Where to buy Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 Trail:
Amazon
The Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 Trail Running Shoes are Adidas’ latest entry in their trail running lineup.
In most cases, when giant sports brands (reputable as they are) force their way into a niche sport, they tend to rely a lot on their name and design. Providing products that are targeted for their enthusiasts. That being said, I wasn’t sure how these Adidas trail runners were going to perform. I’m happy to say that they have, for the most part, exceeded my expectations.
As with most Adidas shoes, these trail runners are built with durability and functionality in mind.
The company’s formula of using a protective midsole and Continental™ Rubber outsole combined with moderate-sized lugs makes these trail shoes ideal for paved roads and a variety of moderately rugged trails.
Moreover, while it doesn’t affect performance, the fact that they’re made partly with recycled materials adds to these trail shoes’ overall appeal.
That said, while these trail shoes are decent trail runners, they aren’t quite there yet if you’re looking for something purely for technical trail running. However, if you’re looking for something that can double as a lightweight trekking shoe, the Terrex Agravic Flow 2s definitely fit the bill.
Read our full review to find out if these trail shoes fit your needs as well.
Things we like:
-
Highly durable
-
Offer respectable heel and ankle support
-
Great for hiking easy to moderate trails
-
Made partly with recycled materials
Things we don't like:
-
Struggles on muddy terrain; lugs could be better
-
A bit on the heavy side for trail runners
-
Ride is a bit on the harsh side
Where to buy Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 Trail:
Amazon
Overview:
Simply put, there’s not much that stands out on the Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2. They’re well-built, rugged trail running shoes designed for a wide variety of trails.
They offer a decent amount of grip (on certain terrains), as well as decent stability and support (with some drawbacks that we’ll get into later).
Due to how robustly built they are, they don’t necessarily make exceptional technical trail runners. They’re a bit on the heavy side, and offer a harsher ride than other trail shoes.
That being said, their modest styling and moderate-sized lugs make them ideal for daily, casual use.
While they’re a bit stiff, they’re not what we’d consider uncomfortable on paved roads, and the shoes’ firmly cushioned midsole and rigid rubber outsole are protective enough for you to walk confidently on a variety of unpaved roads (except for extremely muddy terrain).
Breathable and with a fair amount of water resistance, these heavy-duty trail shoes are a viable option for beginner and intermediate level trail runners looking for a relatively affordable pair of trail shoes that can take a beating.
Moreover, as mentioned above, they’re a great option for anyone looking for trail runners that can double as hiking shoes.
Features:
From its upper to its outsole, the Terrex Agravic Flow 2 Trail Running Shoe is everything a “workhorse” trail shoe should be.
The shoes feature a sturdy, lightweight mesh upper that’s made partly with recycled materials and boasts abrasion-resistant synthetic overlays for added protection, making them ideal for a wide variety of trails. The shoes also have a perforated tongue for more breathability, and a standard lace-up closure.
While its upper is made with lightweight material, the weight of the rest of the shoe offsets this. It seems responsive mobility was sacrificed for added cushioning and stability. The shoes have a significantly padded interior lining that wraps around the heel and ankle, and removable foam insoles that provide added support. The shoe uses Adidas’ firm lightstrike EVA foam for its midsole, which is not necessarily responsive nor plush, but does add more protection to your foot. The shoes’ Pro-Moderator midsole support only adds to the shoes’ rigidity.
The Agravic Flow 2s make use of an extra firm Continental™ Rubber outsole with moderate-sized, multidirectional lugs that offer decent traction on various terrains. For added protection, the shoe also makes use of rock plates that stretch from your midfoot all the way to your toes.
As of this writing, the shoe comes in four different colorways, and weighs a hefty 320 grams (printed on the upper).
Durability:
Without a doubt, durability is one of these trail shoes’ best traits. The use of rock plates, a rigid Continental™ Rubber outsole and an abrasion-resistant mesh upper makes the Terrex Agravic Flow 2 among the most robust trail shoes.
It’s not just about the materials used, either. The quality control on these shoes is top-notch as well.
After using these shoes extensively for three months (capped off with a 10km trail race), I have yet to see any major signs of wear (apart from accumulated dirt, obviously), and all the stitching on the shoes remains intact.
While I don’t see myself wearing these shoes for another trail race (for reasons I’ll delve into later), these shoes are definitely built to last, and getting 5 to 6 more years of use from these shoes isn’t far-fetched, especially if they’re used exclusively for hikes.
Breathability and Waterproofing:
Although it is often an overlooked aspect in trail running, breathability is a vital component of any trail shoe. You want your feet to be able to breathe and not soak in their own juices as you’re navigating a particularly steep stretch.
While the Terrex Agravic Flow 2 does have a lightweight mesh upper, its use of synthetic overlays and recycled plastics for added durability does impede its breathability. After an hour of use, the shoe tends to get a bit hot inside. To be sure, it never really gets too hot, but I wouldn’t recommend these for long runs during the summer months. If you’re looking for something more breathable, I’d highly recommend the Salomon Sense Ride 4, or the Hoka Speedgoat 5.
As for waterproofing, the trail shoes’ synthetic upper does a great job at keeping water out under light rain. Anything more than that and your feet are going to get soaked. If you’re keen on getting the Agravic Flow 2s but want a bit more water resistance, they do have a Gore-Tex version that weighs just 20 grams more.
Traction and Stability:
The Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 offers decent traction under dry terrain. With the moderate-sized, multidirectional lugs on its Continental™ Rubber outsole, you get a lot of traction whether you’re going uphill or downhill.
However, the trail shoes do struggle on muddy terrain. Obviously, there’s no trail shoe out there that doesn’t struggle under muddy terrain. That said, I did notice how hard it was to shed mud off the shoe once it builds up on its sole–effectively taking away its otherwise great traction.
When it comes to stability, these trail shoes do not disappoint. The Flow 2 feels snug around the midfoot, and its moderate-sized lugs ensure better footing on slippery terrain. Its firm midsole and padded lining around the heel and ankle also help prevent you from rolling your ankle.
The Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 Performs best on these types of trails/surfaces:
- dry forest paths
- dry rocky terrain
- dirt roads, sand
- gravel
- paved roads (wet or dry)
Weight, Cushioning, and Overall Comfort:
One of my main issues with the Agravic Flow 2 is its weight. With too much emphasis on protectiveness and stability, the shoe feels overbuilt and a bit clunky, especially on particularly technical terrain.
Don’t get me wrong, though. It’s a great trail shoe and I’m even considering making it my go to hiking shoe; it’s just not a great trail running shoe.
If you’re looking for something lighter for technical terrain, consider getting the Arc’teryx Norvan SL 2.
As for its cushioning, the Flow 2 has a protective midsole. It’s not plush, but neither is it responsive. You don’t really get a lot of bounce with it–you just feel how firm and stiff it is. While this makes it a bit uncomfortable during long runs, it’s actually a very forgiving hiking shoe.
Value:
Priced at around $140, the Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 is a solid choice for those looking for trail shoes that can work as a trail runner, and as a hiking shoe.
While I do think that they haven’t quite figured out how to compete with the top trail running brands, Adidas is on to something here. Maybe competing against already established brands at their own game isn’t the company’s plan. While trail running is pretty much a niche sport, it does intersect with a lot of other outdoor activities–such as hiking and backpacking.
The pros of these trail shoes lead me to believe that these intersection points are exactly what Adidas aims to dominate.
Conclusion:
All things considered, the Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 trail shoes are worth considering if you’re looking for well-built and protective trail shoes that can take on almost any trail.
While it’s not a “pure” trail running shoe and it struggles on highly technical terrain, it’s good enough on predominantly dry trails, and its emphasis on stability and protectiveness makes it an excellent hiking shoe.
Things we like:
-
Highly durable
-
Offer respectable heel and ankle support
-
Great for hiking easy to moderate trails
-
Made partly with recycled materials
Things we don't like:
-
Struggles on muddy terrain; lugs could be better
-
A bit on the heavy side for trail runners
-
Ride is a bit on the harsh side
Frequently asked questions
While the Terrex Agravic Flow 2 offers some degree of water resistance (thanks to its synthetic overlays), you’ll want to look into the Gore-Tex version of the Agravic Flow 2s if you want something that has a waterproof component.
That said, the Gore-Tex version is 20 grams heavier than the already hefty Agravic Flow 2.
While I can’t speak on the rest of the Terrex line, the Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 is definitely worth it if you’re looking for something reliable and versatile.
It’s not something I’d use for running on technical trails, but it’s hard to pass on a durable, hard-wearing trail shoe that’s priced at only $140.
The Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 is an excellent hiking shoe. Its rugged Continental™ Rubber outsole and Pro-Moderator foil-enforced midsole offer a firm but stable ride.
Comments