Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX Sustainability Report

The Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX's synthetic upper is impressively hardwearing and shrugs off abrasion better than most mesh (and even some leather) designs. Beefy reinforcements wrap the upper on all sides, and there’s little exposed foam. All told, this one of the more durable synthetic shoes we’ve tested and should last for longer than most.

Choosing durable outdoor gear is perhaps the most effective way to reduce environmental impact—the longer it lasts, the less it needs to be produced. Our proprietary longevity rating evaluates overall build quality based on factors such as materials, fabric denier, component durability (including zippers and toggles), real-world performance as reported by our field testers, and our experiences with the brand. Overall, we feel strongly that reducing overall consumption is a cornerstone of sustainability.

The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX contains 20% recycled and renewable materials. Adidas has been using 99% recycled polyester in its products since 2023.

Outdoor gear can be made partly or entirely from recycled materials, the most common being nylon, polyester, wool, and down. Some products include a single recycled component or a partially recycled fabric, while others are 100% recycled (generally excluding accessories like zippers, Velcro, toggles, etc.). For our sustainability ratings, we evaluate the amount of recycled materials in a particular product and assign points accordingly.

We couldn’t verify whether the Free Hiker 2.0’s DWR coating is PFAS free since Adidas does not label PFAS content in any of its products. However, since Adidas phased PFAS out of 99% of its products in 2018, it’s reasonable to assume that this shoe is PFAS free. However, we only gave the Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX partial points for this category.

The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish is a product’s direct defense against outside moisture, and commonly contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These synthetic compounds, known as "forever chemicals,” are found in a range of gear categories, from jackets to footwear. They resist water, oil, and heat exceptionally well, making them ideal for outdoor use, but their nearly indestructible nature also means that they take an extremely long time to degrade in nature, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.

Adidas does not label the Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX’s waterproof membrane as PFAS free (nor does it label PFAS content in any products), but given that 99% of Adidas products have been PFAS free since 2018, it seems likely. However, we only give the Free Hiker 2.0 partial points for the PFAS-free category.

The membranes of certain waterproof products, including rain jackets, ski jackets, ski bibs, hardshells, and hiking footwear, commonly contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These synthetic compounds, known as "forever chemicals,” resist water, oil, and heat exceptionally well, making them ideal for outdoor use, but their nearly indestructible nature also means that they take an extremely long time to degrade in nature, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.

The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX does not contain Bluesign-approved materials. However, Adidas became a Bluesign System Partner in 2014.

Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile certification system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A Bluesign-approved material indicates that it has undergone a rigorous vetting process based on the criteria above. A Bluesign Product goes the next mile, containing at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and at least 30% Bluesign-approved accessories.

Adidas provides complete supply chain information and transparency. The company’s supply chain and manufacturing program has been accredited three times by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and, as of 2023, Adidas was rated as a top performer by the FLA. The FLA promotes and protects workers’ rights by establishing standards for fair wages and safe working conditions. FLA accreditation is a rigorous process involving comprehensive audits and a formal review of standards compliance every three years. By the end of 2023, Adidas was working with 357 supplier facilities across 40 countries. That number was a reduction from the previous year since Adidas has made it a goal to form long-term relationships with core manufacturing partners.

This criterion evaluates a brand's commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing its environmental impact throughout the production process. Responsible manufacturing is most commonly demonstrated through certifications and membership in programs such as Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accreditation of Production, and the Fair Labor Association. We also recognize brands that prioritize local production, such as those that manufacture primarily in the United States or Europe, to reduce carbon emissions, maintain better oversight of working conditions, and comply with strict social and environmental regulations.

Adidas primarily uses paper-based packaging made with recycled content, but the brand does not publish the exact percentage. Additionally, almost all of the poly bags used by Adidas are made of 100% recycled plastic. According to the brand’s 2023 impact report, packaging accounts for 1% of its total emissions.

Packaging can add significant waste to an outdoor gear purchase and often ends up in landfills. Many brands are using recycled packaging and/or making efforts to reduce packaging altogether. For example, they may use a certain percentage of recycled cardboard or make efforts to use less plastic or paper across their packaging operation. In some cases, brands also use Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, which helps to ensure sustainable sourcing of forest materials.

Adidas does not offer resale or recycling services.

Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation for longer and out of landfills. The most common form is a trade-in program, where consumers can exchange items for store credit, which is then resold. Some brands accept products back for recycling at the end of their life, thereby reducing waste. Occasionally, some do both.

Adidas tracks its greenhouse gas emissions using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and aims to become climate neutral for its direct operations by 2025. Additionally, it has committed to reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions across its supply chain by 30% by 2030. The Science Based Targets Initiative has verified Adidas’s emissions reduction target. In 2023, Adidas reduced its total greenhouse gas emissions by 24% compared to 2022.

This criterion evaluates whether this brand measures its greenhouse gas emissions, along with its commitment to reduction and transparency in reporting. Typically, we require brands to follow established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. Most companies use the widely recognized scope categorization system for measuring brand emissions. Those who earn the most points in this category have emissions reduction goals verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a global organization that helps companies set greenhouse gas reduction targets in line with the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C. To verify their goals through SBTi, companies undergo a rigorous assessment process and continual follow-up to ensure consistent progress towards achieving their targets.

Since 2020, Adidas has produced a comprehensive annual impact report. It details the company’s greenhouse gas emissions goals as well as its reduction progress. It also provides details on how it is reducing emissions through materials, manufacturing, energy sources, and more. The report details Adidas’ efforts in sustainable material sourcing, chemical management, waste reduction, and water efficiency.

An impact report is an important step toward transparency and accountability on the sustainability front. These reports vary in form but generally cover topics such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions tracking, waste and water usage, supply chain analysis, and packaging efforts. For our sustainability ratings, we evaluate this criterion based on the depth and quality of the information provided in the report, and how often it is produced. Some brands produce their own impact report, while others are published by their parent company. In practice, we’ve found that reports produced by individual brands include more detailed information about their sustainability efforts.