My home is filled with an abundance of shoes, largely consisting of several pairs of trail running shoes and adidas Terrex hiking footwear. It’s fascinating how one can discern their passions and hobbies simply by examining their choice of footwear.
With a number of hiking trips and outdoor excursions lined up for the year ahead, I’m always eager to test new shoes before heading out. As an adidas blogger, I’m fortunate to have access to a variety of options. While I could certainly make do with my existing collection, can anyone really say they have too many shoes?!?
My Outdoor Excursions
In recent years, my hiking activities have significantly increased. It still astonishes me that I once despised being dragged along on family walks during my childhood. While it might sound clichéd, I genuinely believe our appreciation for nature and the outdoors deepens as we mature. Exploring the wilderness with a backpack, friends at my side, and expansive views is something I absolutely cherish.
My journey into outdoor activities began with running. I had never deemed myself a runner, and aside from the obligatory sprint on sports day at school, I had little running experience. Eight years ago, however, I was encouraged to join a beginners’ running program organized by a local group. A friend led the session and had been urging me to give it a chance, assuring me that if I didn’t enjoy it, she wouldn’t bring it up again. To my surprise, I finished a 5k on my very first attempt!
That initial experience led me to join the running club, which I continue to be part of today. I have maintained a consistent running routine for the last eight years—balancing between trail and road running several times a week, regardless of weather conditions. Reflecting on this journey fills me with pride, as I’ve developed a passion for an activity that poses challenges yet brings immense joy. For me, running transcends competition; it’s about enjoying guilt-free exercise, achieving mental clarity, and embracing the liberating feeling it provides. I crave forests, challenging terrains, stunning vistas, and yes, even a few hills!
I consider myself lucky to live near many beautiful trails, which has further cultivated my love for hiking. Residing in the South Downs, my backyard connects directly to the Serpent Trail, giving me endless opportunities for outdoor fun.
Last year, I tackled three sections of the South Downs Way, a scenic trail that stretches 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne. I hiked the initial segment from Winchester to Petersfield (25 miles) over two different trips and also completed a 57-mile trek from Amberley to Eastbourne in two days. The views along the way are breathtaking. While it’s possible to walk in reverse order (Eastbourne to Winchester), I strongly recommend finishing in Eastbourne for the dramatic landscapes, notably the Seven Sisters which is a stunning sight when you’re feeling exhausted.
Additionally, I spent three days hiking in the Grand Paradiso National Park within the Italian Dolomites, where the terrain was diverse and challenging, ranging from grassy alpine meadows to steep mountain paths. It was one of the hardest endeavors I’ve tackled, but the sense of achievement, empowerment, and confidence gained was truly rewarding. And the vistas? Absolutely unparalleled! The air was refreshingly clean, the greenery was vibrant, and the snowy landscapes were stunning. From the lush Valsavarenche Valley to the dramatic Gran Paradiso peak, these three days reignited my love for adventure and have motivated me to embark on even more outdoor pursuits this year (more about that shortly).
Equipped with the Right Gear
Hiking teaches you an incredible amount—it’s more than just the act of walking. For one, map-reading is a critical skill, and I’ve had the luck of hiking with friends who possess that skill more adeptly than I do. The equipment requirements vary significantly depending on whether you’re embarking on a day hike or a multi-day trek. You quickly discover which footwear performs best since your choice of shoes can considerably affect your experience. I learned this on my inaugural hike along the South Downs Way, where blisters from improperly broken-in boots made for a challenging day.
This experience prompted my introduction to the adidas Terrex line. I’ve previously discussed this range in my article, “Could These Be The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes Ever?” and I can confidently say they truly are. The adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2 has accompanied me on numerous hikes since that blister episode, and I haven’t faced any blister issues since. They have endured extensive and varied conditions while continually providing outstanding performance. In my opinion, these are among the best women’s walking boots available.
For my next pair, I opted for the Terrex AX4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes, a mid-height, waterproof model that offers versatility and additional features for my upcoming adventures.
Let’s dive into the specifics of the adidas Terrex AX4 Mid Gore-Tex. Firstly, they are incredibly lightweight—which is crucial because I can’t stand clunky hiking shoes. After long hikes, any extra weight on your feet becomes increasingly burdensome. The AX4 prioritizes both lightweight design and sturdy construction. Its Continental™ Rubber sole offers superior grip, making it perfect for navigating rocky, wet, and uneven surfaces. Compared to the Free Hiker 2, the sole of the AX4 appears more robust and ready to tackle any challenge.
Having logged several running miles over the years, I’ve noticed my feet have widened, prompting me to size up in both my running and hiking shoes. This adjustment helps prevent rubbing and blisters while also minimizing the risk of stubbing my toes—something that has cost me a few toenails in the past. Thankfully, this has never been an issue with adidas Terrex shoes. The soft mesh upper prevents chafing while offering enough rigidity for a secure fit, providing excellent ankle support. The gusseted tongue and padded cuff keep debris and water at bay—definitely a plus when tackling rough terrains.
The Gore-Tex membrane essential keeps your feet dry during hikes, which is crucial given the weather variability we’ve been experiencing. Wet feet from unprotected materials not only lead to discomfort but also significantly increase the likelihood of blisters. The Gore-Tex technology retains dryness while allowing breathability—a key factor because trapped moisture can also cause blisters.
Here are the key highlights of the adidas Terrex AX4:
- Gore-Tex membrane to keep feet dry
- Abrasion-resistant materials for extended durability
- Continental™ Rubber for superior grip and stability
- EVA midsole for cushioning, shock absorption, and comfort
- Partially constructed from recycled materials for environmental sustainability
- A stylish appearance synonymous with the adidas brand.
And as for the color, I chose the Core Black/Carbon/Grey Four option—essentially ‘black.’ While it may seem a bit dull, I prefer a versatile shade that conceals dirt better than lighter hues. However, a vibrant Silver Green/Core Black/Crystal Jade alternative is also available for those seeking a pop of color.
My Upcoming Adventures
This year, I have some ambitious plans. So far, I’ve completed the first 17 miles of the Serpent Trail and hiked the Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Ridge, which features the three peaks of Corn Du (873m), Pen y Fan (886m), and Cribyn (795m)—all while enduring constant rain, zero visibility, and 50mph winds!
My planned adventures for the rest of the year include:
- March – Finish another section of the Serpent Trail
- April – Traverse the Isle of Wight coastline over two days
- May – Complete the remaining section of the South Downs Way from Petersfield to Amberley
- June – Finalize the last segment of the Serpent Trail
- July – Spend three days hiking and climbing in Slovak Paradise National Park, scrambling over rocky terrain and navigating water-filled gorges.
- October – Participate in the Atlantic Coast Challenge Ultra from Padstowe to Lands End over three days—who knows what the weather will be like, but the terrain will certainly be tough!
Additionally, I will maintain a running schedule to prepare for my first-ever Ultra in October, which seemed far away when booked in January but is quickly approaching. It promises to be an active year filled with excitement and challenges, and I’m confident in my ability to complete my goals while relishing the journey.
I’ll keep you updated on my experiences and how the shoes perform, but I have full faith they will hold up magnificently, as I’ve had no issues so far. My objective is to wear the Terrex AX4s for most of my hikes this year, alternating between them and my trail running shoes during the Ultra, as I aspire to run as much as possible, while accepting that walking will also be necessary.
If you, like me, appreciate the comfort of a trail running shoe yet seek sturdier footwear capable of supporting long-distance hikes across varied terrains, I cannot recommend the adidas Terrex range highly enough.
If you have any wonderful hiking recommendations to share, I’d love to hear them! I’m always eager to discover new trails and experiences because life is short, and there’s so much of the world to explore!
*All products provided by adidas for evaluation.
I’d love to hear about your hiking adventures, so please reach out!
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Author Bio
Becky Stafferton is a dedicated content creator and web publisher. She consistently endeavors to portray a realistic, sustainable, and positive image of healthy living. When she isn’t writing, you can find her splashing through muddy puddles, creating lists of lists, indulging in a good rant, talking in amusing voices to her dog, renovating her countryside home, or tending to her garden.