Adidas Terrex AX4R Mid Kids Hiking Shoes Review

Bottom Line

The Adidas Terrex AX4R Mid Hiking Shoes are a tough, trail-ready option for kids who hike hard and need footwear that can keep up. These mids offer excellent ankle support without feeling overly stiff, and the grippy outsole gave our tester solid traction on everything from loose gravel to muddy switchbacks. The fit runs slightly narrow, which worked well for our little gear analyst, but it’s something to keep in mind if your child has wide feet or prefers a roomier toe box.

We were also impressed with the durable materials—after weeks of scrambling over rocks, splashing through puddles, and running full-speed into the unknown, these shoes still looked great. They’re not the lightest or most breathable in our lineup, but for families who prioritize support and protection over weight savings, the tradeoff is worth it.

Check out our full guide to the best hiking shoes for kids to see how the Terrex AX4R stacks up.

How We Tested

We tested the Adidas Terrex AX4R Mid on hikes, muddy playgrounds, and rocky trails across the U.S. and Canada. From dusty Colorado foothills to wet, root-covered terrain in the White Mountains, our kid put these shoes through the kind of rough-and-tumble use only kids can deliver. We paid close attention to comfort, grip, support, and how well they held up over time.

Comfort

The Terrex AX4R Mids do a great job blending trail-ready support with kid-friendly comfort. Right out of the box, our little analyst found them easy to wear, with minimal break-in time. It only took a couple of short hikes around the neighborhood before we hit the trail for real.

 The mid-height cuff adds light ankle support without feeling stiff or restrictive, which gives our analyst more confidence on uneven terrain.

Inside, the footbed feels cushioned but not overly soft, with enough structure to keep little feet stable on rocky and rooty trails. The padded tongue and collar help reduce pressure points and add to the all-day comfort, especially during extended hikes or full days of outdoor play. 

These aren’t ultralight or exceptionally flexible shoes, but they’re clearly built with comfort in mind, even when the trails get a little rough.

That said, the fit runs just a tad narrow, so kids with wider feet might feel squeezed unless you size up.

Traction

We found this boot to deliver excellent grip, especially on loose dirt, rocks, and wet trail surfaces. The lug pattern is aggressive for a kids’ shoe and feels like it was pulled straight from an adult trail runner. They have deep, well-spaced lugs that bite into a variety of surfaces without picking up too much mud. 

Our tester felt confident scrambling over granite boulders and loose gravel hills in Colorado, and hopping across slick roots and wooden bridges in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

The rubber compound doesn’t feel overly stiff, which helps younger hikers get better ground contact on uneven terrain. On smoother surfaces like pavement or playground equipment, the shoes still felt grippy but never overly tacky.

Durability

The Terrex AX4R Mid is one of the more rugged kids’ hiking shoes we’ve tested, and it shows. After weeks of trail use, playground sessions, creek splashing, and general kid chaos, these shoes held up really well. The reinforced toe cap and synthetic upper help to protect against scuffs and rock kicks, and we didn’t see any signs of delamination or separation between the sole and upper.

The materials feel more robust than many other options in this category, and that extra protection is great for kids who are rough on gear. Even the lugs on the outsole stayed sharp after plenty of mileage. The upper is also easy to wipe down after muddy hikes, which helps the shoes keep looking decent even after they’ve been thrashed.

Our kid will likely outgrow these before they wear out, which is exactly what you want at this stage. If you’re tired of replacing trashed shoes mid-season, the AX4Rs are a dependable, hardwearing option.

Lacing

This boot features a traditional lace-up closure, providing a secure and customizable fit. One hang-up, it may not be the easiest system for younger kids to manage independently, especially if they’re too young to tie their shoes. Our four-year-old analyst on this project needed help tying the laces. Once laced properly, though, the shoes stayed comfortably in place with no heel slip or mid-hike loosening.

The laces themselves are durable and didn’t fray during testing, and the eyelets glide smoothly, making adjustments easier for older kids. That said, we’d love to see Adidas offer a toggle or bungee-lace option for younger hikers who aren’t quite ready to tie double knots mid-trail.

Style

The Terrex AX4R Mid looks like a scaled-down version of a serious hiking boot, and that’s exactly what our kid loved about it. It has the same sharp design lines and sleek profile as the adult Terrex line, which gives it a cool, “real gear” vibe that our analyst really enjoys. 

The color options are clean and outdoorsy without being flashy or overly playful so that they can pass as everyday shoes in a pinch. Our kid wore them to school, on hikes, and even to dinner without skipping a beat. The mid-height cut adds a bit of that outdoorsy look without making the shoe feel bulky or overly boot-like.

If your kid likes gear that feels grown-up and looks trail-ready, these will hit the mark. They’re stylish enough for everyday wear, durable enough for rough trails, and neutral enough to pass the hand-me-down test.

Breathability

Breathability isn’t the strong point for the Terrex AX4R Mid, but it’s actually better than we expected from a rugged, mid-height hiking boot. The upper uses a mix of synthetic overlays and mesh panels that allow for some airflow, which helps keep things from getting too swampy on the trail. It’s not breezy by any means, but it’s more breathable than other mid-height models we’ve tested.

On cooler hikes and spring outings, our kid’s feet stayed comfortable and dry. But during warmer weather or high-output activity, we noticed some heat buildup and damp socks, especially on longer treks. The padded ankle collar and tongue also hold in a fair bit of warmth.

Should You Buy the Adidas Terrex AX4R Mid Kids Hiking Shoes?

If you’re looking for a supportive, trail-ready hiking shoe that can handle rocky terrain and rowdy kids, the Terrex AX4R Mid is a strong choice. 

It offers solid ankle support, excellent traction, and durable materials that hold up well to hard use. For families who hit uneven trails or hike in all kinds of conditions, this shoe gives kids the support and protection they need to feel steady and confident on the trail. 

It’s not the lightest or most breathable option in our lineup, and the lace-up system might be a little much for younger kids who need help getting ready. But for older kids—or anyone prioritizing durability and support over weight savings—the AX4R Mid is a great value. It’s a solid pick for families who spend serious time on the trail and want a kids’ shoe that performs like the real deal.

What Other Hiking Shoes for Kids Should You Consider?

Check out our full guide to the best hiking shoes for kids to see how the Terrex AX4R Mid compares to the rest of the field. Here are a few other top picks worth considering:

Saucony Cohesion 14 Review: If you’re after something lighter and more flexible, the Cohesion 14 is a great all-around choice. It’s breathable, comfortable out of the box, and comes in wide sizing—perfect for kids who want trail-ready shoes that feel like sneakers.

Merrell Moab Speed Mid Waterproof Review: For families who hike in wet or unpredictable weather, the Moab Speed Mid is a waterproof hybrid boot with excellent ankle support and solid traction. It’s a bit heavier than the Terrex but just as trail-capable.

KEEN Chandler 2 CNX Review: If ease of use is a top priority, the Chandler 2 CNX is lightweight, flexible, and super easy for kids to get on and off. Great for younger hikers or everyday wear around the campsite.