Kit & Gear

REVIEW: adidas TERREX Swift R3 GORE-TEX

On trail. Off trail. The adidas TERREX Swift R3 GORE-TEX Walking Shoes are designed for all-mountain versatility. From trails to scrambles and via ferratas, it's the multi-tool of trail shoes. Rock-resistant overlays add durability. Move fast with a Continental Rubber outsole for confident footing over roots, rocks and rough terrain, wet or dry.

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Photo credit: www.adidas.co.uk

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Our SportsShoes Trail & Hiking ambassador, Ben Mounsey, has been busy putting the adidas TERREX Swift R3 GORE-TEX Walking Shoes to the test. Here he provides a detailed review and compares them to the adidas TERREX Free Hiker.

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The adidas TERREX Swift R3 GORE-TEX Walking Shoes are specifically made for light and fast hiking and aimed at anyone who prefers the fit and feel of a trail shoe, rather than a traditional mid-height hiking boot.

In first appearance, the Swift R3 looks very much like a trail running shoe, but as you start to look more closely it becomes obvious that this is built for hiking on serious trails.

The stand-out feature of this shoe is the quality of build – it looks and feels almost indestructible, with a stiff and robust upper construction, which combines GORE-TEX mesh material with thick protective panels around the entire perimeter of the shoe.

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So how does this shoe compare to the adidas Terrex Free Hiker?

Obviously, both hiking shoes are specifically designed for tackling the trails – but they are very different in design and specification. The Free Hiker is far more cushioned and comfortable to wear and is a more versatile hiking shoe, because it’s suitable for a wider range of distances and terrain. Featuring an adidas Primeknit upper that fits like a sock, it adapts to the shape of your foot as you move. It’s also a style that can be worn for everyday activities and doesn’t look out of place when worn with a casual outfit.

Check out our in-depth review of the adidas Terrex Free Hiker

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In comparison, the Swift R3 is more rugged and robust and you certainly feel more stiffness in the midfoot. This shoe features a full length Lightstrike midsole with Promoderator for support and protection on the shank and midfoot area. It has significantly less cushioning than the Free Hiker, but more protection underfoot and in the upper. A moulded heel cup offers extra stability and security and a rock plate built into the midsole offers additional protection from unforgiving ground. Therefore, it is more suitable for handling extreme trails and would be my preferred choice if you're more likely to be hiking on tough terrain. It’s also worth mentioning that there is a boot version of the Swift R3 available, with a mid-height cuff to repel small rocks and debris and ultimately providing more ankle support and protection.

SHOP ADIDAS TERREX SWIFT R3 GORE-TEX MID WALKING BOOTS HERE

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Photo credit: www.adidas.co.uk

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One big improvement in the design of the R3 compared to its predecessor is the traditional lacing system which has replaced the pull-tab drawstring of the R2. There is also the addition of a wider set of eyelets at the bottom of this design, which allows the shoe to be pulled in more tightly around the top of the forefoot, giving a more secure and personalised fit. This is a feature I’m particularly impressed with because I have very thin feet and it allows me to adjust and tighten the laces for extra precision.

Both the Free Hiker and Swift R3 hiking shoes feature the trusted Continental™ rubber grip on the outsole, a standard feature of all adidas Terrex trail shoes. However, the Swift R3 has a slightly more aggressive grip pattern and a slightly deeper lug. Both models have a 10mm drop but the outsole is divided into two parts on the R3 with a deeper heel than the Free Hiker.

Both GORE-TEX versions of these respective models offer excellent protection from wet weather, although breathability is greatly reduced in hot conditions. Therefore, I would opt for the non-GORE-TEX version of either shoe if you want increased ventilation and airflow, particularly during the summer months.

The adidas TERREX Swift R3 GTX walking shoes are a great choice for any serious outdoor enthusiast as they ensure you stay sure-footed on all terrain in any weather condition. As a high-performance hiking shoe that combines the lightweight design of a trail running shoe with the versatility and stability of a hiking boot, consider this Terrex style as your swiss army knife of mountain footwear!

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SHOP ALL ADIDAS TERREX SWIFT R3 GORE-TEX WALKING SHOES HERE

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