These Hiking Boots Can Handle Any Terrain & Are So Easy To Travel With

This fall, the search ended: the Adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2.0 Low Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes are versatile, lightweight shoes that can stand up to any type of terrain with zero break-in period. Oh, and the low-cut boots also look cool traipsing around town. After putting them to the test on the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail, I'm convinced these are my new go-to hiking boots.

The first time I laced up the Adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2.0 Low Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes was on the Oregon portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (a 2,650-mile thru-hiker trail that spans most of the West Coast) on a media trip with Adidas. I had meant to break them in before the adventure, but life got in the way, and I ended up having to throw them right into the deep end with a 5-mile hike.

Over the next few hours in the Pacific Northwest landscape, we covered ground teeming with moss and ferns and traversed slippery rocks at the mouth of a waterfall. The shoes stayed dry and shockingly comfortable for their first wear, and I ended the hike with nary the hint of a blister.

Right off the bat, it was clear this hike would be significantly more challenging than my pleasant PCT jaunt. The terrain was very steep, with jagged tree roots and rocks underfoot for most of it. Recent rains also covered parts of the route in ankle-high mud. And it didn't help that my friend was in "almost-done-with-the-AT" shape and walked very quickly. I was a little worried that the shorter shoe wouldn't provide the ankle support I needed on such a tough hike. But even with these obstacles, my feet stayed dry and pain-free for the entire 13-mile day—proof that these lightweight shoes had the chops of a clunkier hiking boot.

Plus, they're so versatile: I'd feel totally comfortable wearing these out to a casual dinner after a long day outdoors. And the fact that they're lightweight means they can be good for an afternoon of sightseeing too. One thing I'll note is that they do run a bit big, so size down a half size.

For such an adaptable and durable shoe, they're also pretty affordable. And the sustainability editor in me would be remiss not to mention that Adidas has set some ambitious climate targets for a company of its size. Ultimately, I believe that the most sustainable way customers can exercise their purchasing power is by buying high-quality, versatile pieces and using them as much as humanly possible. I feel confident that these boots will be with me for the long haul, and I'm looking forward to the scenic miles ahead for us.

For those looking for a hiking shoe that is comfortable, durable, and supportive with no break-in period, the Adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2.0 Low Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes are a great option. They have the unique advantage of being low-cut, making them super lightweight and easy to pack for your next getaway. After traversing parts of the PCT and AT in them, I can confidently say that they're a new staple in my hiking pack list.