Adidas Terrex Swift R3 Gore-Tex - Women's Review

Though the Terrex Swift R3 was inspired by a trail running shoe, it features a stiff and rigid design that's built on a Continental rubber outsole, an EVA midsole, and an abrasion-resistant mesh upper. If you have a wider foot with low arches, it is a great option for day hikes in colder climates due to the excellent waterproof performance, but it lacks breathability in the mesh upper.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Your feet are your mode of transportation out on the hiking trails. If your feet aren't happy, hiking loses its appeal. Comfort in a shoe is a combination of cushion underfoot and the materials that construct the upper. The midsole on the Swift R3 is plush EVA rubber that feels cushioned, though the upper itself features a very stiff synthetic material with even stiffer overlays. Because the shoe has a very roomy design and is pretty stiff, we felt it was a little tricky to get a good fit — our lead tester ended up sizing down a half size for a better positioning within the shoe. Those with narrow feet may not be able to get these tight enough to be comfortable, especially since they favor a wider foot.

It is difficult to overemphasize the lack of comfort in this design, especially in the firm support underfoot and the stiff upper that prevents flexion in the forefoot. Among our other complaints is that these shoes are very warm, most likely due to the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane combined with the upper's synthetic material. Still, the Swift R3 seems to be warmer than other shoes with similar waterproof capability. While previous versions of this shoe came with Adidas's proprietary “Speed Laces,” this model has traditional laces that require tying.

Support

Though the Terrex Swift R3 is inspired by a trail running shoe, the design is significantly stiffer. The latest iteration features Adidas' proprietary “ProModerator” under the midfoot and a thick rubber rand surrounding the shoe where the sole meets the upper. The insole is relatively thin and doesn't provide much additional support.

Our lead tester has high arches and found this shoe to be limiting in terms of arch support. However, it was easy to fix both the extra room in the shoe and the lack of arch support with an aftermarket insert which greatly increased support underfoot. On the positive side, the stiff design successfully supports the heel and locks it into place. When combined with the padded support surrounding the ankle, especially high on the Achilles, it allows for enough stability to consider the weight of a light pack.

Traction

The rubber on the bottom of your shoe is critical for safety and confidence as you adventure outdoors. Softer rubber tends to grip better on loose surfaces and slabby rocks, though it lacks some longevity. The soles on this shoe are made of Continental rubber, a company well known for tires, and are pretty supple and grippy. Additionally, the lugs are super deep and multi-directional.

During our testing period, we hiked on very sharp lava rock, as well as sandy and dry trails. These shoes performed incredibly well, though we did see some tearing of the lugs begin to develop. The heel is angled sharply, providing additional traction to steep descents when your weight is typically more in the back rather than the front — a feature that gives more confidence underfoot when navigating sketchy and loose descents.

Water Resistance

The Swift R3 is as waterproof as a shoe can be. We submerged these shoes in cold streams, hiked across wet trails, and splashed our way through mud puddles without a trace of moisture penetrating through the mesh upper. Weighing them after our bucket test — a ten-minute soak in three inches of water — showed almost no change, meaning that the shoes not only protect your feet from moisture, they also shed water expertly, keeping them light.

The notable tradeoff for such waterproof capabilities is often a lack of breathability. We did experience hot feet while hiking, especially in the summer months, while hiking through dry climates at lower elevations. This shoe is optimal for wetter climates or hiking during the cooler months of the year.

Weight

At 1.7 pounds per pair for a US women's size 8 (we had to size down to achieve a better fit), the Terrex Swift R3 is at the heavier end of the spectrum of hiking shoes we've tested. While not the lightest, they offer significant waterproof performance and traction in exchange for the additional weight.

That said, our testers found the shoes to be strangely bulky, especially considering that the sizing runs large and the toe box is quite spacious, adding more volume to the already bulky, stiff shoe. If you are familiar with previous versions of the Terrex Swift R3, it is worth noting that this model is the stiffest and bulkiest to date.

Durability

Shoes that use softer rubber in the name of comfort or traction often sacrifice some durability. Over several months of testing in fairly rugged environments, the Terrex Swift R3 showed no separation or delaminating, even on the mesh upper. However, we noted scratches and snags in the exposed midsole as well as torn and dinted lugs on the outsole. If you hike primarily on very rugged trails with sharper rocks, you may see wear on these shoes sooner than you'd like. Ultimately the excellent traction is a worthy tradeoff, and we'll continue testing the limits of the design.

Should You Buy the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 Gore-Tex3?

The Terrex Swift R3 is a stand-out model in our testing group in terms of traction and reliable waterproof protection. However, you might want to consider a more breathable option, especially on warm days. But for trail adventures with inclement conditions, this shoe is a great choice. Though the sizing runs large and favors a wide foot with a low arch, we easily modified the design with an aftermarket insert to accommodate a more narrow fit and higher arch. These excellent features aside, unless you appreciate a super stiff design that requires a long break-in period with minimal flexion in the forefoot, we highly suggest other options for reducing weight and gaining a greater return on your investment.

What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

If you're looking for another model with a laundry list of stand-out features, the La Sportiva Spire GTX is definitely one to consider. This shoe provides far better comfort, support, flexibility, and traction, and it is slightly lighter, though it will cost more. The Merrell Moab 3 WP is a solid performer that is available at an affordable price, though it has even more of a bulky fit. If you're stoked to drop the added weight and bulk of a traditional hiking shoe, check out the The North Face VECTIV Fastpack FUTURELIGHT or the On Running Cloudwander Waterproof which both offer high performance and agility on the trails. And finally, if optimal traction is your number one priority, check out the La Sportiva TX4, which will perform optimally on the most polished and popular trail systems.