Are Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots As Tough As They Look?
The product description for the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots does a great job of selling the boot as a comfortable, protective, and supportive option for keen walkers.
If accurate, it should mean that wearers have no problems in different conditions and can rely on the show for a long time to come.
Is this the case?
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The Pros and Cons of this Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boot.
Pros:
- Most wearers seem to be happy with the comfort and fit of the shoe
- A nice enough design with the different materials and colours
- There are some features in place for bad weather and rough ground
Cons:
- Those weatherproofing features may not last too long
- There are questions over the true nature of the “leather” material.
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots cover a lot of basic needs for protection and comfort on long walks.
The designers of this Columbia hiking shoe are keen to point out the range of quality materials and features for a better experience. They start with the mixture of a coated “leather”, suede, and breathable mesh, with the promise of comfort and support.
The design is a little different from other shoes that go for a patchwork of panels. Here there is a strong uniform upper in various colours with mesh around the tongue and padding.
Most users are happy enough with the comfort provided and mainly attribute this to the wider fit. The addition of the Techlite lightweight midsole probably helps.
As for the protective elements, you get an Omni-Grip non-marking rubber outsole for better traction, a seam-sealed bootie for increased weatherproofing, and the promise of great waterproofing. While the latter is questionable, the sole seems to do a good enough job.
The problem is that the quality is lacking and the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Walking Boots may not last that long.
The biggest issue here lies with the quality of the “leather”. We have to use quote marks here because it feels so thin and cheap that wearers aren’t convinced.
There are concerns that the material won’t last as long as it should, making these suitable for one or two seasons only.
This is backed up by comments about the diminishing quality of the waterproofing. Some users were able to walk in the rain with ease at first that got wet feet later on. Waterproofing sprays may help.
Could this Columbia “Leather” Walking Boot still prove to be a good short-term solution?
The issues with the weatherproofing and “leather” mean that this isn’t going to be a long-term investment or a high-end option for walking holidays.
But, there is enough in comfort and protection for the shoes to be effective for a little while. They are the sort of placeholder shoe that is great when an old pair dies on you and you want to save for a replacement.
So, if you find yourself in that situation, these Columbia walking boots could be for you.
Find more reviews about the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boots on Amazon here.
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