adidas Terrex Agravic 3 Multi Tester Review: A Versatile All Around Trail Runner at a Great Price! 9 Comparisons

Article by Mike Postaski and Sam Winebaum

adidas Terrex Agravic 3 ($130)

Introduction

Sam: Sizzling on the heels of a totally revamped street coach line, adidas Terrex joins the social gathering with a totally revamped path operating line together with the Agravic Pace Extremely, Pace and right here the Agravic 3. 

A contemporary, easy design throughout path runner at an excellent $130 value, the Agravic 3 options:

Lightstrike 2.0 foam an lively, vibration absorbing foam that’s extra forgiving than the standard path shoe foam, 

an inner midfoot plastic stability/safety plate that delivers a contact of springy propulsion, 

a bolstered particles mesh higher 

an all terrain even some street 4mm lug all the time high-quality Continental rubber outsole. 

The entire bundle weighs a commendable  10.25 oz / 290g US9 with a simply sub “maximal” stack top of 34 mm heel /  26 mm forefoot. After discovering the Extremely and Pace a bit too “springy” in any respect however very quick paces and never that nicely held on the higher stage for my paces, I used to be desperate to see how this extra “typical” but throughly trendy path runner would carry out.  

Mike P: I’m recent off testing (and racing) Adidas’ flagship extremely racer – the Terrex Agravic Pace Extremely (RTR Assessment). Given my good expertise with these, I used to be to check one other Adidas shoe, within the hopes that that they had turned the nook with their newest path choices. I’ve talked about this earlier than, however Adidas’ earlier path footwear have been considerably lackluster, however this modified drastically with the current Pace Extremely.

The Agravic 3 is billed as a “coach” – I’d say it’s focused as a companion shoe should you’re planning to race within the Pace Ultras for longer distances or the common “Pace” for shorter distances. Adidas is seeking to cowl the spectrum right here from quick/quick to mid-distance/coaching to longer ultras. Does the Agravic 3 deal with the job – because the workhorse of the bunch? Learn on..  

Execs:

Throughout path choice: any terrain, any distance, wide selection of paces Sam/Mike PEnergetic pleasant driving midsole foam with loads of cushion depth (34/26) and safety/stability (TPU plate) Sam/Mike PBalanced, steady and clean journey Sam/Mike PSurprisingly clean, pleasant door to path choice, nice traction for any path & winter roads: SamGentle, very safe and cozy higher Sam/Mike PContinental rubber outsole (full protection) with 4mm lugs Sam/Mike PNice worth Sam/Mike P

Cons:

Shouldn’t complain at $130 however want for a sub 10 ouncesweight. Sam/Mike P

Most Comparable footwear 

Salomon Genesis Sam, Mike P

Xodus Extremely 3 Sam, Mike P

Merrell Agility Peak Mike P, Sam

Brooks Catamount 3 Mike P

Please discover the testers full run bios on the finish of the article after Comparisons.

Stats

Approx. Weight: males’s 10.25 oz / 290g US9

 Pattern Weights: males’s  10 oz / 283g US8.5  ,  10.8 oz / 306 g US 10.0

Stack Top: males’s  34 mm heel /  26 mm forefoot ( 8 mm drop spec) 

Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 70 mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot

$130. Accessible now 

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Mike P: Based mostly on earlier Adidas path fashions, the very first thing I completely wanted to examine was the ankle and heel collar. I’ve had very bad experiences with three fashions particularly – Circulate 2, Agravic Professional, and Agravic Extremely. All three featured some mixture of excessive, inflexible, and downright ankle grating collars that made them largely un-runnable for me after testing. 

I’m joyful to report that Adidas has gone with a extra “basic” design right here, and it’s a lot improved. I’d say it’s nonetheless a tad on the excessive facet, however they’ve added loads of cushioning across the edges and alongside the inside. Additionally – the sting is pliable with no hidden sharp/plastic edge inside – an enormous downside with the fashions I beforehand talked about. I’ve received 47 miles in my take a look at pair already, with not a touch of discomfort within the rear or the shoe. Large enchancment!

The remainder of the higher is made up of an engineered mesh, with a matrix of underlays across the midfoot for safety. As you’ll be able to see above, the mesh is open, and fairly breathable on the run. It’s in all probability a bit lighter and stiffer than the higher of the Pace Extremely, however we’re speaking a couple of $130 shoe right here. The higher holds the foot fairly nicely, and must also be sturdy.

The heel counter is a bit stiff, conserving with the “each day coach” model – it gives some management and security from ankle rolls with out being intrusive. Up entrance, I discovered Adidas’ basic toebox form, which works for me. It’s lots extensive on the forefoot, tapering to a squared-off entrance, not some extent. I discover sizing as much as a ten.0 offers me loads of consolation with out sacrificing any foot maintain. When you’ve got a narrower foot or don’t choose as a lot house up entrance, you may go true to measurement.

Sam: Mike describes the higher particulars nicely. Not like the Pace and Pace Extremely’s uppers that are so far as I’m involved near street racing tremendous shoe minimal (held construction and maintain) designs this higher is a extra typical path shoe higher with nice maintain again to entrance, loads of room and good breathability. Not the standard corners minimize right here on the low $130 value level. 

There are many overlays and underlays for assist and for sturdiness at essential areas such because the entrance flex level.

The tongue has first rate inner padding down its heart and the tongue is gusseted. The semi inflexible heel counter is comfy and safe.

iI additionally observe not like its “speedier” siblings that the entrance is lined with a skinny delicate mesh for added consolation and particles resistance. 

There’s loads of toe field room and, as Mike says, the squared off entrance prevents any sensation of a sharp toe field. The match is true to my ordinary US8.5 and narrower to medium toes. For lengthy lengthy runs in warmth or for wider toes one might measurement up half a measurement as Mike did however I’m high-quality as is,

Midsole & Platform

Mike P: Once more, I refer again to these earlier Adidas path footwear that I examined. I received’t return to the main points about their foams, besides to say that I discovered all of them to be disappointingly agency underfoot. Right here within the Agravic 3 now we have a brand new Lightstrike 2.0 formulation. It’s fairly a noticeable distinction in really feel between from these earlier fashions, however positively not fairly as bouncy and energetic because the Lightstrike Professional discovered within the Pace Extremely. It sits someplace within the center.

The time period I’d use to explain the texture is “pleasingly dampening”. There’s a refined softness, not fairly delicate, however not agency both. It appears to dampen the journey simply sufficient on firmer floor, and feels good and responsive on softer footing. There’s clearly some power in there, not only a slab of dense foam, however it’s a bit extra reserved – versus the all-out bounce and wildness of the Pace Extremely. 

I actually like the texture of the cushion, particularly for a coaching shoe. For longer racing, I’d choose a bit extra depth of cushion, and a bit extra softness. However for coaching miles, even lengthy coaching days, this taste of Lightstrike does hit the spot. After my first run or two, I discovered myself reaching for them over the following days as they felt really easy to run in, and my legs additionally felt recent after runs.

There’s a full size TPU plate embedded within the midsole, however I might not likely really feel it by the midsole foam. It does stiffen the journey a bit, however I believe for coaching days, particularly in rugged terrain, the safety helps preserve your toes from fatiguing. 

Sam: The midsole and platform could be very nicely executed balancing loads of cushion and stability, with a  energetic but additionally forgiving journey. The brand new Lightstrike 2.0 foam is to not be confused with the sooner taste as it’s softer, much less harsh and extra energetic. Little or no vibration is transmitted even on laborious surfaces. It’s clearly not a traditional EVA which may have been seen even a few years in the past in most path footwear. The froth jogs my memory of Salomon’s Vitality Foam if a bit firmer and faster reacting,

The platform is cleverly designed with a really broad (110mm) forefoot, a narrowish 70mm midfoot and a fairly broad 85mm heel touchdown. As proven above it clearly has a outstanding and lengthy rocker which is clearly felt as considerably propulsive. When mixed with its snappy flex it climbs very nicely.

Internally  is a plastic shank which reminds so much on the run of adidas well-known Torsion System seen up to now in lots of street footwear. The plate stabilizes, protects from rocks and gives some mild propulsion complimenting the delicate foam. It’s not a full plate (or Vitality Rods) as discovered within the Pace Extremely. 

The general design permits steady heel landings, a fairly agile but steady transition off the midfoot and a broad steady push off with some snappy flex simply forward of the midfoot. I used to be stunned how comparatively “quiet” not slappy they’re on laborious surfaces as path footwear with an enormous outsole usually are, a tribute to  the general design. 

Outsole

Mike P: The outsole is full protection, Continental rubber. I do stress “full”, as a result of there aren’t any cutouts for weight financial savings or to reinforce flexibility. With a mixture of 4 and 5 mm lugs (4mm on the inside, 5mm across the edges) – this outsole is made for a workhorse shoe.

In comparison with the Pace Extremely, the lugs are deeper, and the lugs underneath the center of the foot are a bit extra ruggedly oriented. It’s extra of an all-mountain outsole as in comparison with the faster terrain-oriented Pace Extremely. I don’t discover the shortage of cutouts or flex grooves or no matter to be a hindrance. I examined them on very blended terrain, from clean, sandy and straightforward, to rugged/rocky, and even some off-trail bushwacking. I by no means lacked grip or traction in any state of affairs.

[Deeper more aggressive lugs in the Agravic 3 – more width underfoot – especially under the midfoot and also under the heel]

Sam: The outsole combines sharp lugs (tech terrain) with very first rate on the floor contact areas (smoother terrain) making it any floor versatile. The complete protection does add to weight however provides to the general stability of the shoe. 

Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions

Mike P: The Agravic 3 has a do-it-all, all mountain journey. The higher safety offers full confidence in all method of terrain, from clean stuff as much as rocky, laborious, and technical mountain stuff. I’d say that nothing particularly jumps out at you, however the whole bundle offers a clean, steady, and predictable journey in all circumstances.

In comparison with its racing sibling the Pace Extremely – you get way more stability within the Agravic 3 – particularly within the mid/rear of the shoe. Within the pic under you’ll be able to see the distinction in rear rocker between the 2. The Agravic 3 has an additional row of lugs on the bottom in comparison with the Pace Extremely. This lets you land on the heel a bit extra when wanted, and likewise stabilizes the journey underfoot. You don’t must be a lot up in your forefoot as within the Pace Extremely. 

[Much more ground contact area at the Agravic 3 heel]

The Agravic 3’s way more steady journey ought to work for a wider vary of runner talents. I’d additionally level out that the Agravic 3 does have higher heel maintain than the Agravic 3. The extra commonplace bolstering is formed nicely, cups the heel and holds securely. The Pace Extremely is a bit vertical, with extraordinarily minimal padding on the inside. 

Once more, I discovered the Lightstrike 2.0 foam to be an ideal match for such a flexible path shoe that the Agravic 3 goals to be. It absorbs influence, giving consolation for longer days and on harsher terrain. However it’s additionally not overly delicate, which provides a steady and predictable journey – excellent whenever you simply wish to knock out some path miles. 

The load is barely on the excessive facet at 10.8 oz (306g) in my US 10, however take note we’re speaking a couple of $130 shoe right here – with full protection rubber (didn’t skimp on the lugs both) and a considerably denser midsole foam. I believe it’s okay for the worth level and the intention of the shoe. It’s massively lighter in comparison with the duds that I examined beforehand (Circulate 2 – 11.7 oz, Agravic Professional – 12.4 oz, Agravic Extremely – 11.8 oz). 

In order that makes it 2 for two for Adidas path footwear that I’ve just lately examined. The Agravic 3 is a superb companion choice should you’re racing in both or each of the Terrex Pace or Terrex Pace Extremely fashions. Even should you don’t have the complete Adidas quiver, it’s as stable of a path coach that you could get. 

Mike P’s Rating:  9.13 / 10

Journey: 9 – Easy and predictable, comparatively agile, absorbs influence

Match: 9 – A lot improved over earlier fashions – heel maintain is best than Pace Extremely. Maybe the ankle collar could be lowered a contact, however I’ve no points

Worth: 10 – $130 is a superb worth nowadays for a workhorse shoe

Fashion: 9.5 – The burnt orange mixup seems fairly good

Traction: 9 – Not a lot missing right here

Rock Safety: 9 – Very protecting with out having a large slab underfoot

Smiles 😊😊😊😊😊

Sam: Most of my runs have been on smoother terrain and even fairly a little bit of pavement and gravel paths. The Agravic 3 carried out surprisingly nicely as a “door to path” shoe with a comparatively silent strike, loads of cushion, and a few propulsive rebound and spring. Secure and with nice grip and maintain with a breathable higher  I can’t hesitate to  take them climbing within the Alps subsequent week. And they are going to be my alternative this coming weekend for a 17K path race in Switzerland on average terrain for his or her dynamic forgiving journey on different terrain which can embrace some pavement and gravel roads.

As with their street footwear adidas right here at Terrex has dramatically stepped up their recreation within the final 12 months with trendy foams, lighter weights, and much more versatile rides. Right here the Agravic 3 can simply function a single path shoe within the quiver, a coach to go along with plated springier race footwear, and likewise a high-quality climbing shoe. At $130 the versatile completely trendy Agravic 3 is a superb worth. 

Sam’s Rating: 9.4 / 10

No important deductions in any space however it might be good if it might weigh considerably much less, sub 10 oz / 283g.

😊😊😊😊😊

Comparisons

Index to all RTR opinions: HERE 

Adidas Terrex Agravic Pace Extremely (RTR Assessment)

Mike P (10.0): In contrast all through – Agravic 3 is a heavier, extra versatile, inexpensive coaching shoe which might simply be paired with the Pace Extremely. Foam underfoot is nowhere close to as dynamic, however way more steady. The platform underfoot can also be wider on the midfoot rear, with much less wild rocker. You don’t must be as discerning along with your foot placements as with the Pace Extremely. Sizing is similar, I measurement as much as 10 for consolation, however might go 9.5 if I used to be operating shorter/sooner in each. Heel maintain is best within the Agravic 3, however in any other case the uppers match equally. 

Sam: (8.5)For runners not as speedy as Mike, together with me! the Agravic 3 is a transparent alternative for its versatility, far cheaper price, extra steady and manageable any tempo journey, and safer higher.

Adidas Terrex Agravic Pace (RTR Assessment)

Sam: (8.5): Virtually 2 oz /  6g lighter on the identical 36/24 stack top, the Pace incorporates a mixture of Lightstrike 2.0 foam (as within the Agravic 3) as an outer service with a core of supercritical Lightstrike Professional (as within the Pace Extremely which is all Professional foam). Its higher is extra minimal and fewer supportive than the three’s with its journey, even with no mid foot plate, as springier than the three’s. It’s a nice choice for all out quick operating on smoother terrain, and simpler to manage than the Pace Extremely whereas the Agravic 3 is a significantly extra versatile day in day trip shoe for a greater diversity of terrain and is $30 much less.

Altra Expertise Wild (RTR Assessment)

Mike P (10.0): One in every of my favourite coaching footwear – the Wild offers a distinct really feel – softer, much less dense cushion, and a extra versatile really feel underfoot. The Wild has no plate so I’d say it really works your toes a bit extra should you’re not used to the broader toebox. The Wild is a full ounce lighter – I actually prefer it on smoother stuff, however the foothold is nowhere close to as safe because the Agravic 3. I’d certainly decide the Adidas in case your terrain skews extra rugged. These are two of my favourite coaching footwear in the intervening time.

Brooks Catamount 3 (RTR Assessment)

Mike P (10.0): This can be a little bit of a sleeper shoe – I haven’t had event to take them out that a lot as I haven’t raced just lately of their candy spot – which I’d say is round 50k. The Cat 3 has an identical stage of higher foothold and safety. Some minor variations – the Cat 3 ankle collar is a bit decrease, which feels higher. Additionally, the Cat 3 is wider on the forefoot which is preferable. Additionally a 1 ouncesweight distinction because the Cat 3 is available in a really good 9.5 oz. The Brooks foam is lighter and fewer dense, and with its plate – is the sooner shoe. I’d say the Cat 3 leans extra in direction of racing, whereas the extra cushioned Adidas is squarely a coaching shoe. 

Hoka Mafate Pace 4 (RTR Assessment)

Mike P (10.0): This can be a coaching choice if you wish to go all-out on cush, but nonetheless maintains stable foothold and traction. The MS4 has a noticeably softer really feel underfoot and contours extra over terrain than the stiffer Adidas. You do must watch out to handle the softness in technical terrain. The Adidas’ firmer really feel appears to make them extra agile, however that comes down to private desire. Each are about the identical weight, however the Hoka is $50 extra. I actually like each these – I’d practice largely within the Adidas, however go along with the Hoka in situations the place I really need cushion to guard my toes for all day(s) affairs.

Merrell Agility Peak 5 (RTR Assessment)

Mike P (10.0): This shoe is about up equally to the Agravic 3 – with an identical dense kind foam and a stiffer journey. The Agility Peak has a bit extra rocker up entrance, and is a bit much less agile. It sort of needs you to roll on footstrike, whereas the Adidas permits extra versatility. The Merrell higher is a minimize behind the Adidas too. It’s considerably slender and tapered up entrance, with a bit extra quantity within the heel cup. The Merrell is barely lighter, however I’d go along with the Agravic 3, with its extra versatile and enjoyable journey.

Salomon Genesis (RTR Assessment)

Mike P (9.5): The “finances” or “common” Genesis has a softer foam underfoot than the Adidas. Journey is equally clean and responsive, however there’s a bit extra flexibility and as I discussed, softness with the Genesis. Each full protection outsoles carry out equally. I examined a US 9.5 within the Genesis, which was much less spacious than the S/LAB Genesis in the identical measurement. Quantity excessive within the toebox is a bit shallow and I get some pinky facet strain after some time. I’d ideally measurement as much as a ten in these if I had the selection once more. Each footwear goal the identical market – I are likely to favor the match up entrance of the Agravic 3, which breaks the tie for me. It’s additionally inexpensive by $30.

Sam (8.5): I’ve the same if lighter S/Lab model of the Genesis. To re-familiarize myself  with them I ran them on consecutive days on firmer clean terrain. The Agravic 3 has a springier considerably firmer journey whereas the Genesis is softer, extra agile and extra floor conforming with extra path really feel because it doesn’t have the midfoot plate/shank of the adidas. The 30/22 stack top of the Salomon is lower than the 36/24 of the Agravic with much less heel cushion and extra shock transmitted there. The S/Lab Genesis higher is but safer and decrease quantity and is extra acceptable for technical terrain whereas each are true to measurement for me. For racing and coaching on extra technical terrain the Salomon, for throughout versatility and higher worth the Agravic.

Topo Ultraventure 3 (RTR Assessment)

Mike P (9.5/10.0): This can be a favourite coaching shoe of mine – so good I purchased a second (with first a take a look at pair)!  Main differentiating elements are the Topo’s broad and spacious toebox and its flat, non-technical lugs. The Ultraventure is oh so clean and cozy on simple trails, however struggles past that. The foothold can not match that of the Agravic 3, and its outsole is also nowhere close to as versatile. I’m joyful to have each choices for various situations.

VJ MAXx 2 (RTR Assessment)

Mike P (9.0): Each footwear are in the identical stack vary, with the VJ at 31/25mm with  a contact much less drop, however it’s not noticeable. The VJ foam is gentle and tremendous bouncy – very totally different from Lightstrike 2.0. It needs to bounce and go quick – it’s additionally 2+ ounceslighter! The MAXx2 is among the finest shoe releases this 12 months, and I attain for it for shorter, sooner outings in any  terrain. You do have to be cautious in technical terrain although because of the bounciness. The Adidas is a extra versatile shoe, particularly for longer outings. The VJ higher additionally wants some refinement – the fabric is oddly thick and there’s some additional spaciousness within the heel space. However aside from that, it’s an excellent shoe. Once more, I like each footwear for various situations.

Tester Profiles

Mike Postaski at the moment focuses on lengthy mountainous ultras – wherever from 50K as much as his favourite – 100M. 5’10”, 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker – he usually averages 70 mpw (totally on trails), ramping as much as 100+ mpw throughout race buildups. A current 2:39 street marathoner, his simple operating tempo ranges from 7:30 – 9:00/mi. From 2022-23 Mike has received the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M path ultras, successful the Scout 50M in 2024. He additionally set a CR of 123.74M on the Pulse Endurance Runs 24H and accomplished the Boise Trails Problem on foot in 3 days 13 hours, besting the earlier document by 7 hours. Mike’s shoe preferences lean in direction of firmer, dense cushioning, and footwear with narrower profiles. He prefers additional forefoot house, particularly for lengthy ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe containers.

Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Street Path Run. He’s in his 60’s  with 2024 Sam’s 52th 12 months of operating roads and trails. He has a a long time outdated 2:28 marathon PR. Lately he runs halves within the simply sub 1:40 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week largely at average paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, climbing or on nordic skis. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he isn’t having fun with too many high-quality New England IPA’s