Intro
When considering a new running shoe, there are so many similar-looking shoes on the market being made by so many different companies, it is virtually impossible to (1) know where to begin; (2) quickly figure out which one or two products from a given brand might work well for you; and (3) determine what products from other brands might be the most similar and also worth considering.
So in our new “Blister Brand Guide” series, we provide an overview of the entire product lineup of a brand; highlight how each product stands out from the rest of that brand’s lineup; and help you figure out quickly and easily which shoe might work best for you.
In our individual product reviews, we go very deep into the details of particular products. With these Brand Guides, the goal is not Depth, but Breadth. Our Brand Guides and full reviews are designed to complement each other — provide a broad overview of entire company lineups, and then also very detailed reviews of individual products.
Adidas Terrex: Brand Background
Adidas has been a big player in the running world since the 1960’s, when they developed the first specialist running shoe with the stated goal of ”pushing athletic boundaries.” The Adidas Terrex line is the brand’s foray into the trail running (and hiking) world. After a few years on the market, the Terrex line now includes shoes with a variety of cushioning and stack heights. Many models are also available in a waterproof / breathable Gore-Tex versions as well.
Adidas is also a standout brand when it comes to more sustainable shoe construction. Many of their shoes are available in dye-free colorways, and a few models use recycled plastic yarns for the upper.
Adidas Terrex shoes tend to run a bit on the small side, and most models are also slightly narrower than shoes from brands like Altra or Topo Athletic. As always, it’s best to try on shoes in person before buying, if at all possible. But to help you figure out which of Adidas’ shoes you should consider, this Brand Guide will provide a general overview of each model’s features and intended purpose. As always with our Brand Guides, shoes are organized from highest to lowest stack height, and in this guide we’re covering the models in the Terrex line that are designed with trail running in mind, rather than hiking. As Adidas continues to release models throughout 2023, we’ll regularly update this guide to reflect new additions to their lineup.
TRAIL SHOES
(Most Cushioned to Least Cushioned)
Most Cushion
The Terrex Agravic Ultra is Adidas’s long-distance option for technical trail running and one of its most feature-laden models. Highlights include a full-length bio-based TPE carbon plate sandwiched in between a midsole made from Adidas’s proprietary “Boost” and “Lightstrike” foams, dual-layer Achilles protection, and a slightly wider toe box in comparison to many other of Adidas’ trail models. The outsole uses the same Continental-brand rubber found on most shoes in the Terrex line, which seems to be fairly balanced as far as traction and durability are concerned — it isn’t as soft / sticky as a mud-oriented outsole compound like La Sportiva’s “Frixion White” compound, but it is more durable. If you’re looking for a more protective and supportive shoe for long distances on technical terrain, the Terrex Agravic Ultra could be a good option.
Stack Height
- Heel: 34 mm
- Toe: 26 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 328 g
- Women's: 299 g
MSRP: $160.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 32 mm
- Toe: 24 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 290 g
- Women's: 250 g
MSRP: $130.00
The Terrex Soulstride is intended to be an entry level road-to-trail shoe for folks venturing onto trails for the first time. As such, it’s designed with a bit of road running in mind. The Soulstride comes with a hybrid 3 mm lugged “Traxion” outsole that transitions seamlessly between pavement and dirt, raised sidewalls for stability, a lightweight EVA midsole, and an engineered mesh upper that breathes well. With a high drop of 10 millimeters, the Soulstride will perform best on firmer surfaces without a ton of elevation change (and might not work well if you’re a forefoot striker). If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive shoe for running on easy to moderate local trails, consider checking out this model.
Stack Height
- Heel: 30 mm
- Toe: 20 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 294 g
- Women's: 254 g
MSRP: $80.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 30 mm
- Toe: 24 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 312 g
- Women's: 250 g
MSRP: $110.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 28 mm
- Toe: 20 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 320 g
- Women's: 280 g
MSRP: $160.00
The Agravic Flow 2.0 GORE-TEX has the same construction as the standard version of the Agravic Flow 2, but with a waterproof / breathable GORE-TEX lining and a lace closure. If you like the looks of the Agravic Flow 2 but often run in cold, wet conditions, the Agravic Flow 2.0 GORE-TEX could be a good fit.
Stack Height
- Heel: 28 mm
- Toe: 20 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 340 g
- Women's: 300 g
MSRP: $160.00
On paper, the Trailrider is a bargain. As one of Adidas’s mid-tier trail shoes, it’s positioned as a lightweight, versatile, medium-distance option replete with many of the same features seen on the brand’s higher-end models. The Trailrider’s foundation is its “Lightstrike” EVA foam midsole with TPU protection, a combination that should provide above average amounts of energy return while keeping feet protected on rocky terrain. Following this theme to the shoe’s upper, the Trailrider is also outfitted with a gusseted tongue, seamless synthetic overlays, and a lace closure, all of which should theoretically help to keep debris at bay. Turning the Trailrider upside down will reveal a 3.5 mm lugged outsole made from sticky “Continental™” rubber, as seen elsewhere in Adidas’s lineup. If you’re looking for a moderately cushioned trail trainer that’s privileged with premium materials but exempt from the high price tag that usually comes with them, check out the Trailrider.
Stack Height
- Heel: 28 mm
- Toe: 20 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 320 g
- Women's: 280 g
MSRP: $110.00
Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
Least Cushioned
At 241 g, the Terrex Speed Ultra represents Adidas’s lightest trail shoe, yet despite its minimalism, the Terrex Speed Ultra is still a supportive option for long-distance trail runs on mixed terrain. Taking advantage of Adidas’s combination of “Lightstrike” EVA foam and TPU-based “Boost” midsole, the Terrex Speed Ultra delivers an impressive balance between cushioning and energy return. “Continental™” rubber appears on the shoe’s outsole in the form of a modest lug pattern that still performs well on loose surfaces. Finally, the shoe is rounded out by a minimalist mesh upper with a few abrasion-resistant weldings. The Terrex Speed Ultra leans towards a slimmer, more precise fit, making it a good option for short-distance trail races and workouts, as well as long distances for certain people — check out our full review of the Speed Ultra for the whole story.
Stack Height
- Heel: 26 mm
- Toe: 18 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 241 g
- Women's: 210 g
The Terrex Speed Ultra isn’t the lightest… it’s the one you’re missing, the Terrex Speed Pro
https://www.adidas.com/us/terrex-speed-pro-trail-running-shoes/FW2723.html
Hey Charles,
The Terrex Speed Pro is indeed lighter than the Speed Ultra; however, as of the time of this writing it’s not included in Adidas Terrex’s 2023 lineup (as you can see from the link you included, it’s been heavily discounted and is sold-out, at least in the US). If that changes in the coming months, I’ll be sure to update our guide.
I have worn Adidas for many years. My go to brand. Recently bought the Terrex Agravic and just can’t find the love for them. The main issue for me is how high the shoe sits up against my ankle. Plus they are somewhat stiff out of the box. I read a user review which echoed these concerns but mentioned how he broke them in like a quality hiking boot and now loves them. I’ll admit they have broken in to some degree, but I wouldn’t buy them again.