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

Backside Line

The Terrex Skychaser AX5 Mid GORE-TEX CLIMAWARM+ is the winter model of a brand new entry-level mountaineering boot that adidas Terrex launched earlier this 12 months, the Skychaser AX5. It fills a cool area of interest: a light-weight boot constructed with colder climate in thoughts. Moderately than emphasizing breathability, the Skychaser focuses on heat and safety, making it an excellent choice for anybody who runs chilly or hikes in chilly situations. After testing, we expect it lives as much as the hype.

The artificial higher is hard – way 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 stated, the DWR-treated higher, paired with a GORE-TEX membrane and CLIMAWARM+ insulation, did an excellent job protecting out the weather. Our ft felt toasty on frosty mornings and snowy trails.

The principle draw back is the match. Like most Terrex fashions, the insulated Skychaser AX5 runs small. We discovered it runs a few half dimension brief. Sadly, there are not any large sizes accessible. In case you require a large match, this boot will not be 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 excellent alternative to judge these winter boots in chilly, damp, and even snowy situations. We put the insulation, traction, and waterproofing to the take a look at in real-world situations – 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, nevertheless it 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 protecting out the chilly and moisture. That stated, the boots can overheat in milder situations – they’re made for winter, not spring, summer season, 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 delicate. The boot hugs the foot securely, and the GORE-TEX liner stored our ft dry by means of 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 susceptible to sizzling spots.

Match can 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 a minimum of half a dimension, notably in the event you’re between sizes or put on heavier socks in colder climate.

Ankle Assist

The Skychaser AX5 CLIMAWARM+ affords strong however not distinctive ankle help for a light-weight mountaineering boot. Like most fashions on this class, it doesn’t have the construction or rigidity of a standard leather-based backpacking boot, nevertheless it nonetheless gives an honest degree of help the place it counts. We’d name it average: sufficient to encourage confidence on combined 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 help right here must be adequate. However in the event you’re susceptible to rolled ankles or carrying a heavy load throughout rugged alpine environments, you would possibly wish to take into account 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 powerful weight-to-warmth ratio for cold-weather use. In line with adidas, these boots weigh 16.8 ounces per shoe (roughly 2.1 kilos per pair) for a males’s US dimension 9. Our dimension 13 take a look at pair weighed in at 2 kilos 10 ounces per pair. 

They’re on the heavier facet in comparison with the opposite mountaineering boots on our listing.

That stated, 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 totally apples-to-apples. The Skychaser is constructed with added insulation for winter-like situations – which contributes to the burden. Regardless of these cold-weather options, the insulated Skychaser AX5 nonetheless manages to really feel mild and agile underfoot – which is a standout function.

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

Traction

The Skychaser AX5 CLIMAWARM+ affords reliable traction general, nevertheless it 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 shortly.

Issues received a bit extra hit-or-miss in moist situations. On damp trails and muddy switchbacks, the outsole gripped reliably, and we had no hassle sustaining footing by means of 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 have been noticeably slick.

That stated, these boots are glorious on snow. We examined them in early-season situations and have 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 powerful job. Between the GORE-TEX waterproof liner and the CLIMAWARM+ insulation, this boot is clearly designed with chilly and moist situations in thoughts. 

We examined it throughout an unseasonably moist and chilly fall in Colorado and made a degree to hike immediately into the rain and snow to see the way it carried out. We have been genuinely impressed with how properly the waterproofing held up over time. Gentle snow and moist path situations posed no problem. Even after a number of hours of mountaineering in constant rain, our ft stayed dry. In actual fact, these boots outperformed our expectations in each mild snow and puddle-ridden terrain.

That stated, we did discover one weak level: after extended publicity to rain, the material slightly below the ankle began to point out indicators of soaking by means of. 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+ affords glorious safety. It’s one of many better-performing waterproof light-weight boots we’ve examined for chilly, moist situations. Simply bear in mind 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 may 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 take a look at pair, we haven’t encountered any main points—no delamination, no blown seams, and no vital put on in high-stress areas.

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

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

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

In case you’re after a cold-weather mountaineering 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 lightweight in your ft. We actually favored the combo of strong insulation, waterproofing, and sure-footed traction. It dealt with frosty mornings, mild snow, and damp trails like a champ.

That stated, it’s not a quiver killer. In case you’re hauling heavy hundreds, heading deep into the alpine, or want a roomier match, you’ll in all probability need one thing stiffer or extra spacious. And, after all, it is a poor alternative for summer season and fair-weather hikers.

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

What different mountaineering boots ought to You take into account?

In case you’re on the lookout for non-insulated mountaineering choices, please try our information to the perfect mountaineering boots for extra choices.

Salomon X Extremely 5 Mid GTX Assessment: That is the pure sibling to the Katabatic. You’ll get an analogous mild, fast-moving really feel, however the X Extremely 5 provides a little bit extra construction and help. If you need 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 Assessment: Just like the X Extremely 5, these boots are light-weight with a slender match and a responsive really feel. But when consolation is prime precedence, the Anacapa 2s are the winner with their forgiving foam soles and superior traction. They provide a versatile, nimble expertise that’s good for hikers who need velocity over harsh climate resistance and sturdiness, making them ultimate for average situations.

KEEN Hightrail Mid WP Assessment: For individuals 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.