Columbia Newton Ridge Review 4+ Years Of Testing
I have personally tested the Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking boots for over 4 years, and this article is to share my experience and thoughts on these boots. 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.
Key takeaway of these boots are they are high quality, offering decent comfort but exceptional durability and performance. Columbia is a reputable company that consistently releases new hiking boot models, yet the Newton Ridge has stood the test of time.
These boots are a fantastic option for beginners as they are not overly luxurious or expensive but are a gold standard trusted by hikers worldwide. As a expert hiker and mountain guide these are one of my go to boots.
Whether you're an avid hiker or just starting out, this review will help you understand if the Columbia Newton Ridge boots meet your hiking footwear needs. Discover the strengths and weaknesses of these hiking boots, backed by long-term, real-world testing.
Key Features
Price: 75-100$
Profile: Standard, High Ankle
Our Rating: 9.0/10
What We Liked
- Durability: The boots show minimal wear and tear even after years of use, making them a long-lasting investment.
- Comfort: They provide excellent comfort for long hikes, with cushioning that reduces foot fatigue.
- Waterproofing: A good boot that performs well in wet conditions, keeping feet dry during rain and when walking through streams.
- Traction: They offer strong grip on a variety of surfaces, including mud, rocks, and wet grass.
- Fairly Light: Despite being a boot, they do not feel heavy, making it easier to walk in, especially over long distances or varied terrains.
What We Didn't Like
- Breathability: Some users find that the boots can become quite warm, particularly in hot weather, leading to sweaty feet.
- Break-In Period: The boots require a break-in period, during which they might cause discomfort or blisters.
- Aesthetic: While functional, the design may not appeal to everyone, with some users preferring a more stylish look.
Who Are These Hiking Boots For?
The Columbia Newton Ridge leather boots are perfect for any hiker, whether an experienced mountaineer or a beginner. As mentioned before, these boots are a gold standard and perform exceptionally well, providing good ankle support.
For those seeking extra stability and support, these boots excel with their rich and robust ankle protection. Overall, I would highly recommend the Newton Ridge to any hiker I encounter.
Performance Overview
Columbia Newton Ridge Comfort 8.5/10
The first and probably most important quality of any hiking shoe. I rated these a 8.5/10 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. Moving towards the midsole, I have no complaints what so ever, I feel good weight distribution, I never feel any drops or dips in the sole.
The heel of the shoe is what I find most comfortable.
I absolutely never had to use any sort of special knot tying of my laces to make sure the Newton Ridge were secure, these boots are secure right out of the box with a normal shoe tying knot. I never felt any heel slipping or instability of the boot for the past 4 years, unlike the Hoka Kaha 2 which I experienced heel slipping.
The plush padding around the ankle are not made out of cheap mesh and they have not worn on either of my boots. I do not experience any itching or discomfort around my ankle. Overall, this is a comfortable boot they are not a 10/10 for comfort, but I don’t believe any boot can be, they get the job done for sure and provide good support.
Traction 9/10
The traction on these hiking boots is nothing short of spectacular, offering a good grip on a variety of surfaces. The lugs are not very deep at all, however once slipping these boots on you will notice your traction is 10-fold and the boots speak for themselves in terms of performance. I was skeptical at first, when inspecting the boots lugs however as I said before, the performance speaks for itself.
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 while never letting me down. 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 excellent grip and stability, keeping my feet dry and secure.
I have an annual 10 mile hike I like to do at the beginning of each summer, there are a wide variety of terrains I cross during this hike, and the Newton Ridge are always my to go, for this annual trip and they always will be.
Traction Rating Table
Surface | Traction Rating | Comments |
Muddy Trails | 4.5 | Excellent grip, minimal slipping even in deep mud. |
Rocky Paths | 4.0 | Strong traction stable on loose rocks |
Wet Grass | 3.5 | Good Traction, some slipping on inclines |
Snowy Terrain | 4.0 | Moderate grip |
Sandy Paths | 4.0 | Effective Grip, maintained traction in loose sand |
Pavement | 4.5 | Great Traction |
Forest Trails | 5.0 | Excellent traction, perfect for typical hiking conditions |
Overall protection 9/10
The ankle and foot protection provided by these hiking boots is another standout feature, ensuring safety and comfort even on the toughest terrains, making them a good boot for various activities. While the toe cap is not steel, it effectively protects against the elements.
I’ve stubbed my toe against sharp rocks and tree stumps without any injury. On rocky paths, the multi-directional lugs offered strong grip, and the reinforced toe cap protected my feet from sharp rocks.
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.
I’ve always felt encouraged to go harder and discover more by the boots’ protective characteristics, whether I’m negotiating a challenging descent or crossing a rocky creek.
What sets this hiking boot apart from many others on the market are its fit and comfort. 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.
The cushioning around the mid foot allows a comfortable fit for your foot to fall into without losing much of the rigidity needed when supporting your long treks.
I Felt immediate comfort while breaking in these boots, my blisters were minimal and I felt less foot fatigue during my long treks starting out. As I said before, My foot size is usually wider however I felt great comfort with the standard size I did not feel my feet were very snug especially in the mid-foot.
Durability 10/10
I have to rate the durability a 10/10 because these heavy-duty hiking boots exemplify true durability. While there’s been some expected wear on the tread, that’s about it.
These boots are heavier as compared to the Salomon X 4 Ultra’s which usually carries more weight in terms of durability. The boots might show slight sun damage (my fault), but otherwise, there’s no wear on the soles, no fraying, and nothing else in terms of wear and tear.
Design/Aesthetics 10/10
I rated the design and aesthetics a 10/10 because I not only wore these boots while hiking but used them for chores around the house, used them in the winter, and house projects. The sleek design made it easy to disguise as an everyday boot and the comfort made it without question a boot I could use every single day.
The black mesh at the top of the boot gives it a great contrast to the medium brown leather the body of the boot holds, showcasing the classic appeal of leather boots. The lacing system has held up for years without losing tension, or fraying.
Final VERDICT Why Columbia Newton Ridge's are a staple hiking boot
After using these boots for over 4 years on not only hiking adventures but every other activity you can think of, I can’t imagine leaving my house without them. There’s a reason why I call the Newton Ridge boots the gold standard of hiking boots: they last.
Over these 4 years of testing, I have noticed expected tread wear, but nothing excessive that renders them unusable. The only reason to buy these boots again would be to get a brand new model for a fresher look, as the performance remains unmatched from the day I purchased them. These boots have truly proven their durability and reliability through every challenge.
As I mentioned before, I originally purchased the Newton Ridge boots as a pair of hiking boots, but they quickly became my favorite all-around shoes.
When you’re looking for hiking boots, you want something that’s going to last, right? The Columbia Newton Ridge boots are exactly that. They have lasted me over 4 years and continue to perform exceptionally well. They’re not just comfortable and ready for any trail; they’re also built tough to handle the worst you can throw at them.
These boots are made with top-quality materials and careful attention to detail, meaning they’re going to stick with you hike after hike.
In short, getting yourself a pair of Newton Ridge boots is more than just treating yourself to some great hiking gear. It’s a smart decision that saves you money and hassle in the long run, letting you focus on enjoying your hikes without worrying about your gear.
Why wait? Give them a try and see where they can take you. With Columbia Newton Ridge on your feet, your next hike could be the best one yet.
At the time of this writing a new pair of Columbia Newton Ridge Men’s are priced at $75 with fluctuations into $100. With this price tag and the unmatched durability these hiking boots are WORTH IT.
What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?
Without a doubt, if you want exceptional durability and performance in hiking footwear, check out the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX and Salomon Quest 4. If you are looking for something more lightweight, either the Hoka Anacapa 2 or Salomon X 4 Ultra will do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia Newton Ridge Plus a good hiking boot?
The quick answer without reading through our whole review is, Absolutely. 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, they are made from PU-coated 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 Why You Should Trust Us
I personally tested the Newton Ridge for over four years of hiking as well as daily use. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
We currently purchase the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
Mountaineer Journey gives their expert non-bias opinion on this equipment to give you the best possible information so you can make the easiest decision possible.
Adventure Awaits,
Tyler