Columbia Omni-Grip | Is This Outsole Worth It?
In this article, we are going to review the Columbia Omni-Grip outsole, its traction, and durability, and I will give my honest expert opinion on whether this outsole is worth it. At the end of the article, I will be sharing my personal experience with the Columbia Omni-Grip outsole, including its traction on wet surfaces.
What we Like
Durable
50% Natural Rubber
Good in Dry weather
Traction on uneven surfaces
Excellent Grip
What we Don't
Decent on wet surfaces
Shallow lugs
Slightly too flexible
Limited traction
Columbia Omni-Grip
Many of Columbia's shoe lines, including hiking boots like the Columbia Newton Ridge, use the Omini-Grip outsole. In this article, I will be referring only to Columbia hiking boots. Columbia uses standard rubber for the outsoles. According to Columbia, this outsole has excellent traction and works well in extreme weather conditions. Wet or dry. Columbia, a trademark holder of Omni-Grip, manufactures the outsole.
Traction
While testing the Columbia Newton Ridge, the Omni-Grip outsole had decent traction. The lugs are not extremely deep, but they do hold decent traction against varying terrains. It is not as stiff as the Salomon Contagrip. The outsole itself is slightly flexible but rigid enough to hold against conforming to uneven surfaces, making it excellent for grip on these kinds of surfaces.
I tested the traction on wet and dry surfaces. I noted the Columbia Omni-Grip to work decently in wet conditions; not as well compared to the Vibram outsole. However, in dry conditions, the grip really held true.
Durability
While testing, the Columbia Newton Ridge with an Omni-Grip outsole held up very well after 4 years of use. I observed that the lugs began to lose their depth, particularly on the lateral side of both shoes. The outsole is still useful even after years of use; however, make note that the traction does lose its grip over time. If you are looking for a durable outsole, the Columbia Omni-Grip is definitely one to consider.
My experience with Columbia Omini-Grip
I have tried different variations of the Columbia Newton Ridge hiking boots, all of which contain an weather-resistant Omni-Grip outsole. It is definitely a decent rubber outsole that holds true to traction and is extremely durable. While testing the Columbia Omni-Grip outsole on various hiking boots, I never noticed a big difference that varied from model to model. The outsole has been reliable for years, so I can carry on hiking. Is it the best outsole for grip and traction? No, it is not, but it definitely gets the job done.
Is the Columbia Omni-Grip worth the sale price?
Yes, if you are looking for a Columbia hiking booth that contains the Omni-Grip, it is worth it. Like I mentioned before, it is not the most traction- and grip-worthy outsole you'll ever have, but the durability speaks for itself. If you're looking for a budget-friendly hiking boot that has the Columbia omni-grip outsole, I definitely recommend it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia Omni Grip good?
The Omni-grip is a good rubber outsole with decent traction and great durability. All of the Columbia boots that contain the Omni-Grip outsole are also very cost effective.
What is Omni Grip rubber?
It is a more than 50% natural rubber used on Columbia Hiking Boot outsoles that contain advanced traction and grip technology.
Does Columbia Omni Grip work on ice?
We never recommend hiking on straight ice; however, in my experience, the Omni-Grip's ice grip has held great against ice.
How We Personally Tested And Our Methodology
I personally tested the Columbia Omni-Grip outsole on many different hiking boots with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. 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.
Adventure Awaits,
Tyler