Adidas Terrex Eastrail Mid GTX hiking boots review: a boot with running shoe style

Adidas Terrex Eastrail Mid GTX: first impressions

The Adidas Terrex Eastrail Mid GTX is part of Adidas’ Terrex line-up, the outdoor-focused arm of the German sportswear giant’s vast product range. As you might expect, these affordable yet stylish mid-cut hikers take a platform inspired by the brand’s running shoe heritage and add waterproof fabric uppers plus a rugged outsole for increased durability and traction on the trail. 

The synthetic uppers consist of mesh and PU panels, backed with a Gore-Tex liner for reliable waterproof breathability (see also parts of a hiking boot). This construction creates a lightweight boot with clean, contemporary looks. Together with the understated monochrome colorway, this results in a very wearable mid boot that wouldn’t look out of place in town or trail. 

Adidas Terrex Eastrail Mid GTX: on the trails

These boots proved to be very comfortable, with a well-padded tongue and ankle cuff, and a roomy toebox. The overall fit is very much trainer-like rather than boot-like, though if you’re particularly broad of hoof you might not get on so well with the narrower midfoot and relatively slim heel cup (see also: how to choose a pair of hiking boots). Underfoot cushioning comes from an EVA midsole, which delivers springy responsiveness akin to a running shoe. 

As is increasingly the case with many fabric-based modern hiking boots, the break-in period also proved to be minimal, so if you’re looking for instant out-of-the-box comfort, the Eastrails are a good choice.

We also loved their lightweight, nimble feel on the trail. Weight-wise, they’re comparable to the lightest ‘trainer-hikers’ around (see best hiking boots for more examples), but they are among our favorites, offering a little more structure than Columbia’s Trailstorm Mid, while feeling less cumbersome than KEEN’s chunkier Explore boot.

The outsole uses Adidas’ own Traxion technology. It isn’t the deepest or most sophisticated tread pattern but delivers reasonable grip across a range of different surfaces. We did find it occasionally clogged a little on particularly sticky, muddy paths though.

That aside, our only other niggle was with the lacing system. We struggled a little to dial in a really tight fit, since it seems tricky to pull the boot closely into the foot. This led to a little heel slippage, though not enough to cause discomfort or the dreaded blisters. We’d also appreciate metal lace hooks at the top of the boot rather than fabric loops and an eyelet.

All in all, this was still a boot that gave us confidence on the trail, feeling very comfortable and stable underfoot while also keeping our feet dry, all day long. It seems reasonably durable for a fabric hiker too.