Columbia has a long and diverse history dating back from 1960s till present, whether it is any sportswear ranging from shirts, jackets, shoes and bags; Columbia has you covered. The company has made its reputable name over the years when it comes to outdoor gear.
Columbia excels in outdoor hiking shoes and boots if you are looking to buy one in a good pocket friendly price. They have extensive variety of both men and women along with children products. The shoes come with excellent traction and flexibility features that are ideal for outdoor use. They always prove to be worth their expense.
Why Choose Columbia Hiking Shoes?
Columbia has introduced their Omni-heat technology for their loyal customers. This new tech included the reflective, helix, infinity, heat seal and a lot of other thermal products that help insulate and regulate your body heat in colder temperatures.
Columbia is a trustworthy and reputable name for a century now and no other brand comes close when it comes to comfort and affordability. Choosing Columbia hiking footwear whenever you go outdoors is always the best choice. Their shoes have an amazing stability, cushioning and traction. They offer extreme flexibility on rough surfaces and have in-built foam to provide extra cushioning and comfort.
They offer outsole traction and tread patterns to provide firm grip on the dry and wet surfaces while hiking. The shoes function perfect especially with their new Omni-max tech outsoles. Most of the Columbia hiking shoes come with a taller collar which offers extra protection on the trail. Not only shoes, I also wear Columbia hiking pants and shirts that offer great comfort on the trail.
Best Columbia Hiking Shoes
1. Columbia Crestwood Hiking shoes
Columbia Crestwood is certainly the best hiking shoe by Columbia which is extremely affordable and provides maximum comfort. They are mid waterproof with the soft leather texture and mesh patterns on the top to make them more breathable especially in warmer weather.
Columbia Crestwood shoes feature an advanced Omni-Tech rubber outsole that is exceptionally soft, providing outstanding grip and traction. Their broad, lightweight design makes them highly suitable for walking on both flat and rocky hiking trails, ensuring enhanced stability and minimizing the risk of slipping. However, one limitation of the Crestwood is its performance on wet surfaces.
The design is not optimized for hard, rigid terrains, making these shoes more effective in dry conditions. While they are not entirely ineffective in wet weather, it is advisable to exercise caution and avoid stepping in puddles.
For ideal use, I recommend wearing these shoes indoors or on dry hiking trails, while minimizing exposure to wet and humid environments. The lightweight nature of their soft and flexible texture, combined with mesh panels, enables the shoes to provide breathability during walks, even in hot summer conditions.
While opting for additional foot-bed cushioning may enhance arch support and overall comfort, it is often unnecessary, as the shoes are inherently quite comfortable on their own. The footwear provides support for a range of activities, from typical day hikes to challenging rocky terrains.
The comfort is further enhanced by incorporating an additional foot bed alongside the one that is already included, ensuring optimal comfort for your feet.
Read more: Columbia Crestwood Hiking Shoes Review
2. Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
Newton Ridge Plus is another option if you are specifically looking for a waterproof hiking boot. They are a very reliable and versatile footwear choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Designed by Columbia Sportswear, these boots are engineered to provide comfort, support, and protection during extended hikes and rugged outdoor activities.
They have a tall collar and can appear as rather a boot than a shoe. They are made with suede leather and mesh upper and its Omni-Tech ability prevents water and moisture from getting in. It also releases excessive heat that can build up in your shoes for hiking in warmer weather making it more breathable and comfortable. It has lightweight responsive foam in its soles for shock impact and cushioning to provide ultimate comfort to your feet.
Newton Ridge has extensive Omni-Tech features alongside its Omni-Grip ability which makes it extra stable on rough and rocky as well as on the wet surfaces. Durability is a major key feature of the Newton Ridge plus II. The boots are made with a combination of multiple things including mesh, and textile, warranting a tough yet breathable design. This makes them not only protective against scrapes and the natural elements but also relatively lightweight, allowing for greater mobility on the trail.
The Newton Ridge plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot is a combination of a balance between comfort, durability, and performance, making it an outstanding choice for those who want to explore the outdoors without distressing about wet feet or compromised support.
3. Columbia Men’s Redmond III Waterproof Shoes
These shoes are designed to provide outdoor adventurers with the perfect balance of comfort, durability, and performance, making them an excellent choice for day hikes, light treks, and casual outdoor activities. Whether you’re traversing rocky trails or strolling through the city, these shoes offer the functionality you need without bargaining on style.
The best thing about these shoes are their versatility, they can easily be worn casually indoors or outdoors. One of the major features of the Redmond III shoes is their waterproof ability. Columbia uses their signature Omni-Tech™ waterproof membrane, which make sure that your feet stay dry in wet conditions, whether you’re crossing streams, walking in the rain, or hiking in damp or moist environments.
The membrane allows dampness from sweat to evaporate, keeping your feet comfortable and stopping them from overheating, which is crucial for longer hikes. It has synthetic leather intersection which provides protection and natural moisture lock down. The shoe entails a tech-lite lightweight midsole, which offers greater cushioning and support. This midsole provides exceptional shock immersion, decreasing foot fatigue on longer distances and guaranteeing comfort even on debris.
They are very cheap and affordable but might not be a perfect fit in cold weather because they don’t offer extra insulation to keep your feet warm. These shoes are best for outdoor hiking in moderate and warm weather conditions offering comfort in low price and are very durable. If you’re walking on rocky surfaces or navigating through, the Redmond III gives responsive cushioning to keep your feet feeling comfy and cozy.
How to Choose the Right Columbia Hiking Shoes?
Choosing the right Columbia shoes can be a bit tricky because all of their shoes and boots come with a lot of perks. You have to pick and choose making sure the comfort level and the conditions under which you will be wearing them.
You have to first determine what kind of outdoor activity you will be doing and for how long. Keeping the terrain difficulty in mind is also crucial, if you are planning to go on a run then Columbia trail-runners would be the best choice.
They are very light weighted, breathable and easy on the feet. If you plan on undertaking a more rocky and challenging trail, then definitely go for a mid or high-cut boot that offers added ankle support and protection.
If the weather would be humid or rainy or even at some point you think you will be coming across a water body, then the waterproof Redmond III or any other shoe with the Omni-Tech quality would be ideal.
Columbia excels in comfort and fit so always make sure the shoe is according to your foot size. You have to make sure if the shoe or the boot of your choice is comfortable and snuggly on your feet and not pinching your toes together.
FAQs
Is Columbia a Good Hiking Brand?
Columbia is a very popular and reputable hiking brand for many years. Their shoes are always a value for money offering the ultimate comfort, versatility and perfect fit. It offers a wide range of outdoor gear which includes shoes, boots and other sportswear apparel. Their products now come with Omni-Tech offering extra cushioning, comfort, grip, traction and warmth. They come with waterproof ability to keep the moisture out of your feet and the mesh panel help keep them breathable especially in warm weather. Overall, Columbia is a great outdoor hiking brand.
Are Columbia Shoes High Quality?
Columbia doesn’t compromise on their quality and materials depending on the product or the model. These shoes are made to withstand various terrains and weather conditions, making them a perfect fit for both casual hikers and more skilled adventurers. However, they may not always match the more exceptional features of more specific brands. Columbia hiking shoes provide excellent value for the price.
Is Columbia Bugaboot Good for Hiking?
Bugaboot is an excellent choice for hiking in snowy weather. Its Omni heat thermal reflective lining keeps your feet warm and they are waterproof to use both in wet or dry weather conditions. They are not as light-weighted as other Columbia shoes but they are a perfect fit for winter hikes.
Are Columbia Shoes Good for Walking?
Yes, Columbia is great for walking since their shoe design is specifically made for that reason. You can easily wear it casually indoors as well as outdoors. They are perfect for walking and hiking in because of hoe comfortable they are.
Is Columbia a Good Brand for Hiking Boots?
Columbia is a great brand for hiking boots in low and economical price along with its innovate Omni-Tech quality. Columbia provides comfortable footwear, attire, and accessories suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. While not always the most exceptional but it provides great value.
