adidas Terrex Swift R GTX Trail Runner Review

Why we like it Get two for the price of one: a trail runner and a waterproof light hiker that’s supportive and protective enough for a weekend load in rough, wet, technical terrain.

Protection “The sturdy sole and armored upper protected my feet from sharp rocks on the Mt. Juneau Trail in Tongass National Forest,” says one Alaska tester. Credit the EVA midsole’s firm, high-density foam under the arch and forefoot, a thick rubber rand that shields the toe, and a stiff TPU rand over the heel. Waterproofing is also above-average for a trail runner, with a tall, gusseted tongue and a Gore-Tex liner that kept our tester’s feet dry when he crossed streams on Mt. Juneau.

Support The stiff sole delivers excellent torsional support for a running shoe. “I was comfortable wearing them with a 15-pound pack off-trail,” our tester says. “And they even had enough structure to handle my 30-pound pack on several on-trail overnights.” But all that support and protection comes with a weight penalty you’ll notice during everyday trail running.

Traction “Grip is awesome,” our Alaska tester reports. “On the Fish Creek Trail in Tongass, the Swifts blew through the mud and roots with no problems at all, thanks to their deep, boomerang-shaped lugs.” The pronounced heel brake also gave him the confidence to let loose on the downhills.

Fave feature The skinny-cord lacing system—which runs through fabric loops—tightens quickly with a pull of a plastic sliding lock. 

Fit Best for narrow- to medium-volume feet.

$135; 1 lb. 8 oz.; m’s 6-14, w’s 5-12; adidas.com