Adidas Tracefinder Review: Budget Trail Running Shoes Tested
The Adidas Tracefinder is proof that you do not need to spend £150 to get a competent trail running shoe. At around £50 to £65, it offers more grip, comfort, and durability than you have any right to expect at this price. I bought a pair as a beater shoe for muddy winter runs and ended up using them far more than planned. Here is the full picture after several months of testing.
Build Quality and Design
The Tracefinder uses a textile and synthetic upper that is more breathable than waterproof. In light rain, it keeps moisture out for about 20 minutes before the water seeps through. In sustained rain or puddles, your feet will get wet. The trade-off is that the shoe breathes well in dry conditions and dries quickly after getting soaked — a fair compromise for a budget trail shoe.
The Traxion outsole is the highlight. Adidas has used their trail-specific rubber compound with multi-directional lugs that grip well on packed earth, wet rock, gravel, and light mud. It is not as aggressive as the Salomon Speedcross for deep bog, but for the mixed terrain you find on most UK bridleways and canal towpaths, it is more than adequate.
On the Trail
The Cloudfoam midsole provides a comfortable, slightly soft ride that works well for easy-paced trail runs. It absorbs the impact of roots and rocks without bottoming out, and the ride feels natural over varied terrain. The shoe weighs around 310g, which is heavier than premium trail options but not noticeably so during runs up to 10 miles.
Where it excels is on mixed terrain — the kind of run where you start on tarmac, join a canal path, head through some fields, and come back on road. The Traxion outsole handles all these surfaces without feeling out of place on any of them. It is the definition of a versatile, do-everything trail shoe for runners who do not need specialist grip.
What Works Well
- Outsole grip: The Traxion compound is genuinely good on mixed terrain. Confident on wet stone, packed trails, and moderate mud.
- Comfort: The Cloudfoam midsole is cushioned enough for longer runs without being mushy. The fit is comfortable from the first wear with no break-in needed.
- Durability: The outsole rubber is wearing well after several hundred miles. Better longevity than I expected for the price.
- Value: At £50 to £65, this is one of the best value trail shoes on the market. Regularly on sale for even less.
Where It Falls Short
- Deep mud: The lugs are not deep enough for serious bog or heavy clay. If your trails are consistently muddy, you need a Speedcross or Inov-8.
- No rock plate: On very rocky terrain, you can feel sharp stones through the midsole. A shoe like the HOKA Speedgoat protects better here.
- Not waterproof: If wet feet bother you, look for the Gore-Tex version or a different shoe entirely.
- Weight: At 310g it is on the heavier side. Not ideal for racing or fast trail efforts.
Who Should Buy the Tracefinder?
The Tracefinder is ideal for runners who want a single pair of shoes that handles light to moderate off-road terrain without breaking the bank. If your running takes you on canal towpaths, parks, bridleways, and the occasional muddy field, this shoe will serve you well. It is also an excellent choice for new trail runners who want to try off-road running before committing to a premium trail shoe.
For serious fell running, deep mud, or technical mountain terrain, you will need something more specialised. But for the vast majority of casual trail running in the UK, the Tracefinder does the job remarkably well for remarkably little money.