Short verdict: the Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GORE-TEX is a waterproof, conventionally cushioned trail shoe for wet paths, walking and easy-to-steady running. The current men’s version is listed at 373g in UK 8.5 with a 23/16mm platform and 7mm drop; the women’s is 312g in UK 5.5 with 21/15mm and a 6mm drop. It offers useful British-weather protection, but it is not lightweight racing footwear and it should not be confused with the open-mesh standard Tracerocker 2.
This is a researched guide, not a wear test. Zone2 has no retained GTX pair, test size, mileage log or photographs. The old page spent most of its space on unrelated runners, Salomon shoes and hiking models, then used unattributed customer anecdotes as durability evidence. This rewrite uses exact current Adidas UK men’s and women’s product records plus GORE-TEX care guidance.
Zone2 verdict
Buy it for: wet grass, damp forest paths, cold rain, muddy walking, dog walking and mixed trail routes where keeping water from passing through the upper is worth a heavier shoe.
Choose the standard version instead when: mild-weather ventilation, faster drying, lower weight potential and a £15 lower regular price matter more than a membrane. See the paired standard Tracerocker 2 review for its open-mesh specification.
Think twice for: hot summer running, racing, deep water, severe fell terrain, road-heavy routes, or runners needing a published wide option. GORE-TEX keeps external water out through the lined upper; it cannot stop water entering over the low collar.
Tracerocker 2.0 GORE-TEX specifications
The men’s and women’s shoes have different published dimensions, so they are separated below. The figures apply to current UK product codes checked on 17 July 2026.
| Feature | Men’s JI1305/JI1304 | Women’s JI1307/IH7938 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Waterproof trail-running shoe | Waterproof trail-running shoe |
| Listed weight | 373g at UK 8.5 | 312g at UK 5.5 |
| Heel / forefoot | 23mm / 16mm | 21mm / 15mm |
| Drop | 7mm | 6mm |
| Upper | Textile with synthetic overlays | Textile with synthetic overlays |
| Membrane | GORE-TEX | GORE-TEX |
| Midsole | EVA | EVA |
| Outsole | Traxion with lugs | Traxion with lugs |
| Fit label | Regular | Regular |
| Recycled/renewable claim | At least 20% total | At least 20% total |
| UK regular price when checked | £100 | £100 |
The men’s Adidas UK JI1305 page provides the 373g weight, 23/16mm geometry and 7mm drop. The women’s JI1307 page lists 312g, 21/15mm and 6mm. Do not compare those weights without accounting for the different sample sizes.
Standard Tracerocker 2 vs GORE-TEX
| Feature | Standard Tracerocker 2.0 | Tracerocker 2.0 GORE-TEX |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | Open mesh with synthetic overlays | Reinforced textile/synthetic upper with membrane |
| Waterproofing | No waterproof claim | GORE-TEX waterproof coverage |
| Midsole | Lightweight EVA | EVA |
| Outsole | Traxion | Traxion with lugs |
| Published weight/drop | Not stated on checked codes | Published separately for men and women |
| Regular UK price | £85 | £100 |
| Best use | Mild weather and faster drying | Wet or cold routes where upper protection matters |
The decision is not simply “better” versus “worse”. A membrane can be valuable in rain and cold wet vegetation while also retaining more warmth and slowing drainage if water enters over the collar. The standard upper sacrifices the barrier but is designed for ventilation. Choose for the route and season.
How waterproof is the Tracerocker 2 GORE-TEX?
Adidas explicitly describes this model as waterproof and lists a GORE-TEX membrane. GORE says its footwear technologies are engineered to be durably waterproof, windproof and breathable. That is a documented product feature, unlike the generic waterproof claim on the old standard-model page.
Waterproof does not mean submersible. Water can enter over the ankle collar during a stream crossing, deep puddle or heavy splash. Sweat can also make a sock feel damp even when no rain has crossed the membrane. Breathable means water vapour can pass through the system under suitable conditions; it does not mean the shoe will feel as cool as open mesh.
Use the membrane when the likely benefit exceeds the trade-off:
- Strong case: wet grass, shallow puddles, rain and cold muddy paths.
- Mixed case: intermittent showers on a warm day, where internal heat may matter more.
- Weak case: deep crossings, bog above the collar or hot dry trails.
A developing leak is not something Zone2 can diagnose remotely. Clean and dry the shoe correctly, inspect for cuts or seam damage, and contact the retailer, Adidas or GORE-TEX support when performance appears inconsistent with the product claim.
Weight, stack and 6–7mm drop
The men’s 373g listing confirms that this is a substantial trail shoe rather than a lightweight racer. The women’s 312g figure is lower but is measured in UK 5.5 rather than UK 8.5, so it cannot establish a like-for-like gender difference.
The men’s 23/16mm stack creates a 7mm arithmetic drop. The women’s 21/15mm stack creates 6mm. Both are moderate geometries, but stack and drop alone cannot predict softness, stability, injury risk or comfort. Adidas does not publish foam hardness or laboratory energy return for this EVA midsole.
The old articles referred to a 9–12mm range and called the midsole Lightstrike. Neither statement matches the current official GTX specification. Introduce any change in shoe geometry through short sessions, especially if your normal footwear has a much higher heel or softer platform.
EVA cushioning and trail feel
Adidas positions the EVA midsole as cushioned support for trail effort. It is a conventional material rather than one of the brand’s premium racing foams. Zone2 has not run in the shoe, so this guide does not claim softness, responsiveness or a maximum comfortable distance.
The 23mm men’s heel provides some separation from the ground without creating a very tall platform. That may appeal to runners who prefer ordinary trail feedback, but it does not prove protection from rocks. No rock plate is listed on the checked codes.
For long runs, test the shoe progressively on the same surfaces, carrying load and socks planned for the event. Feet can respond differently when a membrane is warm, the upper is wet externally or the route includes prolonged descents.
Traxion grip and UK terrain
The GTX model uses a Traxion outsole with lugs. Adidas presents it for wet and dry trail use and varied terrain. The exact pages do not publish lug depth or specify Continental rubber.
- Good intended match: forest paths, gravel, ordinary mud, wet grass and countryside tracks.
- Use care: wet roots, polished stone, timber bridges and algae, where any outsole can slip.
- Unproven specialist use: deep peat, steep fell races, scree and highly technical mountain terrain.
- Poor primary surface: long road sections, where trail lugs may feel less smooth and can wear faster.
The previous page called the grip excellent on slippery surfaces without a documented test method. This refresh reports the intended design and its limits rather than converting marketing or customer comments into Zone2 findings.
Fit and sizing
All checked codes are labelled regular fit, but Adidas’s live recommendation differs. The men’s JI1305 page recommended the usual size when checked. The women’s JI1307 and IH7938 pages showed a returns-based instruction to move up half a size.
That is more useful than the old unattributed suggestion to size up “by a quarter”. Follow the exact product code and current live guidance, then test:
- heel hold on inclines, descents and cambers;
- toe clearance during downhill movement;
- pressure from overlays across the forefoot and instep;
- volume with the thicker socks you may wear in cold weather;
- fit after the upper flexes, without assuming it will stretch into the correct shape.
The official “regular” label is not proof of a wide toe box. No wide option is listed on these codes. Increasing length may create heel slip while leaving a width pressure point unresolved.
Breathability and seasonal use
GORE-TEX is designed to pass moisture vapour while blocking external water, and Adidas describes a balance of breathability and waterproof coverage. A membrane shoe can still feel warmer than the standard open-mesh Tracerocker during hard running or mild weather.
For much of the UK, the GTX version is easiest to justify from late autumn through early spring, or year-round for slow wet walking. The standard version may be more comfortable for summer trail running and for runners who accept wet feet in exchange for ventilation and drainage.
Sock selection matters. A thick absorbent sock can remain damp from sweat, while a technical sock may manage moisture more effectively. Cotton does not become a waterproof system merely because the shoe has a membrane.
Running, walking and longer distances
Adidas categorises the shoe for trail running, and its conventional EVA, low cut and lugged outsole also make it plausible for countryside walking. The previous article extended that into hiking, trekking, snowboarding and skiing without exact product guidance. A low trail-running shoe is not a replacement for insulated winter footwear or activity-specific boots.
For easy trail running and run-walk outings, the model’s intended use is clear. For a trail marathon, the question is individual comfort rather than whether a generic trail shoe can cover 42.2km. Complete long training runs in it before race day and check the event surface, weather, kit load and foot swelling.
For road marathons, use a road-focused shoe unless the course is genuinely mixed or off-road. Continue with the UK trail and fell running hub or build distance through the marathon training hub.
Recycled and renewable materials
The current GTX pages state that the product contains at least 20% recycled and renewable materials. The old guide instead claimed Primegreen and at least 50% recycled content. That wording may belong to a different product generation, but it is not the current claim for JI1305 or JI1307.
A material percentage alone cannot establish total lifecycle impact, durability or end-of-life recovery. Zone2 reports the exact claim without turning it into an “eco-friendly” performance verdict.
Care and durability
Zone2 has no basis for an expected mileage or the old anecdote that a pair wore out after five weeks. Check the outsole, upper flex points, membrane-facing damage, lining and bonds after abrasive or muddy outings.
Official GORE-TEX footwear care guidance recommends removing loose dirt, cleaning with lukewarm water and a small amount of liquid detergent, avoiding bleach and machine washing, and drying naturally away from direct heat. It also advises a water-based DWR treatment when water no longer beads, while avoiding waxes or greases that can affect breathability.
Care cannot reverse a torn upper, punctured membrane, worn outsole or failed bond. Contact the seller or manufacturer when damage appears premature rather than masking it with unsupported home treatment.
Price and UK value
Men’s and women’s GTX references carried a £100 regular UK price when checked, versus £85 for the standard model. Sale prices varied widely by colour and stock. Use the regular £15 difference to understand the range, then compare the actual checkout price.
The GTX premium is worthwhile when the membrane will be used regularly. Paying more for waterproofing on mostly warm, dry routes can produce a less suitable shoe rather than a better one. Zone2 has no paid placement or affiliate weighting in this verdict.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Adidas Tracerocker 2 GORE-TEX waterproof?
Yes. Adidas lists a GORE-TEX membrane and describes the shoe as waterproof. Water can still enter over the low collar, and wear or damage can affect performance.
How much does the Tracerocker 2 GTX weigh?
The current men’s JI1305/JI1304 references are 373g at UK 8.5. The women’s JI1307/IH7938 references are 312g at UK 5.5. Those sample sizes are different and should not be compared directly.
What is the heel-to-toe drop?
The men’s shoe is 7mm at 23mm heel and 16mm forefoot. The women’s is 6mm at 21mm heel and 15mm forefoot.
Does the Tracerocker 2 GTX use Lightstrike?
No Lightstrike foam is listed on the checked current codes. Adidas specifies an EVA midsole.
Is the Tracerocker 2 GTX true to size?
Fit guidance varies by exact code. The checked men’s page recommended the usual size, while the women’s pages recommended moving up half a size based on returns. Confirm the live page and try the shoe with trail socks.
Is the GTX version better than the standard Tracerocker 2?
It is better at blocking water through the upper, but the standard shoe offers open-mesh ventilation and a lower regular price. The better choice depends on weather, route, warmth and fit.
Can it be used for hiking?
It can suit ordinary path walking when its low-cut trail-running construction fits the route. Adidas does not present it as a technical mountaineering, snowboarding or skiing boot.
Final verdict
The Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GORE-TEX is a practical wet-weather trail shoe, not a hidden performance racer. Its documented membrane, Traxion lugs, conventional EVA and moderate 6–7mm geometry fit easy running and walking on the damp paths common across Britain.
Choose it when dry socks through the upper matter enough to accept warmth, weight and a £100 regular price. Choose the open-mesh standard model for milder conditions. In either case, follow the exact product code’s sizing guidance and judge the outsole against the real route rather than broad “all-terrain” promises.