I have an overwhelming collection of shoes taking up space in my home, primarily consisting of several pairs of trail running shoes and adidas Terrex hiking boots. It’s quite revealing how my hobbies and passions can be identified just by examining my footwear.
This year, with numerous hiking trips and adventures on the horizon, I’m eager to test out new footwear before hitting the trails. As an adidas blogger, I have the privilege of choosing from a wide selection. Sure, I could get by with what I already own, but can a girl really have too many shoes?!
My Outdoor Adventures
Over the past few years, I’ve significantly increased my hiking mileage. It’s astonishing to reflect on how much I detested family walks as a child. I know it sounds a bit cliché, but I truly believe that our love for nature deepens with age. There’s nothing I enjoy more than exploring the outdoors, equipped with a backpack, friends at my side, and breathtaking views all around.
My love for the great outdoors ignited through running. I never considered myself a runner; beyond the obligatory sprint during sports day at school, I had no running experience until eight years ago when I was convinced to join a beginner’s running program in my local area. My friend, the program leader, kept encouraging me to try, assuring me that if I didn’t enjoy it after one session, she’d leave me alone about it. To my surprise, I showed up as a complete novice and managed to run 5k with minimal effort!
That initial experience led me to join the running club, where I’ve remained a member for eight years, running consistently three to four times a week—trail and road, rain or shine. The once “non-runner” has transformed into a proud runner! I feel incredible pride in knowing I’ve committed to this journey, despite the challenges I still encounter (does running ever truly get easier?). For me, running isn’t about medals or speed; it’s about enjoying guilt-free exercise, finding mental clarity, and relishing the perfect sense of freedom it brings. I crave forest trails, rugged paths, stunning scenery, and a few hills along the way!
Living in the South Downs, I am fortunate to have access to numerous beautiful trails, which has expanded my love for hiking. My garden borders the Serpent Trail, leaving me with virtually limitless outdoor adventure opportunities.
Last year, I tackled three segments of the South Downs Way Walk, a 100-mile trek that starts in Winchester and culminates in Eastbourne. I completed the first section from Winchester to Petersfield (25 miles) on two occasions and trekked from Amberley to Eastbourne (57 miles) over two days. The vistas are breathtaking, and while it’s possible to walk from Eastbourne to Winchester, I’d always recommend ending your day in Eastbourne to experience the dramatic scenery, particularly the stunning Seven Sisters cliffs that don’t fail to impress when your legs are ready to give out.
Additionally, I spent three days hiking in the Grand Paradiso National Park in the Italian Dolomites, which featured a more diverse and challenging environment, including grassy alpine meadows, steep mountain paths, boulder scrambles, and even snow. It was undoubtedly the toughest experience I’ve ever encountered. However, the sense of accomplishment, the empowerment, and the confidence boost I received made every moment of struggle worthwhile. Those views! I’ve never breathed such clean air, seen grass so vibrantly green, or witnessed landscapes as expansive as those in the Dolomites. From the lush Valsavarenche Valley to the stark Col Rosset and the mystical Goletta Lake at the base of the Goletta Glacier, those three days further ignited my passion for the outdoors and motivated me to pursue more hiking adventures this year.
Equipped with the Right Gear
Hiking teaches you a lot. It’s more nuanced than just walking from point A to B. For starters, reading maps is a crucial skill—one I’m still mastering. Thankfully, I’ve had friends with superior navigation skills. Knowing what gear to pack also makes a significant difference; the essentials for a day hike differ greatly from those for a multi-day trek. Furthermore, your choice of footwear can make or break your hiking experience. I learned this lesson the hard way on my first hike on the South Downs Way when blisters from inadequately broken-in boots almost ruined my adventure. Since then, I’ve turned to the adidas Terrex range.
I previously discussed this range in my article, ‘Could These Be The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes Ever?’, and the answer is a resounding yes—they are truly amazing. The adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2 have accompanied me on numerous hikes since that blister incident, and I’m pleased to report that I’ve had no issues since then. I’ve tackled varied terrains and weather conditions, and they continue to perform exceptionally. In my opinion, they’re the best women’s walking boots available.
When selecting my next pair, I knew I wanted another adidas Terrex model, so I chose the Terrex AX4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes—a versatile, waterproof, mid-height option with features designed to elevate my outdoor experience this year.
Firstly, they are incredibly lightweight, which is crucial for someone like me who cannot tolerate heavy shoes. After long hours on the trail, every extra ounce feels heavier, particularly on my feet. While sturdy footwear is essential, minimizing excess weight is equally important, and the adidas Terrex AX4 achieves both. Their sole, crafted from Continental™ Rubber, provides outstanding grip—known for their car tires, this rubber promises superior traction on rocky, uneven, and wet terrain. The AX4 seems even sturdier compared to the Free Hiker 2.
Having run for several years, I’ve noticed my feet have splayed out over time, which means I often size up in both running shoes and hiking boots to avoid discomfort, rubbing, and potential blisters. This adjustment also stops me from jamming my toes into the end of the shoe, a problem I’ve faced in the past. With adidas Terrex shoes, that’s never an issue. The mesh upper is soft enough to prevent chafing while providing enough rigidity to allow for a snug fit, ensuring excellent ankle support. The gusseted tongue and padded cuff further deter debris and water from entering the shoe—a big plus!
The Gore-Tex membrane keeps your feet dry during hikes, an essential feature given the unpredictable weather we’ve recently experienced. Wet feet not only lead to discomfort but also increase the likelihood of blisters, which we want to avoid. Gore-Tex prevents moisture from entering while allowing your feet to breathe, thus reducing the risk of blisters from trapped sweat.
Key features of the adidas Terrex AX4 include:
- Gore-Tex membrane for dry feet
- Abrasion-resistant materials for longevity
- Continental™ Rubber for terrific grip and stability
- EVA midsole for cushioning, shock absorption, and comfort
- Partially made from recycled materials for environmental sustainability
- Stylish design synonymous with the adidas brand
As for color, I chose the Core Black/Carbon/Grey Four option, so it may seem ordinary, but I prefer a versatile shoe that won’t show dirt easily. They are also available in Silver Green/Core Black/Crystal Jade for those seeking a brighter option.
My Adventures This Year
I have ambitious plans this year! So far, I’ve completed the first 17 miles of the Serpent Trail and tackled the Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Ridge walk that includes the three peaks: Corn Du (873m), Pen y Fan (886m), and Cribyn (795m) in rainy conditions, zero visibility, and 50mph winds!
Upcoming hikes include:
- March – Finish another segment of the Serpent Trail
- April – Hike the Isle of Wight coastline over 2 days
- May – Complete the section of the South Downs Way I haven’t yet walked, from Petersfield to Amberley
- June – Finish the final segment of the Serpent Trail
- July – Spend 3 days hiking and climbing in Slovak Paradise National Park, scrambling over rocky terrain and crossing water-filled gorges.
- October – Participate in the Atlantic Coast Challenge Ultra from Padstow to Lands End over 3 days—weather permitting, the terrain promises to be challenging!
I will also continue to run regularly, especially with training for my first-ever Ultra in October. It seemed like a long way off when I signed up in January, but it’s fast approaching. It’s going to be a remarkably active year, filled with excitement and challenges, and I’m confident I can achieve all that I’ve set out to do while savoring every moment.
I plan to document my experiences, updating you on how my shoes perform. Given my previous success, I have no doubts about their capabilities. My goal is to wear the Terrex AX4s for most hikes this year, alternating them with my trail running shoes during the Ultra. I hope to run as much of it as possible while acknowledging I’ll be hiking plenty too.
If you, like me, love the comfort of trail running shoes but need something sturdier for enduring hikes across varying surfaces, I cannot recommend the adidas Terrex range highly enough.
If you have recommendations for great hikes, please share! I’m always up for discovering new places and sights—after all, you only live once, and there’s a whole world to explore!
*All products gifted by adidas for review.
I’d love to hear about your hiking adventures—feel free to connect with me!
You can comment and follow me on:
Or leave a friendly comment below.
Author Bio
Becky Stafferton is a dedicated content creator and web publisher. She aims to present a realistic and positive perspective on living a healthy life. When not writing, she enjoys running through muddy trails, organizing her life, sharing laughs with her dog, renovating her countryside home, and tending to her garden.
