Unlocking a personal best or hitting a new weekly mileage is usually the result of intentional work and goal setting. Some runners spend months—even years—training for a race or distance. And developing the footwear to support these efforts requires a similar intentionality. So, just like its trail running team members, adidas TERREX sets lofty goals and puts the hard work into reaching them. That’s how the Agravic Speed Ultra, Agravic Speed, and the newly launched Agravic 3 came to be. To learn more about the Agravic family and how the styles perform for elite and everyday athletes, we talked with Rowan Boyd, senior product manager for adidas TERREX, and Emily Hawgood, adidas TERREX ultra runner and fifth place female finisher at Western States Endurance Run (WSER) 2023. Here’s what they had to say.
Outside: What’s unique about the way adidas TERREX tested and perfected the Agravic Speed Ultra?
Rowan Boyd: At TERREX, we have the privilege of working with our amazing athletes to make all the shoes you see available today. The insights and feedback sessions are invaluable, and the successes we have seen would not have been possible without their expert input.
The Agravic Speed Ultra is a great example of this success. We started three years ago with a challenging ambition: design a shoe that would win the 2023 WSER. We worked together with Tom Evans, Ruth Croft, Abby Hall, Petter Engdahl, and Pablo Villa to biomechanically test different geometries and rods on the treadmill, wear test prototypes on the trails, and provide ample feedback for improvement rounds.
Fast forward to 2023, Tom Evans finished first at WSER giving the Agravic Speed Ultra the top spot on the podium!
The Agravic Speed Ultra inspired the Agravic Speed and Agravic 3. Why was it important to introduce two more models to the Agravic family?
Boyd: With the Agravic Speed Ultra, we accomplished what we set out to deliver—a light-and-fast trail shoe. The Agravic Speed Ultra sits at the pinnacle of our trail offering and is designed to help you run fast for long distances. Our fastest trail running shoe yet, with a focus on efficiency and downhill speed, it has proven its success with podium finishes at some of the most competitive international ultra trail events. However, runners—and the terrain they train in—vary, so we needed additional models to focus on different distances and types of trail. That’s why we’ve introduced the Agravic Speed and the Agravic 3. With this complete lineup, we can extend the idea of experiencing speed like never before to as many runners as possible.
Each model in the Agravic family is designed to support different goals. How can runners choose the right shoe for their needs?Â
Boyd: The Agravic family can support daily training runs to elite-level challenges. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best model for your goals:
- The Agravic Speed Ultra is packed with race-winning technology, including integrated Energy Rods for a responsive stride, Lightstrike Pro for energized and lightweight cushioning, and a Continental outsole for reliable traction in all conditions. The dynamic rocker design supports smooth and efficient forefoot running to help you run fast for ultra distances.
- The Agravic Speed is made to run fast on trails, no matter the distance. Featuring a light construction, this shoe offers agile and versatile performance.
- The Agravic 3 is the perfect everyday trail shoe. It’s still focused on optimal race performance, but it delivers a bit more comfort and stability.
Congratulations on being the number five female finisher at the Western States Endurance Run in 2023. Can you tell us about your experience running 100 miles and how the terrain influenced your footwear choice?Â
Emily Hawgood: Thank you so much for the congratulations! Running 100 miles is always a journey—the mountains we run and the people who run them have my biggest respect. I’ve now run six 100-milers. With each race, I learn so much, am challenged in so many ways, and fill up my tool kit a little more. I have finished Western States in seventh and twice in fifth place, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) in tenth and sixth place, and the Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival (IMTUF) in first. I ran all Western States and UTMB courses in adidas TERREX shoes—specifically the original Speed Ultras. And I ran last year’s Western States in the new Agravic Speed Ultras. With these shoes, my race times ranged from 17 hours and 26 minutes to 28 hours and 30 minutes.
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With long-distance running, comfortable footwear is super important for performance. But there are so many other factors to consider: traction for changing trail conditions, versatility for varying terrain, drainage for river crossings, and more. The Agravic Speed Ultra checks every box.
As you prepare for your next endeavor, how are you integrating the TERREX Agravic trail running shoes into your training?Â
Hawgood: My first goal for Western States this year (and every year) is to finish. My secondary goal is to finish in under 24 hours to get a silver buckle. And then a big goal is a top-ten finish to get the automatic invite to compete next year. Since I live nearby, I am on the course a lot. I will be doing all my training on the course in the Agravic Speed Ultras—the shoe I plan to race in—for the amazing grip, comfortable cushion, energy rods, speed-pushing rocker design, and thin sock-like upper that drains in seconds.
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If I’m planning to spend a lot of time on my feet or backpacking in the mountains, I’ll be wearing the new Agravic 3. With a little more support in the heel and great cushion, they’re perfect for everyday wear and stability if I’m hauling a backpack.
Experience Speed Like Never Before
Ready to find your perfect trail running footwear? Compare the Agravic family of shoes below and experience speed like never before.
adidas TERREX is a global leader in the outdoor sporting goods industry. With the mission to enable all humans to live a more connected, conscious, and adventurous life, adidas TERREX combines high-performance technologies with fashion-forward designs to weather the forces of nature and inspire every human being to find their own summits.