Our verdict

The Columbia Crestwood is a shining example of a budget-friendly outdoor shoe without compromises. We are genuinely amazed at the value it offers at such a low price point. It eliminates the need to invest in a more expensive pair for those who want a decently comfortable and supportive shoe for occasional weekend getaways on non-demanding terrain. Aside from the lack of toe space for wide feet, we found no glaring issues with this Columbia hiking shoe.

Pros

  • Fantastic value for money
  • Well-cushioned midsole
  • Comfortable padded interiors
  • Amazing stability for an entry-level shoe
  • Flexible construction
  • Excellent breathability
  • Impressive durability for the price
  • Good grip for moderate terrain

Cons

  • Not for wide feet (tapered toebox)
  • Frail inner lining

Audience verdict

80
Good!

Who should buy

Don't miss out on the Columbia Crestwood if you are in search of the following:

  • an affordable outdoor shoe with great cushioning, support, and durability for the price
  • a hiking shoe for light-to-moderate terrain
  • a breathable option for summer

Columbia Crestwood review

Who should NOT buy

If your foot shape calls for more toebox space, the Crestwood will probably fail to provide it. We recommend looking into affordable hiking shoes from Merrell such as the Accentor 3 and the Alverstone 2. Both have roomy toeboxes and are also available in wide and extra-wide versions.

And if you can catch the wide version of the Adidas Terrex AX4, it's a solid alternative as well.

Columbia Crestwood lab test

Cushioning

Heel stack

We couldn't help but notice that the Columbia Crestwood felt a lot like a casual sneaker underfoot. That's because it packs a solid amount of cushioning for such a budget-friendly shoe.

Columbia Crestwood Heel stack

Measuring the shoe's heel stack, our caliper returned 32.7 mm which is on par with the highly popular Merrell Moab 3 and with the average of hiking shoes overall.

The shoe's heel cushioning kept us well-protected on moderate terrain muting out the occasional roots and rocks. On the other hand, it wasn't too thick to make us feel isolated from the ground either.

Test results
Crestwood 32.7 mm
Average 32.3 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
22.0 mm
Heel stack
39.4 mm

Forefoot stack

The shoe's forefoot stack showed a moderate measurement of 19.0 mm which also hit a sweet spot between impact protection and groundedness.

Columbia Crestwood Forefoot stack
Test results
Crestwood 19.0 mm
Average 21.2 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
10.7 mm
Forefoot stack
31.0 mm

Drop

That way, the difference in stack heights comes in at 13.7 mm which is notably higher than the average hiking shoe drop.

Columbia Crestwood Drop

Considering that the Crestwood is a beginner-friendly shoe, we believe that it is an optimal heel-to-toe offset for this target audience. The elevated heel minimizes the Achilles strain especially if you are carrying a backpack while keeping the heel sufficiently cushioned.

Test results
Crestwood 13.7 mm
Average 11.1 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
4.7 mm
Drop
16.0 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Wear testing the Columbia Crestwood, we noticed that its TechLite midsole had just a touch of squish which made our landings comfortably cushioned. 

Checking its firmness with a durometer confirmed our observations with a reading of 25.5 HA. The shoe's foam sits on the moderately soft side of the spectrum but feels balanced overall.

Columbia Crestwood Midsole softness

Test results
Crestwood 25.5 HA
Average 27.7 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
13.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

If you plan to take the Columbia Crestwood out on a chilly day, keep in mind that its cushioning will lose some softness after being exposed to low temperatures for a long time.

Columbia Crestwood Midsole softness in cold (%)

In fact, our freezer test showed that it tends to firm up more than the average hiking shoe. After spending 20 minutes in the freezer, the Crestwood's midsole got 29% firmer as opposed to the average of 18.4%.

Test results
Crestwood 29%
Average 19%
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
100%

Insole thickness

The Crestwood uses a generously padded insole to create a very welcome in-shoe experience. Our caliper measured its thickness at 6.1 mm in the heel - pretty cozy for a $70 shoe!

Columbia Crestwood Insole thickness

It is even slightly contoured on the medial side offering a touch of arch support.

Columbia Crestwood Removable insole

Test results
Crestwood 6.1 mm
Average 5.5 mm
Compared to 25 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
2.6 mm
Insole thickness
8.6 mm

Size and fit

Size

Columbia Crestwood is true to size (97 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 28 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

We felt like the Crestwood offered just enough toebox space for our medium-width feet.

Columbia Crestwood fit

Showing 101.7 mm of width in the ball of foot area, it turned out to be on par with the average in a men's US size 9 (D medium).

Columbia Crestwood Toebox width - widest part

Test results
Crestwood 101.7 mm
Average 100.5 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
94.6 mm
Toebox width - widest part
107.7 mm

Toebox width - big toe

However, we can't recommend this Columbia shoe to wide-footed folks because of its aggressively tapered toebox.

Columbia Crestwood Toebox width - big toe

Our caliper showed only 76.2 mm in the big toe area which is almost 5 mm narrower than average! And the vertical space is rather limited as well.

If you want an affordable hiking shoe that accommodates wider foot shapes, look into the Merrell brand.

Test results
Crestwood 76.2 mm
Average 81.0 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
68.8 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.6 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Columbia Crestwood became a pleasant surprise in the stability department as well. For only $70, you get an amazingly supportive underfoot experience that feels a lot like wearing a more expensive shoe.

This Columbia hiker offered a solid footing on moderate trails, which is the type of terrain it is designed for. But please note that we are talking about weekend hikes here, not high-milage hiking objectives. The latter calls for the shoe's mid-cut (boot) version or a high-performance hiking shoe for that matter.

Columbia Crestwood medial support

Torsional rigidity

We don't hesitate to recommend the Columbia Crestwood to people with overpronation because of how hard it was to twist the shoe in our manual test.

With its top-loaded midfoot shank and firm midsole cradle, we rated the shoe's torsional rigidity as high as 4 out of 5! 

Test results
Crestwood 4
Average 3.5
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The Crestwood also feels quite sturdy in the heel counter, resisting the push-and-squeeze in our manual test.

Rating its stiffness on a 1-5 scale, we once again gave the Crestwood a high score of 4. It does a brilliant job of minimizing the heel and ankle play inside the shoe, holding them securely in place.

Test results
Crestwood 4
Average 3.7
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

A nice and broad platform is another component of the Crestwood's success formula.

Columbia Crestwood Midsole width - forefoot

Our caliper showed that the widest part of the shoe's midsole is wider than average at 116.3 mm.

Test results
Crestwood 116.3 mm
Average 111.0 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
103.0 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
117.6 mm

Midsole width - heel

The shoe's heel also proved to be nice and wide with 88.3 mm in the widest area. It kept us planted without adding much bulk to the rearfoot.

Columbia Crestwood Midsole width - heel
Test results
Crestwood 88.3 mm
Average 86.9 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
79.2 mm
Midsole width - heel
101.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

Because its internal shank is limited to the midfoot, it doesn't hold this Columbia shoe back from bending as much as your foot needs. Because after all, you don't need an ultra-stiff hiking shoe for an easy non-technical hike.

Using a force gauge, we found it takes 25.3N to bend the Crestwood to a 90-degree angle. That's almost 20% less than it takes an average hiking shoe.

Test results
Crestwood 25.3N
Average 29.7N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1.8N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
54.0N

Stiffness in cold (%)

The only caveat here is that the shoe will get significantly stiffer if exposed to cold conditions for a long time. We measured that after 20 minutes in the freezer, it stiffened up by as much as 34.4%.

Columbia Crestwood Stiffness in cold (%)

Test results
Crestwood 34%
Average 28%
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Stiffness in cold
100%

Weight

It is common for budget-friendly shoes to be on the heavy side because brands don't use lighter (more advanced) materials to keep the weight down.

But despite its beefy silhouette, the Columbia Crestwood happens to be only slightly heavier than average. Our scale showed 13.4 oz (380g) in a men's US size 9.

Columbia Crestwood Weight

However, it is a whole ounce heavier than the weight stated in the brand's official specs (12.3 oz/350g per shoe, size 9).

Test results
Crestwood 13.40 oz (380g)
Average 13.23 oz (375g)
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
11.01 oz (312g)
Weight
17.14 oz (486g)

Breathability

As a non-waterproof hiking shoe with large mesh panels, the Columbia Crestwood is pretty well-aerated.

The smoke we pumped into the shoe's upper met no obstruction and passed straight through the mesh pores in the toebox. Even though these pores are not very large, they offer excellent ventilation without compromising the durability of the fabric. 

Looking at the upper up close, we also found that its suede overlays have perforations to help with the airflow.

Columbia Crestwood Breathability microscope test

Rating the shoe's breathability with a high score of 4, we think that the Crestwood is a perfect choice for the warm and dry season but wearing a warmer sock can also extend its service to mild fall and spring days.

Columbia Crestwood Breathability under microscope

And should you need protection for wet weather, the Crestwood is also available in a waterproof version.

Test results
Crestwood 4
Average 2.7
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Columbia knows how to maximize longevity even in its more affordable shoes. We are happy to see a large synthetic mudguard around the toebox and a wide suede overlay on top of it.

To test the limits of this suede material, we drilled it with sandpaper for 12 long seconds.

And to our surprise, it hardly showed any signs of wear! And because it looked nearly intact, we rated the Crestwood's toebox durability with the highest score - 5 out of 5!

Columbia Crestwood Toebox durability test
Test results
Crestwood 5
Average 3.7
Compared to 20 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Unfortunately, Columbia cut corners on the shoe's inner lining because that fabric was torn immediately. It took even less than 4 seconds...

But let's not forget that this is one of the cheapest hiking shoes after all.

Columbia Crestwood Heel padding durability test
Test results
Crestwood 2
Average 2.9
Compared to 19 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The shoe's OmniTech rubber outsole also turned out to be unexpectedly sturdy for this price point.

Columbia Crestwood Outsole hardness

First of all, its hardness is on par with the average of hiking shoes showing 85.0 HC on our durometer.

Test results
Crestwood 85.1 HC
Average 85.0 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
80.5 HC
Outsole hardness
94.1 HC

Outsole durability

Second, it did rather well in our abrasive Dremel test where we exposed the outsole to sandpaper for 22 seconds.

Even though our tread gauge measured as much as 1.4 mm of damage in the rubber, it is leveled out by the thickness and lug depth of the shoe's outsole.

Columbia Crestwood Outsole durability test

Test results
Crestwood 1.4 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 19 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The thickness of Crestwood's rubber outsole comes in at an impressive 3.6 mm and that's excluding the shoe's deep lugs!

Columbia Crestwood Outsole thickness

Durability-wise, we believe that this hiking shoe from Columbia offers some of the best value for money!

Test results
Crestwood 3.6 mm
Average 2.5 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1.6 mm
Outsole thickness
4.0 mm

Misc

Lug depth

Looking at the Crestwood's lug depth, our caliper recorded 3.2 mm. Slightly shallower than average but just enough for the shoe's intended purpose - moderate hiking.

Columbia Crestwood Lug depth

Aside from lug depth, the shoe's traction pattern also contributes to a surefooted experience on hilly terrain. Facing every direction, these treads make the Crestwood even grippier than we expected.

Columbia Crestwood outsole

Test results
Crestwood 3.2 mm
Average 3.9 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
2.1 mm
Lug depth
5.0 mm

Price

Our expectations were set pretty low for one of the cheapest hiking shoes on the market but the Columbia Crestwood kept our jaws dropped the entire lab test!

Columbia Crestwood Price

The shoe's overall comfort, cushioning, support, and durability generate massive value for money for someone who needs a less technical shoe for easy occasional hikes.

Test results
Crestwood $70
Average $141
Compared to 30 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
$70
Price
$209

Reflective elements

There are no reflective elements on this Columbia shoe.

Columbia Crestwood Reflective elements
Test results
Crestwood No

Tongue padding

The Crestwood is abundant with in-shoe padding. From its thick insole to the collar and the tip of the tongue, it is all packed with cushy foam.

The tongue, in particular, exceeds the average thickness showing 11.0 mm on our caliper.

Columbia Crestwood Tongue padding

Test results
Crestwood 11.0 mm
Average 9.7 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
5.0 mm
Tongue padding
17.0 mm

Tongue: gusset type

As a budget-friendly shoe, the Crestwood features no gussets on the sides of its tongue. This can potentially cause tongue-shifting.

Columbia Crestwood Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Crestwood None

Heel tab

A fabric loop at the back of the shoe helps with the on-and-off.

Columbia Crestwood Heel tab
Test results
Crestwood Finger loop

Removable insole

If you want to make this affordable shoe feel more premium, its stock insole is easy to replace with a custom insert.

Columbia Crestwood insole
Test results
Crestwood Yes