Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Review | 5+ Years Of Testing!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.
In this article, I'm going to share my HONEST Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II review for those who are wondering whether they are still WORTH IT in 2025. I purchased them at the height of COVID in 2020, initially for hiking, but soon found myself using them for a variety of activities. These boots have seen me through snow shoveling, daily winter errands, and, of course, hiking.
As a professional hiking guide, I personally recommend these hiking boots for anyone seeking a budget-friendly option that still delivers moderate performance on the trails.
For this review, I have put in 5+ years of testing my very own pair of Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2. To say i'm an expert with how they last over time, and their performance is an understatement. In this review, I'll go over comfort, traction, overall protection, water resistance, fit, stability & support, and durability.
This review was updated on Feburary 23rd 2025, to give updates on testing insights and pictures regarding the Newton Ridge’s traction, durability and long-term use.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Review In Short
The Columbia Newton Ridge is a fantastic option for beginners as they are not overly luxurious or expensive but are a gold standard trusted by hikers worldwide. Beginner hikers would really benefit from this hiking boot because it is such a standardized option, without much custom performance, or fitting.
The Newton Ridge is rated as one our top budget hiking boots of 2025. With a price tag of only $80 it’s hard to pass up these boots as they provide the value that they are worth.
Should you buy the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus?
Buy if
You want a hiking boot under $100
You are a beginner hiker, without much experience
You are looking for one of the cheapest hiking boots of 2025
DON'T Buy if
You prefer a short break-in period for your hiking boots
You prefer a more “aesthetic look” to your hiking boots
You are a more advanced hiker or trekker
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Pros and Cons
Pros
Cheapest Hiking Boot we have reviewed for 2025
Strong ankle support for beginner hikers
Cons
Limited breathability, making them less ideal for summer hikes
Durability over long-term use
Lacks superior comfort compared to other hiking boots
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Price
As of this writing, the Newton Ridge retails for $100, but you can find it on Amazon for 20% off at just $80 below.
Order the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II for A 20% Discount (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Columbia Newton Ridge Comfort: 6/10
The first and probably most important quality of any hiking boot is comfort. I rated these a 6/10 because they are a little tight around the toe box of the shoe.
As a fair warning, I do have a wider foot span. While hiking, I noticed I would tend to get some numbness on the outside of my small toe.This actually went away with time as the boots began to have some wear to them and I broke them in further.
The midsole of the Newton Ridge is equipped with Techlite, a Columbia original midsole. The midsole is relatively soft, providing good comfort, but we’ll explain why this becomes a concern in the traction review section.
The heel has “okay” comfort, I had issues with compression on my heel, with hotspots and blister formation during longer hikes over 4+ miles.
The plush padding around the ankle is not made out of cheap mesh, however they did begin to break down after about 2 years of use. I did not experience any itching or discomfort around my ankle
One drawback of the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus is its weight. My Men’s 10.5 pair weighed in at 1.9 lbs, which is significantly heavier than many other models on the market. While much of the boot is constructed from lightweight leather, it doesn’t seem to reduce the overall weight as expected.
Traction: 6/10
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II delivers satisfactory performance on the trails. The lugs are spaced out evenly to grip a variety of surfaces. I have tested these boots in every terrain imaginable, snow, mud, marshes, plateaus, and foothills they have stood against rough and smooth surfaces. The traction is not excellent nor bad in either of these conditions.
The lugs are made by Omni-Grip technology which Columbia states improves traction and still uses more than 50% natural rubber as the outsole. During a hike through muddy trails, the boots provided good grip and stability, keeping my feet secure.
The outsole is quite soft, causing it to conform to uneven hiking surfaces, which reduces grip and traction. I wouldn’t recommend these boots for very rugged or uneven terrain.
After over a year of use, the outsole started to break down. As shown, it gradually flattens out, losing its deep lugs as they wear away. Although the Newton Ridge has satisfactory grip and traction, I would not trust them to be durable enough over two years of use.
Traction Rating Table
Surface | Traction Rating | Comments |
Muddy Trails | 3.0 | Excellent grip, minimal slipping even in deep mud. |
Rocky Paths | 40 | Strong traction stable on loose rocks |
Wet Grass | 3.0 | Good Traction, some slipping on inclines |
Snowy Terrain | 2.5 | Moderate grip |
Sandy Paths | 4.0 | Effective Grip, maintained traction in loose sand |
Pavement | 4.5 | Decent Traction |
Forest Trails | 5.0 | Excellent traction, perfect for typical hiking conditions |
Overall Protection 3/5
The ankle and foot protection provided by these hiking boots is another standout feature, ensuring safety and comfort while trekking. The Newton Ridge is missing a nice protective toe cap, just like the Timberland Mt Maddsen. When looking at budget hiking boots, keep in mind that manufacturers often have to make compromises in production.
The ankle protection in the Newton Ridge is exceptional; the high-cut ankle cuff extends above your ankle joint, providing maximum stability. I always prefer and recommend this feature for beginner hikers, as it offers extra support for those who haven’t yet strengthened their ankle stabilizers as much as veteran hikers.
The design seems to achieve the ideal mix between providing protection and preserving flexibility, hence enabling a natural range of motion. The boot’s performance shows this careful attention to ankle and foot safety; every step feels safe yet unrestricted.
Water Resistance 2/5
The Columbia Newton Ridge uses their own in-house waterproof membrane, made by Omni-Tech. Omni-Tech uses the same technology as Gore-tex for waterproofing. Columbia claims the hydrostatic head pressure is 10,000-20,000 while Gore-tex claims hydrostatic head pressure above 28,000(hydrostatic head pressure is what measures the waterproofness of a membrane).
Unfortunately, during our 10-minute submersion test, my foot got wet. The suede leather feels too thin, allowing water to seep into the boot. While the Newton Ridge performed reasonably well while hiking in the snow without letting moisture in, I wouldn’t recommend them for creek or river crossings.
Does The Newton Ridge Plus II Fit Well?
What sets this hiking boot apart from many others on the market is its fit. Drawing the laces tight with its adjustable lacing mechanism, the boots fit a variety of foot shapes and are snug yet comfortable right out of the box. The two hooks on either side of the lacing system are perfect for fitting the boot to the hiker without trouble.
I have to say, the ankle cuff on the Columbia Newton Ridge is one of the best. It's flexible and provides a snug, secure fit around the ankle for added comfort and support.
I did not have to size up or down with these hiking boots. They are nice and voluminous, there is not a wide size available.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Fit 4/5
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Stability & Support 3/5
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is super stable, even better than some of the more expensive counterparts.
The ankle cuff is great, I didn’t roll my ankle once while wearing these. However, the lack of medial and lateral stability is a drawback. They give out when you’re on uneven or sloped ground and edge control is a challenge.
That said, the Newton Ridge Plus II has a wide base. I backpacked with a 30 pound pack and had no issues and the stability was great with added weight.
Durability 6.5/10
While the durability of the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II are good in the short-tem(1+ year of use), they do not excel in long-term usage.
Every May, I embark on a 10-mile hike on a relatively moderate trail without extreme terrain. I've worn my Columbia Newton Ridge for this hike each year, and after two years of use, I noticed a decline in performance—particularly in traction.
The suede leather begins to soften on the sides, making them slightly more loose fitting after about a year of use. I noticed a hole in the back of the ankle cuff of one of the best as well.
As mentioned earlier, the outsole started to flatten, and the lugs lost their grip after about a year of use. That’s when I noticed a decline in durability, as the Newton Ridge began to show significant wear.
Overall, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus performs well during the first year, making it a solid choice for beginner hikers. However, after a year of use, expect a decline in performance and durability. For a hiking boot under $90, longevity isn’t its strongest suit, but it delivers reliable performance for its price in the short term.
Is the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II worth it?
As of 2025, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II are held in high regard for beginner hikers, or those looking for a budget pair of hiking boots.
Compared to other boots in the same price range like the Timberland Mt. Maddsen (which may have an edge on comfort and durability) the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II still delivers good value overall. With their affordability, reliability and secure fit these are a competitive option. Durability is below average but that’s to be expected at this price range.
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II strikes a good balance of comfort, stability and performance and is one of the most affordable hiking boots of 2025. Finding these for under $90 is a steal for hikers looking for affordability without sacrificing functionality.
If you're looking for enhanced performance and durability, the Merrell Moab 3 is a solid alternative. I tested it under the same conditions as the Newton Ridge Plus II and found that the Moab 3 lasted approximately 70% longer in terms of both durability and overall performance over time.
Value: 4/5
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort: 6.0 / 10
Traction: 6.0 / 10
Overall Protection: 3.0 / 5
Waterproofness: 2.0 / 5
Stability & Support: 3.0 / 5
Fit: 4.0 / 5
Durability: 6.5 / 10
Value: 4 / 5
Total: 34 / 55
Our Rating: 6.2 / 10
As of this writing, the Newton Ridge retails for $100, but you can find it on Amazon for 20% off at just $80 below.
Order the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II for A 20% Discount (Do NOT pay retail):
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia Newton Ridge Plus a good hiking boot?
The quick answer without reading through our whole review is, yes the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus are good hiking boots. These boots are an excellent choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive boot. They have unparalleled durability and stability making them more than worth it.
Is Columbia Newton Ridge leather?
Yes, the Columbia Newton Ridge is crafted from PU-leather.
Should you size up in Columbia hiking boots?
Columbia hiking boots tend to run true to size, there is no reason to size-up.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I spent over 5 years testing the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II, this was to provide the most accurate testing data with you. Mountaineer Journey is a fully independent publication, dedicated to real-world testing and in-depth outdoor gear reviews.
With over five years of testing this hiking boot, I can truly tell you I have covered every piece of data you could possibly ask for in a hiking boot review.
At Mountaineer Journey, we purchase all the products we test—no sponsorships, no manufacturer influence—just honest, field-tested insights you can trust.
Adventure Awaits,
Tyler
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.