adidas Terrex Swift R3 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes Black/Grey/Blue Rush 11.5 D (M) Review
The adidas Terrex Swift R3 GORE-TEX hiking shoes are meticulously designed for both challenging trails and casual walks. Whether you're navigating wet or dry paths, these shoes deliver an exceptional performance thanks to the innovative GORE-TEX membrane that provides a waterproof barrier while remaining breathable. Ideal for various terrains including trail running, scrambling, and via ferrata, the Terrex Swift R3 combines the lightweight feel of a modern trail running shoe with the rugged stability expected from a hiking boot.
Features
- Lightweight design with cushioning akin to trail running shoes
- Waterproof GORE-TEX textile upper for ultimate protection
- Traditional lace-up closure ensuring a secure fit
- Lightstrike EVA midsole for enhanced comfort
- Continental rubber outsole for superior grip on any surface
Pros
- Excellent grip and traction on varied surfaces
- Waterproof yet breathable construction enhances comfort
- Versatile for multiple outdoor activities
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
Cons
- May take time to break in for some users
- Availability may be limited in certain sizes
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | adidas Terrex Swift R3 GORE-TEX | Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Mammut Kento Guide High GTX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Breathable | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Heavy |
| Traction | Continental rubber | Contagrip | Vibram |
| Use Case | Multi-terrain | Hiking & Trails | Technical Hiking |
Detailed Review
The adidas Terrex Swift R3 GORE-TEX hiking shoes stand out in the crowded field of outdoor footwear. The incorporation of a GORE-TEX membrane ensures your feet remain dry even during unexpected downpours. Its breathable nature also means that moisture from sweat escapes, keeping your feet cool and comfortable during long hikes.
The Lightstrike EVA midsole offers a plush cushioning experience, absorbing impact and providing support on uneven terrain, which is essential for those who often tackle rocky paths. Furthermore, the traditional lace-up closure secures the foot well, reducing the risk of slippage, which can lead to blisters.
When it comes to grip, the Continental rubber outsole shines bright. Whether you are ascending steep inclines or descending slippery slopes, these shoes provide reliable traction, instilling confidence in every step. Overall, the versatility of the Terrex Swift R3 allows it to perform excellently not only in hiking but also during casual outings or trail runs.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning suitable for long durations |
| Traction | 10/10 | Outsole grips well on various surfaces |
| Waterproofing | 9/10 | Highly effective against moisture |
| Breathability | 8/10 | Good airflow keeps feet dry and cool |
| Durability | 9/10 | Constructed to handle rough outdoor conditions |
User Reviews
I've had these shoes for a while now and they have held up great! I use them mostly for trail running and they have great traction. I was a little worried that the waterproof feature would cause them to sweat me out, but I've had no problem. I've used them in mud, snow, slush, and on asphalt and have no complaints.
I have the trail runners which are great too, but not as supportive by design. These are a little stiffer, again by design, but broke in easily and are perfect. Nice grip on rock inclines and super comfy. Definitely recommend!
As you can see from the photos, I put these shoes to the test through mud and dirt and water. The good news is that they do exactly what they are supposed to do. They are rugged, COMPLETELY WATERPROOF, and I have no concerns at all about walking through any kind of mushy terrain in the early springtime when the ground is soft and muddy. I bought these specifically because of the waterproof aspect of them. They look great, although on the website the color was a little more of a golden-ish brown, and these were almost completely army green. Keep that in mind if this color attracts you.I have a few criticisms of these shoes. My number one criticism is the fit. This is hard to describe accurately and fairly because they are, sort of, comfortable - once you break them in. However, after an extended period of time, I get to the point to where I am ready to get them off. For me, the toe box is just a little too narrow. Because of the stiffness of these shoes, there is absolutely no give in them at all, so I do find that after walking around in them for multiple hours, I am ready to take them off. In addition to the stiff toe box, the heel is a MAJOR gripe of mine. The heel of the shoe does not capture the heel of my foot AT ALL. Each step I take, my heel is pulling up out of the bottom of the shoe, so imagine taking 10,000 steps in these... that's a lot of skin irritation and potential blisters. When I wear these shoes for a long time, I make sure to prep by putting a large bandaid on both heels to dampen that friction. I read other peoples' reviews before I purchased these and this was a common gripe of other people, so it is very real with the design of these shoes.The general construction of these shoes is that they are VERY tough and stiff, but they are meant to be that way because of their intended use. With that being said, there is hardly any give in these shoes at all, so it is easy to get sore feet in them if you wear them for long periods of time.Overall I think these are a killer design of a shoe, and they do their job well. Just be aware that there is absolutely a need for a break-in period with these shoes. Don't expect to put them on and wear them all day right out of the box. You will definitely have to plan out shorter sessions in them at first until you have them broken in, and even after that they are pretty stiff.In conclusion, I am happy with these shoes, but they do leave room for improvement in a few fit aspects. If they release a future version and improve upon some of those gripes, they would for sure have a five-star shoe.
They are gore tex and totally waterproof, but I feel they are too stiff and my feet are too hot in the warm weather. Great for cool and cold weather. The price was amazing for real goretex
I wear these all the time when walking my dog in cold, rainy weather and my feet stay dry. Sturdy and comfortable all day long. Worth the money.Brooks men’s size 7.5M fits this woman’s 9W foot.
Bought these shoes just over a year ago. Loved the look, loved the waterproofing, and thought they'd be great for taking my dog out 3-times-a-day for potty breaks and for 30 minute walks, especially in bad weather. Only worn on my lawn and on pavement. They were not used heavily or off-road.At first try-on, fit was unusual. These shoes felt narrower and more snug than others in my size, different, but not uncomfortable. I debated returning them because I thought they might be too small, but then I read a description of the shoe on Adidas' website where it indicated they are intentionally designed to hug and curve around the foot so your feet don't slide around the shoe while hiking.... and they do their job. So I kept them.I wish I had returned them.After about 5 months, the rubberized component over the toes began pulling away from the upper and the sole began pulling away from the bottom of the shoe, just from occasionally use. Now they've begun began leaking water. Not very useful for taking the dog out in bad weather.These shoes were way too expensive to be experiencing such problems in less than a year. I would never repurchase these shoes again AND I would think twice about buying Adidas shoes, because these really disappointed me.When these shoes were good, they were really good. But leaky waterproof shoes that come apart aren't useful in any capacity.One star...
I think this was the fifth trail shoe I tried before finding one that fit me in my normal size. They did take some time to break in and I almost returned them but I’m glad I didn’t. I really like the stiff sole but I’m used to stiff mountain boots
Love the fact that they are water proof, and they have great traction although the comfort level isn’t amazing. Normally after a mile or so I can start to feel it. Best option I’ve found so far for something with good support and water proof though. Would be a 5 star if my feet didn’t hurt after a mile of walking which is not normal for Adidas, all of the other adidas I have are extremely comfortable. They are true to size as well.