Our verdict
- Our top pick in best hiking shoes
- Our top pick in best waterproof hiking shoes
Pros
- Boot-like stability
- Highly durable and protective
- Lightweight for what it offers
- Excellent waterproofing
- Breathable for a GTX shoe
- Generously cushioned
- Very secure foothold
- Top-notch grip with deep lugs
Cons
- Stuffy for summer
- Can be too stiff (even stiffer in cold)
- Break-in needed
Audience verdict
- Top 13% in waterproof hiking shoes
- Top 15% in Gore-Tex hiking shoes
Comparison
The most similar hiking shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
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Audience score | 86 Great! | 79 Good! | 85 Good! | 82 Good! | |
Price | $160 | $165 | $209 | $125 | |
Trail terrain | Technical | ModerateTechnical | Technical | ModerateTechnical | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 14.4 oz / 408g 15 oz / 425g | 15.6 oz / 441g 17.2 oz / 487g | 14.8 oz / 420g 15.5 oz / 440g | 11.4 oz / 323g 11.4 oz / 323g | |
Lightweight | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |
Breathability | Moderate | Moderate | Warm | Moderate | |
Use | Day HikingSnow | Day HikingLight HikingUrban hikingSnow | BackpackingDay HikingSnow | Day HikingSpeed HikingSnow | |
Foot condition | Flat feetPlantar fasciitisOverpronation | Bunions | Flat feetPlantar fasciitisOverpronation | Flat feetPlantar fasciitisOverpronation | |
Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Drop lab | 15.9 mm | 10.0 mm | 16.0 mm | 15.6 mm | |
Midsole softness | Balanced | Soft | Firm | Soft | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | Normal | Small | Normal | Big | |
Torsional rigidity | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | |
Heel counter stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | Moderate | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | Stiff | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Big | Small | Small | Big | |
Outsole hardness | Average | Average | Average | Average | |
Waterproofing | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | |
Material | - | - | Mesh | Mesh | |
Season | All seasons | All seasons | Winter | All seasons | |
Toebox durability | Bad | Very good | Decent | - | |
Heel padding durability | Decent | Bad | Bad | - | |
Outsole durability | Good | Decent | Good | - | |
Wide toebox | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Wide | Narrow | Narrow | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Medium | Wide | Medium | Narrow | |
Lug depth | 4.4 mm | 4.0 mm | 4.3 mm | 4.0 mm | |
Heel stack lab | 36.6 mm | 33.0 mm | 39.1 mm | 37.7 mm | |
Forefoot | 20.7 mm | 23.0 mm | 23.1 mm | 22.1 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | |
Technology | Gore-Tex | Gore-TexVibram | Gore-TexOrtholiteVibram | Gore-TexVibram | |
Heel tab | Finger loop | Finger loop | Finger loop | Finger loop | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #11 Top 46% | #21 Bottom 12% | #13 Bottom 45% | #19 Bottom 20% | |
Popularity | #14 Bottom 41% | #22 Bottom 8% | #11 Top 46% | #18 Bottom 25% |
Who should buy
Having tried and tested the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX on a variety of parameters, we believe that it is an excellent option for hikers who:
- need a protective and grippy hiking shoe for challenging terrain
- want a lightweight shoe with the stability of a hiking boot
- hike in cold, swampy, and rainy conditions on a regular basis
Who should NOT buy
As a low-cut shoe, the Swift R3 GTX is not perfect for deep puddles and river crossings. If you foresee the water overflowing the shoe's low collar, it's better to go with the Salomon Outpulse Mid GTX.
If on the other hand, you mostly hike in warm and dry weather, the waterproof GTX lining of the shoe will only make your feet hot and sweaty. To avoid overpaying for something you don't need, we recommend the non-waterproof Salomon X Ultra 4 instead.
Breathability
Having tested a myriad of GTX hiking shoes in our lab, we have come to expect zero breathability from this type of footwear. However, the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX busted that myth in a mere second!
Performing our smoke-pumping test on this Adidas shoe, we were quite surprised with the amount of smoke passing through its tongue.
It is obviously not as well-ventilated as the non-waterproof Merrell Moab 3. However, it is notably more breathable than its GTX counterparts. On a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 is the most breathable, we rated it as 2. Most Gore-Tex shoes only get 1.
But don't get us wrong. This shoe is still 100% watertight. In our transparency check below, it is clear that there are no perforations in the shoe's upper.
What's more, our microscope helps to show you how incredibly dense the shoe's material is.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 2 |
Average | 2.7 |
Durability
Toebox durability
In order to keep a GTX shoe's waterproofing intact, it must be protected from punctures and tears. And as our durability test shows, you have to be extra careful with the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX.
Applying our Dremel to the shoe's upper textile for 12 seconds at a speed of 5K RPM resulted in a small yet critical puncture. This made us lower the toebox durability rating for this Adidas shoe to 2 out of 5.
Good thing the rubberized overlays are so large in this hiking shoe! All the main impact areas are well-protected.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 2 |
Average | 3.7 |
Heel padding durability
Another potentially frail area in hiking shoes is the heel padding. But not for the Terrex Swift R3!
The shoe's heel collar lining stood up to our 4 seconds of drilling very well. The barely noticeable scratch convinced us to rate the shoe's heel padding durability as 4 out of 5.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 4 |
Average | 3 |
Outsole hardness
Like any other Adidas Terrex shoe, the Swift R3 GTX uses Continental rubber for its outsole. Having a reputation as a hard-wearing compound, it did not disappoint.
Measuring the rubber hardness with our durometer, we got a measurement of 85.9 HC. This is considered average for a hiking shoe outsole and is a good sign of long-term durability.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 85.9 HC |
Average | 84.8 HC |
Outsole durability
Of course, we turned to our Dremel to test the outsole's abrasion resistance. Drilling it unapologetically for 22 seconds at the speed of 10K RPM, we were pleasantly surprised.
According to the tread gauge, the dent was only 0.9 mm deep. This is a little less than the average and earns this Adidas shoe bonus points for durability.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 0.9 mm |
Average | 1.0 mm |
Outsole thickness
We also measured the thickness of the outsole excluding lugs. The caliper returned 2 mm which is a solid average for a hiking shoe.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 2.0 mm |
Average | 2.5 mm |
Weight
Tipping the scale at 14.4 oz (408g), the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX sits very close to the average of waterproof hiking shoes (14.6 oz/414g). This is actually pretty light given how much protection is packed into this Adidas hiker.
If you want a hiking shoe with a similar design and intent but want it to be an ounce lighter, check out the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX (13.3 oz/378g).
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 14.39 oz (408g) |
Average | 13.26 oz (376g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
Looking at the bottom of the shoe, we saw an imprinted writing: "STACK 15/25 MM." To be honest, this left us quite perplexed because we actually measured the shoe's heel stack height at a whopping 36.6 mm!
Perhaps Adidas only measured the midsole to get 25 mm?
Either way, based on our caliper measurement, there is more than 3.5 cm of protection between your heel and the ground! This is one of the tallest hiking platforms we've seen in our lab.
This makes the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX one of the best options for rocky trails with sharp rocks and other technical terrain.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 36.6 mm |
Average | 32.0 mm |
Forefoot stack
In the forefoot, the midsole thickness becomes drastically smaller. With a caliper measurement of 20.7 mm, the forefoot stack of this Adidas shoe is about the same as the average but much taller than the officially stated 15 mm.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 20.7 mm |
Average | 21.0 mm |
Drop
This leaves us with a significant heel-to-toe drop of 15.9 mm! A few millimeters taller than the average, it raises the heel notably higher above the toes.
This makes landings extra cushioned and protected while letting the forefoot bend more easily and feel the ground better for stability.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 15.9 mm |
Average | 11.0 mm |
Midsole softness
What's really nice about this Adidas Terrex shoe is that despite its burly and stiff construction, its cushioning happens to be not as firm as in most other hiking shoes.
Using a durometer, we measured the shoe's foam softness at 26 HA. This makes the Swift R3 GTX 18% softer than the average!
And if you want something even plusher, have a look at the Hoka Anacapa Low GTX (23.3 HA).
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 26.0 HA |
Average | 27.5 HA |
Difference in midsole softness in cold
Given that this Adidas shoe is intended for colder climates, it is nice to know that its cushioning doesn't turn into a rock in low temperatures.
Having kept the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes, we repeated the durometer measurement. At 30.5 HA, the foam only got as firm as most other hiking shoes are at room temperature.
Compared to other hiking shoes in our lab, the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX firmed up by 17.3% which is notably less than the average difference.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 17.3% |
Average | 17.8% |
Insole thickness
The insole of this shoe has a standard amount of padding. Using a caliper to measure its thickness in the heel, we got 4.9 mm. This is exactly the same as the average.
What's noteworthy about this insole is its raised sidewalls which create a cup-like carrier for the foot.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 4.9 mm |
Average | 5.5 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
Stability is truly phenomenal in the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX. In spite of its low-cut collar, the shoe actually feels a lot like a hiking boot!
Compared to other shoes in its weight category, this Adidas shoe made us feel incredibly surefooted on tricky trails involving unpredictable rocks, roots, and other debris.
We also found that the Pro-Moderator technology (embedded into the sole on both sides) is an excellent foot stabilizer. It worked very effectively to prevent side-to-side movements of the foot which made our legs less fatigued at the end of the day.
Torsional rigidity
The shoe's exceptionally rigid build is the primary reason behind its stability. It is nearly impossible to twist the shoe and you have to put A LOT of effort into it.
Thus, we rated the torsional rigidity of the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX with the highest score of 5 out of 5.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 5 |
Average | 3.5 |
Heel counter stiffness
Contributing to secure heel hold is the shoe's stiff heel counter. On a 1-5 scale where 5 is the stiffest, we rated it as 4.
This helps to significantly minimize the wobbling of the heel and ankle.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 4 |
Average | 3.6 |
Midsole width in the forefoot
The platform of this Adidas shoe is wide enough to provide plenty of landing surface.
In the widest part of the forefoot, we measured the sole at 114.5 mm. Thanks to the lateral outrigger, this is a few millimeters wider than average.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 114.5 mm |
Average | 110.5 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
Back in the heel, the widest part comes in at 88.5 mm. This is a solid average for a hiking shoe.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 88.5 mm |
Average | 86.8 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
From our experience, the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX definitely feels on the stiff side. However, our lab test shows that it is not stiffer than the average.
According to our force gauge, it takes 34.1N to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle. Just about the same as the average.
But because of the shoe's burly design and protective overlays, it actually feels rather stiff on the trail.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 34.1N |
Average | 29.3N |
Difference in stiffness in cold
Taking the shoe out on a chilly day, be prepared that it will become even more unforgiving. After 20 minutes in the freezer, it required 53.6N of force to bend the shoe instead of 34.1N.
This Adidas hiking shoe got a whopping 57.4% stiffer in cold compared to room temperature! For reference, most shoes don't get past 50%.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 57.4% |
Average | 27.9% |
Grip / Traction
Lug depth
The writing at the bottom of the shoe reads: "LUGS 4.5 MM." Indeed, we found this to be true based on our own caliper measurement.
The lugs are also well-spaced in the Swift R3 GTX, making it harder for mud to get stuck in between.
Finally, the chevroned shape of the lugs provides a really good stopping power when going downhill.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 4.4 mm |
Average | 4.0 mm |
Size and fit
Toebox width at the widest part
Trying the shoe in our regular US size 9, we found that it runs larger and even a bit wider than expected.
In the widest part of the toebox, for example, we got a caliper measurement of 102.7 mm. This is nearly 4 mm wider than average!
However, there is also more space in front of the toes. This made the shoe less than ideal for descending as our toes would bump into the shoe's pretty hard toe bumper (but from the inside). Thus, we recommend going at least half a size smaller than your regular hiking shoe size.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 102.7 mm |
Average | 100.5 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
The shoe's toebox has a slightly but not critically tapered shape.
Measuring its width around the big toe, we got 76 mm which is narrower than the average but not enough to call it narrow.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 76.0 mm |
Average | 81.2 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
This Adidas Terrex shoe uses a fully gusseted tongue to protect the interiors from water and debris.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | Both sides (full) |
Comfort
Tongue padding
The tongue packs a pretty standard amount of padding for a hiking shoe. Measuring it with a caliper, we got 10.9 mm. This was more than enough to keep us warm, comfortable, and free from the lace pressure.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | 10.9 mm |
Average | 9.6 mm |
Heel tab
A finger loop is attached at the back of the collar. It is large enough to fit an index finger and assist in getting the shoe on much faster.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | Finger loop |
Removable insole
If you prefer to wear a custom insert in place of the default one, you have that option in the Swift R3 GTX.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | Yes |
Break-in period
Because of the shoe's overall stiff build, it takes more than one hike to fully break in the shoe. It also doesn't feel as comfy as some of the other lightweight speed-oriented hikers.
Do expect a more boot-like experience inside the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX.
Misc
Reflective elements
No reflective elements were added to this Adidas Terrex hiking shoe.
Terrex Swift R3 GTX | No |