adidas Terrex Anylander Mid RAIN.RDY Hiking Shoes Review: The Ultimate All-Rounder for Trail and Town

There’s a scenario I know all too well. It’s a drizzly Tuesday morning, and the commute involves navigating slick pavements and unexpected puddles. By Saturday, those same feet are yearning for the soft earth of a forest path, the crunch of gravel on a riverside trail, and the uneven terrain of a local hill. For years, this meant a frustrating choice: wear heavy, overly-aggressive hiking boots in the city and feel out of place, or risk wet socks and a lack of support on the trail with everyday trainers. The search for a single pair of shoes that can confidently bridge this gap—a true ‘do-it-all’ piece of footwear—is a modern quest. It’s about finding a shoe that delivers rugged performance without sacrificing everyday comfort and style. Neglecting this leads to a closet full of specialised shoes, none of which are quite right for the spontaneous, varied life many of us lead. This is precisely the problem the adidas Terrex Anylander Mid RAIN.RDY Hiking Shoes aims to solve, and we were determined to find out if it succeeds.

What to Consider Before Buying Men’s Hiking Shoes

A pair of hiking shoes is more than just an item of clothing; it’s a key solution for comfort, safety, and enjoyment in the outdoors and beyond. It’s the critical interface between your body and the ground, responsible for absorbing impact, providing stable grip, and protecting you from the elements. The main benefits are clear: reduced fatigue on long walks, prevention of slips and falls on treacherous surfaces, and keeping your feet dry and comfortable, which is crucial for avoiding blisters and maintaining foot health. A great pair of hiking shoes can be the difference between a memorable adventure and a miserable ordeal, empowering you to push further and explore more, whether that’s a new city park or a challenging country trail.

The ideal customer for this type of versatile, mid-height hiking shoe is someone who faces a variety of walking conditions. This includes the weekend hiker who enjoys day-long excursions on marked trails, the avid city walker who needs something more durable and weatherproof than a standard trainer, and the traveler who wants to pack one pair of shoes for both urban exploration and light outdoor adventures. However, this style of shoe might not be suitable for those tackling extreme alpine conditions or multi-day backpacking trips with heavy loads, as they would likely require a stiffer, more specialised mountaineering boot. Similarly, ultra-light trail runners might find them a bit too substantial. For those individuals, more technical boots or minimalist trail running shoes would be better alternatives.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. A poor fit can ruin any shoe, no matter how advanced its features are. Look for a snug fit in the heel to prevent lifting and blisters, with enough room in the toe box to allow your toes to splay naturally. We found the adidas Terrex Anylander Mid RAIN.RDY Hiking Shoes offer a ‘regular’ fit, which was true to size for our testing, a sentiment echoed by users who found their usual size fit perfectly. However, one user noted they might be better suited for those with slimmer feet, so if you have particularly wide feet, it’s worth bearing in mind.
• Performance & Traction: The outsole determines where you can go with confidence. Assess the lug pattern and depth. Deeper, more aggressive lugs excel in deep mud and loose soil, while shallower patterns, like the one on the Anylander’s Traxion outsole, provide a fantastic balance for mixed terrain, including harder surfaces like pavement and rock. Consider the type of ground you’ll cover most often to ensure the shoe’s grip matches your needs.
• Materials & Durability: Hiking shoes come in a range of materials, from full-grain leather to modern synthetics. The Anylander uses a textile upper, which offers excellent breathability and a shorter break-in period compared to traditional leather. Features like a reinforced toe cap, as found on this model, are vital for protecting both the shoe and your feet from rocks and roots, significantly enhancing long-term durability. We were also impressed by adidas’s commitment to using at least 20% recycled and renewable materials.
• Waterproofing & Breathability: If you hike in a climate like the UK’s, waterproofing is non-negotiable. Look for branded technologies like RAIN.RDY or Gore-Tex, which use a membrane to block external water while allowing internal sweat vapor to escape. A gusseted tongue—where the tongue is connected to the upper along the sides—is a key feature, as it prevents water, dirt, and debris from entering through the lace area.

While the adidas Terrex Anylander Mid RAIN.RDY Hiking Shoes is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Anylander: First Steps in a Modern Hiker

Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed about the adidas Terrex Anylander Mid RAIN.RDY Hiking Shoes in the Olive Strata/Wonder Beige/Core Black colorway was their strikingly modern aesthetic. They don’t scream “heavy-duty mountain boot.” Instead, they have a sleek, athletic silhouette that looks just as at home with a pair of jeans as it does with hiking trousers. The blend of earthy olive and beige tones with black accents is understated and stylish, appealing to a wide range of tastes. Lifting them from the box confirmed what several users had reported: they are remarkably lightweight. This immediately signals a focus on reducing fatigue during long days on your feet, a significant departure from the cumbersome boots of old. The textile upper feels robust yet flexible, and the reinforced toe cap provides a reassuring sense of protection without adding excessive bulk. Lacing them up for the first time, the mid-height cuff wrapped snugly around the ankle, offering a feeling of support that inspired immediate confidence.

Putting the Anylander to the Test: A Trail-Tested Breakdown

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a hiking shoe, you have to live in it—on pavement, through puddles, and over miles of uneven trail. We put the adidas Terrex Anylander Mid RAIN.RDY Hiking Shoes through a gauntlet of real-world scenarios to see if its performance matched its promise. Our testing involved everything from daily urban commutes on rainy streets to weekend hikes across muddy fields and rocky coastal paths in an effort to push its boundaries and discover its true character.

Comfort and Fit: All-Day Wearability from Cobblestones to Crags

The single most impressive quality of the Anylander, straight out of the box, is its comfort. Often, hiking boots require a painful ‘break-in’ period, but these felt comfortable from the very first step. The cushioned EVA midsole is the star of the show here. It provides a level of shock absorption that feels more akin to a high-quality running shoe than a traditional hiker. During a 5-mile walk that transitioned from concrete sidewalks to a packed-dirt park trail, our feet felt fresh and supported, with no hotspots or pressure points developing. This experience directly confirms feedback from one user who bought them for city walking and found them “comfortable and durable,” and another who praised their “very comfortable and ergonomic” feel. The lightweight nature, a point raised by an Italian reviewer who called them “extremely light,” is not just a marketing claim; it’s a tangible benefit that genuinely reduces fatigue over the course of a day.

The fit is precise and secure. The lacing system allows for easy adjustment, and the padded, gusseted tongue sits comfortably against the top of the foot. The mid-height design delivers on its promise of ankle support. A Japanese user specifically highlighted the “very good” ankle hold, and we concur. On uneven, rocky sections of trail, we could feel the cuff providing gentle but firm stability, preventing ankle rolls without feeling restrictive. It’s this combination of trainer-like comfort and true hiking-boot support that makes the Anylander so versatile. While it’s true that the fit feels tailored and might be snug on wider feet, for the average foot shape, it’s what one user described as an “impeccable” fit that adapts perfectly to the foot.

RAIN.RDY in Action: Conquering Puddles and Downpours

No UK-based review would be complete without a thorough waterproofing test. We took the adidas Terrex Anylander Mid RAIN.RDY Hiking Shoes out on a thoroughly wet day, deliberately stomping through puddles and trekking through long, dew-soaked grass. The RAIN.RDY technology performed flawlessly. Water beaded up and rolled right off the textile upper, and not a single drop penetrated the interior. The gusseted tongue proved its worth, creating a complete seal around the front of the ankle, which is often a weak point for water ingress. This is a shoe that gives you the confidence to ignore the weather forecast.

Our findings were validated by a user from Japan who, after a hike, washed the outside of the shoes with water and reported that “there was no sign of it soaking through to the inside.” This is a fantastic real-world testament to the membrane’s integrity. Furthermore, a German user noted that the shoes keep feet warm. This is a common and welcome side effect of a waterproof membrane; by keeping your feet dry, it also prevents the chilling effect of water evaporation, thus helping to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the boot. For three-season hiking in temperate climates, the RAIN.RDY system provides the perfect balance of weather protection and comfort.

Grip and Stability: The Traxion Outsole on Varied Terrain

The Traxion outsole is adidas’s proprietary grip technology, designed for multi-directional traction. In our testing, it proved to be a capable and reliable performer across a wide range of surfaces. On dry rock, packed dirt, gravel paths, and wet pavement, the grip was tenacious and sure-footed. The sole has enough flex to allow for a natural walking motion on flat ground, but it’s rigid enough to prevent sharp rocks from being felt underfoot. This blend makes it an ideal companion for the majority of day hikes and country walks.

However, it’s important to set realistic expectations, and this is where user feedback provided a crucial nuance. One Spanish reviewer astutely pointed out that “the lugs on the sole are very short.” We agree with this assessment. While the outsole pattern is excellent for general-purpose use, the relatively shallow depth of the lugs means it can struggle for purchase in exceptionally deep, thick mud or on steep slopes of loose scree. This isn’t a flaw, but rather a design choice that prioritizes versatility. Shorter lugs are more stable and comfortable on hard surfaces, making the shoe better for mixed-use scenarios that include roads or hard-packed trails. For 90% of typical hiking scenarios, the Traxion outsole is more than sufficient. But if your adventures regularly take you through boggy terrain, you might consider a shoe with a more aggressive, deep-lugged sole. For its intended purpose, however, the balance struck by the see its full feature set and user reviews is spot on.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user feedback for the adidas Terrex Anylander Mid RAIN.RDY Hiking Shoes is overwhelmingly positive, painting a picture of a shoe that delivers on its core promises. An Italian reviewer eloquently summed up the general feeling, calling them a “real jewel for trekking lovers” that “perfectly combine comfort, lightness, and robustness.” This sentiment is a recurring theme. Comfort is the most frequently praised attribute, with users from Germany to the UK highlighting how pleasant they are to wear for both dedicated exercise and general walking.

The lightweight design and supportive fit also receive high marks. A hiker in Japan was pleased with the comfort over a two-hour hike and specifically noted the excellent ankle support. The shoe’s effectiveness as a versatile, all-arounder is confirmed by a user who bought them to replace walking trainers for city use and concluded, “can’t go wrong with this.” Constructive feedback is minimal but insightful, focusing mainly on the outsole. One experienced user wished for “stronger and more resistant” lugs, indicating that for seasoned hikers who tackle very demanding terrain, a more aggressive sole might be preferred. This feedback helps to clearly define the shoe’s ideal use case: it’s a stellar performer for light-to-moderate hiking and all-weather general use.

How Does the Anylander Compare? Top Alternatives

While the Anylander excels in versatility, the market is filled with excellent options catering to different priorities. Here’s how it stacks up against three strong competitors.

1. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II WP Mid Hiking Boots

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II represents a more traditional approach to hiking footwear. Constructed primarily from waterproof full-grain leather and suede, it offers exceptional durability and a classic, rugged aesthetic. Compared to the Anylander’s athletic feel, the Newton Ridge is a burlier, more robust boot. Its Omni-GRIP outsole features a more aggressive lug pattern, which may provide a slight edge in very muddy or slippery conditions. Someone who prioritizes old-school durability and a classic leather look, and whose hikes are exclusively on trails rather than mixed urban environments, might prefer the Columbia boot. However, it will likely be heavier and require a longer break-in period than the instantly comfortable Anylander.

2. Skechers Relment Pelmo Hiking Boot

Skechers brings its renowned focus on comfort to the hiking world with the Relment Pelmo. This boot’s primary selling point is its cushioned insole and relaxed fit, making it an excellent choice for casual walkers or those with sensitive feet who prioritize plush comfort above all else. While it is waterproof and offers decent support, it’s generally considered less technical than the adidas Terrex line. The Relment Pelmo is perfect for gentle country walks, dog walking, and everyday wear in bad weather. A buyer who wants maximum cushioning for low-intensity activities and values a roomier fit might gravitate towards the Skechers. The Anylander, in contrast, offers a more precise fit and superior performance for more demanding terrain.

3. Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Gore-Tex Men’s Waterproof Outdoor Shoes

If the Anylander is the versatile all-rounder, the Salomon X Ultra Pioneer is the performance specialist. Drawing on Salomon’s deep heritage in trail running, this shoe offers a more athletic, locked-in fit and features a highly aggressive Contagrip outsole designed for maximum traction on technical trails. It utilizes a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing, the industry benchmark for breathable protection. This shoe is for the hiker who moves fast, tackles challenging ascents and descents, and demands the highest level of grip and stability. While it can certainly be worn for casual walks, its strengths are most apparent on demanding terrain. The Anylander offers better street-to-trail style and potentially more comfort on hard surfaces, making it the more versatile daily driver.

The Final Verdict: Is the adidas Terrex Anylander Mid RAIN.RDY Your Next Hiking Shoe?

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user experiences, our conclusion is clear: the adidas Terrex Anylander Mid RAIN.RDY Hiking Shoes is a superb achievement in versatile footwear. It masterfully closes the gap between the concrete jungle and the forest trail, offering a rare combination of lightweight comfort, reliable weather protection, and modern style. Its strengths lie in its immediate, out-of-the-box comfort from the EVA midsole and its flawless RAIN.RDY waterproofing, which gives you the confidence to head out no matter the forecast. While its outsole may not be aggressive enough for the most extreme alpine pursuits, it provides fantastic, sure-footed grip for the vast majority of adventures that most of us undertake.

We wholeheartedly recommend this shoe to the weekend warrior, the dedicated urban walker, the intrepid traveler, and anyone who has been searching for one durable, comfortable, and stylish shoe to handle almost everything. It eliminates the need to choose between a trail boot and a daily trainer, offering the best of both worlds in a single, well-executed package. If you’re ready to invest in a shoe that will support your adventures from Monday to Sunday, rain or shine, then the Anylander is an exceptional choice. You can check the latest price and explore the available color options right here.