Think of Columbia Newton Ridge Plus when hiking or camping, you need a boot that can protect your feet and keep them comfortable. The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus promises to do that and much more. They do look a little clunky, but overall, the comfort of these shoes is undeniable, especially for the new hiking enthusiasts.
Our Full Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Review
Right out of the box, you can expect to find a comfortable boot to wear. They have very little break-in requirements, which is something most people will love.
These shoes are mostly full-grain leather. They are also quite sturdy. What it means for you is that you will be able to enjoy your hike without worry overstepping in a puddle, especially since they are waterproof.
They have a shaft that will stop at just below the ankle. This may take away from some of the support that is required for serious hiking trails or walking over a lot of rocks.
They have a rubber sole with an impressive amount of traction. The platform measures approximately 1-inch. This will add a little height and help you not feel foot fatigue too quickly. The good thing is, it isn’t so high that it can make you unsteady.
These boots have a lightweight, yet durable midsole. This promises to provide long lasting comfort. They have plenty of cushion so that you can be on your feet all day without pain.
One thing we really like is the variety of colors that are available with this boot. You can pick the color that matches your overall style and how you intend to wear them.
Overall Performance
How will these shoes perform? Are they going to be a good fit for you? Join us as we explore the many features these hiking boots bring to the table.
Weight
Depending on the size that you need, you can expect these boots to weigh around 1.5-pounds each. This means that they aren’t as lightweight as some, but by far not as heavy as some others. In this regard, they are a nice “middle of the road” boot.
Traction
With Omni-Grip soles, there is a fair amount of traction to be enjoyed with these boots. There are some limitations to their ability though. For instance, you can walk over some rocky terrains without slipping too much. If that is the case, you end up on slick or wet granite, you may need extra cleats to hold onto.
Stability and Support
The stability that these shoes offer is good enough for most people who simply want to go hiking in comfort. However, when you get into questionable terrain, over rocks, and other things, they may disappoint. Their sole is very flexible, which means they may not support you in certain situations. It is a feature that also makes them comfortable to wear for long periods, so you have to decide whether it is worth the trade off or not.
Waterproofing
We are absolutely impressed with how well these boots can keep water out. The upper is made with pure leather that is, for the most part, a solid piece. This seals water out well enough, but Columbia takes it a step further by adding waterproofing and seam-sealing. When you stand in water that goes over the tongue, water may seep in, but for hiking and walking through a puddle, we do not expect many complaints.
Breathability
Since these boots are made with mostly leather, they do not breath as well as we had hoped. However, the trade off is that if they were more breathable, there would be more of a chance that water could end your day early. You kind of have to choose what matters more.
Toe and Ankle Protection
The toes of these boots are round. They have a roomy toe box and a rubber tip that wraps around the front of them. There are some who say that the toe box creases in a bad way, but this isn’t common for everyone.
For your ankle support, you have a padded collar, but they do stop right around the ankles.
Quality and Durability
These shoes seem to be durable. When put to the test, they show little signs of wear. As you read through most reviews, very few say that they fell apart, unless they were using them in situations that they were not intended for. They aren’t meant for mountain climbing. If you use them for it, they may lack durability. If you simply want to hike trails to live a more active lifestyle, they should last quite a while and maintain their comfort.
Columbia Footwear Fitting and Sizing
In everything we have seen and heard, these boots are pretty much true to size. This will make choosing the proper size easier for most people.
Final Thoughts on the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus
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We compared these boots to Timberland’s White Ledge, Merrell Moab 2, and Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. These boots are all comparable in some way. They all seem to provide lightweight comfort. The Timberland boots are waterproof. There is suede on the Moab 2, which gives them a nice style. They are all very highly rated by people who have already given them a try.
Where Newton Ridge Plus provides you with an overall better shoe is their flexibility and comfort. They have good traction without sacrificing a softer, more bendable sole. The fact that your feet will never get wet if you are simply walking down the trails and find mud.
Pros
• These boots are very waterproof. Good seals and an all-leather build ensure water resistance.
• Little to no break-in time required. These boots seem comfortable right from the box.
• These boots are very lightweight with a sole that is flexible. You can spend your day in them and remain comfortable.
• Ample traction and grip for most hiking trips and around town.
Cons
• Toe box creasing is possibly a concern. Could be caused by buying an improper size.
• Not designed for hiking in harsh environments. They do have some limitations and are best suited for beginning hikers.
• Slickened, wet rocks may cause you to lose traction.
Conclusion
Overall, we feel that these are great hiking boots for a beginner that won’t venture too far into rough terrain. If you simply want to get out and spend time with family or friends in nature, ice fishing, camping, hiking, and doing other similar things, these boots will be ideal. If you want boots that will keep you comfortable while you work and run errands, these are a good option.
Is the Columbia New Ridge Plus shoes a good choice for you? It simply depends on what you want, and one knows the answer to this better than you. If you are also looking for hiking socks, pick the best pair here.
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