Gear Closet: adidas Terrex Swift R Mid Women's Hiking Boot

The search for the perfect hiking boot can be a daunting proposition at times. When we're plunking down our hard-earned cash, we of course want boots that are comfortable, provides plenty of support, and fit our feet properly. They should also be durable enough to survive many adventures in the backcountry, and it doesn't hurt if they look good too. For us men, the challenge of finding something that meets all of those qualifications can require a great deal of patience, even though we tend to be less concerned with what we put on our feet. Imagine how difficult it can be to find the right hiking show for a woman, many of whom put far more thought into their footwear than we ever will.

Recently, my better-half has had the chance to test out the Terrex Swift R Mid women's hiking boot from adidas, a company that is more well known for its basketball, soccer, and running shoes. But over the past few years, adidas has quietly built a great collection of outdoor gear, some of which is incredibly innovative, and delivers a high level of performance.

The designers at adidas have taken their extensive knowledge of sports and athletics, and brought some of that sensibility to the outdoor gear market as well. As a result, their hiking boots and apparel tend to be lightweight, performance focused, and incredibly well built. I have met with reps from adidas several times over the past few years while attending the summer Outdoor Retailer show, and each time I've come away very impressed with what they have in the pipeline. In fact, I've wanted to get my hands on a pair of their Terrex hiking boots for some time, but jumped at the chance for them to outfit my fiancé instead. She has been in need of a good pair of hiking boots for some time, and was struggling to find something that fit her needs. Fortunately, adidas had something that provided the fit she was looking for, as well as comfort that rivaled the sneakers that they are so well known for.
Just one look at the Swift R Mid, and you can tell that you're not going to encounter anything else like them out on the trail. They definitely have a unique design, and the color combinations are unique and attractive, without becoming overly obnoxious. With a background that is deeply rooted in the athletic shoe market, adidas could have easily gone overboard with their color combinations, but I feel they managed to strike a good middle-ground with giving these shoes a distinct look that shouldn't immediately turn off most hikers.

Out of the box, the Terrex boots are a bit stiff, and it has taken some time to break them in. In fact, my SO had a difficult time even getting her foot in the shoe at first, as the portion of the boot that provides high-ankle support didn't provide a lot of give. But after wearing them for a bit, they've loosened up some, providing better access over time. That same portion of the show does help to keep the ankle from rolling on uneven ground however, and it seems these boots are a good fit for anyone who requires that extra support.

Built with a number of adidas' own proprietary fabrics and materials, the Terrex Swift is built to be very breathable, while also remaining extremely durable as well. The company did use a lightweight Gore-Tex liner however, which makes the interior of the shoe waterproof, while still managing to wick moisture away from the foot. The same liner should provide a level of warmth on cool-weather, or early winter hikes, too.

Built like a lightweight hiking boot, but with the soul of an athletic shoe, the Swift performs well on the trail. Its outsole is built to provide a solid grip on a variety of surfaces, even in wet conditions. It is also made designed to be agile and fast on the trail as well, which makes this shoe a great choice for everything from light hiking to fast packing to adventure travel. Its level of comfort is unmatched, and because it is lightweight, it is also very packable.

Not everything was rosy with these boots however. After our initial hike, my fiancé came home with a few blisters, even though she was wearing excellent hiking socks. Of course, everyone's foot is different, and blisters can occur for a variety of reasons, but it is important to point out that they did occur. I've found that over time, hiking boots tend to loosen up some, and blistering tends to go away, but as with any athletic shoe, it is important to get the right fit, and wear appropriate socks too.

Overall, the adidas Terrex Swift R Mid gets a thumbs up with my favorite female gear tester. Lightweight and comfortable, they bring a unique styling to the trail, while also offering solid performance that belies their athletic shoe heritage. With a price tag of $160, they fall squarely into the mid-range level of hiking shoes, but provide plenty of high-end amenities. If you're in the market for a good pair of hiking boots (adidas makes a men's version of the shoe as well), and you're looking for something that is built for speed, then take a look at the Terrex Swift. Chances are, you won't be disappointed.

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Gear Closet: Obōz Bridger Mid BDry Boot

While I was at Outdoor Retailer last month, I saw a number of really great looking, lightweight hiking boots. These new shoes promise to provide plenty of comfort and support, in a package that weighs next to nothing, while still managing to look great too. In the months ahead, I hope to provide several reviews on different models of these types of boots, and recently I've been putting my first pair through their paces. They are the Bridger Mid BDry from Obōz, a company that specializes in making shoes designed for those with an active outdoor lifestyle.

One of the first things that will catch your eye about these boots is their sense of style. At first glance, they look like a classic boot that you could have found on the trail 20-years ago. This is in no small part thanks to the durable leather upper, which gives these shoes a great look that feels like it was designed for the outdoors. In recent years, some manufacturers have started to incorporate flashy colors and odd design choices into their shoes, but Obōz has given the Bridgers an understated look that still allows them to stand out, without being overly obnoxious.

Personally, I like my boots to look good, but perform even better. The classic look of the Bridger boots is supported by some decidedly new technology that your feet will most certainly appreciate. For instance, Obōz has incorporated a multi-layered sole into these shoes that is designed to protect the foot while on rocky, punishing terrain. This sole includes a lightweight chassis that provides comfort and added stability, along with serving as a shield from the tough ground. They've added even more protection inside the boot in the form of a tailor made insole that cradles the foot, providing good support for your arches. On the outside,  a molded heel cup helps with helps to keep the shoes firmly in place, while adding yet another level of stability from lateral movement. Add in the company's proprietary BDry fabrics, and you have a shoe that will keep your foot free from external moisture, while still allowing them to breathe nicely on warm days.



Of course, all of these features look good in a product description, but it's how they perform on the trail that really matters. The Bridger Mid doesn't disappoint in this department either. They are incredibly comfortable to wear, offer nice support for your ankles, and have excellent traction, even on wet surfaces. I was impressed with how well they clung to the ground, keeping me moving up and down hills without missing a beat, and because they weigh just 19 oz (538 grams), they don't feel like you're lugging around cumbersome, heavy boots on your hike.

The Bridger Mids have a snug fit, which happens to be something that I personally prefer. For me, this helps to convey a better sense of the trail I'm hiking, keeping me well connected to the ground. That fit also helped me to feel more agile and light-footed, which is not something you find all that often in a boot. The lacing system, and pliable leather upper, on these shoes allow you tailor the fit to some degree, wrapping them more snugly around the ankle for instance, while providing a bit more room in the toe box. This versatility comes in handy when you're searching for just the right fit for your needs.

There is a bit of a break-in period with these boots, although it isn't particularly long. When I first put them on, I was a little dismayed with how they felt around the ankle, as they seemed a bit stiff, which in turn restricted movement to a degree. I was relieved to find that that stiffness didn't last long however, and within a short time of wearing them on the trail, they loosened up nicely. The rest of the boot, while comfortable from the start, also gave way some after some hiking as well, and while they maintained the snug fit that I like so much, they also became more flexible to the varying trail conditions.

Obōz lists these boots under their "Mid Hiking" category, but quite honestly they provide enough support and comfort to be used on backpacking excursions as well. Their lightweight design, matched with all of the built-in support, makes them a great option for extended trips, or for fast packing expeditions. Personally, I think their comfortable enough to wear around town too, and the BDry fabrics will be most welcome on rainy or snowy days.

Considering the amount of performance that these shoes deliver, they are also quite affordable. With an MSRP of just $160, Obōz has managed to deliver top tier performance and versatility, at a wallet-friendly price. The Bridger Mid boots are lightweight, without making compromises, and they will make an excellent trail shoe for three season hiking and backpacking excursions across even challenging terrain. I think they make a great shoe for beginners just getting into the outdoor scene, but they have enough features and comfort that veterans will love them too.

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