Columbia Mens Newton Ridge Plus II
1. Columbia Mens Newton Ridge Plus II
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They come in two models, standard or wide, each model available in several sizes for you to fit it to your needs. They have 3 colors available – shark mountain red, cordovan squash, and black – and they feature a waterproof, seam-sealed construction, which allows no rain, muck or puddle to stay in your way.
Design
The upper part is made from a mixture of suede leather, and mesh, with metal hardware to keep the laces secured and tight, while the midsole is made for long-lasting comfort, superior cushioning and high energy return thanks to the Techlite EVA technology they come with. Additionally, the outsole is made from super-grippy rubber, made to be able to resist rocks, grass, gravel, and roots, thanks to their Omni-Grip non-marking traction. Moreover, they are a stable and safe choice even in winter because of the dual-zone winter tread pattern which ensures solid footing on slippery surfaces like ice and snow.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Waterproof
- Comfortable
- Solid construction
- Lightweight and easy to wear
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- They don’t have an integrated thermal protection system
- Some complained about them not being time-resistant
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| VERDICT
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| A comfortable and waterproof pair of boots, they will offer you a strong and powerful grip no matter the terrain you decide to tackle. However, while they do protect you from rain, mud, and puddles, they do not provide you with thermal comfort, so wear them with thermal socks for your feet to stay warm during cold weather. |
2. adidas Terrex Eastrail
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It is available in two different colors schemes, carbon/black/grey five and grey four, black, grey three, thus you can easily pick the one that you like best. The upper is made from a mixture of mesh and synthetic, which provides you with breathability during your hikes. It has a durable and lightweight EVA midsole, which provides comfort, while the molded sock liner along with the high shaft will provide you with stability and ankle cushioning.
Moreover, it has a GORE-TEX lining, which means that it provides you with a waterproof experience, so you don’t have to worry about puddles or rivers. Additionally, the rubber Traxion sole will not only provide optimal grip, thus you won’t have to worry about slipping, but it also offers you high-traction, thus you’ll have more stability and control as you hike. It has a lace closure system, to allow you to easily tight it up and adjust it according to your needs, and it measures 13.8 oz, thus you don’t have to worry about the boots weighing you down.
| PROS
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CONS
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- GORE-TEX lining
- Increased breathability
- Waterproof
- Solid construction
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- Some complained about the fitting
- There were some complaints about the limited color choices
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| VERDICT
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Lightweight, durable and time resistant, you don’t have to worry about wearing them multiple times. They provide you with comfort and stability, as well as with a good grip on several terrain types, so you don’t have to worry about slipping. Moreover, thanks to their GORE-TEX lining, there will be no puddle or river that can stay in your way, as they provide you with a waterproof lining, thus keeping your feet dry throughout your trip.
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They are available in 3 different colors: walnut, black night and black, so you can easily pick the one that you like best, and the sizes range from 7 up to 15, therefore you won’t have to worry about not having your size. They are made from a mixture of suede leather and mesh, thus they will provide you with breathability while keeping your feet comfortable.
They have a closed-cell foam tongue which will make sure to keep moisture and debris away from your feet, and breathable mesh lining to provide you with increased comfort during your trek. Additionally, they come with a protective rubber cap, which will protect your toes from impact, while the molded nylon arch shank and heel air cushion will help absorb shocks while adding stability.
Moreover, to increase your comfort and help relieve the fatigue feeling, they have EVA midsoles, as well as a mix of Fit Eco and blended EVA footbeds, with added zonal arches. The soles are made from TC5 Vibram, to provide you with stability and durability even on rough terrains, while thanks to the 5mm deep lugs, you will have better traction. They come with a lacing closing system, so they will fit tightly on your feet.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Comfortable
- Increased traction and durability
- Water-resistant
- Arch support
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- There were some complaints about the laces
- They don’t have thermal protection included
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| VERDICT
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Comfortable, providing you with a solid and strong grip on the ground, thanks to their 5mm deep lugs, you won’t have to worry about tired feet as you trek. They provide you with arch support, as well as heel support, with a shock dampening ability in the heel, and a protective rubber toe cap in front.
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4. Timberland Men’s Flume
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They come with a waterproof, seam-sealed overall design, and have full-grain waterproof leather uppers which protect your feet from rain, mud, and puddles as you hike, while the fully gusseted tongue keeps away any type of debris that might get stuck. It has compression-molded EVA midsoles and footbeds which provide you with lightweight cushioning and shock absorption, making your journey easier and more comfortable. The solid rubber outsoles come with multidirectional, strategically placed lugs for increased traction, allowing you to grip rocky trails and crave elevation all while keeping you comfortable and protected. They feature strong lace hardware which will keep your feet tightly secured, while the strong-padded collar will make sure your feet will never get tired. Additionally, they are able to resist to elements wrath, being able to keep your feet warm at -15 ° F, even though they don’t exactly feature a thermal system. They come in 2 colors: dark brown and black, and in several sizes.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Versatile
- Comfortable and time resistant
- Waterproof
- Don’t need a break-in
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- Some complained about them not being time resistant
- There were some complaints about the laces
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| VERDICT
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| A waterproof pair of boots that will offer you a comfortable and safe hiking experience, they are built to last. Cushioned, able to resist several weather conditions, they will protect your feet, allowing you to never worry about traction even on rocky trails. |
NORTIV 8 Ankle High Boots
5. NORTIV 8 Ankle High Boots
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Available in 3 color schemes, black/grey, olive green/black/orange and brown/black/tan, so you can choose which color you like best, they are made from durable and waterproof material. Thanks to their water isolating lining, you won’t have to worry about your feet getting wet regardless if you pass through a puddle or mud, while thanks to their premium waterproofed upper, your boots will stay dry throughout your hiking.
Additionally, they are oil and slip resistant, thus they will increase your safety as you hike, while thanks to their durable rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs, you will have better traction on a variety of terrains .Moreover, they come with cushioned EVA footbed, for additional supportive comfort as you trek, so your feet will stay comfortable, and thanks to their lace closing system, your feet will remain secure and tight during your trip. The 4-inch boot shaft will keep your ankles safe, while their flexibility and resistance to weather climate seasonal changes, will allow you to use them all year round.
| PROS
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CONS
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- High shaft
- Waterproof lining and upper
- Increased traction and durability
- Lightweight and easy to wear
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- Some complained about the sizes
- There were some complaints about their design
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| VERDICT
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They will provide you with comfortable hiking experience, as they will keep your feet dry and secure during your trek. Thanks to their sole design they will provide you with increased traction, while their high shaft will keep your ankles safe, regardless of how difficult the hike might prove to be. |
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They are one of the lightweight versions of hiking boots for women, as they are made from a mixture of synthetic and fabric. The shaft measures approximately 8 inches from arch, while its molded TPU ankle support and heel, along with the moisture-wicking mesh lining makes them perfect for hiking snowy trails. If you worry about your feet not being warm or dry, you don’t have to, as it has 200-gram Thinsulate insulation, specially designed to make it resist temperatures up to -30 ° C, and an EVA-made midsole for more stability and comfort. It has a waterproof mesh upper with a Hydroshield Membrane waterproof design which will protect your feet from rain, mud, and puddles. Additionally, it has a rubber top cap and rubber outsoles for optimal trail grip, providing you with enough traction even on slippery ground. They feature a lace closure system, and come not only in a variety of sizes, but in 4 colors, as well: black, camouflage, light grey, and charcoal grey/blue. However, you should pay attention to the size as they are slightly smaller than comparable brands.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Durable and waterproof
- Insulated and warm
- Lightweight and easy to wear
- Several model choices for you to choose from
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- They don’t have spikes for ice hiking
- Some complained about them not being time resistant
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| VERDICT
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| An insulated pair of footwear that can keep your feet warm and dry during your hike, they are not only waterproof, but they offer you good traction. They are able to resist temperatures that go as low as -30 ° C, while their lace closure system will maintain their firm on the foot regardless of terrain. |
7. Skechers Relment Pelmo
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They come in 4 different colors for you to choose from: gray, khaki, black and tan, and they have a waterproof, suede upper. They have stitching accents with embossed suede side details and a mesh fabric collar for a cooling effect during your hike. It has a padded collar for increased comfort and tight fit, while thanks to the gusset, padded, tongue there will be no water coming inside your boots. They feature a Relaxed Fit design for a roomy yet comfortable and supportive fit and a memory foam full-length insole. The seams are also waterproof, while the midsole comes with a shock absorbing feature to attenuate shocks, and a protective rubber toe cap to allow you to move around easily, without worrying about bumping into different types of debris. They have 1-1/2-inch heels to provide you with support during your hike, and they come with a flexible, rubber high-traction lug patterned outsole for increased and strong traction, preventing any potential slips, and for a better grip. They feature a lace closure system, measure around 4 inches from shat to arch and go high, over your ankle for increased support and safety.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Waterproofed
- Arch support
- Increased stability and comfort
- Breathable, providing good traction
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- There were some complaints about the laces
- Some complained about the grip
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| VERDICT
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They will keep your feet safe and dry during your hike, providing you with arch support and a shock absorbent heel for more comfort. They will keep water and moisture out while increasing your stability and terrain grip. |
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They have the upper made from a mix of waterproof suede leather and mesh with striped nylon straps running alongside it. The collar of the boots is very thick, providing cushioning and comfort while right under it, they feature a breathable yet waterproofed membrane which keeps your feet dry while allowing moisture out, and a removable molded insole, so you will be comfortable regardless of the season. They have an EVA midsole that provides you with good stress and impact resistance. Additionally, they have rustproof lacing hardware which will keep the laces secured around your foot, and the steel shank and rugged rubber cupsole ensure your foot stays stable when hiking on uneven grounds, providing you with traction in any conditions. They are available in 3 color combinations: brown/bone/mustard, chocolate/bungee/warm grey, and charcoal/black/steel grey, and several sizes, so you can easily pick the one that fits you best.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Stable and comfortable
- Strong and powerful gripping
- Cushioned against impact
- Waterproof design
- Available in several sizes and 3 colors
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- They don’t have thermal protection included
- Some complained about the laces
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| VERDICT
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| They provide you with a breathable yet waterproof design, offering you a strong grip regardless of what terrain or weather, you choose to hike in. Additionally, they come in 3 different color schemes so you don’t have to limit your preferences. |
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They are made from Dri-Tec waterproof suede leather with nylon upper which offers you durability, breathability, and comfort during your hikes. They have a soft padded collar which will offer you prolonged comfort throughout the entire day, and a 5.5-inch shaft with a 1.0-inch platform. Additionally, they have a rustproof hardware lacing system, to allow you to securely and tightly fit them to your feet while the highly cushioned and shock absorption EVA midsole will reduce strain on your body. Moreover, it comes with a removable molded EVA footbed which delivers underfoot cushioning for easier hiking. It comes with a steel shank to provide support and stability with every step while thanks to its MDT, rugged rubber outsole with 5mm lugs your grip will improve regardless of what terrain you choose to explore. Moreover, it comes with a protective toe bumper and heel guard for increased protection. They come in several sizes and in 4 color combination: brown/gold, smokey brown/olive/snow, smokey brown/olive/snow/black, and choc/DK.taupe/orange.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Toe bumper and heel guard
- Highly supportive and comfortable
- Waterproof
- MDT rugged rubber outsole
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- Some complained about them being too hard to wear
- There were some complaints about them not being time-resistant
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| VERDICT
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| Sturdy and waterproof, they will keep your feet dry and protected all the time. They provide you with a solid grip regardless of terrain while, at the same time, offering you a comfortable hike. They come in several color combinations and sizes, so you have a large range of options to satisfy your preferences. |
While going on a hike, you will need footwear that can complement your equipment, footwear that is comfortable enough for you to keep going without getting tired. So, in order for you to choose a pair that will improve your nature-reconnecting experience, there are certain
factors you should keep in mind, as they can be a major turning point.
- Comfort and fit. Find a pair that can offer you the support you need. They may differ from person to person according to their preferences: wide or narrow, with arch support or with special heel support, and others. So, be sure to find a pair that fits your feet or your trip might become quite painful.
- Weight. You might be surprised, but depending on your hike, you will need a different weight for your boots. The most favored one is the lightweight type, as your backpack might pack a few extra pounds, so you’d want to compensate with feather-like footwear. However, if you plan on venturing in the nature in not-so-friendly conditions, then you might have to reconsider your choice because a heavier type will offer you more grip and more stability.
- Waterproof. Nowadays almost all types of hiking boots have one kind or another of a waterproofing system. You don’t know when you’ll have to pass through a puddle or a muddy place, nor will you know if the rain will pour down on you. If your boots are waterproof, you don’t have to worry about wet feet, as the boots will keep you comfortable and warm.
- Traction. It is an essential feature that you should really pay attention to when you choose your boots. Good and strong traction means fewer chances for you to fall and hurt yourself. Regardless of what type of area or terrain you plan on tackling, it will make you feel better to know your feet are secure and there are no chances for you to slip.
- Ankle support. There is a heated debate on whether hiking boots do really need ankle support. For some, it might be an impending element, while for some it might be just what they’re looking for. So, pick the one that fits your condition best.
- Laces. Last but not least, it plays an important role in your trip. If your boots have poor lacing, which is prone to quick loosening, you risk injuring yourself when you least expect it. If the laces are the problem, you can simply replace them with better ones. However, if the entire closing system is at fault, if it doesn’t hold your foot or if it doesn’t fit you very well, then you should consider changing your boots.
To sum up, all it comes down to is your preferred footwear style and your hiking location and conditions. Try them out first and choose a pair that fits your preferences, your necessities, and your overall hiking style, and you won’t regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
?How should they fit?
They should allow you to feel comfortable while wearing them. Your toes should never be cramped, and you shouldn’t feel your toes hitting the sides of your boots. Moreover, you shouldn’t feel any seams or bumps while wearing them. Wear your hiking socks, because they will influence how the boots make you feel.
?How do I clean them?
Two main parts require your attention – the upper and the soles. Take a brush and some boot cleaner (some dishwashing soap and water work as well) and gently remove the dust and dirt. Use a damp cloth and get rid of the soap, then dry them up. Also, pay attention to the outsoles and clean them up as well. Pebbles and packed mud might interfere with the traction, so it’s better to keep the soles free.
?How do I break them in?
Depending on what types of boots you have, they might require a different length of time for you to manage to break them in. While the period might be different, the techniques are the same. Wear them inside your house – put on some socks you’re going to wear when you go hiking, and tie your boots snugly. They might be a bit tight at first, but that’s normal. Walk around in them – wear your boots and go for a walk. This way you’ll be able to see where and if they hurt your feet. Take them for a hike – it doesn’t have to be a challenging trail. Just pick a simple one and see how they behave. Increase the trail’s difficulty each time until the boots feel comfortable.
?How to choose them?
Before you decide on what type of boots you want, you have to decide about the terrain you’re going to hike in. Will it be in summer or winter? Will the terrain be excessively rugged? Once you’ve decided, schedule your shopping session in the afternoon – your feet will be larger, so the booths will be more comfortable. Try different pairs from different brands; don’t simply stick with one brand. Make sure to test them for a few minutes, and, if you can, spend about 10 minutes walking around. Last but not least, you’ll have to decide whether you prefer a waterproof or a breathable type.
?Do I need special socking when hiking?
No, they are not exactly necessary for you to hike, however, they do provide a more pleasant overall experience. They offer you an increased cushion while keeping your feet dry, therefore they also help prevent possible future blisters. But it depends entirely on your preferences if you wear them or not.
Owning and using the right type of shoes when hiking is crucial if you want to be able to avoid any possible injuries or discomfort. Therefore, Columbia Mens Newton Ridge Plus II is a great choice, for whenever you decide to head into nature. They are waterproof, thus you won’t have to worry about puddles or rivers, while their high neck, will provide you with ankle support.
If the area you’re going hiking has a bumpy terrain, then you need a pair of boots that has high traction, to prevent you from slipping. Timberland Men’s Flume have multi-directionally-placed lugs which will increase the traction, allowing your feet to remain stable on different types of terrains. They also have compression-molded EVA midsoles and footbeds, which will increase your comfort, as they will cushion the shocks and absorb the impact as you step. Additionally, they are perfect for cold weather, as they can keep your feet warm even at temperatures that reach -15 ° F. All of our above-mentioned models will keep your feet dry and comfortable during your hike, so choose the model that suits you best.
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