Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Comfortable for narrower feet
- Good foot support
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- May not be suitable for those with wide feet
- Potential for wear around heal, which could cause durability issues longer term
The Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GTX are a stylish and lightweight waterproof hiking shoe that none the less offers better stiffness and foot support than some of their competitors. They are a great option for fast and light hiking, provided the weather conditions aren’t too harsh.
Their Gore-Tex membrane makes them suitable for wear in the rain. They’re also good looking enough to be worn as daily trainers as much as they suit the trail.
Compare to similar prroducts or head to our main round up of the best waterproof hiking shoes for more options:
Danner Panorama Mid | Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX | Regatta Vendeavour Pro | Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2 | Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking | Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex | La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Boots | Muck Boot Apex Lace Up | Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe | Black Diamond Mens Mission Leather Low Waterproof Approach Shoes | Lowa Renegade GTX LO | KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof | |
 |  |  | |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
Buying Options | ||||||||||||
Our Ratings | Top Pick | Recommended | Recommended | |||||||||
Pros | Rugged build. Clean, minimal sytling | Striking Design. Makes use of recycled material | Bargain price. Well made | Stylish looks. Sturdy | Robust, light, fast and great for varied terrain including technical | Very lightweight. Very Comfortable | Relatively lightweight. Good support | Very solid build. Totally waterproof | Reputaton for comfort. Resaonably priced | Very low weight. They look great! | short break in, comofrtable, tread grip is substantial | Comfortable. Very durable |
Cons | Took a little while to break in. We wish there was a little more ankle support | Pricey. Sole material can look tatty with time | Limited Color choices. Not the Lightest | May feel rigid for some hikers. Not suitable for wider feet | Very rigid and takes a little wear in | Ankle support could be better. Pricey | Styling may not be to eveyone's taste. Pricey | Very heavy. Takes some time to break in | No the lightest design and color choices may seem dated to some | Pricey. Soft rubber sole may wear quickly | Limited range of colors. Long term durability concerns | Dated design. Pricey |
Traction | Full rubber sole with medium/deep thread pattern | Continental outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Medium to deep thread pattern | Traction is extremely good | Full rubber outsole with deep thread pattern | Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Full rubber outsole with deep thread pattern | Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern. | Rubber outsole with deep thread pattern. Uses 'Black Label' Sticky rubber for better grip. | Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern. | Full rubber outsole with deep thread pattern |
Breathability | Minimal use of mesh, and unvented leather in main body of shoe but there is a Gore-tex membrane the boot is not insulated. | Fine mesh upper with Gore-Tex membrane | Breathable mesh upper with 'Isotex' waterproof membrane. | Very good | Very good | Fine mesh upper with Gore-Tex membrane | Breathable mesh upper with Gore-Tex | Low - full rubber and neoprene construction. However, they also have minimal insulation. | Breathable mesh upper with waterproof membrane | Breathable 'BD.dry' waterproof lining with some mesh sections. However unperforated leather will limit breathability. | Mesh lining backed with Gore Tex membrande | Mesh sections on upper backed with waterproof membrane |
Ankle Support | Medium - Mid height boot. Support can be adjusted via lacing | Medium - Mid height boot. Support can be adjusted via lacing | Good - Mid-height design with ankle collar adjustment via laces. | Minimal | Minimal | Medium - Mid high, but with minimal tension adjustmen ton ankle cuff | Good - Mid height design with adjustable tensioning via laces | Good - Mid height design with adjustable tensioning via laces | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support |
Arch support | Subtly shaped inner section offers gentle arch support | Gently moulded arch support in insoles | Subtle arch support | Gentle | Gentle | Subtle arch support | Subtle arch support | Subtle arch support | Moulded nylon arch shank | Subtle arch support | Subtle arch support | |
Fit | Available in standard and wide fit. Standard is good for narrow/normal width feet. Available in sizes from US 7/ UK 6.5/EU 40 up to US 15/UK 14.5/ EU 50.6 | Available in sizes from US 6/UK 5.5/ EU 38.6 up to US 15/UK 14.5/EU 50.6. Suitable for normal to wide feet. Runs small, so recommended to buy a slightly larger than normal size. | Suitable for normal to wide feet. Available in sizes from US6.5/UK 6/EU 39.3 to US 12.5/UK 12/EU 48 | Fits true to size - not suited to wider feet | Regular - fits true to size | Available in normal and wide versions and offered in sizes from US 7M/ UK 6.5/ EU 40 up to US 14M/ UK 13.5/ EU 49.3 | Availalble in standard and wide versions. Available in sizes from US 5.5/UK 5 /EU 38 up to US 14/UK 13.5/ EU 49.5 | Fits standard to wide feet. Available in sizes from US 7/UK 6.5/ EU 40 up to US 15/ UK 14/EU 50 | Suitable for normal width feet - have a reputation for out-of-the-box comfort. Also available in a wide version. Available in sizes from US 7/UK 6.5/ EU 40 up to US 16/ UK 15/EU 51 | Typically suitable for normal width feet. Some reports indicate it's wise to size up a little. Availalble in sizes from US 6/UK 5/EU 38 to US 14/ UK 13/ EU 48.5 | Santadard - nothing to note, can be good for wide feet and standard feet may be a bit wide for narrow feet. Available in sizes from US7.5/UK 6.5/EU40 to US 16/UK 15/ EU 51 | Meant to be very comfortable for a slighhtly wider foot - with lots of toe room. Available in sizes from US 7/uk 6/EU 39.5 up to US 16/UK 16/EU 49 |
Materials | Suede and synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane. Minimum of 50% recycled material used in upper. High density foam sole can degrade with time. | Fully synthetic with waterproof Isotex membrane | EVA midsole, 50% recycled content | Synthetic | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane | Fully synthetic - rubber and neoprene outer with padded mesh lining | Pig suede and synthetic. Mesh lining, laces and webbing are made from 100% recycled materials. | Nubuck leather and synthetic | Nubuck Leather and synthetic upper with Gore-Tex Membrane | Nubuck Leather and synthetic upper with Waterproof Membrane |
Appearance | The sytling is reminiscent of a hi-top basketball boot, but with with a clear modern interpretation. | Ultra-contemporary style with a wide range of colour ways - many are quite vivid | Unintrusive styling. Available in a range of colours - some with vivid colour accents. | Classic styling, looks close to a fashion shoe with the ability to use on trail too | Classic styling, but modern hiking shoe | Ultra-contemporary styling that stands out despite muted colour options | Contemporary styling. Available in a number of colour ways ranging from neutral to very striking. | Very utilitarian looks. | Unintrusive styling. Available in a range of colour options - mostly muted, 'earthy' colours. | Contemporary styling referencing classic sports shoe. Available in two colour ways | Design inspired by traditional hiking shoes. Limited color choices | Slightly dated styling compared some newer designs |
Durability | High | Medium to high | Medium to high | High | High | Medium to high | Medium to high | Very high | Medium to high | High | Medium to high | High |
Weight (pair) | 1048g/2lb 5oz | 910g/2lb | 1080g/2lb 6oz | 748g/1.6lb | 800g/1lb 11.2oz | 826g/1lb 13oz | 940g/2lb 1oz | 1800g/3lb 15oz | 900g/2lb | 666g/1lb 7oz | 950g/2lb 1.5oz | 861g/1lb.14.8oz |
Insoles | Removable three-layer cushioned insoles | Removable insoles | Removable foam insoles | Standard insole | Padded removable insole | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable, dual-density EVA footbeds cushion your stride |
Break-in Period | Medium | Minimal | Minimal to medium | Minimal | Some break in period | Minimal | Minimal | Medium to high | Minimal | Minimal | Meant to be able to wear straight out the box | Straight away |
Lacing system | Standard laces | Standard laces | Multizone lacing system allows for precise fit control | Standard lacing system | Quick lacing system | Speed lacing system | Multizone lacing system allows control over fit | Multizone lacing system allows control over fit | Standard Laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces |
Toe Protection | Hardened rubber toe cap and full boot rand. | Hardened rubber toe cap and thin but full boot rand. | Hardened rubber toe cap and rand on front section | Rubber toe rand | Reinforced rubber toe rand | Robber outsole extends to form to toe cap. There is also a thin rubber rand. | Hardened rubber toe cap | Hardened rubber toe cap | Hardened rubber toe cap and rand on front section | Hardened rubber toe cap | Hardened rubber toe cap | Hardened rubber toe cap |
See the Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GTX in more detail:
Analysis and Test Results
I’ve tested a number of Adidas Terrex shoes and boots at this point, and I’ve always been impressed by what they offer. I’m pleased to say that the Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GTX are no exception.
Whilst they might not have the striking looks of some other Terrex shoes, they’re still good looking, understated, comfortable shoes. They offer good foot support and make a great choice for fast and light hiking or of course for their intended use of trail running.
Performance Comparison
Traction
Generally, I’ve found the traction of the Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GTX to be pretty good. That said, when testing in very slippery or very muddy conditions, they don’t hold that well.
They have what I’d say is about a medium thread, which is great for dry to damp surfaces. I think if you plan to trail run in these shoes, I’d be mindful about the kind of conditions.
I found that on loose, weight, slippery rock paths, I didn’t feel the most stable. So do keep that in mind to avoid potential ankle rolls or similar.
Breathability
These hiking shoes are Gore-Tex which makes them waterproof. This always means there are compromises where breathability is concerned. Personally, I don’t hike in the hottest of places and I like an all-round shoe.
I am happy to trade a little bit of breathability for the knowledge that my feet will stay dry and they’ll stay that bit warmer on slightly colder hikes. That said, I didn’t find my feet sweaty when wearing these with merino hiking socks at all.
Ankle Support
As a low cut shoe, they don’t offer a lot in terms of ankle support. This is pretty much in line with most waterproof hiking shoes I’ve tested.
However, I have noticed through my tests that the heel of the shoe feels a bit more reinforced and keeps your heel in place. This was great for my foot placement and allowed me to move quicker.
This actually felt a little different to some of the other shoes I’ve looked at. They give you a sense of confidence that I think is often lacking when it comes to ankle height hiking shoes.
Arch Support
The arch support offered on the Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GTX feels pretty much standard to me. This is in line with most other Terrex shoes and boots that I’ve tested and loved.
If arch support is a concern for you, it’s good to know that the insoles can easily be replaced in these shoes. They’re fairly roomy in the toe box, so this wouldn’t cause any issues if you did.
This allows you the option of suiting your exact foot needs, without making any concessions. I think the flexibility offered here is a great plus point.
Fit
I was happy to see that like all Adidas Terrex hiking shoes and boots I’ve tested and owned that they fit true to size. They don’t run small, or big, they’re just right. So, I’d say you’ll be fine to order your usual size.
One thing to keep in mind is that they are narrower. This seems to be pretty much in line with most Terrex shoes I’ve tested. I don’t mind this myself as I have narrower feet.
Personally, I’ve found through my tests that the fit of the narrower shoe offered here is perfect and feels like it was made for my foot. If you are looking for a shoe for a narrow foot, then these are great. Though you may want to look elsewhere in our best waterproof hiking shoes for a shoe that’s better for wider feet.
I think it’s interesting to point out here that the brand says that these shoes are suited to a ‘regular fit’. I don’t think that’s entirely accurate.
Materials
The Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GTX are fully synthetic and make use of 20% recycled content. It would be good to know what that recycled content actually is, or to see that improved with the next version of these shoes.
Otherwise, the synthetic materials used feel high quality and robust like all of the Terrex range I’ve experienced so far. I also love the fact that they make use of Gore-Tex for their waterproofing, as you’ve got a pretty bulletproof waterproof shoe here.
Appearance
I got hold of the Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GTX in the black and orange variant which I really loved. Even though this is a mostly black hiking shoe I was impressed with its looks.
Terrex are often known for producing some pretty bold designs, so this style feels much more understated to me. I do think out of the colors currently offered that the black and orange is nicest. But that’s of course a personal preference.
I also really loved how versatile these hiking shoes are. I’ve found since I’ve had them that I wear them as my day to day shoes as well now. They work just as well on the trail as they do in the evening or spending the day looking round the city. They also clean up really easily too, so it’s a pretty easy swap if you don’t want to bring extra shoes.
Durability
From my test experience using these waterproof hiking shoes, they feel durable and like they’re built to last. I’ve scuffed areas of these that would likely form weak spots if they were going to and luckily, Terrex have added strategically placed rubber rands in these areas around the toes and sides of the feet.
The mesh on the front of the foot doesn’t feel like an area that is likely to start developing rips and is pretty much a ripstop finish. The only area that I do think will form a weak point over time is the back of the heal. This soft section could be reinforced, but this could obviously impact the comfort on the heal.
Water Resistance
In most conditions I tested these shoes, I was really happy with the level of waterproofing they offered. Being made with a Gore-Tex membrane, they kept rain out in mid to heavier rain.
Though in very intense downpours, I found that the cuff around the ankle which sits near your foot is exposed. This does get wet in really heavy rain circumstances.
You can also walk through puddles no problem, and I found that anything up to the top of the toe rand was good to submerge with no problems. If you do this for a prolonged period, your feet will start to get cold though.
Weight
The standard weight provided in the information on these shoes is 373g/13.1oz. This is pretty light as far as hiking shoes go, and I did notice how effortlessly light they felt on my feet.
This allowed me to feel like I could move faster and make progress quickly on the trail. I generally find lightweight hiking shoes can feel less robust, but the finish of this hiking shoe feels much more built to last than a regular trail runner style.
Insoles
The Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GTX comes with a standard insole. This offers about the same level of cushioning as most waterproof hiking shoes that don’t have a specialist offering.
For most hikers, this will be more than ok, and this felt really comfortable and soft underfoot. It is really easy to change the insoles too, if you want to add something more suited to your specific foot concerns, and this doesn’t alter the comfort.
Break-in Period
These hiking shoes are more robust than some trail runner styles out there, and with that in mind they do take a little more effort to wear in and get trail ready.
That said, I did find these relatively comfortable right out the box. I also found that I only needed to take these out for a few tests before they were ready to get out on the trail.
Lacing System
The Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GTX make use of a standard lacing system. This allows the opportunity to lace your hiking shoes for comfort.
I didn’t really find that there were any problems with the laces at all, and the standard laces provided hold their tension really well. They’re also pretty easy to make adjustments as you go if you need to change going up or downhill.
Toe Protection
I think if you’re of the understanding that these waterproof hiking shoes don’t offer the same level of protection as a technical hiking boot, you’ll be pleased with the level of toe protection they give. They’re pretty durable and strong around the toe.
I found through my tests that the toe rand was enough to soak up any shock from knocks into rock surfaces. Though I do find myself being more careful when wearing hiking shoes to keep more of an eye on my footing for this reason. They don’t stop everything!
Conclusion
The Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GTX are comfortable waterproof hiking shoes. I like that they’re slightly more rigid than some of the other shoes we’ve included in our line up.
In more temperature climates, these are a great option for three season hiking and trail running, providing the conditions don’t become too bad. They’re also stylish and work just as well for everyday as they do on the trail.
If you’re looking for an understated waterproof hiking shoe that can work as a dual purpose shoe, I think you’ll love this option from Terrex. They’re pretty much a perfect all rounder.
Disclaimer: This article contains Affiliate Links. You won’t pay any more for buying through these links, but we may receive a commission from any purchases made through them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to support us by buying through our links, we thank you as it helps us to continue providing the resources we do to help you enjoy the outdoors more!