Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review
The Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof Hiking Shoe is designed to meet the demanding needs of hiking enthusiasts. Crafted with superior materials and expert craftsmanship, this boot promises to be your ultimate companion during rigorous outings on any trail. Whether you're trekking through damp forests or climbing rocky mountains, these boots are engineered to keep your feet protected and comfortable.
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Features
- Advanced Technology: Features a lightweight midsole for lasting comfort and superior cushioning.
- Quality Materials: Constructed from waterproof suede and leather for maximum protection.
- Adjustable Features: Lace-up closure ensures a secure fit tailored to your preference.
- Durability: Metal hardware and seam-sealed construction offer long-lasting quality against harsh weather.
- Omni-Grip: Specialized traction system for solid footing in diverse terrains, including icy conditions.
Pros
- Excellent waterproofing capabilities
- Comfortable, supportive cushioning for long hikes
- Lightweight design that doesn't compromise on durability
- Stylish appearance suitable for casual wear
Cons
- Initial break-in period may be required
- Some users report sizing issues; refer to size chart
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II | Merrell Moab 2 | Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Lightweight |
| Cushioning | Superior (lightweight midsole) | Good | Excellent (EnergyCell) |
| Traction System | Omni-Grip | M Select Grip | Contagrip |
Detailed Review
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II showcases a perfect blend of style and functionality. The suede and leather outer not only makes it aesthetically pleasing but also robust enough to handle rugged environments. The metal hardware adds an extra layer of durability, ensuring that the boots can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor activities.
Comfort and Fit
One of the standout features of these hiking shoes is the comfort level they provide. The lightweight midsole offers excellent cushioning, enabling you to walk for miles without feeling fatigued. However, some users have noted that there may be a slight break-in period required to achieve a truly comfortable fit, particularly around the ankle area.
Performance on Different Terrains
With the Omni-Grip traction system, these boots deliver impressive grip across various surfaces, from slippery rocks to muddy paths. You can confidently tackle different terrains, knowing that the advanced outsole will prevent slipping and provide stability, even in inclement weather.
Weather Resistance
The waterproof properties of the suede and leather combine effectively to keep your feet dry regardless of the conditions outside. Whether you encounter drizzle or downpour, the Newton Ridge Plus II keeps moisture at bay, allowing you to focus on your adventure.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Excellent cushioning and support for prolonged wear. |
| Durability | 4.7/5 | Built to last with high-quality materials. |
| Traction | 4.6/5 | Reliable grip on various terrains. |
| Style | 4.3/5 | Attractive design suitable for both hiking and casual settings. |
| Waterproofing | 4.8/5 | Superior waterproof performance. |
User Reviews
I wasn't expecting a ton with these boots. I just moved to South Dakota and just wanted some waterproof boots I could wear in reasonable snow and that I liked the look of. I LOVE the way these boots look. They're a really cool charcoal/dark grey color, and they fit me well. The rubber/grip on the bottom is awesome. The laces are quality and sturdy and they wear very sturdy and comfortably!For a reasonably-priced boot, I highly recommend these.
Good boots and absolutely no break in is necessary. Good fit and true to size. Very comfortable but I honestly haven’t worn them for hiking yet. So I cannot comment about waterproof performance until I get a chance.I bought it on Cyber Monday and the price is too good for its performance. I am very pleased with the purchase.
Very comfortable and fits true to stated size. Great for around town wear. I prefer a stiffer sole for hiking any distance over rough terrain. Priced right, look nice, like the dual open hooks for lacing. Grey is a good color for these boots.
Purchased July 2022 in a rush to take on family vacation so that I could wear/pack just one pair of shoes. Being new, these worked perfectly for casual dining appearance, lounging around the cabins, limited hiking, riverbank fishing, light rain, dirt or mud conditions forecast. I did a minimum amount of online research for the most positive buyer feedback at lowest cost. These were priced at only 89.95 at the time.I've owned several boots and similar casual hikers over 45+ years. They usually start breaking down within 6-9 months. I have fallen arches, plantar fasciitis on left foot, right foot one size wider and shorter than the left, so sizing is often a crap shoot. These fit snug and comfortable enough with decent grip and ankle/foot support right out of the box. No break-in necessary, as others have said. They were subpar, as expected, on the few longer steep, rocky inclines I came across. Just not rigid enough so the balls of my feet and arches tired quickly. They make a GREAT hiker/walker on every other flat or hilly terrain. I liked them enough after vacation to make them my everyday shoe. I've been wearing these almost every day to work; standing/walking on concrete and asphalt 9-10 hours/day, 4 days/week, and hiking, walking, shopping on days off work for 18 months.They've been warm in moderately cold weather (+10°) and not overly hot in Texas weather. Decent moisture wicking/breathing kept feet pretty dry. The traction/tread did wear enough by 12-13 months to make walking on wet rocks or slippery surfaces overly treacherous but that's better life than most. My heel has worn the lining of both insoles but not all the way through; no uncomfortable folds or lumps underfoot; a welcome surprise given experience with others. The stitching, glue, outsoles have held far better than most! Shockingly, no separations between outsole and footbed. No deep cracks in bottom of soles. Even the toe bumper has not shown any separation. This suede upper DID show permanent wrinkles on the tops of toe/foot more quickly (1-2 months) than most others but not terribly ugly while wearing, as you might guess from my photos. How these could be called "waterproof" being suede with no Gortex or similar layer, I don't know. My waterproof expectations were reasonably low reading the specs, so was prepared for disappointment. They ARE nicely water "resistant" in light rain, light snow conditions or even a (very) quick hosing off but with heavy rain or stepping into water the wet and cold is felt in socks and feet within seconds or a few minutes of saturation.My single "complaint" is that, for some reason, in my house with these shoes on I am a walking electrostatic lightning rod. To walk from couch a short distance across carpet I must discharge/ground myself before touching or kissing anyone or anything or receive a painful surprise zap! We must have a unique combination of furniture covering, blankets, carpet, otherwise there would be more reviewers mentioning this.As far as care; I hosed them off with any heavy mud or grass stains and brushed them maybe 8 times. There's not much support left in the footbed/soles at this point and they started squeaking when I walk at 14-15 months in but I'm very satisfied with the quality and value I got from them. If I can't find something better, I may purchase again even at the $10-20 higher current price tag.
Just Step Up and Buy These!! After Buying and Returning a Few Pairs of Boots, These Hands Down Were The BEST!! 11 Wide. Probably The Most Comfortable Shoe I Have Purchased In Years!! Solid Clean Construction! Thank You Columbia for Making A Quality Product!!
My expectations were low due the low price I got them at ($56) but I do see my size is back up to $99 so I guess I was lucky. I don't like the open eyelets at positions 2 and 1 up on the boot, but I've been getting used to it.What I DO like is that they were SO comfortable right out of the box and needed zero break-in time. I was also worried that wearing 12.5 in gym shoes and having to order the 12W since they didn't have any 12.5 that they would be small. The 12 wides I bought fit perfectly.I haven't stepped in any deep puddles or anything, but the snowy slush and water I have stepped in, no water whatsoever got in. I highly recommend these boots; especially if you can get them for the price I did.
When they arrived I tried them on and they fit great and are so comfortable. Love these boots and especially raining days I gave them a run in the water to make sure they were waterproof. No wet feet!
I’ve worn everything from cheap Big 5 boots to $200-$300 technical boots in my life, and these are an incredible value for the cost. Comfortable enough to wear out running errands, tons of grip in the dirt and snow, AND they look good!If you’re on the fence and these are around your budget point, just get them and enjoy!