Testing Columbia’s Newton Ridge II on the Trail
Testing Columbia’s Newton Ridge II on the Trail
From the first muddy mile, we could tell the Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof Hiking Boot wasn’t just about looks. The suede upper and clean lines give it a trail-to-town versatility, but it’s the performance that had our attention. We splashed through shallow streams and damp grass, and our socks stayed reassuringly dry, though the boot runs a bit warm on longer climbs. Underfoot, the traction felt dependable on loose gravel and slick roots, and the midsole cushioning absorbed enough impact to keep our legs fresher than expected. While hardcore backpackers might want more ankle rigidity, for day hikes and moderate weekend adventures, we found the Newton Ridge II strikes a practical balance between comfort, durability, and price.
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Our Take on Columbia’s Crestwood Mid Hikers
When we laced up Columbia’s Crestwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots for the first time, we could tell they were built with practicality in mind rather than trail swagger. The mid-cut design gave our ankles a reassuring hug without feeling constricting, and the waterproof membrane handled light rain and shallow puddles without complaint. On packed dirt and rocky switchbacks, the outsole delivered reliable grip, though we noticed it struggled a bit on slick, muddy inclines. Cushioning felt adequate for day hikes, but we’d want more support for multi-day treks with heavier packs. Overall, the Crestwood Mid strikes us as a dependable, no-frills option for casual hikers who value comfort, reasonable durability, and fair pricing over cutting-edge features or ultralight performance.
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