Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra review

Who should buy the Terrex Agravic Ultra

This mountain monster from Adidas is a great option if:

• You need a shoe that can take on the slog of a mountain ultra.
• You want a trail runner that provides max protection from hazard-filled terrain.
• You’re looking for a plated trail shoe that can accommodate your stability needs.

Who should not buy it

If you want to set PRs even on muddy trail routes, turn your attention to the also-carbon-plated, also-protective, also-ultra-ready Saucony Endorphin Edge. adidas Botas Senderismo Terrex Mid Goretex Infantil Hoka Speedgoat 5.

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The first thing most experts noticed in the Terrex Agravic Ultra is its construction. From the reinforced upper, wrap-around toe cap, layered midsole, down to its full-coverage outsole, this shoe does not shy away from its main goal: to shield the feet against whatever the terrain has to offer. “Protection is virtually bombproof,” according to one expert.

Tênis Adidas Performance Outdoor Trace 6

A big reason why trail runners felt so BYW and secure in the Agravic Ultra is its sturdy upper. Made with a stiff open-pored mesh fortified with outer and inner overlays, the upper provides a solid and secure hold while remaining breathable and drainable.

This reinforcement continues all the way back to its “oddly high-cut ankle and heel cuff,” which has unfortunately caused a lot of testers discomfort. While a few reported that the rubbing went away after breaking in, one expert got so frustrated that he “ultimately ended up using a utility knife to hack off large sections of the collar itself.”

This is an issue that has been brought up by a lot of users, so experts recommend trying the shoes on first before committing.

The Agravic Ultra’s multiple layers of firmness

“There is a lot going on under foot,” said one reviewer about the Terrex AU’s three-layer midsole. Because of the orientation of these layers, testers report feeling different levels of softness between the more comfortable Boost foam in the rearfoot, and the “borderline harsh” forefoot with the carbon plate and Lightstrike foam underneath.

While overall, the shoe falls in the range of medium–firm cushioning, it isn’t necessarily “a bad thing for the trails,” said one expert, as it just adds to the AU’s superb protection.

Carbon ≠ fast

Users coming in with expectations that, given the carbon plate, the Agravic Ultra is nimble and agile might end up disappointed. Apart from being a 328-gram “husky boy,” running experts explain that the plate “is not made to propel you forward” as a super shoe does. It’s there mainly for stability, guidance, and of course—say it with us—protection.

That said, trail runners still enjoyed the shoe’s “firm and somewhat unique ride” that’s smoothed out by its rocker geometry and some slight snappiness from the plate.

Perfect lockdown

Thanks to its upper material, annoying-but-sturdy heel counter, extensive lace holes, and the midsole sidewalls, wearers report that the Terrex AU has plenty of inherent stability for a neutral shoe, and the type of lockdown that made one remark: “Once you’ve tied yourself into this shoe, you aren’t going to come out.”

In terms of fit, users shared that it has a decently wide toe box and is true to size, though some thought that it “seemed to run a smidge long.”

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Inspired by the tires on gravel bikes, the Agravic Ultra features a Continental Rubber outsole with slightly anticlimactic 4-mm lugs. Runners praised its traction that performed admirably in technical trails (save for extremely soft mud), yet is “not so aggressive it can't handle road.”

One common complaint among them, however, are the cutouts in the Floral and rear of the outsole, noting that they tend to collect rock, mud, and other debris—”not what you want in an already hefty shoe!”

Adidas Matchcourt High RX | The Terrex AU is a beast of a shoe

Reviewers mentioned that despite heavy and constant abuse, their AUs have shown incredible resiliency:

• “Can take a beating and not come out any worse for the wear”
• “Shoes adidas Originals Continental 80 F99786”
• “Outsole/midsole have almost no wear after 60 miles of rough terrain.”

All you need is just a little patience

“The longer you wear this shoe, the better it gets.” This is a sentiment shared by several Agravic Ultra owners. They stated that its general stiffness seemed to loosen up after a considerable amount of break-in time, which for some was around 25–35 miles.

This wasn’t always the case, though, as a few owners said that his heel chafing problems didn’t go away even after breaking the shoes in.

Purpose depends on your preference

While the majority of experts agree that the Terrex AU is best for technical trails, Adidas Matchcourt High RX. 

Those more accustomed to firmer trail running shoes thought that its protection and energy efficiency make it perfect for cruising paces on long, even ultramarathon distances. Others, however, felt that this kind of firmness only works well for short-milers, and that “an ultra-distance day might prove too much to handle.”

Notable deets

• Бомбер спортивная кофта куртка adidas s на м.
• The Adidas AU costs $160—definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum for trail runners, where the average price is $131.
• This shoe places a lot of value on sustainability, with at least 50% of its upper being made from recycled content, and a TPU plate made out of 90% renewable carbon.