Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes review: Super-comfy budget-friendly hiking shoes for long-distance treks in sunny conditions

First impressions

The Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes are the latest release from Adidas Terrex, designed to compete with established names in the hiking world like Merrell, Keen, and Salomon.

Unlike other Skychaser models, the AX5 hiking shoes aren't built for extreme conditions. Instead, their ripstop uppers prioritize comfort and breathability, so you can take on hot summer treks without overheating.

Inside, your feet are greeted by soft and supportive OrthoLite foam sockliners and bouncy EVA foam midsoles. This extra cushioning felt great right out of the box, and really came into its own on long, sweaty hikes, when my feet may have otherwise been aching.

Like most Adidas Terrex models, the AX5s feature Continental rubber outsoles. Although they don't have the same pedigree as Vibram, I've been consistently impressed by Continental rubber. These outsoles prove just as effective as their big-name competitors, digging into uneven ground to provide ample support on the trails.

Adidas Terrex Skychaser: on the trails

I got a hold of the latest Adidas Terrex hiking shoes a couple of months ago, and have been putting them to the test ever since.

I've worn the AX5s over plenty of short- and long-distance treks through the English countryside, in all manner of weather conditions.

Here's how they got on:

Fit and comfort

The Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes are superbly comfortable, on par with some of the best hiking shoes I've ever tested and noticeably cosier than similar Terrex models like the Gore-Tex Skychasers.

The OrthoLite sockliners wrap your feet in a chunky layer of cushioning, which felt great on the trails, and provided some much-appreciated support around my heels. The EVA foam midsoles are also excellent and felt bouncy as I navigated hikes of all distances.

The unrestrictive ripstop mesh uppers were noticeably breathable on hot days, when I would usually be troubled by overheating feet.

One of my few gripes with previous Terrex shoes is their slightly narrow toe boxes, which got a little restrictive as I racked up the miles. I'm pleased to report that this isn't an issue with the Skychaser AX5s, which feature a wide and accommodating toe-box that allows for plenty of movement.

They also fit true to size, cushioning my feet without ever feeling too tight as I trudged through the countryside.

Weight

At 4.5oz (411g) per shoe (Men's US size 9.5 / UK size 8.5), the Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes are a fairly lightweight option for summer hiking.

They're lighter than most models with more protection and heavier waterproof uppers, but not breezy enough to be considered superlight weight.

The Skychaser AX5s didn't weigh me down at all on the trails, and did a great job of minimizing bulk without sacrificing comfort.

Grip

The aggressive Continental Rubber outsoles are a great for dusty trails and uneven surfaces, and served me very well on the steep hills and rocky pathways of the English countryside. Their aggressive lug formations dug into all manner of trails and successfully kept me from falling over many miles of long-distance hiking.

I was also surprised by their excellent performance in wet weather. Due to the lack of waterproofing, I had expected the outsoles to perform worse when the heavens opened, but this wasn't the case. Instead, they seemed at home over muddy, waterlogged trails and maintained excellent grip throughout.

This pair's flexibility also stood out. While they're not the bendiest hiking shoes I've ever worn, the Skychaser AX5s offer a good deal of flex and proved their mettle on steep sections.

Protection from the elements

These hiking shoes are designed for heavy use in dry climates and lack the protection of other models, with different uppers.

They're not waterproof, and when the heavens open, the chassis gets very wet, very quickly. The ripstop uppers offer little resistance against rainfall, and the OrthoLite sockliners, which provide excellent support in the sun, soak up moisture when it's raining.

Put simply, you don't want to get caught in the rain wearing the Skychaser AX5s. If it's light, they'll dry off in a few minutes, but heavy rainfall can stick in the sockliners, weighing you down and making for a damp, unpleasant trekking experience.

If you're after a waterproof pair, it's worth checking out the Gore-Tex Skychaser hiking shoes. They're not as comfy, but provide great protection from the elements and scored highly in my review for Advnture.

This shoe doesn't offer much to protect your feet from trail debris. The ripstop mesh uppers are pretty thin, and the heels were designed with comfort, rather than protection, in mind.

That said, the firm rubber toe caps are a nice touch, and could come in handy if you're traversing unpredictable terrain.

Price

At $100 (£85), the Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes provide great value for your money and are far cheaper than similar models on the market. If you're hiking in a dry climate or after some shoes for the summer, the AX5s are an absolute bargain.

For comparison, the Danner N45 hiking shoes, which are a tough and similarly non-waterproof pair built for dry trails and summer hiking, will set you back $200 (£158.83). They also received a far worse review when I put them to the test for Advnture.

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