Developed to pick up where trail running ends and the truly rugged terrain begins, the Adidas Terrex Fast R Gore-Tex Shoes were engineered by the Adidas Outdoor staff to be fast, lightweight and extremely stable to tackle even the most wicked downhill descents. Inspired by the unbelievable traction mountain bike tires produce Adidas recently forged a partnership with Continental Tire to integrate their world class rubber compounds into the outsole of the Adidas Terrex Fast R Gore-Tex Shoes. The result is said to be an extremely stable, rugged and waterproof all-terrain piece of footwear. Just last month we were given an opportunity by our friends at Adidas Outdoor to fully test and review a pair for ourselves. Our review sessions consisted of runs, jogs and hikes though some of the most unforgiving landscapes the state of Michigan has to offer. After pushing the Adidas Terrex Fast R Gore-Tex shoes to the limit for close to a month we’re now excited to share the results with you!
Key Features:
Speed Lace System – allows quick and easy lacing and un-lacing.
Outdoor-specific FORMOTION unit for enhanced motion control and downhill comfort.
High-abrasion mesh and synthetic upper materials for breathability and durability.
Molded EVA tongue top for enhanced fit and comfort; Waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining; Full-forefoot ADIPRENE+ maintains propulsion and efficiency.
TRAXION outsole for maximum grip during fast and athletic hikes in rugged terrain; Continental rubber for optimal grip in wet conditions.
Weight: 13.6 ounces (per shoe)
– The Review –
Comfort:
(9 out of 10) We found the Terrex Fast R shoes to be surprisingly lightweight despite their bulky appearance and quite comfortable overall, even after several hours of use and abuse. The top inch and a half of the tongue is made from a soft EVA foam material that is molded to hug your ankle and move with the motion of your foot while also reducing chaffing. We were also very happy to see that Adidas outfitted the Terrex Fast R with a cushy insole that works nicely in conjunction with the soft foam midsole to provide a enjoyable experience whether you’re walking to your car or running down a steep rocky embankment.
Design:
(10 out of 10) We have to give mad props to the designers and engineers who brought this shoe to life. It’s a beast! The physical appearance is subdued, yet truly eye catching without being flashy in the least. There are so many aspects we love about the Terrex Fast R, but if we were to break it down to what stands out the most we’d have to go with the speed lace system first and foremost. It’s simple and effective making it easy to slip the shoes on and off quickly while also providing incredible support without any fear the laces coming untied. We were also very impressed with the shoe’s overall flexibility and support. Having one or the other is common, but both is delightful.
Traction:
(9.5 out of 10) Throughout our testing sessions we became quite fond of the TRAXION outsole and its integrated Continental Tire rubber. Its large treads and grip proved to keep us upright and injury free regardless of how rough the terrain got. If you’re falling or tipping in these shoes it’s probably because you’re a klutz! We were especially impressed with the shoe’s ability to grip in wet conditions. Rain and snow proved to be not match for the Terrex’s aggressive footprint. Additionally FORMOTION heel preformed as advertised giving the foot enhanced stability on unbalanced footing, especially on downhill hikes and runs.
Durability:
(7 out of 10) After more than three weeks of consistent abuse on and off the trails the Terrex Fast R proved to be quite resilient to damage. The outsole is amazingly tough and hardly shows any signs of use. Not surprisingly the shoes do accumulate a nice coat of dirt and scratches quickly, but it was nothing a quick wash and scrub didn’t fix. We did however encounter some signs of wear and tear near the end of our testing sessions. The rubber toe guard came partially unglued on the left foot and the speed lace bungee on the right foot lost a portion of its stitching. While these are minor issues, we felt it was important to address them here. Overall we still believe these shoes are quite durable, and when you consider the punishment they’ve taken a few scars are probably warranted.
Waterproofing:
(10 out of 10) One word… Gore-Tex. We’ve know it for a long time now, but this material is simply amazing and it fully covers these shoes from heal to toe. Gore-Tex keeps water and moisture out, while still allowing your feet to breath. If we didn’t know it was science, we’d have to believe it’s magic!
Value:
(8.5 out of 10) Though they’re priced at the high end of the spectrum at nearly $200 a pair, we still think that the Terrex Fast R shoes are a damn good value. They’re loaded with exclusive Adidas technology, are resistant to water and were built to totally rip it up!
The Bottom Line:
If you’re an adventurous outdoorsman or woman who’d rather make your own trails through the back country thDashboardan follow the beaten path, then we strongly encourage you to check out a pair of the Adidas Terrex Fast R Gore-Tex Shoes for yourself. In our opinion they’re excellent for both running and hiking though rugged landscapes. We found them to be tremendously stable in rocky terrain and shockingly resistant to slippage. We were also surprised by their comfort and unique features like speed laces and the exclusive Adidas FORMOTION heel. If you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes to take with you in to the mountains we highly recommend you consider the Adidas Terrex Fast R Gore-Tex Shoes. We loved em’ and think they’re a wise purchase for rugged outdoors enthusiasts.
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