![]() ![]() One significant step change was joining forces with OutDry a few years ago, a laminating technology that affixes the waterproof layer directly against the material. In short, the Pacific Northwest can throw anything at you. ![]() Since its inception in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has designed clothes for the terrain that surrounds it – mountainous, split by countless rivers and tributaries. Columbia is a brand forever flowing, developing, moving. The connection between the river and the outdoor company is evident in the name, and also the company’s direction. Before its final widening to the Pacific, it passes through Portland. It begins its 2,000km journey in British Columbia and snakes its way through Canada, into the US, forming the border between Washington and Oregon. The Columbia River is the longest in the Pacific Northwest. A 100% waterproof OutDry stretch knit hiking sneaker that delivers non-stop comfort. Enjoy non-stop comfort and protection from the elements. WHAT THEY SAY: With street-ready style and summit-level skills, SH/FT is the only shoe you’ll need. What’s more, they won’t weigh you down.ITEM: Columbia Men’s SH/FT OutDry Mid Shoe They offer solid protection from the outdoors with pliable support through the midsole and upper, plenty of springy cushioning, water-resistant technology, and grippy outsoles. These boots are certainly made for walking, but perhaps not around a city. If you prefer adventures involving treks and mountains, we highly recommend the Columbia Women’s Peakfreak II Mid Outdry walking boot. One user stated the hiking boots are ‘very resistant and comfortable,’ even comparing them to slippers.įeedback also confirmed these shoes serve well on abrasive terrain and can handle ‘all kinds of hikes.’ Verdict But the feedback we could find was positive. We couldn’t find many reviews for the Columbia Women’s Peakfreak II Mid Outdry walking boot. Overall, the Columbia Women’s Peakfreak II will be a staple in your backpack from the get-go and offer superior comfort and durability in one shoe box. Nothing that a quick smack against a floor can’t fix. ![]() The only downside to the outsole is that the shoes pick up a lot of mud underfoot, which could be problematic if you’re stomping through fields. We weren’t scaling mountains or climbing rocks when testing these shoes, but they felt secure underfoot, and we’d bet a top dollar they’re more than up to the job. The ridged tire-tread outsoles use Adapt Trax traction tech – a system Columba says will enhance trail performance for superior grip in wet and dry conditions. Win.Īs we mentioned above, you get a great blend of thick cushioning and pliability from the upper, and the shoe moves with your foot strike to improve your range of motion. ![]() We wore Adidas mid-rise sports socks with these hiking boots, and not only were our feet still dry (no leaks, no sweat) after a few hours in the countryside, but we also weren’t hobbling. A hiking boot that doesn’t cause pain during the first few wears. The good news is that the Columbia Women’s Peakfreak II Mid Outdry walking boot requires zero breaking in. It perhaps partly explains why they retain their lightweight feel, and the heel still feels springy regardless. The laces tie to the top and allow you to tighten the shoe around your ankle, which should provide ample stability if you’re braving the peaks.Īs is common with hiking boots, the midsole is thicker at the heel than the forefoot, but we were surprised that the heels of the midsole on these boots were thinner than the Adidas Terrex AX4s (a cross between a hiking and trail running shoe). The Peakfreak II is marketed as a hiking and backpacking shoe and cuts just above the ankles. However, if you have high arches we recommend you try them before you buy or seek a specialist design. The sponge-like midsole provided a subtle cushioned bounce as we walked, and our arches were held adequately during each foot strike. They look hefty, but are surprisingly lightweight and don’t weigh you down over time. These walking shoes strike the necessary balance between stability and comfort. It’s also worth considering if you’ll be climbing hills, as your feet will press forward during the descent and require some leeway to do so without being forced against the toe box. They’re true to fit, but we recommend going half a size up to accommodate walking socks. However, even with thick socks, the Columbia Women’s Peakfreak II Mid Outdry walking boots felt incredibly padded and comfortable. Initially, they felt snug, and we anticipated rubbing on the heel or jammed toes against the toe box. We generally wear between a UK 3-4 and opted for 3.5 with these walking shoes (a US 5). ![]()
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