are the top choice among women’s hiking boots.

For my next shoes, I was determined to stick with the adidas Terrex lineup, so I selected the Terrex AX4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes. These versatile, waterproof mid-height shoes, while akin to the Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2, boast added features that will be beneficial for my future adventures.

Here’s what stands out about the adidas Terrex AX4 Mid Gore-Tex. First off, they are incredibly lightweight, which is a critical aspect for me as I dislike heavy hiking shoes. After hiking extensive distances, any additional weight feels magnified, especially on your feet, which bear the brunt of the effort. While solid footwear is essential, being lightweight is equally, if not more, important, and the AX4 manages to provide both. Featuring a sole made from Continental™ Rubber, they offer excellent grip, making them ideal for navigating rocky, uneven, or wet surfaces. I believe the sole is sturdier than that of the Free Hiker 2, signaling that the AX4 means serious business for those up for a challenge.

As I’ve been running for several years now, I’ve noticed my feet have widened, leading me to favor a slightly larger size in both running shoes and hiking boots. This adjustment helps prevent chafing and stops my toes from awkwardly hitting the shoe’s front, an issue that has cost me a few toenails in the past. This has never been a concern with adidas Terrex footwear. The soft mesh upper prevents chafing while maintaining enough rigidity for the laces to be pulled snugly, offering excellent ankle support. Features like a gusseted tongue and padded cuff provide additional barriers against debris and water intrusion—a handy relief while hiking!

The Gore-Tex membrane ensures that my feet stay dry while walking, which has been crucial given the weather conditions we’ve faced recently. Wet feet not only lead to discomfort but also increase the risk of blisters, something we all want to avoid. Gore-Tex blocks moisture while allowing breathability, essential for preventing blisters from sweat accumulation.

Here are the standout features of the adidas Terrex AX4s:

Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing
Durable, abrasion-resistant materials
Continental™ Rubber for superior grip and stability
EVA midsole providing cushioning and shock absorption
Partially constructed from recycled materials for eco-friendliness
A stylish design that reflects the quality of the adidas brand.

As for the color, I’ve opted for the Core Black/Carbon/Grey Four combination, which is essentially ‘black.’ While it may not be the most exciting choice, I prefer a color that coordinates well with everything and doesn’t show dirt as easily as lighter shades. However, those who like vibrant colors can also find them in Silver Green/Core Black/Crystal Jade.

My Upcoming Adventures

This year’s plans are quite ambitious. I’ve already tackled the first 17 miles of the Serpent Trail and the Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Ridge walk encompassing the peaks of Corn Du (873m), Pen y Fan (886m), and Cribyn (795m), all while contending with rain, zero visibility, and intense winds of up to 50mph!

Here’s a look at what lies ahead this year:

March – Complete another section of the Serpent Trail
April – Two-day hike around the Isle of Wight coastline
May – Finish the remaining section of the South Downs Way, from Petersfield to Amberley
June – Aim to complete the final segment of the Serpent Trail
July – Three-day hiking and climbing trip in Slovak Paradise National Park, focusing on rocky terrains and water-filled gorges.
October – Participate in the Atlantic Coast Challenge Ultra, running/walking from Padstowe to Lands End over three days—who knows what weather awaits, but the terrain promises to be challenging!

Additionally, I’ll continue my regular running routine, especially as I prepare for my first Ultra in October. It feels like a long distance when I signed up in January, but the date approaches quickly. This year is shaping up to be incredibly active, and I’m genuinely excited about the upcoming challenges, confident I can tackle them while enjoying the process.

I’ll be documenting my experiences, and of course, I’ll keep you posted on how my shoes perform, but I’m already convinced they’ll be fantastic based on my experiences so far. This year, I intend to wear the Terrex AX4s on most hikes, alternating them with my trail runners during the Ultra. Ideally, I want to run as much of the Ultra as possible, but I am pragmatic enough to realize that walking will be essential, so they will definitely join me on this journey.

If you, like me, appreciate the comfort of trail running shoes yet seek something sturdier and better suited for extensive hikes across various terrains, I wholeheartedly recommend the adidas Terrex line.

If you have hiking recommendations or favorites from your personal adventures, please share! I’m always on the lookout for new trails and sights—life is short, and there are so many beautiful places to explore!

*All products reviewed were gifted by adidas.

I’d love to hear about your hiking experiences—please share your stories!

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Author Bio

Becky Stafferton is a dedicated content creator and web publisher promoting a realistic, sustainable, and positive image of healthy living. When she’s not writing, you can find her running through puddles, creating lists, sharing lighthearted banter with her dog, renovating her rural home, or tending to her garden.