Nonetheless, Gore-tex hiking shoes continue to outperform the rest. But why is Gore-tex so good? Because the science of Gore-tex is astonishing.

Puddles, streams and wet grass are no match for the Merrell Moab Speed GTX’s impermeable lining. As an added bonus, our feet didn’t even sweat while hiking! In the lab, we pumped smoke into the shoe to test for breathability. Smoke exited fairly easily through the breathable tongue, which explains the air circulation in the toe box. We awarded it a 3/5 for breathability - an improvement on the waterproof hiking shoe average of 2.3. With such a plush shoe, it is possible for the stability to be compromised, but the Hoka Anacapa Low GTX has it covered. The widest platform ever to have passed through our lab, the 113.2 mm wide forefoot and 93.1 mm wide heel compensate for the softness of the midsole, making it next to impossible to roll our ankles when hiking on rough trails.

Adidas Terrex Hiking Boots & Shoes

From the moment we put them on, the Adidas Terrex shoes felt stiffer compared to the other hiking shoes we tried. When worn on its own, the Swift's synthetic and cloth top is unyielding, and we discovered that the ankle collar gave the foot great support. 2. Withstanding submersion in water

That stiff midfoot provides a great platform on sloping terrain, just like a boot where you can use the edge to cut into the turf (albeit less successfully than a boot due to the lesser ankle support). The ankle support may not be quite up to boot-level, but it is certainly unusually good for a hiking shoe. The cushioned midsole adds a plushness to the ride, which is also enhanced by that stiffening armour, which lets you float over the rough stuff with ease.The adidas TERREX Swift R3 GORE-TEX Walking Shoes are specifically made for light and fast hiking and aimed at anyone who prefers the fit and feel of a trail shoe, rather than a traditional mid-height hiking boot. For a lightweight, Gore-Tex hiking shoe, look no further than the Merrell Moab Speed GTX. 18% lighter than its waterproof competitors, its breathability and plush cushioning make it a superbly comfortable companion for those damp days on the hill.

The unique mesh and synthetic materials of the TERREX shoe range contribute to a comfortable foot environment. Perspiration is routed away, to ensure a dry and comfortable shoe even after hours of jogging. Both adiPRENE® and TORSION® provide extra heel or midfoot stability, for traction on all types of surfaces. Even after many hours of exertion, the EVA midsole softly cushions every step. Final verdict A decade later, in 1969, the Gores’ son, Bob Gore, discovered what eventually became known as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or ePTFE for short. To create ePTFE, Gore stretched the PTFE under certain conditions. What he created was a heat-resistant, hydrophobic, and thin fabric. GTX stands for Gore-tex. If GTX is included in the name of a hiking shoe or labeled on the shoe itself, it utilizes a waterproof membrane made with Gore-tex fabric. Bob Gore understood that he was onto something with great potential. In 1970 Gore applied for a series of patents to make Gore-tex fabrics more seriously. And shortly afterward, in 1976, he started marketing their family brand, Gore-tex. At the time, it was the first waterproof and windproof fabric. Starting in 1958, Bill and Genevieve Gore were onto something special. They were curious about a revolutionary and new polymer called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is a synthetic polymer called a fluoropolymer. It’s well known for being hydrophobic, having a high melting point, and resistant to abrasion via a high tensile strength.

Our Verdict

All the stiffness might sound scary but the shoe is actually quite flexible, 7% more than the average! We loved this because it let us enjoy the outdoors in more natural strides. One big improvement in the design of the R3 compared to its predecessor is the traditional lacing system which has replaced the pull-tab drawstring of the R2. There is also the addition of a wider set of eyelets at the bottom of this design, which allows the shoe to be pulled in more tightly around the top of the forefoot, giving a more secure and personalised fit. This is a feature I’m particularly impressed with because I have very thin feet and it allows me to adjust and tighten the laces for extra precision. Both the Free Hiker and Swift R3 hiking shoes feature the trusted Continental™ rubber grip on the outsole, a standard feature of all adidas Terrex trail shoes. However, the Swift R3 has a slightly more aggressive grip pattern and a slightly deeper lug. Both models have a 10mm drop but the outsole is divided into two parts on the R3 with a deeper heel than the Free Hiker. Swift R3 GTX gets the "best stability" medal because, in the world of Gore-Tex hiking shoes, we don't want just superb waterproofing but also a super stable platform that allows us to hike over wet and slippery terrain with no ankle twists, slips and falls. And the Swift R3 GTS nails it! The toe-box has a particularly wide set of lace eyelets, which helps pull that area in tight, and it’s easy to get a good fit without fiddling around with the lacing too much, which is aided by the friction of the tube-style lace grommets. The top pair of eyelets are nicely-finished aluminium through-rivets, which should stand up to a lot of punishment.