7 Best Columbia Hiking Boots in 2023
You can’t hear the brand name Columbia and not get a lightbulb moment that gives you the desire to hike. And that desire—whether you need something versatile, or you fancy a pair that looks dapper both on and off the trail—will be satiated with our top picks.
For us to come up with the best hiking boots from this brand, we’ve put over 20 Columbia trail boots to the test. Featured below are kicks that we highly recommend.
Table of contents How we test hiking bootsBest overallBest winter bootBest for urban hikingBest lightweightBest waterproofBest day hikingBest valueComparison
Overview
How we test hiking boots
Producing unbiased and object-based reviews is core to RunRepeat’s existence. To hit that mark every single time, we live by the following tenets:
- We purchase Columbia hiking boots using our own funds. This way, we can be our own voice, not being influenced by external factors.
- We spend weeks testing every Columbia pair, putting each one through a rigorous process that involves a variety of terrain and weather conditions.
- To make our reviews as inclusive as can be, we reflect in our scores hundreds of reviews from critics and users alike.
These result in what we call the CoreScore — a RunRepeat-exclusive grading system that determines our Columbia-centric crème de la crème.
Best Columbia hiking boots overall
Columbia Trailstorm Mid Waterproof
Backcountry
Free shipping
$60
Columbia
$66
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$73
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$110
CoreScore
- Top 13% most popular hiking boots
Pros
- Plush right away
- No break-in period
- Impermeable
- Keeps the feet dry
- Impressively light
- Grippy boot
- Attractive design
- Reliable collar
- Ankle support
Cons
- Lacks heel support
- Not enough breathability
Verdict
Indeed, from Trailstorm Mid Waterproof's trail-to-town versatility down to its rain-or-shine readiness, this shoe is bound to cause a big blip on your radar. A couple of workable flaws aside such as its unflattering footbed and breathability, the Trailstorm Mid Waterproof boosts your hiking potential wherever the path may take you.
Best winter Columbia hiking boots
Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Boot
Columbia
$65
Getzs
$78
Backcountry
Free shipping
$91
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$91
CoreScore
- Top 22% in hiking boots
- Top 10% in Columbia hiking boots
- Top 11% most popular hiking boots
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Amazingly comfortable
- Offers plenty of protection
- Zero break-in period
- Stylish design
- Quality construction
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- The strong chemical smell didn’t go away
- Too narrow
- Lack of waterproofing
Verdict
The Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Boot is well-touted for its quality comfort, protective features, durability, flexibility, and toasty insulation. What has delighted customers, even more, is its amazing price tag. This boot, however, falls a little short on waterproofing.
Best Columbia hiking boots for urban hiking
Columbia Firecamp Boot
Columbia
$55
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$67
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$77
Running Warehouse
CoreScore
- Top 17% most popular hiking boots
Pros
- Light
- Mighty warm
- Waterproof
- Stylish
- Comfy
- Affordable
Cons
- Narrow forefoot
Verdict
Excellent for the snowy outdoors, the Firecamp Boot allows hikers not just to survive the cold but also to enjoy it. Case in point: this winter hiker from Columbia has the power to keep your feet toasty down to -25°F/-32°C. It's a highly recommendable hiker for frigid pursuits, especially for peeps who want kicks that are snug everywhere.
Best lightweight Columbia hiking boots
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$55
Columbia
$60
Backcountry
Free shipping
$60
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$75
CoreScore
- Top 14% in hiking boots
- Top 5% in Columbia hiking boots
Pros
- Comfortable all-day wear
- Short break-in time
- Lightweight
- Grips well
- Affordable
Cons
- Not durable
- Ineffective waterproofing
- Insufficient ankle support
Verdict
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof was able to impress day hikers with its comfortable feel and minimal break-in period. Its affordability, grippy outsole and lightweight design were also generally well-received. However, the boot’s low-quality sole build and ineffective waterproofing were issues that turned off the other purchasers. That being said, the Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof still delivers in terms of performance.
Best Columbia waterproof hiking boots
CoreScore
Pros
- Day-one comfort
- Superb insulation
- Great for cold conditions
- Waterproof
- Keeps moisture out
- Solid construction
- Barely-there lightness
- Value for money
- Appealing design
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Low tongue gusset
Verdict
Where the trail grows cold, and you need something reliably cozy, the snappy Fairbanks Rover will be there for you. Yes, dry and toasty feet are yours in this highly insulated Columbia boot, allowing for safe, extended hikes in the snowy outdoors. Although there were some minor complaints, yet again we know you wish to be fearless during winter, so don a pair and let loose!
Best Columbia day hiking boots
Columbia Bugaboot III
Amazon
Free shipping
$80
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$91
Columbia
$91
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$98
CoreScore
- Top 8% most popular hiking boots
Pros
- Jaw-dropping comfort
- Short break-in period
- Remarkable insulation
- Watertight
- Not clunky
- Ace longevity
- Highly affordable
Cons
- Tight opening
- Restrictive forefoot
Verdict
Once you get to experience winter in the Bugaboot III, chances are, you won't settle for anything less moving forward. Indeed, from its cozy confines to its enduring winter-specific performance, this piece from Columbia has "incredible" written all over its proverbial face. A couple of its workable misfires aside, the Bugaboot III will ensure your safety and enjoyment in the winter season.
Best value
Columbia Fairbanks Mid
Columbia
$49
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$83
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$83
Backcountry
Free shipping
$83
CoreScore
- Top 6% most popular hiking boots
Pros
- Astonishingly comfortable
- Warm on cold days
- Claw-like traction
- Waterproof
- True to size
- Remarkably light
- Supportive midfoot
- Head-turning design
Cons
- More green than gray
- Frail toe stitching
Verdict
Once you get past the misleading online images of one of its colorways, the Fairbanks Mid from Columbia is something you'd be compelled to make your go-to on fall-to-early-winter excursions. It's a mid-top hiker that goes in the opposite direction design-wise by looking snazzy like that. And don't mistake its lightness for poor performance, for the featured boot can cling to most surfaces, be they wet, dry, or icy,
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