As far as walking boots are concerned the Terrex Free Hikers are quite revolutionary with Adidas having taken a different approach to design based on their sports shoe heritage. Slip them on and they feel like a pair of trainers, aside from the chunky sole unit and mid ankle height there's nothing really to distinguish them. But there are some very clever touches that makes them firm favourites.
Firstly they look good in a slightly unconventional way, but some more fashionable people than me will be able to pull the look off down the pub as well as on a hike. This means they're also great for active and adventurous travel.
Don't take them too far up the hill though because they're really soft and flexible, both in the upper and sole unit. This makes them as comfortable as a well-worn pair of slippers but your foot flops around in them on anything but well maintained paths. There's a power strap on the ankle to try and stabilise the knitted upper which helps tighten things up a tad.
Build quality seems great, there's a seamless feel to the inside so they're comfortable to wear all day long. Sticky continental rubber on the outsole gives good grip across varied terrain and the midsole has loads of energy return making the Free Hiker feel even more like a trainer as you bounce along in your on trend hiking boots. Being quite minimalist in construction makes them really lightweight at only 764g per pair (size 9) so you don't get fatigued feet over long hikes or days spent sightseeing.
If you want a pair of lightweight hiking boots that look good (in a quirky kind of way), and are seriously comfortable to wear then the Free Hikers are worth considering.
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