ColumbiaMen's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking BootLeather Working Group

I've worn some terrible boots, like those US Army boots that required breaking-in before they didn't hurt your feet, and others that became too tight as they aged, or developed a lump on the insole that had to be patched or padded.Columbia boots aren't like that at all, because they fit properly the first time you put them on and continue to fit until their service life is done (still trying to figure out when that will be.)These Newton Ridgeline II hiking boots are the 3rd pair I have, the oldest being about 7 years and still worn for work. The other, 5 years in use has only shown visible signs of use on the outside, remaining perfectly comfortable and staying in the right position on the foot (not sliding or slipping sideways, etc.) Surprisingly, the pair I just received are nearly identical to those, except for the new boot smell. The soles and treads of these boots is amazingly unworn and intact, unlike others that I've tried that got worn-down at the heels, or lost a piece of tread when something sharp was stepped on. After un-boxing these new Newtons I checked the size inside the tongue, examined the pair for symmetry, and then tried them on without socks to feel no seams or ridges, or anything except cool support. These are very good boots. There might be better selections out there somewhere but they probably cost a whole lot more. What I particularly like about Columbia boots is the way they look, without all the neon colors and fancy external patterns that either go with a space-suit or should be worn on a basketball court. Columbia boots don't look like that because that's not what makes them good. It's the precise design and excellent craftsmanship and the great fit.

I love these boots! I primarily needed a boot for rucking and wanted something waterproof for the rainy and snowy seasons. The fit and feel of these were great right out of the box, enough so that I started using them over my trail runners for a few backpacking trips where I knew I would be constantly in the rain. While not as lightweight as a pair of trail runners, these are lighter than some of my other backpacking boot choices of the past. The quality appears to be one that will last, but only time will tell. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quality boot that is comformtable.

I hike every day and have gone through many pairs of hiking boots through the years.They always seem to have 1 single fatal flaw, be it ripped out eyehooks, ripped seams, toe coming unglued, etc.I tried the Columbia's the first time 2 years ago and they have been fantastic. They stay together until the sole finally gives out, the way boot should be! This is my 3rd pair and I super happy with this brand.

The media could not be loaded. TLDR: Tongue is a bit water resistant, outsole has soft rubber (potential durability issues), eh plastic coated leather, comfortableThe important thing to note is that this shoe is not a workhorse boot. If you were planning to wear this for an everyday 9-5 warehouse job, serious hikes often, or for labor work every other day, this shoe isn't for you. While the shoe is decent, it lacks the longevity that you want in a workhorse shoe. It does work in a pinch, but expect the outsole to wear out quickly and with the poor quality PU coated leather, don't expect much. But if you want a comfortable water resistant boot that you wear for the occasional hike, around town for whenever it rains, or just for casual house work, this boot is quite good.Build:The shoe, in terms of build, it is alright. The leather is not soft and supple, but more of the quality you would expect from shoes around its price range (plastic coated non top grain leather). The outsole and midsole are cemented onto the body of the shoe, which does limit its longevity but it does make it waterproof when compared to if you stitched them. I am a bit worried about the outsole, which is made of a softer rubber. While this does make it grippier, this limits its longevity as well. Its soft enough where you can slightly bend/move the tread with your thumb, mostly in the parts with thinner tread. The places where you loop your shoelaces are made of metal, probably aluminum or similar. Shoelaces are alright, maybe won't last as long as you would want for a boot, but workable. There is a moderate amount of padding around the sides of your ankle and on the tongue. There is some polyester mesh like but tighter woven lining in the entire interior of the shoe to make it more comfortable. Overall pretty average.Stability:If you tie the laces tight and use all the lace loops, it has decent stability. I tried intentionally roll my ankles and it definitely helped. I'm not sure how it would handle if I was carrying something heavy though. It has a rigid heel counter to help keep your foot in. Overall decent.Comfort:Honestly a very comfortable shoe. It feels closer to wearing a light boot instead of a heavy duty boot. I liked that the insole and midsole conformed to your foot a bit and isn't too soft or too hard. If you use your thumb to push the insole and midsole from inside the shoe, it gives a little bit but then gets too hard if you try to push further. The shoe is also fairly light for a boot. Significantly heavier than a sneaker, but not up to the level of a heavy duty boot. I could imagine myself wearing the shoe often and walking in them for a while.Waterproofness:The shoe is definitely waterproof in the leather parts but the tongue I was worried more about since it mesh. The tongue is gusseted up to the first hook (or right after the 4 triangles for the laces). The gusset was designed to not pool any water and to make the water flow downward toward your toes. I wouldn't say the tongue is waterproof, but is a bit water resistant. I wore the shoe in light to moderate rain outside. I checked the weather and it was around 0.04 to 0.09 inches of rain per hour during the time I conducted the test. I made sure not to cover the shoe with anything and stuck my leg out into the rain diagonally. The shoe was basically in the rain without my upper leg or body blocking the rain. After 17 minutes or so, I finally noticed some dampness inside the shoe where the tongue connects to the shoe upper. In the upper parts of the tongue, when I squished the tongue from the outside, I noticed that the inside went from dry to damp. This means that the tongue is some water resistant mesh or soft shell and that water will soak through with enough time in the rain. This also means the tongue is breathable. In the vid I poured maybe 2 cups of water onto the tongue (vid only showed 1 pour) and the shoe was still dry inside.I think with an umbrella, the shoe will be water resistant enough for your casual needs in continuous rain for the day. Its weakness is continuous direct water keeping the tongue saturated. I also think it will be fine if youre quickly crossing short streams or puddles once in a while and letting it dry out after before doing it again. It should be probably fine if youre going from your car to your house, to work, maybe 5 blocks, or any short journeys without an umbrellaI do not think this shoe will keep you dry if you are walking a lot without an umbrella. Or if you do have an umbrella but a significant portion of the rain is still hitting your shoes because of your height or wind and you are walking for longer distances. At that point you might as well either wear a gaitor that covers the tongue, super breathable shoes that dry quickly, a full rubber rain boot, overshoes, or waterproof socks

Why did you pick this product vs others?:Has a waxy suede finish that's easy to maintain good appearance. Good leather. Seems waterproof and durable. Using number 2 and already have number 3 in the closet. Tread wear is good. Laces are sturdy. Probably recommend you get them on sale for good value. Since they are or seem waterproof, might not be a great option for summer. Not a big fan of the lace hooks. Would prefer eyelets all the way up. No biggie.

Th quality is great, fit is 1/2 size down for snugger boots 1/2 size up for more relaxed fit can’t speak to waterproof, haven’t tested them I usually wear a true 11 cowboy boot, but I bought these in a 10.5 medium width