To celebrate the launch of the Skychaser AX5 GORE-TEX, adidas TERREX joined forces with the LA-based outdoor collective Usal Project last weekend, offering its community a chance to test the model on a sunset hike. The new and improved AX5 sits in the sweet spot between entry-level and performance grade, emerging from the Skychaser line — adidas TERREX’s most technical hiking range. Led by enthusiastic Usal volunteers, the TERREX team invited me to join the miniature expedition in my own pair. Upon arrival on a sweltering Saturday evening, it was only a matter of minutes before dozens of freshly-opened AX5s cluttered the LA streets outside Usal’s new Los Feliz hub.

What I thought might be an intimate Saturday evening hike instead turned out to be a much larger function, one that attracted a long line down the block of Usal’s HQ. With the organization still putting its finishing touches on the LA space and building the foundations of its New York City chapter, the major turnout was a surprise. Hundreds of eager participants waited patiently in the midst of a heatwave to retrieve their gear, including headlamps and a limited stock of AX5s  to test.

In a similar vein to the intention behind the new model, the recently relocated Usal community hub and shop aims to bridge the gap between city life and nature — an oasis for urban outdoor enthusiasts, blocks from the LA landmark Griffith Park. Founded by Michael Washington in 2022, Usal Project and its growing network have been helming workshops, classes, and events, much like the “Chase The Sky” hike, centered on the final weekend of August. 

Starting from the Hillhurst Ave location, the group made its way toward the trailhead at Griffith Park. However, this wasn’t your typical golden hour hike. In addition to the rewarding sunset panorama of Los Angeles, a set from DJ Hayes Bradley awaited at the Griffith Helipad. If you’re trying to get more urbanites on the trails, booking a live DJ for the summit is one sure way to get them on board.

Elisa Schaller, category director of outdoor at adidas, explained that the AX line has always addressed those who are looking for “sturdy looking control and stability”. When I unboxed my own AX5s, I could already sense the sturdy in-hand feel; however, the shoe maintained a lightweight feel on foot, from my uphill ascent to dancing at the helipad after-party. Its lightness comes from the LIGHTMOTION EVA midsole, while the Continental™ rubber outsole, featuring 4mm lugs, ensures all-terrain grip using car tire technology. 

The shoe doesn’t read heavily granola, featuring sleek, low-profile overlays and subdued neutral colorways accented with teal and neon orange. According to Schaller, the overall brief for the updated model was to empower people to “write their own script,” ensuring it has all the bells and whistles for various activities, while maintaining aesthetic versatility. In short, adidas spotlights not only its technical features, but its ability to transition from city sidewalks, dirt trails, and even the dancefloor all within the span of an hour. 

In the same way that we’re seeing formal loafers mutate into sneaker styles, outdoor design details are gradually finding their way into everyday life as city dwellers seek heightened functionality. As a Brooklyn resident who stays within the city most of the year, outdoor sneakers remain integral to my rotation. Staying dry and stable is essential, not only for outdoor recreation, but for commuting across the city during Summer rainstorms and Winter freezes. Schaller noted that in urban environments, such as New York City’s damp winter streets, the shoe’s grip and waterproof finishes can also be of major service. 

The updated model includes a patented heel lining with foam pods for a secure fit, all backed by an additional water-resistant GORE-TEX membrane. Additionally, the heel pods were inspired by a “race car seat,” locking the wearer’s foot in to prevent slippage. For outdoor novices, Schaller emphasized that comfort is the absolute biggest priority, because you don’t want your gear to distract from the experience.

adidas TERREX offers these technical features at a more accessible price point, keeping in mind that many customers are just beginning their outdoor journeys. Schaller shared that the brand sees a large number of new people engaging in outside activities and “micro-adventures” who aren’t quite outdoor loyalists yet. The brand’s goal is ultimately to “provide accessibility,” ensuring that even beginners are “ready for whatever is needed, whether it’s a trail run or a short hike close to home.”

This multifaceted ethos is also true of the latest TERREX apparel line, including new ultra-light cargos and asymmetrical ClimaCool tees. The cargos feature a deep sewn-in pleat below the waistband, while the new TERREX tees feature monochrome patchwork. In addition to the main TERREX line, Usal and adidas launched a limited edition “Chase the Sky” T-shirt featuring a spiral hiking illustration. 

Having packed extremely light for my short trip to LA, the AX5s and the pleated cargos followed me into the next day’s fit. Instead of wearing them for another hike, I threw on an oversized blue button-up to complete the look and wandered around Silverlake, hitting local bookshop Stories, the Silverlake Flea, Masa for lunch, and Echo Park before heading to LAX. And yes, I wore them to the airport too.

All in all, the new AX5 stands as a testament to the fact that high performance doesn’t have to sacrifice modern style. With its fusion of rugged durability and urban versatility, adidas TERREX is betting on the notion that the future of the outdoor category lies where the trailhead meets the city street.

Priced at $120 USD, the Skychaser AX5 GORE-TEX is available now at the adidas webstore.