adidas Men's Terrex AX4 Gore-tex Hiking Sneaker Review: waterproof trail tank disguised as a sneaker

I’ve been using the adidas Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex in this Grey/Grey/Solar Red colorway as my main “do-everything” outdoor shoe for a while now. Hikes, rainy dog walks, a bit of light trail running, and some errands in bad weather. I’m not a collector, I just wanted something that could replace my old worn-out trail runners and handle mud, wet grass, and the occasional rocky path without soaking my socks.

First thing: these feel more like a hiking shoe than a casual sneaker. They look sporty, but on foot you can tell they’re built to handle rough ground. The Gore‑Tex actually does its job – I’ve stepped in puddles, wet grass, and shallow streams, and my feet stayed dry. Not bone-dry if you go over the ankle, obviously, but for day hikes and wet parks, it’s solid. If you play disc golf or just walk a lot in the rain, this alone is a big plus.

On the flip side, you do feel that extra structure and rubber underfoot. They’re not as airy or flexible as running shoes, and your feet run warmer, especially indoors or in summer. For me, they’re "put them on when the weather or terrain calls for it" shoes, not something I’d wear all day in the office. I also noticed the outsole is quite aggressive – you don’t want to be stomping around on delicate vinyl floors with these, unless you like scuffs.

If you’re looking at these thinking "sneaker I can also hike in," I’d say flip that: it’s a hiking shoe that you can kind of get away with wearing like a sneaker. It’s not perfect – there are some clear cost-cutting choices compared to older Terrex models – but for mixed outdoor use and wet conditions, it gets the job done with very few surprises.

On value, it really depends how you use them and whether you grab the Gore‑Tex version or the non-Gore‑Tex AX4. There is a cheaper non-waterproof model (about $20 less, as one reviewer pointed out). If you rarely hike in wet conditions and mostly want grip, that cheaper version might be smarter. But if you often deal with rain, wet grass, or soggy disc golf courses, the Gore‑Tex is actually worth the extra money. Dry feet after a few hours in wet conditions is one of those things you really appreciate once you’ve had it.

Compared to other brands, I’d put the value as pretty solid but not unbeatable. You’re paying for the adidas name, the Continental outsole, and the Gore‑Tex badge. There are budget hiking shoes that cost less, but they won’t give you the same grip or waterproofing reliability. There are also more expensive hiking shoes with better materials and more premium finishes, but if you’re not doing multi-day mountain treks, you probably don’t need to go that high.

One thing that slightly hurts the value for me is the clear downgrade from older Terrex generations. The lack of quick-lace and the more basic design make it feel like adidas is charging close to the old price while trimming some features. If you never had the old ones, you won’t care. If you did, you’ll notice and maybe feel a bit annoyed. That said, the core functions – traction, waterproofing, and durability – are still there, which matters more than fancy lacing for most people.

If you’re going to use these mostly for true outdoor stuff – hikes, disc golf, working outside in wet conditions – I’d say the value is good. They handle a lot, last well, and save you from wet socks. If you just want a cool-looking sneaker to wear around town, then honestly, you’re paying for features you won’t really use, and you could find something cheaper, lighter, and more comfortable for everyday city wear.

Design-wise, the Terrex AX4 Gore‑Tex sits somewhere between a trail runner and a low-cut hiking shoe. The silhouette is not chunky like an old-school boot, but you can see there’s enough material and structure to handle rough ground. The grey-on-grey upper keeps things fairly low-key, and the Solar Red hits are mostly on the heel and small details. In real life, that red is pretty bright, but it doesn’t scream across the room. If you’re fine with sporty-looking shoes, you’ll be okay with these.

One thing I noticed, and it lines up with a 3-star Amazon review: the design feels a bit cheaper compared to older Terrex models. The older versions had a more “technical” vibe with quick-lace systems and more premium-looking overlays. Here, you’re getting classic flat laces and more basic panels. It’s not ugly, but it’s more generic. If you’ve owned Terrex from 6–8 years ago, you’ll probably feel the same: adidas clearly simplified the design to cut costs. Functionally it still works, but visually it lost some of that “high-tech” character.

The tread pattern is aggressive, with pronounced lugs and a pretty sharp profile. Good for grip, less good for indoor floors. I tested them on vinyl and smooth tiles: they grip well, but I would not drag my feet or twist on soft flooring unless you enjoy leaving marks. One reviewer even said they won’t let their husband wear them on vinyl, and I get it. For outdoor use, this is exactly what you want. For around the house, maybe swap shoes.

Overall, the design is practical first, stylish second. If you care a lot about sleek looks or want something that passes for a lifestyle sneaker, this might feel a bit too “gear-like.” But if your priority is “does it work in mud, rain, and on roots and rocks,” the design choices mostly make sense, even if they’re not as cool-looking as older Terrex generations.

Comfort-wise, I’d describe these as supportive and secure, not plush. Out of the box, they felt a bit stiff around the midfoot and heel, but not painful. After a few walks (maybe 15–20 km total), they broke in enough that I stopped thinking about them. The fit on me was true to size in adidas terms: same size as my other adidas sneakers. One Amazon review also mentioned they run true to size, which matches my experience. If you’re between sizes, I’d stay with your usual adidas size unless you wear very thick socks.

The heel and ankle padding are decent without being bulky. I didn’t get blisters, even on the first longer walk, but I did feel some pressure on the top of my foot when I cranked the laces tight. Loosening one eyelet fixed that. The toe box is medium – not super wide like some hiking brands, but not cramped either. If you have very wide feet, you might feel a bit squeezed on long descents. For average feet, it’s fine for a full day out.

Underfoot, the EVA midsole gives enough cushioning for several hours of hiking or a full disc golf round without sore feet. It’s not bouncy like running shoes, but you don’t feel every rock either. The shoe feels stable when side-stepping or going downhill, which I prefer over a soft, wobbly feel. The Gore‑Tex lining does trap a bit more heat, though. On cool or rainy days, that’s nice. On hot, dry days, your feet will feel warmer than in non-waterproof mesh shoes. Not unbearable, but noticeable.

As an everyday, all-day indoor/outdoor shoe, I’d say it’s good but not ideal. Walking around town is fine, but once you step inside malls or offices, the stiff sole and warm upper feel a bit overbuilt. For what it’s meant to do – hiking, wet conditions, disc golf, dog walks in bad weather – comfort is pretty solid. Just don’t buy it expecting the softness of running shoes or the airy feel of casual sneakers.

The two key materials here are the Continental rubber outsole and the Gore‑Tex membrane. The outsole is legit: the rubber feels dense, the lugs are deep, and grip on wet surfaces is clearly better than on generic trail shoes I’ve had from cheaper brands. On wet grass, muddy paths, and damp rocks, I felt planted. It also holds up well on concrete and asphalt – no weird slipping on painted lines or manhole covers. The downside is that this kind of rubber plus these lugs are overkill indoors and can be a bit noisy and harsh on smooth floors.

The upper uses a mix of synthetic mesh and overlays, with at least 20% recycled content according to adidas. Don’t expect a soft, knit sneaker feel. The fabric is fairly stiff out of the box, especially with the Gore‑Tex layer underneath. After a few outings it loosened up, but it never got floppy, which is good for stability. Breathability is decent for a waterproof shoe, but obviously not on the level of a non-Gore‑Tex mesh runner. On hot days, your feet will feel warmer, and socks matter a lot – thin hiking socks help.

The midsole is EVA, nothing fancy but it does the job. It absorbs small impacts, and there’s enough thickness to blunt rocks and roots, but it’s not marshmallow-soft. If you like ultra-cushy running shoes, this will feel firmer and more controlled. For hiking and disc golf, I actually prefer this level of firmness because it feels more stable when you’re side-hilling or planting hard on uneven ground.

As for build, seams and glue lines on my pair were clean, no loose threads out of the box. Compared to older Terrex models, some panels feel thinner and less “premium,” which ties back to that user review about cost-cutting. But the critical bits – outsole rubber, waterproof membrane, and toe/heel protection – feel solid. If you care more about performance than fancy materials, you’ll be fine. If you’re picky about premium finishes, you’ll probably notice the simplifications.

In terms of durability, so far these shoes hold up well. The Continental outsole barely shows wear after regular use on mixed terrain – dirt, gravel, some asphalt. The lugs round off a tiny bit at the very edges, which is normal, but there’s no chunking or peeling. Continental rubber tends to wear slower than generic rubber, and that seems to be the case here too. For someone using them for weekend hikes and a few rainy-day walks during the week, I’d expect them to last several seasons before the grip noticeably drops.

The upper has also been solid. No stitching failures, no delamination of overlays yet. I’ve had them muddy, hosed them off, and let them dry in room temperature; they bounced back fine. The mesh doesn’t look fragile, and the toe cap has taken a few hits without visible damage. One Amazon review mentioned they’re “very durable,” and based on my experience so far, I’d agree from a practical standpoint. They’re not bulletproof, but they’re clearly tougher than basic sneakers or cheap trail shoes.

Where I do see some cost-cutting is in the overall feel compared to older Terrex models. A user mentioned that the newer Vietnamese-made version looks and feels more basic than the older Chinese-made pair from eight years ago, and I can see that. The materials don’t have that same "premium technical" vibe, and the switch from quick-lace wire systems to standard laces is a downgrade if you liked that older setup. That said, these changes don’t necessarily hurt durability; they just make the shoe feel less fancy.

If you’re rough on your gear, I’d still trust these more than most casual shoes. Just keep in mind they’re not indestructible: the mesh can eventually tear if you bushwhack through thorns, and the Gore‑Tex will lose some performance over time like all membranes. But for normal hiking, disc golf, and outdoor use, they feel like a safe bet for multi-year use, especially given the strong outsole and solid construction.

On the trail and in bad weather, this is where the Terrex AX4 Gore‑Tex really earns its keep. Traction is the standout. The Continental rubber plus the lug pattern grips well on wet grass, mud, and loose gravel. I’ve used them on slippery park paths, a couple of rocky trails, and soaked disc golf courses. No sketchy slipping so far, even when side-hilling or planting hard for a throw. On dry dirt and rocks, grip is just as good, and the lugs clear mud reasonably well – they don’t turn into complete bricks of mud unless the ground is pure clay.

The waterproofing is also legit. One Amazon reviewer mentioned standing in ankle-deep water with no issues, and I had a similar experience. As long as the water doesn’t go over the top of the shoe, your feet stay dry. Walking through wet grass for an hour, stepping in puddles, or crossing shallow streams hasn’t been a problem. The Gore‑Tex membrane also blocks wind pretty well, so your feet stay warm in cold, wet conditions. The trade-off, again, is reduced breathability in hot weather.

Stability is solid. The shoe has enough torsional stiffness that your foot doesn’t roll around on uneven ground, but it’s not a rigid brick. You can still move naturally, even jog a bit if you want. For disc golf, the lateral support during throws feels trustworthy – I didn’t feel my foot sliding off the footbed or the upper collapsing during hard plants. The toe protection is enough to save you from painful stubs on rocks and roots, which I unfortunately tested a few times.

On roads and pavements, performance is fine but not special. They’re totally usable for walking to the trailhead or around town, but they feel overbuilt for pure urban use. The outsole can feel a bit "grabby" on certain indoor surfaces, and you do hear the lugs when you walk on hard floors. So: outdoor performance is strong, indoor performance is just okay. If your life is 80% city and 20% trail, you might want something more versatile. If you’re regularly on wet or rough ground, these do their job well.

Out of the box, the Terrex AX4 Gore‑Tex feels like a straightforward hiking shoe with a sporty twist. You get standard lace-up closure, no fancy quick-lace system, and a fairly chunky Continental rubber outsole. The model I had is this Grey/Grey/Solar Red combo – in real life, that “Solar Red” is more of a strong red than orange. Someone on Amazon mentioned they expected orange, and I agree: if you want true orange accents, this isn’t it. Color aside, it’s a pretty neutral shoe with a pop of color, which works fine with jeans or hiking pants.

Weight-wise, it’s lighter than a classic leather hiking boot but clearly heavier than a running shoe. Think of it as a trail tank that doesn’t feel like ankle weights. The EVA midsole gives it a bit of bounce, but the general feel is more protective than soft. There’s a solid toe cap, some side protection, and a reasonably rigid heel. For day hikes, city-to-trail walks, and disc golf, it feels like the right level of build: not overkill, not flimsy.

One thing that stood out to me: the product page says “Water resistance level: Not Water Resistant,” which is just wrong for this specific version. This is the Gore‑Tex model, and in practice it is properly waterproof up to the mesh line. I’ve had my feet in ankle-deep water and wet grass for long stretches, and the only time I got wet was when I went over the top or my socks wicked water down from my pants. So if you see that line and get confused, ignore it and look for the “Gore‑Tex” in the name.

Overall presentation: it’s a practical, modern-looking hiking shoe with a small eco angle (partly recycled materials), a known outsole brand (Continental), and the Gore‑Tex badge. Nothing fancy in the box, no spare laces or anything, just the shoes and paper stuffing. For the price bracket, that’s pretty standard. The important part is on the shoe itself, and most of the money clearly went into the outsole and waterproofing rather than flashy extras.