The adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is a trail shoe that looks like it escaped from a road race and headed straight for mountain trails. It features Lightstrike Pro foam, Energy Rods, and an 8mm drop – solutions from road running shoes brought to the world of trail running. Add to that an aggressive outsole, a minimalist upper and a weight of around 261g. Sounds like a recipe for a fast trail killer. You bet it is!
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is a lightweight trail shoe designed for fast off-road running. It combines features that are usually mutually exclusive: it is well cushioned and surprisingly responsive. It’s for runners who not only want to conquer trails, but also race them seriously. The outsole suggests sufficient grip for easy and moderately technical routes, both in lowland and forest terrain, as well as in the mountains. This model has one purpose: to drive the pace.
Pros
- extremely good cushioning
- very soft
- highly dynamic and springy
- rocking profile for faster running
- versatile Contunental outsole
- very lightweight (among the 9% lightest trail shoes)
Cons
- high price
- narrow upper, not for wide feet
- stiff heel counter may cause discomfort
adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra alternatives
If you are looking for a fast trail shoe with carbon support, the Agravic Speed Ultra has several strong competitors: the Asics Metafuji Trail, NB Fuelcell SC Trail, Hoka Tecton X 3, and Nike Ultrafly also combine these two technologies. However, they differ slightly in terms of cushioning and character – Agravic stands out in this group as one of the best balanced between lightness and dynamics.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra | 38/30 | 8 | 261 | 230 | 230 |
| Asics Metafuji Trail | 45/40 | 5 | 260 | n/a | 250 |
| Hoka Tecton X 3 | 40/35 | 5 | 286 | 224 | 250 |
| Nike Ultrafly | 38/30 | 8 | 300 | 249 | 250 |
| New Balance Fuelcell SC Trail | 36.5/26.5 | 10 | 270 | 214 | 220 |
Cushioning and dynamics go hand in hand
The cushioning in the Agravic Speed Ultra is very good – it’s not maximum, but that’s actually an advantage. This allows the shoe to offer solid comfort without losing control, which sometimes disappears with overly soft and lush midsoles. Nevertheless, the stack is impressive: 38 mm under the heel and 30 mm under the toes. That’s a lot, but not a record – there are even higher models on the market.
Cushioning is mainly provided by Lightstrike Pro foam, known from the Adizero line of asphalt running shoes. It is springy, soft, and very dynamic—exactly what you expect from a shoe designed for speed. Comfort and energy return clearly go hand in hand here.
Between the two layers of foam there is space for Energy Rods – a carbon element that is not a classic plate, but a set of flexible carbon fiber “forks.” At the front, they split into four arms, at the rear into two, and in the middle they converge into a single shaft. This construction acts as a springy frame: it stiffens the midsole in the right places, supports the push-off and improves the smoothness of the foot roll. Compared to a classic full carbon plate, Energy Rods offer more flexibility and a better fit for varied terrain. This can be important in terrain where it is natural for the foot to position itself slightly differently with each step on uneven ground.
The carbon fork also helps maintain the aggressive contour of the midsole, which is clearly noticeable in the Agravic Speed Ultra. The front of the shoe has a distinct “cradle” that encourages foot roll and literally pushes the runner forward. This effect is particularly noticeable on harder, flatter surfaces, where the geometry really “works.”
However, it is important to remember that this is still a trail shoe. The carbon dynamics and rocker show their full potential primarily on gravel paths, forest highways, or gentle descents. When we enter more difficult, technical terrain—with lots of stones, roots, or steep climbs—this effect is no longer noticeable. And in mud? Here, the Agravic Speed Ultra does not shine. The dynamic potential of this shoe will be wasted. The outsole won’t help either.
Continental for gravel and dry rocks
The outsole of the Agravic Speed Ultra is made of a Continental rubber compound, which in itself inspires confidence – it is a proven partner for many adidas trail and asphalt shoes. The studs are of varying heights: they are lower in the center (approx. 2.5 mm) and slightly higher at the edges (up to 3.0–3.2 mm, according to our own measurements). This is a “golden mean” value – versatile and non-aggressive.
This outsole will perform well on paved paths, forest trails, gravel, and stones. I wouldn’t expect miracles on soft, muddy terrain—the studs are too short to effectively bite into the soggy ground.
On the plus side, it is worth noting that the outsole covers practically the entire midsole, except for one narrow groove in the middle. This protects the Lightstrike PRO foam from abrasion, which is important because, although it is dynamic and comfortable, it is not particularly durable.
Upper – light, breathable, snug
The upper in Agravicas resembles those used in shoes from the Adiezero line. It is made of a single layer of thin yet durable mesh. It feels pleasant and appears very breathable at first glance.
There is less space inside than outside. At its widest point, the shoe measures 102.2 mm, which places it among the narrower shoes. Compared to other models, this space is more typical of racing shoes than training shoes. Nevertheless, the lightness and flexibility of the material mean that the lack of space is not noticeable.
The midfoot area is also quite narrow but secure. The upper is stiffened with delicate reinforcements, which does the job and allows for good foot support. The tongue? As in a purebred racing shoe, it is very thin, which, combined with the fairly narrow upper, is a good solution in terms of fit.
Looking at the thin and lightweight upper, it is not surprising that the heel counter is constructed in exactly the same way. It lacks the classic stiffening found in “slower” shoes. The stiffening is delicate, very soft and easily bendable in your hands, let alone during foot movement. It makes for the minimalist grip characteristic of asphalt running shoes, but we are talking about a trail shoe here… A slightly stiffer rear could be beneficial in terms of overall stability.
The heel counter also has a flat, stiff finish. It is not a soft cushion. Getting rid of the foam obviously reduces the weight of the shoe, but may not suit every runner. This is especially true when it comes to trail running, where it is natural for the foot to land at different angles. Unfortunately, such a stiff edge may increase the risk of discomfort or chafing in the ankle and Achilles tendon area, especially for people prone to irritation in this area. With this type of upper finish, it is also essential to wear appropriately high socks before starting to run.
Ultra-lightweight with a punch
According to the producer, the men’s Agravic Speed Ultra weighs 261 grams, and the women’s version only 230 grams. This is very light for a trail shoe, especially considering the presence of carbon and such solid cushioning. Trail shoes are not usually lightweight, but this is an exception.
In my size, US 12, which means more material, the shoe weighs 295 grams, which is still a great result. Looking at the available data, it ranks among the 9% lightest trail models on the market. These figures accurately reflect the character of this model – light, fast, without any unnecessary grams.
Summary
The adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is a lightweight, dynamic trail shoe that draws heavily on solutions known from asphalt running shoes. Carbon forks, soft Lightstrike Pro foam and an aggressively contoured midsole create a shoe ready for fast runs on gravel and easier trails. The upper and heel counter are minimalist, which reduces weight but requires a precise fit and appropriate socks. This is a model for those who want to run fast and light on the trail—and know where that lightness works best.
