Jessica Ennis-Hill's black adidas hiking boots are a stylish way to stay warm and dry this winter

Combining waterproofing with comfort and style, these black adidas boots are a go-to for wintery walks this season

Jessica Ennis-Hill
(Image credit: Getty Images)

We're always on the lookout for walking boots that combine style with practicality. Finding a pair that gets the balance right is surprisingly difficult. This week, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill offered up some inspiration with her black adidas hiking boots.

The Olympic champion is on her second day of trekking across South Africa's rocky Western Cape, raising money for children's mental health. We're far from the warm climate there, but I couldn't help but notice the all-season adidas walking boots on her feet. Waterproof, breathable, and stylish, they are particularly perfect for our rainy weather.

Finding walking shoes that actually manage to be practical, supportive, stylish, and comfortable is a real challenge, so I was over the moon to spot these. Although, we'll likely pair them with some workout leggings rather than shorts this month.

Jessica's adidas Outdoor Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex Hiking Boots are waterproof and breathable. They have a rubber outsole with thick lugs for better grip, even in wet and slippery conditions. The adidas Primeknit material in the upper has a stretchy sock-like design that makes it particularly supportive around the ankle, but adaptive so you don't feel 'locked in'.

There are two other models of this hiking boot, with the latest released just a couple of months ago. The Adidas Free Hiker 2.0 Gore-Tex is an upgrade to Jessica's boots, featuring a BOOST midsole that helps propel you forward as you walk - but doesn't feel unstable.

Wondering what to wear hiking? I've tried and tested many pairs of walking boots over the last couple of years, but these sit among my favourites.

In her Instagram post about the hike, Jessica wrote: "Day 2 @laureussport 100km TrekA hot day out there but the views well and truly delivered ☺️We’re raising as much as we can for children’s mental health. Check out the link in my bio if you want to see more or donate 😘"

Jessica is part of a 100-person team trekking through South Africa's Western Cape to raise money "to support the mental health of young people around the world", she wrote on the fundraising page.

The challenge includes 100km of hiking over four days and camping each night. She says it "is most certainly a challenge and will push me out of my comfort zone."

Grace Walsh
Health Channel Editor

Grace Walsh is woman&home's Health Channel Editor, working across the areas of fitness, nutrition, sleep, mental health, relationships, and sex. She is also a qualified fitness instructor. In 2025, she will be taking on her third marathon in Brighton, completing her first ultra marathon, and qualifying as a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.

A digital journalist with over seven years experience as a writer and editor for UK publications, Grace has covered (almost) everything in the world of health and wellbeing with bylines in Cosmopolitan, Red, The i Paper, GoodtoKnow, and more.