Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots

For how popular these are, I expected more out of these hiking boots. This is the first pair I've bought since starting hiking. Within our first trip, I had to run to a store to buy inserts because they were causing me such bad pain (I've never had to buy inserts before so this was bad!! Plus I already broke them in before the trip). After getting special inserts, these are much more comfortable. They're durable and water-resistant (wouldn't classify them as waterproof since they are shoes). Ankle support is nice. Preforms better than tennis shoes would on the trails. I have these boots in Elk, Mountain Red and they're cute. I've noticed the longer/harder hikes I go on, the traction on these boots could be better. As for sizing, I did have to make an exchange so be ... MoreFor how popular these are, I expected more out of these hiking boots. This is the first pair I've bought since starting hiking. Within our first trip, I had to run to a store to buy inserts because they were causing me such bad pain (I've never had to buy inserts before so this was bad!! Plus I already broke them in before the trip). After getting special inserts, these are much more comfortable. They're durable and water-resistant (wouldn't classify them as waterproof since they are shoes). Ankle support is nice. Preforms better than tennis shoes would on the trails. I have these boots in Elk, Mountain Red and they're cute. I've noticed the longer/harder hikes I go on, the traction on these boots could be better. As for sizing, I did have to make an exchange so be careful measuring if you're ordering online. I recommend buying these when they're on sale especially if you're newer to hiking. Not a bad intro-to-hiking boot that's worth your money especially if you catch it on sale, I just expected more comfort and traction for how hyped these are.

Everything I wanted in a waterproof boot.. I wear size 8.5 in Adidas running shoes but kept these boots in a size 9..

I live in the PNW. I was looking for a quality, stylish, comfortable pair of high-top waterproof hiking boots that would work well in summer and keep my feet warm in winter. I also wanted a reasonable price. After reading reviews, I decided to try these out and I am so glad I did. I wear a size 8.5 in Adidas running shoes but I ended up keeping these boots in a size 9 (I ordered an 8.5 and a 9 due to conflicting reviews). The 8.5's were too small, even with thin socks. The 9's are slightly bigger with thin socks but are still comfortable.. they fit well with my hiking socks and wool socks. I just got them today and tried them out for an hour beach walk on a cool evening, splashed through some puddles and they kept my feet warm and dry. I really love the thick soles. ... MoreI live in the PNW. I was looking for a quality, stylish, comfortable pair of high-top waterproof hiking boots that would work well in summer and keep my feet warm in winter. I also wanted a reasonable price. After reading reviews, I decided to try these out and I am so glad I did. I wear a size 8.5 in Adidas running shoes but I ended up keeping these boots in a size 9 (I ordered an 8.5 and a 9 due to conflicting reviews). The 8.5's were too small, even with thin socks. The 9's are slightly bigger with thin socks but are still comfortable.. they fit well with my hiking socks and wool socks. I just got them today and tried them out for an hour beach walk on a cool evening, splashed through some puddles and they kept my feet warm and dry. I really love the thick soles. I was immediately drawn to the vintage pink, so cute. I would give these 5 stars but it seems I am slightly in between size 8.5 and size 9. Other than that, I recommend these boots. You could say I am a little picky, so that says a lot. Thank you, Columbia <3 I should also mention that my feet are on the wider side which is why I wear Adidas running shoes.. however, I did not order a size Wide in these boots and I still have enough room even with thick socks. I was hoping this would be the case since the vintage pink do not come in a Wide size. I hope this review helps!

First Time On-line Order

Site was easy to navigate, good selection of hiking footwear; fast delivery and easy return. Purchased two pairs as I wasn't sure which I would prefer: this full suede upper Newton Ridge or the suede/mesh upper Strata Trail. Loved both, but the suede mesh pair was a tad too wide for my feet, even with heavier socks and adjusted lacing. These fit very well and were very comfortable. Usual size for athletic footwear is an 8, which I ordered. Had an opportunity to test the boots just two days after receiving them! What started out as a "short, easy hike" turned into a 7 mile trek with lots of rain half way through. The only things damp at the end of the day were the insides of my wool socks from sweat!

Great reliable and comfortable boot

I purchased these boots over 3 years ago and have over 300 miles on them. They are now starting to let me know it’s time for a New pair. These have been my most sturdy, most comfortable and reliable hiking boots I have ever had. I have 4 diff hiking boot brands from ASICS, Salmon and KEENs and I choose my Columbias every time when I am doing a more challenging hike esp when I need ankle stability and support. You will not go wrong with these boots, from a beginner to more of an experienced hiker. Plus when they said they’re waterproof they are! Without being too hot even when wearing hiking socks! I would know living in the Pacific Northwest ( PCW). You will not be disappointed with this purchase!

Lightweight and comfortable right out of the box.

I'm old enough to remember when hiking boots had a substantial break-in period. You'd go for a long trek in the woods and have to carry a pair of running shoes in your backpack so you could switch to them when the new-boot blisters made it impossible to continue. These Columbia boots are soooooooo comfortable right out of the box. The leather is dense, but soft, and the padding is ample, yet weighs next to nothing. I haven't tested them in water yet, but the feel of the leather is exactly like that of the old Merrells these boots replaced. The speed hooks at the top make them easy to adjust, as well. They don't feel bulky on my feet and the soles are quite grippy even on damp rocks. It's a bonus that they look great. I very much prefer the steely gray color to the ... MoreI'm old enough to remember when hiking boots had a substantial break-in period. You'd go for a long trek in the woods and have to carry a pair of running shoes in your backpack so you could switch to them when the new-boot blisters made it impossible to continue. These Columbia boots are soooooooo comfortable right out of the box. The leather is dense, but soft, and the padding is ample, yet weighs next to nothing. I haven't tested them in water yet, but the feel of the leather is exactly like that of the old Merrells these boots replaced. The speed hooks at the top make them easy to adjust, as well. They don't feel bulky on my feet and the soles are quite grippy even on damp rocks. It's a bonus that they look great. I very much prefer the steely gray color to the array of browns sold at most outdoor stores.

NOT WATERPROOF

This pair of hiking boots was bought for a trip to Scotland. Very cute, comfortable, fit well, wide width was exactly what i needed. Boot accomodated orthotic insert quite well. That being said, they were not waterproof AT ALL for me. Scotland was experiencing some above average rain, and on the day of my hike it took less than an hour for the rain to soak completely into my boots and leave my feet sloshing around in the water inside of the boot. Had to go back to hotel and change into my running shoes and I ended up having some variation of wet feet all week. The boots did not dry out for the rest of my trip, and came home with me still damp about 3 days later.

The most comfortable and functional boots ever

I don't usually write reviews, but these are the boots I have been looking for my whole life, and they deserve some applause.I have rain and snow boots, but they are not comfortable for walking. I have athletic shoes, but they are not good for the muddy, messy hiking I tend to do. I have some really cute water resistant booties but they have absolutely no support. I have tried all manner of shoes and boots over the years, and usually have to size up because even their "wide" sizes do not accommodate my wide and thick potato-feet comfortably.I'm so used to sizing up that I really questioned the wisdom of buying my actual size for these boots, especially when I saw them right out of the box.However, to my delight, my feet fit in these things perfectly. Even ... MoreI don't usually write reviews, but these are the boots I have been looking for my whole life, and they deserve some applause.I have rain and snow boots, but they are not comfortable for walking. I have athletic shoes, but they are not good for the muddy, messy hiking I tend to do. I have some really cute water resistant booties but they have absolutely no support. I have tried all manner of shoes and boots over the years, and usually have to size up because even their "wide" sizes do not accommodate my wide and thick potato-feet comfortably.I'm so used to sizing up that I really questioned the wisdom of buying my actual size for these boots, especially when I saw them right out of the box.However, to my delight, my feet fit in these things perfectly. Even without any breaking in they are very comfortable. They have great foot and ankle support, and a good grippy tread. They are adjustable enough to accommodate thick boot socks or the occasional episode of swollen feet. They also keep my toes warm, which is something even snow boots have failed to do. No more numb toes in the winter!These look and feel like they will last a decade, so I will have to be satisfied with recommending them to others since I can't afford to buy them in every color.

Waterproofing didn't last by 3rd wear!

I purchased this product in June 2022 for an upcoming 2 days 1 night backpacking trip to Garibaldi lake. There was a lot of snow and ice on the mountain from the 6KM mark up to the lake (another 3-4KM). They held up well, were very comfortable and 100% waterproof during that first wear. I walked with no fear through running streams and the water simply rolled off.This year, I did the same trip in August 2023 with no issues (also 2 days 1 night) with these boots; the mountain was incredibly dry and dusty, no water exposure. A few days later we drove down to Yellowstone and spent 2 days exploring the sights. It rained the first day and by the end of the day (driving and no hiking, just walking on paved/boardwalk paths), the boots were wet and water had seeped ... MoreI purchased this product in June 2022 for an upcoming 2 days 1 night backpacking trip to Garibaldi lake. There was a lot of snow and ice on the mountain from the 6KM mark up to the lake (another 3-4KM). They held up well, were very comfortable and 100% waterproof during that first wear. I walked with no fear through running streams and the water simply rolled off.This year, I did the same trip in August 2023 with no issues (also 2 days 1 night) with these boots; the mountain was incredibly dry and dusty, no water exposure. A few days later we drove down to Yellowstone and spent 2 days exploring the sights. It rained the first day and by the end of the day (driving and no hiking, just walking on paved/boardwalk paths), the boots were wet and water had seeped through to my socks. This is only the 3rd time I've used the boots. Needless to say, I am very disappointed. They were very comfortable, lightweight hiking boots and now they are no longer waterproof after the third wear.

Workhorse boots!

Let me tell you, these boots really punch above their weight! Bought them a few seasons ago and they are still going strong. Originally I purchased for light hiking and casual use...wasn't expecting a lot. Since then, I have worn them on multiple long, rocky, and wet hikes in an arctic Norway summer, as well as a 9.5 mile, 9 hour hike to the summit of Colorado's Mt. Elbert. On each occasion I was SO impressed by both their all-day comfort and performance. In Norway, I was also surprised at how waterproof they are!They're super warm, great for colder weather. I definitely wouldn't wear them in the summer or for warmer weather hikes, unless you run super cold. I overheat easily when active so I'd opt for something lighter above 60 degrees or so. Another thing to ... MoreLet me tell you, these boots really punch above their weight! Bought them a few seasons ago and they are still going strong. Originally I purchased for light hiking and casual use...wasn't expecting a lot. Since then, I have worn them on multiple long, rocky, and wet hikes in an arctic Norway summer, as well as a 9.5 mile, 9 hour hike to the summit of Colorado's Mt. Elbert. On each occasion I was SO impressed by both their all-day comfort and performance. In Norway, I was also surprised at how waterproof they are!They're super warm, great for colder weather. I definitely wouldn't wear them in the summer or for warmer weather hikes, unless you run super cold. I overheat easily when active so I'd opt for something lighter above 60 degrees or so. Another thing to note is the midsole's softer foam areas are less sturdy than the rest of the boot. I have a few pretty visible chunky scrapes on that part, but overall I'm impressed by how well this boot wears.Overall, 100% recommend. Great for anything from casual wear (they look great! classic hiker vibes) to long, arduous day hikes, and can even handle challenging conditions and terrain. A stylish and affordable workhorse boot to be sure.

Worst grip of my life

I bought these because I was so excited to have a good pair of waterproof hiking boots in pink! I thought I could trust the Columbia brand and Newton Ridge line. Aesthetics aside, I chose to leave these behind at the hotel because I would I never feel safe wearing them.Story time, I wore these onto the plane to Kauai, and my suspicion of the poor grip began when I entered my hotel room. These shoes glided on the laminate wood flooring, even my basic Keds and Rainbows or any normal pair of shoe would not.Lo and behold, I went hiking on the Hanakāpī‘ai Falls trail and felt like I had zero grip on the slicker rock. I slipped a few times and fell once. With no other appropriate pair of shoes, I also wore it hiking the Awa'awapuhi Trail and slid a few times without ... MoreI bought these because I was so excited to have a good pair of waterproof hiking boots in pink! I thought I could trust the Columbia brand and Newton Ridge line. Aesthetics aside, I chose to leave these behind at the hotel because I would I never feel safe wearing them.Story time, I wore these onto the plane to Kauai, and my suspicion of the poor grip began when I entered my hotel room. These shoes glided on the laminate wood flooring, even my basic Keds and Rainbows or any normal pair of shoe would not.Lo and behold, I went hiking on the Hanakāpī‘ai Falls trail and felt like I had zero grip on the slicker rock. I slipped a few times and fell once. With no other appropriate pair of shoes, I also wore it hiking the Awa'awapuhi Trail and slid a few times without falling. These boots were waterproof for slugging through mud. In all seriousness, buyer be aware.The shoes were waterproof though.