Columbia Hiking Boots for Men: Which Models the Outlets Back

Columbia Hiking Boots at a Glance

Six Columbia hiking boots and shoes that independent outlets review. Tap a photo or the button to see the boot on Amazon. For other brands, see our best hiking boots guide.

Price category reflects current US listings: budget is roughly under $150, mid-range roughly $150 to $200, premium above $200. Prices change, so confirm on the product page.

Reported Scores and Weights for Columbia Boots

These are the scores and weights each outlet published. The scales differ, so compare within an outlet, not across them.

Which Columbia for Which Hiker (and Who Should Skip Each)

Who should skip each boot

Columbia Boots for Three-Season Hiking

Columbia’s three-season boots, from the budget Newton Ridge to the light OutDry mids.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof

Best for: easy day hikes on a budget

RunRepeat scores it 71 and names it the second-best Columbia boot it covered. CleverHiker rates it 4.3 out of 5 at about 2 lb per pair, calling it affordable, durable and supportive with good traction. OutdoorGearLab scores it 51 and measured 2.20 lb per pair in size 11, calling it inexpensive with durable materials and an average performer.

What this means for you: three outlets agree it is a low-cost boot for easy trails, and they disagree on how waterproof and how comfortable it is.

Fit and sizing: CleverHiker lists sizes 7 to 17 and a wide option. OutdoorGearLab lists regular and wide.

Watch for: CleverHiker says it is not fully waterproof, needs a break-in of about 25 miles, is stiff with minimal cushion and runs hot above 70 degrees F. OutdoorGearLab calls the waterproofing mediocre and says feet were wet within a couple of minutes of submersion. CleverHiker also saw the outsoles begin to separate at about 200 miles.

Skip it if: you hike wet, muddy or rugged ground, or carry heavy packs.

Columbia Facet 75 Mid OutDry

Best for: light, dry hikes on easy trails

Men’s Fitness UK calls it a light, relaxed and versatile mid-top that blends running shoe comfort with the waterproofing of a decent hiking boot. It lists 430 g per shoe as advertised and weighed 390 g in a UK 7.5, and says the bonded OutDry construction kept it dry through a rainy UK winter.

What this means for you: a light mid-cut for forest paths and long, easy trails.

Fit and sizing: Men’s Fitness UK says it runs large and suggests going down half a size.

Men’s and women’s versions: Men’s and women’s versions are both sold. Men’s Fitness UK reviewed the men’s mid, and Advnture reviewed a women’s Facet 75 low at 11.2 oz per shoe.

Watch for: Men’s Fitness UK says the mesh upper may scrape or tear on rocks or thorns and the wide toe box lets the foot slide on downhills. It also says the 5 mm lugs can slide on slippery rock.

Skip it if: you hike technical, rocky or thorny terrain.

Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid

Best for: casual hikes and everyday wear

Countryfile rates it 4 and calls it comfy, lean and waterproof, excelling for casual hiking and daily trainer wear at 338 g for a men’s UK 7. Advnture praises excellent traction, a fully waterproof bonded membrane, comfort out of the box and a good lockdown fit.

What this means for you: two outlets agree it is a light, comfortable waterproof mid for easy trails and town use.

Fit and sizing: Advnture found it runs slightly small and suggests half a size up, while Countryfile found the sizing spot-on.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s version. Advnture lists 9.8 oz per shoe for a women’s US 6, and Countryfile lists 338 g for a men’s UK 7. Advnture lists men’s sizes 7 to 15 US and women’s 5 to 12 US.

Watch for: Countryfile lists limited protection on rough terrain and only moderate grip, with no rock plate. Advnture says it is not great on warm days and wonders how the flexible sole would hold up on the toughest trails.

Skip it if: you hike rough terrain or hot, arid climates.

Columbia Fairbanks Mid

Best for: a basic waterproof mid for casual trails

RunRepeat scores it 67 and lists it third among the Columbia boots it covered, behind the Bugaboot III at 83 and the Newton Ridge Plus II at 71.

What this means for you: a lower-scoring option. Only RunRepeat among our sources covers it.

Watch for: RunRepeat’s score is lower than the other Columbia boots here, and no other outlet we use reviews it.

Skip it if: you want an option with several outlets backing it.

Columbia Winter Boot and a Low-Cut Option

The cold-weather pick and a low-cut alternative.

Columbia Bugaboot III

Best for: cold, wet winter walks

RunRepeat lists it first among the Columbia boots it covered and RunRepeat scores it 83, praising comfort, a watertight upper, durability, cushioning, support and grip, with 200 grams of insulation. It lists 26 oz in the lab for a men’s size 9.

What this means for you: the highest-scoring Columbia on our sources, and a winter boot rather than a three-season hiker.

Fit and sizing: RunRepeat says users report it runs slightly small, and measured the forefoot at 124.6 mm against a 112.3 mm average.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s version. RunRepeat lists the brand weight at 24.5 oz for the men’s boot and 21.7 oz for the women’s boot. The men’s boot comes in normal and wide, while the women’s comes in normal only.

Watch for: RunRepeat lists a restrictive toebox and a heavier weight than average, and says the midsole is about 22 percent firmer in the cold.

Skip it if: you hike in warm weather or want a light boot.

Columbia Facet 75 OutDry (low-cut)

Best for: a low-cut waterproof shoe for light trails

OutdoorGearLab scores it 70 and measured 1.86 lb per pair in size 11, praising a wide and roomy fit, great traction and low weight. Advnture praises waterproofing, grippy outsoles and solid uppers, at 11.2 oz per shoe for a women’s UK 4.

What this means for you: a low-cut alternative if you do not need a boot. See our best hiking shoes for men guide.

Fit and sizing: OutdoorGearLab calls the fit wide and roomy, while Advnture found it small and too tight with thick socks.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s version. OutdoorGearLab lists 1.86 lb per pair for the men’s shoe in size 11, while Advnture lists 11.2 oz per shoe for a women’s UK 4.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says the ankle cuff can feel rigid and durability scores 5.0. Advnture lists poor heel lockdown, limited breathability and a toe box that is not the roomiest.

Skip it if: you want ankle support or a roomy toe box on long downhills.

Our Columbia Evaluation Framework

We score each boot on five questions using only what the named outlets published.

1. Source agreement. How many outlets cover it?
2. Support. Reported stability and protection.
3. Weight. Reported weight.
4. Weather. Waterproofing and breathability.
5. Recurring drawbacks. Complaints the outlets raise.

Source agreement counts outlets that reviewed the boot. The rest summarizes what those outlets wrote.

How to Choose a Columbia Hiking Boot

• Match the boot to the trail. The Columbia range here is built for easy to moderate trails, not heavy packs. For those, see our best hiking boots guide.
• Check the water claim. OutDry boots use a bonded membrane, while CleverHiker found the Newton Ridge not fully waterproof. See best waterproof hiking boots.
• Check width. The men’s Newton Ridge and Bugaboot III come in wide per CleverHiker, OutdoorGearLab and RunRepeat. See best hiking boots for wide feet.
• Allow a break-in. CleverHiker lists about 25 miles for the Newton Ridge.
• First boot? See our best hiking boots for beginners guide.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

Newton Ridge waterproofing. CleverHiker says it is not fully waterproof, and OutdoorGearLab says feet got wet within minutes of submersion, while one Trailspace reviewer reported it kept water out in streams.

Newton Ridge comfort. CleverHiker calls it supportive and lightweight, while OutdoorGearLab found it clunky and low on cushioning.

Facet 75 sizing. Men’s Fitness UK says the mid runs large, OutdoorGearLab calls the low roomy, and Advnture found it small and too tight with thick socks.

Konos TRS Mid sizing. Advnture suggests half a size up, while Countryfile found the sizing spot-on.

Questions About Columbia Hiking Boots, Answered

“What is the best Columbia hiking boot?”

RunRepeat lists the Bugaboot III first at 83, though it is an insulated winter boot. For three-season hiking, the Newton Ridge Plus II has the most outlets behind it.

“Are Columbia hiking boots good?”

The outlets describe them as budget boots for easy trails, with OutdoorGearLab calling the Newton Ridge an average performer.

“Are Columbia boots waterproof?”

The OutDry models use a bonded membrane that Men’s Fitness UK and Advnture found dry. CleverHiker found the Newton Ridge not fully waterproof.

“Can I backpack in Columbia boots?”

CleverHiker says the Newton Ridge suits shorter backpacking trips on well-maintained trails, and not seasoned backpackers or long trips.

“Do they come in wide?”

The Newton Ridge comes in wide per CleverHiker and OutdoorGearLab, and the men’s Bugaboot III per RunRepeat.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Expecting a rain boot from the Newton Ridge. CleverHiker advises against rainy days.
• Wearing the Bugaboot III in summer. It carries 200 g of insulation per RunRepeat.
• Taking a light OutDry mid onto thorny ground. Men’s Fitness UK warns the mesh may tear.
• Skipping the break-in. CleverHiker lists about 25 miles for the Newton Ridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Columbia hiking boot?

RunRepeat lists the Bugaboot III first at 83. For three-season hiking, the Newton Ridge Plus II has the most outlets behind it.

Is the Newton Ridge Plus II waterproof?

CleverHiker says it is not fully waterproof, and OutdoorGearLab calls the waterproofing mediocre.

Is the Bugaboot III a hiking boot?

RunRepeat reviews it for winter hiking in snow, slush, mud and ice.

Do Columbia boots run true to size?

The outlets disagree. Advnture found the Facet 75 and Konos TRS small, while Men’s Fitness UK found the Facet 75 Mid large.

Which Columbia is lightest?

Countryfile lists the Konos TRS Mid at 338 g for a men’s UK 7.

Do they come in wide?

The Newton Ridge and the men’s Bugaboot III come in wide per the outlets above.

Are they good for backpacking?

CleverHiker says the Newton Ridge suits shorter trips on well-maintained trails.

Where can I compare other brands?

See our best hiking boots guide.

The Short Version

Choose the Newton Ridge Plus II for easy dry trails on a budget, the Bugaboot III for cold weather and the Facet 75 or Konos TRS mids for light waterproof hikes. Check sizing carefully.

Keep Reading

Sources

• RunRepeat: Best Columbia hiking boots
• RunRepeat: Columbia Bugaboot III
• CleverHiker: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II WP
• OutdoorGearLab: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
• OutdoorGearLab: Columbia Facet 75 OutDry
• Advnture: Columbia Facet 75 OutDry
• Advnture: Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid
• Men’s Fitness UK: Columbia Facet 75 Mid OutDry
• Countryfile: Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid
• Trailspace: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Suede