Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
8mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Traction
Key Features
• 8 mm heel to toe drop• Rubberized toe bumper for protection• Dual mesh layered upper• Abrasion and tear resistant upper material• Built-in heel counter for added support• Padded tongue• Bungee lacing system provides customizable sizing• Adriprene and EVA midsole unit is firm for a higher level of responsiveness• 4 mm block-shaped lug system along the outsole• Continental rubber outsole• Versatile design for pavement or trails
Upper
The upper of this shoe is designed to provide both support and comfort to the runner. This shoe uses a dual mesh layering for its upper. The dual mesh is able to do two things at once. The first is that it is tough enough to stand up to debris and sharp objects found on the trail that could potentially rip or damage the upper material. The second is that the dual layering lets air enter the foot chamber, circulate, and exit keeping the foot cool and dry. Additionally, this upper features a supportive heel counter to keep the foot locked in place. The toe bumper protects the runner from trail debris. This shoe also features a padded tongue for added comfort as well as a bungee lacing system.
Midsole
Adidas uses their patented Adiprene midsole unit. This unit combines an EVA foam with the Adiprene technology to provide a responsive yet firm cushioning to runners. The midsole of this shoe provides enough cushioning to carry the runner across long distances and extreme races such as obstacle course races but it is also lightweight enough to pick up the speed and make for a smart trail or road racing companion. This firm cushioning bounces back from extensive wear, supporting the arches of the feed and absorbing the shock of each footfall.
Outsole
All trail runners know that a high-quality trail running shoe is built from the outsole up. The engineers at Adidas clearly took this to heart and created a shoe that starts with a durable, protective outsole. The outsole is made using a continental rubber material. This material is unique in that it is designed based on the Continental Baron Mountain Bike Tires. This outsole features added traction and grip via a 4 mm lug system that is versatile enough to easily transition from trails to pavements. The outsole of the Terrex TrailMaker makes this an all-terrain, all-weather option.
Breathability
Runners commented that the dual mesh layering of the upper provides a high amount of ventilation. The multiple layering design helps air enter the foot chamber, circulate, and exit. This allows a steady flow of fresh air to reach the foot chamber and keep the runner cool and comfortable. The constant circulation wards off hot spots and blisters. The tongue of this shoe is made with added padding, but even with the added padding, Adidas made sure that the material is still highly breathable and feels light against the foot.
Comfort
The cushioning provided by the EVA Adiprene midsole unit is more firm than plush. This does not in any way mean that the shoe is not comfortable. For runners who appreciate a firm over plush-feeling shoe, this shoe is highly comfortable. Combine the firm responsive midsole with a lightweight breathable upper, and runners were pleased with how long they were able to wear these shoes without feeling any discomfort. Additionally, the shoe comes with a built-in heel counter that keeps the foot in place. This helps to reduce friction that can lead to painful blisters. The bungee lacing design allows the runner to customize the tightness or looseness of the shoe to their unique specification.
Style
Runners commented that the upper of this shoe has a blocky, bulky look to it. This can be attributed to the added protective elements incorporated into the shoe. Although the Terrex TrailMaker isn’t a sleek, slim shoe, it is still very fashion forward. It comes in a wide variety of vivid color options. This is a shoe for the runner who likes to get attention as they cross the finish line.
Durability
Adidas understands how to create a long lasting shoe, and they have taken that knowledge and applied it to the trail-running world. The shoe is loaded up with durability features that make this shoe a long-lasting, great overall value. For starters, the upper is made with a dual-layered mesh that is as long-lasting as it is lightweight. This material provides a tear proof barrier between the runner and the trail. This shoe upper is also abrasion proof and will maintain a new look and feel for miles and miles. The toe bumper that lines the front of the shoe helps keep runners safe from unexpected debris like roots and rocks that can pop up on the trail. The firm cushioning of the midsole holds its shape well and won’t break down easily. The outsole is made of a rubberized material that is modeled after the tires of the Continental Baron Mountain bike.
Protection
The underfoot of the shoe is lined with 4 mm lugs that come in a variety of different blocky shapes. These lugs help to keep the runner upright and secure on uneven varied terrains. The bungee lacing system tightens to keep the runner’s foot secure and safe during each of their workouts, regardless of the weather conditions. Features like the toe bumpers and the dual layered mesh protect the runner against harmful trail debris. Finally, the breathable design of the shoe helps protect runners against blisters and hot spots.
Responsiveness
Adidas uses their patented Adiprene midsole unit in this shoe. The Adiprene material is designed to provide runners with a high level of responsiveness. Runners commented that although the outsole is thicker and very durable, they were able to maintain constant ground contact and feel the ground below them at all times. This makes for efficient and safe transitions in direction, speed, and terrain.
Support
There are a few different support details that runners can expect from the Terrex TrailMaker. For starters, the 8 mm heel to toe drop creates a more stable, supportive base for runners as they attack uneven terrain. Additionally, the built-in heel counter in the heel of the shoe keeps the foot locked in place and helps to reduce the risk of unwanted side to side movement. The bungee lacing system holds the foot securely in place and is customizable so each runner can get the perfect level of support that they need. The Adiprene EVA midsole unit conforms to the shape of all arch heights, helping to support the runner through their gait cycle.
Terrain
One of the unique features about this shoe is that it can handle a wide variety of terrains and weather conditions. The 4 mm lug system is aggressive enough to dig in and safely carry the runner up and down steep inclines and declines but it is also agile and versatile enough to log long miles on pavement too. The versatile design of this shoe makes it a favorite among the obstacle course racing athletes. This shoe is rather bulky and runners found that it isn’t a great choice for gym workouts or speedy track workouts.
Price
This shoe costs about the average price of a high-quality road or trail running shoe on today’s market. Although the price is reasonable, runners were more than happy to spend their hard-earned dollars on this shoe because of its unique versatility. Since it can easily transition from trails to pavement, purchasing the Terrex TrailMaker is like purchasing two shoes in one, making it a great value.
Drop
This shoe features a heel height of 24 mm and a forefoot height of 16 mm, giving the Terrex Trailmaker a total drop of 8 mm. Many runners commented that this heel drop height is ideal for trail running. It provides runners with enough forward propulsion and cushioning, but it is also low enough that runners can feel the ground below them. It also provides runners with a more stable landing pad which is good for uneven terrains. Additionally, an 8 mm heel drop will require minimal adjustment time for runners who are used to working out in a traditional heel drop shoe of 10 mm.
Stability
Although this shoe is considered a neutral drop running shoe, runners commented that a few different features help to stabilize the foot while runners traverse difficult to navigate terrains. This shoe lacks the specific technology required that would help runners improve their gait cycle, specifically runners who have issues with over or under pronation. However, the lower heel drop and the powerful, stable base give runners a reliable landing pad, reducing the risk of rolled ankles.
Flexibility
One of the only complaints runners had about this shoes is its overall lack of flexibility. The shoe is designed with durability, protection, and support in mind over flexibility. The midsole unit of the shoe is more firm and works to provide the runner with enough cushioning to carry them through long distances, but the thicker outsole and the higher weight provide more stability than flexibility.
Traction
Runners raved over the fact that this shoe could attach onto nearly any surface that they tested it on. Since the 4 mm lugs help dig the runner into the ground and push them forward, runners find this shoe to be especially good on hill running and training. Additionally, since the shoe is designed to work well in mud and rain, runners found it to be a good choice for obstacle course racing as well.
Bottom Line
Runners love the versatile, durable nature of the Adidas Terrex TrailMaker. From the upper to the outsole, Adidas made sure to add in a variety of features designed to keep the runner safe and comfortable. The upper is constructed using a breathable dual mesh that creates constant air flow into and out of the foot chamber, eliminating hot spots and the risk of blisters. The outsole is made using a tough rubber that is modeled off of mountain bike tires. The 4 mm lugs add traction and protection, but this shoe is versatile enough to be used on pavement or trails for long distances or speedy races. The look of this shoe is a little blockier than some runners wanted, but the colors options are bold, bright, and are offered in a wide variety. Runners can expect to pay the average price for a high-quality road or trail running shoe on today’s market.
