Males’s adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 Mid GORE-TEX CLIMAWARM+ Evaluation

Backside Line

The Terrex Skychaser AX5 Mid GORE-TEX CLIMAWARM+ is the winter model of a brand new entry-level climbing boot that adidas Terrex launched earlier this yr, the Skychaser AX5. It fills a cool area of interest: a light-weight boot constructed with colder climate in thoughts. Fairly than emphasizing breathability, the Skychaser focuses on heat and safety, making it an amazing possibility for anybody who runs chilly or hikes in chilly circumstances. After testing, we predict it lives as much as the hype.

The artificial higher is hard – much more inflexible and structured out of the field than we anticipated. It’ll want some break-in time earlier than you’re taking it on extra rugged or high-mileage journeys. That mentioned, the DWR-treated higher, paired with a GORE-TEX membrane and CLIMAWARM+ insulation, did an amazing job conserving out the weather. Our ft felt toasty on frosty mornings and snowy trails.

The primary draw back is the match. Like most Terrex fashions, the insulated Skychaser AX5 runs small. We discovered it runs a couple of half measurement brief. Sadly, there are not any broad sizes accessible. Should you require a large match, this boot is probably not for you.

How We Examined

We examined the adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 Mid GORE-TEX  CLIMAWARM+ boots primarily throughout early to mid-fall throughout Colorado’s foothills and alpine trails. Fortunate for us, it was an unusually moist and chilly season, which gave us an amazing alternative to guage these winter boots in chilly, damp, and even snowy circumstances. We put the insulation, traction, and waterproofing to the check in real-world eventualities – from muddy lowland paths to frost-covered, high-country trails.

Consolation

The Skychaser AX5 CLIMAWARM+ feels heat, safe, and surprisingly plush as soon as damaged in. Out of the field, we discovered the higher, particularly the ripstop portion, to be fairly stiff. It softened up properly over time, but it surely took about 20 miles earlier than the boot actually felt dialed in. 

The inside is lined with Adidas’ CLIMAWARM+ insulation, which provides noticeable heat with out making the boot really feel cumbersome or overbuilt. We examined these boots on chilly fall mornings and snowy alpine trails in Colorado. They impressed us by conserving out the chilly and moisture. That mentioned, the boots can overheat in milder circumstances – they’re made for winter, not spring, summer time, or fall.

Whereas initially inflexible, the supportive construction paid off throughout lengthy path days. The midsole is well-cushioned and decently responsive, providing strong consolation on high-mileage hikes with out feeling overly mushy. The boot hugs the foot securely, and the GORE-TEX liner saved our ft dry via snow, rain, and muddy trails. We advocate giving them a number of miles to interrupt in earlier than committing to a multi-day backpacking journey, particularly in the event you’re vulnerable to sizzling spots.

Match shall be a limiting issue for some. Like most adidas Terrex fashions, the Skychaser AX5 CLIMAWARM+ runs small with a comparatively slender match. We advocate sizing up no less than half a measurement, notably in the event you’re between sizes or put on heavier socks in colder climate.

Ankle Assist

The Skychaser AX5 CLIMAWARM+ presents strong however not distinctive ankle assist for a light-weight climbing boot. Like most fashions on this class, it doesn’t have the construction or rigidity of a conventional leather-based backpacking boot, but it surely nonetheless offers an honest stage of assist the place it counts. We’d name it average: sufficient to encourage confidence on blended terrain, however not so stiff that it limits agility.

We wore these boots on uneven alpine trails in Colorado, usually with a pack, and located them supportive sufficient to assist stabilize the ankle throughout sidehill journey, delicate scrambling, and technical descents. The cuff is versatile however hugs the ankle tightly and offers it a dialed-in really feel.

For fast-moving hikers and backpackers sticking to established trails or venturing into average off-trail terrain, the ankle assist right here ought to be ample. However in the event you’re vulnerable to rolled ankles or carrying a heavy load throughout rugged alpine environments, you would possibly wish to contemplate one thing with a taller and stiff cuff.

Weight

It’s not the lightest boots in our lineup, however the Skychaser AX5 Mid has a formidable weight-to-warmth ratio for cold-weather use. In accordance with adidas, these boots weigh 16.8 ounces per shoe (roughly 2.1 kilos per pair) for a males’s US measurement 9. Our measurement 13 check pair weighed in at 2 kilos 10 ounces per pair. 

They’re on the heavier facet in comparison with the opposite climbing boots on our record.

That mentioned, direct comparisons with true three-season boots just like the Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX or the Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX aren’t completely apples-to-apples. The Skychaser is constructed with added insulation for winter-like circumstances – which contributes to the load. Regardless of these cold-weather options, the insulated Skychaser AX5 nonetheless manages to really feel gentle and agile underfoot – which is a standout characteristic.

For hikers in search of a winter-ready boot that doesn’t really feel clunky, the Skychaser AX5 CLIMAWARM+ is an efficient selection. It’s heavier than some mid-height hikers however considerably lighter than full-on winter boots.

Traction

The Skychaser AX5 CLIMAWARM+ presents reliable traction general, but it surely does have a number of quirks. We discovered it to be confidence-inspiring on dry trails, rocky alpine terrain, and hard-packed snow. On traditional Colorado hikes with a mixture of free filth, gravel, and granite, the boot held its floor rather well – no slipping or second-guessing – even when transferring rapidly.

Issues acquired a bit extra hit-or-miss in moist circumstances. On damp trails and muddy switchbacks, the outsole gripped reliably, and we had no hassle sustaining footing via moist grass and duff. It even held up properly on slick granite throughout a few wet hikes. However as quickly as we hit moist lichen or moss-covered rocks, traction dropped off. The identical goes for moist wooden—footbridges, roots, and boardwalks had been noticeably slick.

That mentioned, these boots are glorious on snow. We examined them in early-season circumstances and had been impressed by how properly they dealt with each untracked and packed trails.

Climate Resistance

The Skychaser AX5 CLIMAWARM+ Mid is constructed to maintain the weather out, and it does a formidable job. Between the GORE-TEX waterproof liner and the CLIMAWARM+ insulation, this boot is clearly designed with chilly and moist circumstances in thoughts. 

We examined it throughout an unseasonably moist and chilly fall in Colorado and made some extent to hike instantly into the rain and snow to see the way it carried out. We had been genuinely impressed with how properly the waterproofing held up over time. Mild snow and moist path circumstances posed no problem. Even after a number of hours of climbing in constant rain, our ft stayed dry. The truth is, these boots outperformed our expectations in each gentle snow and puddle-ridden terrain.

That mentioned, we did discover one weak level: after extended publicity to rain, the material slightly below the ankle began to indicate indicators of soaking via. Moisture didn’t instantly breach the waterproof liner, however the outer materials started to really feel saturated.

Nonetheless, for winter path use, the Skychaser AX5 CLIMAWARM+ presents glorious safety. It’s one of many better-performing waterproof light-weight boots we’ve examined for chilly, moist circumstances. Simply remember that in prolonged heavy rain, particularly in the event you’re on the transfer for a number of days, some saturation across the ankle collar might ultimately meet up with you.

Sturdiness

Though the Skychaser AX5 Mid GORE-TEX CLIMAWARM+ continues to be comparatively new, our early testing exhibits promising indicators for long-term sturdiness. With a number of hundred miles already on our check pair, we haven’t encountered any main points—no delamination, no blown seams, and no important put on in high-stress areas.

The ripstop artificial higher feels robust and abrasion-resistant, and we like that there isn’t a variety of uncovered stitching to fret about fraying. Bolstered overlays across the toe and heel additionally assist defend towards scuffs and path abuse. 

That mentioned, it’s nonetheless too early to make a definitive name on long-term efficiency. We’ll proceed testing via the winter and past, particularly to see how the higher materials fares at flex factors and past. However to this point, the construct high quality appears strong.

Do you have to purchase the adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 Mid GORE-TEX CLIMAWARM+ boot?

Should you’re after a cold-weather climbing boot that doesn’t really feel like a heavy-duty clunker, the adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 Mid GTX CLIMAWARM+ is unquestionably value trying out. It’s hotter than your common three-season boot however nonetheless feels nimble and light-weight in your ft. We actually preferred the combo of strong insulation, waterproofing, and sure-footed traction. It dealt with frosty mornings, gentle snow, and damp trails like a champ.

That mentioned, it’s not a quiver killer. Should you’re hauling heavy hundreds, heading deep into the alpine, or want a roomier match, you’ll most likely need one thing stiffer or extra spacious. And, in fact, it is a poor selection for summer time and fair-weather hikers.

General, although, the winter model of the Skychaser AX5 presents a variety of efficiency for the load. You get legit climate safety, good construction, and luxury in a package deal that’s surprisingly modern for a winter boot. For chilly hikes, snow-dusted trails, or anybody who tends to get chilly ft, it is a nice possibility.

What different climbing boots ought to You contemplate?

Should you’re in search of non-insulated climbing choices, please take a look at our information to one of the best climbing boots for extra choices.

Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX Evaluation: That is the pure sibling to the Katabatic. You’ll get an identical gentle, fast-moving really feel, however the X Extremely 5 provides slightly extra construction and assist. In order for you one thing that’s nonetheless nimble however a bit extra locked in for steeper terrain, it is a strong step.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Evaluation: Just like the X Extremely 5, these boots are light-weight with a slender match and a responsive really feel. But when consolation is high precedence, the Anacapa 2s are the winner with their forgiving foam soles and superior traction. They provide a versatile, nimble expertise that’s excellent for hikers who need pace over harsh climate resistance and sturdiness, making them ultimate for average circumstances.

KEEN Hightrail Mid WP Evaluation: For many who need extra ruggedness and a bit extra room, the KEEN Excessive Path Mid WP delivers. It trades some lightness for sturdiness and toe safety, and the WP (waterproof) mannequin provides confidence when trails get moist or sloppy.