Walking Boots

Adidas Terrex TWO Parley Trail Shoes | Review

Adidas’ new running shoe takes plastic from the oceans so you can take to the trail

Why We Chose The Adidas Terrex TWO Parley Trail Shoes: Comfortable, lightweight, eco-friendly

Price: £130
Weight: 300g (per shoe)
More info: adidas.co.uk

You must have been living under a rock if you haven’t heard that single use plastic is destroying the world’s oceans. And put simply, if the oceans die, we all die. That’s why it’s good to see a global mega-brand like Adidas teaming up with the Parley environmental initiative to try and find sustainable solutions to such a major problem.

Part of Adidas’ answer is these new Terrex TWO (Trails Without Obstacles) Parley trail shoes, which make use of synthetic fibres made from recycled plastic waste. The plastic is intercepted from beaches and coastal communities before it reaches the ocean. It’s a concept developed by Parley for the Oceans, a global network of creators, thinkers and industry leaders who are collaborating to raise awareness of the state of our seas and develop projects that will benefit the environment.

“The combination of what felt like a sticky rubber and lugs peppering the outsole gave confidence-inspiring grip.”

It’s not a miracle solution, but it is a positive step – particularly if other major sports fashion brands follow suit.

Christian Zwinger is design director of footwear for Adidas’s outdoor-sports-focused Terrex line. “We’re all outdoor athletes, and the environments we enjoy are our most precious training grounds. So it is important to figure out how to do less harm,” he says. “We know that positive change must happen step-by-step, and we know it will take many steps.”

These shoes are certainly a step in the right direction. They are lightweight and very comfortable, thanks to a foot-hugging knitted upper, a wide toe-box and plenty of underfoot cushioning that incorporates an EVA midsole. The close, sock-like fit takes a little getting used to, but means that debris stays out of the shoe when running light trails. The sole also has a pronounced rocker shape for a smoother ride, and makes use of Continental rubber – the same stuff found in performance car tyres – for improved grip, even in wet conditions. The lugs aren’t aggressive enough for the gnarliest trails, and the lightweight uppers are supremely breathable but lack any toe protection, so we’d stick to less technical terrain in these shoes. For running light trails, however, as well as for general everyday use, they excel, and gain a firm thumbs-up for their eco-friendly credentials too.

Continenal rubber outsoles. Photo: Chris Johnson

A 'sock-like' breathable mesh upper. Photo: Chris Johnson

Made in partnership with the Parley initiative. Photo: Chris Johnson

Tester’s Verdict

Jordan Tiernan, Outdoors Magic Staff Writer

“I’m a fan of these tighter fitting “sock-like” trail shoes that seem to be en-vogue right now. They’re able to provide all-day comfort at a pretty low weight. The problem I’ve had with this style in the past, however, is that they rarely live up to the durability test.

“Well, I’m glad to say that the uppers on the TWO Parley Shoes are made from a really tough (yet still stretchy) upper, that hugs your foot for that much needed comfort over non-technical trails. What good is decreasing the environmental impact of the footwear you’re buying, if they need to be replaced after half a year’s use?

“Adidas have also done well in utilising Continental rubber, similar to that found in their Free Hiker range. The combination of what felt like a sticky rubber and lugs peppering the outsole gave confidence-inspiring grip when the going got wet.

“If you’ve got a slightly high instep (like myself), you may find these shoes tricky to put on the first couple of times, but it’s got to be said that the upper does loosen a touch over time, making them easier to slip on.”

Trade Secrets

Birte Fahrbach, Senior Product Manager, Adidas Outdoor

“Non-official in-house studies show that the Continental Rubber outsole on the Terrex TWO Parley offers around 30% more grip than our main competitors. This offers extraordinary grip even in wet conditions.”