Columbia Redmond III review

Who should buy the Columbia Redmond III

A fantastic offering price-wise, the third-gen Redmond is among Columbia’s most straightforward trail kicks. It is a solid option to consider if:

• you need a breathable hiking shoe for warmer weather
• you don't want to splash out on a pair of high-tech hiking shoes
• you need a shoe that can seamlessly transition from the trail to the streets
• you have wider-than-average feet and often purchase shoes in Wide

Who should NOT buy the shoe

More than a few people have mistakenly purchased the shoe expecting it to be waterproof. If that's what you are looking for, consider the Waterproof version of Redmond, or have a look at our selection of the best waterproof hiking shoes.

And if the shoe's durability is your primary concern, you may want to invest in a sturdier pair of hiking shoes instead. Consider Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 4.

Extra comfy in-shoe experience

The sheer suppleness of the Redmond III’s suede leather shell can convert even the most recluse individuals into outdoorsy Joes and Janes. "The whole shoe felt like a hug," says one of the wearers. The shoe owners also highlighted its out-of-the-box comfort and no need for breaking in. 

In addition, the Redmond comes with a soft cushioned footbed which keeps the foot comfortably padded as you traverse the outdoors.

Double knot is necessary

A good number of reviewers warned that the shoe has round slippery laces which get untied too easily. So, a double knot is required to prevent this from happening.

Columbia Redmond III is a lightweight wonder

This Columbia trail kick weighs no more than 700 g per pair. Yes, the Redmond III is lighter than the average weight of hiking shoes, which is 800 g.

Grippy bottom

With the Columbia Redmond III’s Omni-Grip outsole, navigating soft-soiled terrain and mildly slick surfaces is safe. And since its lugs are low-profile, the shoe delivers sufficient traction on roads and pavements, as well.

Not the kind of quality you hope for

A lot of reviewers have complained about the toebox wearing out prematurely. It appears to be the most vulnerable part of the shoe. "The thread blew out less than a week of wearing," says one of them. Unfortunately, in addition to frail seams, the material covering the toes also cracks fairly quickly. This makes the shoe look "shabby," as one tester points out.

Very affordable hiking shoe

Hiking shoes are not a cheap type of footwear. The average price currently hovers around $130, going as high as $250. This makes the Columbia Redmond III a very enticing deal with an asking price of $80.