Tested Over: 150 km
Terrain: South Wales Valleys trails, including woodland singletrack, rocky paths, fire roads, and short road sections.
The adidas Terrex Agravic SL marks Moti's first review of a shoe from the adidas Terrex range, and it was also my first experience of running in an adidas trail shoe. That said, the Agravic line is far from new and has long been positioned as adidas' daily trail trainer. As a mountain running purist, I was initially sceptical of the comparisons with the EVO SL, but I was looking forward to trying something a little different. Rather than competing with the latest generation of high-stack ultra shoes, the Agravic SL is more of a hybrid, built for runners who value responsiveness and efficiency across varied terrain without sacrificing cushioning or comfort.
The biggest talking point is the full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole. Already proven on the road in adidas' Adizero range, I was initially sceptical because of its reputation for feeling unstable, but it translates surprisingly well to trail use. Underfoot, the ride feels firm yet energetic, offering excellent response when running at tempo or race pace.
The shoe features a pronounced rocker that helps maintain an efficient stride and also seems to make climbing feel easier. With a stack height of approximately 39 mm at the heel and 33 mm at the forefoot, creating a 6 mm drop, there's enough cushioning for longer outings at easier paces while still maintaining good ground feel when the terrain becomes more technical. The relatively broad heel and noticeably wide forefoot keep the foot feeling centred and stable, particularly when moving quickly over uneven ground.
Grip comes courtesy of a Continental™ Rubber outsole. Traction has remained consistent throughout testing, inspiring confidence on fast descents and technical climbs, albeit in predominantly dry conditions. Lug depth sits in the versatile category at 3.5–4 mm, making the Agravic SL particularly well suited to the mixed trail conditions most UK runners encounter while remaining forgiving enough for road sections.
The engineered woven upper feels purpose-built for fast running. It offers excellent breathability, drains quickly after wet sections, and provides secure midfoot lockdown without creating pressure points. The heel cup holds the rearfoot confidently, while the forefoot provides enough room for natural toe splay without feeling overly generous. Initially, I felt the fit was slightly large in my usual EU 44, but after a few runs I was glad I hadn't sized down.
One pleasant surprise after 150 km has been the shoe's durability. The Lightstrike Pro midsole has retained its lively feel with no obvious compression, while the Continental outsole shows very little wear despite regular use on hard-packed trails.
Pros
- Exceptionally responsive full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole.
- Excellent balance of cushioning, stability, and ground feel.
- Outstanding Continental™ Rubber grip on mixed terrain.
- Lightweight, breathable upper with secure lockdown.
- Equally capable for racing and faster daily trail running.
Cons
- Less forgiving than maximal trail shoes over very long distances.
- A runner's trail shoe first and foremost. If you spend as much time hiking as running, there are better options available.
Verdict
The adidas Terrex Agravic SL is one of those rare trail shoes that genuinely feels lively. It delivers road-shoe levels of energy return while maintaining the grip, control, and confidence needed for technical trails.
For runners looking for a versatile shoe capable of everything from fast training sessions to longer trail runs, the Agravic SL deserves serious consideration. It won't replace a highly cushioned ultra shoe, but for speed, responsiveness, and versatility on mixed UK terrain, it's among the standout trail shoes currently available.
The biggest compliment I can give this shoe is that I'm no longer reaching for it simply because I'm testing it. After more than 150 km, I find myself choosing the Agravic SL because I genuinely enjoy running in it—and with plenty of trail shoes to choose from, that's probably the strongest endorsement I can give.
