Adidas’s Sleek Do-It-All Hiker Is Even More Versatile with Running Tech Underfoot

After four years, the hiking sneaker finally evolves, bringing a new top-tier option into the mix.

Black high-top Terrex hiking shoe with knit ankle collar and Continental rubber sole.

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By Ethan Brehm

Published 3 hours ago

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Why can’t hiking shoes feel like sneakers?

That’s what Adidas asked itself nearly a decade ago when it was developing what would become its Free Hiker. Part of its outdoor-focused Terrex division, the Free Hiker debuted in 2019 with a Boost midsole commonly found in the brand’s running shoes, giving you serious energy return for any outdoor shoe. It was sleek, stylish and still offered plenty of grip and support when hiking.

The Free Hiker 2.0 updated a few things when it dropped in 2022. Most notably, it expanded the line to both low-cut and mid-cut versions, sold with or without a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. Personally, these have been some of my go-to shoes both on and off the trail for their downright versatility and comfort.

Person wearing black hiking shoes and black leggings climbing rocky terrain with trekking poles in hand. — Adidas helped popularize the sneaker-like hiking boot with its Free Hiker series, which now gets its third iteration.

But it’s been four years, and fans (including myself) have been clamoring for an update.

The Freehiker 3

Finally, Adidas announces the Freehiker 3 (now one word instead of two). While the overall aesthetic remains largely the same, a few key elements have evolved.

Close-up of a black Gore-Tex shoe with water droplets on its surface and a brown textured toe cap. — The Freehiker 3 is the first evolution in four years, bringing back Gore-Tex waterproofing but with a lighter overall structure.

Black Adidas Terrex hiking shoe with brown textured sole and Gore-Tex branding. — These still look like Freehikers but are now much lighter in weight.

First off, the third-gen hiking sneakers have gotten lighter and more nimble compared to their predecessors thanks to revamped upper and midsole architecture. The Boost midsole has been swapped for a dual-midsole featuring Hyperboost and Dreamstrike+ cushioning carried over from its running shoes.

Person wearing black cargo pants and black Terrex sneakers walking on a city sidewalk. — Midsole construction has gotten a revamp with Hyperboost and Dreamstrike+, borrowed from running shoes.

The upper is still just as structured and protective but manages to be more flexible this time around. All this is accomplished without removing the waterproof membrane at all. There is no longer a non-Gore-Tex, which streamlines the range without rocking the boat too much.

Pair of white and gray Adidas running shoes with black stripes and Gore-Tex branding on the side. — The low-cut option returns (shown), joining mid-cut and Ultra versions.

Three options to choose from

Like last time, the Freehiker comes in Low and Mid options. The former is a great option for day hikes or travel, while the latter is a fully serviceable hiking “boot” that offers solid ankle support and waterproofing.

White and gray Adidas Terrex trail running shoe with black stripes and Continental sole. — The Ultra is the top-tier Freehiker 3, adding an extended collar and speed lacing.

Black Adidas Gore-Tex hiking shoe with brown rubber sole and high ankle collar. — Speed lacing is a welcomed addition, but only shows up on the Ultra.

But now, a third Ultra iteration is thrown into the mix.

This new high-end boot adds more protection for strenuous expeditions or backpacking. At around 9.31oz, the Ultra includes a higher collar that creates a sock-like seal around your ankle to keep out debris and dirt.

Pair of white Adidas high-top sneakers with black stripes, gray mesh, and orange lace accents. — Still some of the lightest hikers around, the Ultra is perfect for backpacking or more serious expeditions.

A speed-lacing system also gets introduced to the Freehiker family, but it only shows up on this apex model. This fine-tuning lacing style is a calling card on most Salomon shoes and has started to show up on the Adidas Skychaser as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if later Freehiker generations featured this on-the-go adjustment across the board. But for now, the brand keeps things traditional for the lower two pairs.

All three models are built with the same grippy Continental rubber outsoles.

The same grippy outsole returns to make these solid outdoor sneakers.

Adidas

Availability and pricing

The new Freehiker 3 GTX is available in all three iterations right now from Adidas’s website. They range from $180 for the Low to $220 for the Ultra.

At $200, the Mid actually gets a bit more affordable. The 2.0 Mid had been $20 more expensive for most of its lifespan.

Black Adidas Terrex trail running shoe with Gore-Tex upper and Continental rubber sole.

Adidas Terrex Freehiker 3 GTX

Starts at $180

About the Author: Ethan Brehm is an associate editor at Gear Patrol writing about footwear, watches, spirits, EDC and more. When he’s not shopping for his next G-Shock, he spends his time watching movies and planning a future road trip with his family. He firmly believes CDs sound better than vinyl.

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