In this product guide:
Adidas does a winterized version of the Ultraboost every year, and it’s now the Ultraboost 5X’s turn to get the weather-resistant treatment. Unlike most brands that slap on a Gore-Tex lining over an existing upper and midsole design, adidas makes the effort to design the Ultraboost GTX from the ground up. The Gore-Tex upper features a water-repellent mesh with greater scratch resistance – thanks to the protective overlays. The heel entry uses a Neoprene-like mesh for water-resistant insulation. The upper doesn’t breathe well, making the Ultraboost 5 GTX unsuitable for summer and warm days. If you want something more breathable, consider the next shoe on the list – the Supernova Rise GTX.
The Boost midsole is the same as that from the standard Ultraboost 5X. On the other hand, the outsole is winterized for superior traction in inclement weather conditions. The full-coverage outsole uses widely spaced lugs made with Continental Wintergrip rubber. The Boost midsole and removable insole deliver functional comfort for low-intensity winter runs and everyday casual wear.
The Supernova Rise is adidas’s answer to the Brooks Ghost 17, Asics Cumulus 27, and the Saucony Ride 18. It’s a comfortable running shoe with the versatility for a variety of training runs. The midsole is partially constructed with the adidas Dreamstrike+ foam, a rubbery-soft foam that feels somewhat similar to the Asics Flytefoam Blast Max. The outsole uses Continental rubber for durable traction, layered with support rods made of firm foam. Though the ride isn’t ideal for fast training runs like intervals and tempo workouts, the Supernova Rise holds its own against comparable neutral trainers.
The upper doesn’t go full winterized as the Ultraboost 5 GTX does. Except for the Gore-Tex callout, reflective details, and easy-to-miss overlays, the mesh upper looks similar to the non-waterproof version. There’s not much to say about the fit, except that it has a snug forefoot and toe box with expected levels of interior plushness.
The Free Hiker 2.0 has everything that a capable waterproof shoe should have. The Gore-Tex membrane is effective at keeping the moisture out; it’s helped by the hydrophobic mesh and toe-bumper. The speed lacing loops make securing the upper quick. The layered upper improves the scratch resistance and helps extend the overall lifespan.
The cushioning is powered by a full-length Boost midsole, so the midsole has everyday comfort that lasts. This 10 mm drop shoe has decent stack heights (30 mm and 20 mm), with most of it loaded under the heel. Boost is made of Polyurethane foam, so it doesn’t turn stiff in freezing temperatures. Its long-term durability also delivers higher miles per dollar. It’s also stable, courtesy of the firmer EVA frame on top and the plastic heel cup. The traction is delivered by the reliable Continental rubber outsole and its 5 mm tall lugs. Though it’s advertised as a ‘hiker’, it works equally well on roads and paved trails.
If we look past its $230 price, the Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Gore-Tex has many features that a standard hiking shoe lacks. For example, it’s rare to find high-tech cushioning technology like Boost foam on an outdoor shoe. Most hiking boots have a firm midsole, so here is where the Terrex Hiker 2.0 adds a lot of value to the outdoor shoe ecosystem. The soft and responsive Boost stack makes the ride extremely comfortable for long-distance hikes. It’s also supported by a firm EVA frame and molded heel counter for support.
The Gore-Tex membrane adds effective waterproofing to the mid-cut upper. The fused overlays on the tightly woven ripstop mesh make the upper durable and protective. The Continental outsole performs as expected – the widely spaced lugs deliver effective traction and protection. The outsole lugs are not very deep, so the Free Hiker 2.0 is also a good fit for urban environments.
adidas plays it safe with the Terrex Agravic Gore-Tex. You won’t find the lightweight Lightstrike Pro foam here, not even Boost. adidas combines a cushioned yet supportive Lightstrike EVA foam over a full-length Continental rubber to create a versatile trail running shoe. While the Lightstrike midsole isn’t as soft as some of the newer foams, it offers excellent stability and protection. The firm midsole is also rocker-shaped to help the foot roll forward quicker on flat trails. There is no rock plate, but the thick midsole (38 mm and 30 mm stack height) and rubber outsole offer protection on the trails. The 4.5 mm deep lugs have wide spacing to minimize clogging.
The waterproof mesh upper is reinforced with fused layers to make it splash and abrasion-resistant. The gusseted tongue and faux gaiter (similar to the Nike Pegasus Trail) help keep debris out. If you don’t want waterproofing, the Terrex Agravic 3 is available for $30 cheaper. There’s sufficient cushioning and durability for everyday miles, and the Terrex Agravic can go fast too – thanks to its midsole rocker.
How we selected
Barring its Terrex outdoor line-up, adidas has a limited assortment of waterproof footwear. Within its performance running shoe lineup, the Supernova Rise GTX is the only waterproof option. The Ultraboost 5 GTX can also be classified as a running shoe, but only just. The Supernova competes against the likes of the Nike Pegasus 41 GTX, Asics Cumulus 27 GTX, the Brooks Ghost 17 GTX, and the Hoka Clifton 9 GTX, so having more waterproof running shoes will help adidas’s case. On the bright side, adidas has an excellent assortment of waterproof trail running shoes across diverse price points and performance categories.
(Related read: The best waterproof running shoes for men)