Meet the reviewer
Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Hiking Shoe: first impressions
We tested the low version of this boot earlier this year and were hugely impressed by the all-day comfort and traction they delivered on a variety of trails. Needless to say, our expectations were high for the mid-cut model and we're pleased to say they've lived up to our expectations so far.
The promise of these hiking shoes from Columbia is lightweight protection, stability on rough trails and excellent traction and we're pleased to say they deliver on all fronts. For protection, the brand uses its own OutDry waterproof membrane which they explained is bonded to the inside of the upper. This means that there's no movement of your foot in the shoe and debris from the trail doesn't work its way into the gap between the membrane and the upper like it can in other shoes – because there is no gap.
We've stood in small streams wearing these and tested that the membrane is indeed watertight. Naturally, it means you lose some breathability but as far as waterproof shoes go, we've been fairly comfortable in these even on quite warm days.
• List price: $130 / £115
• Gender specification: Men's and women's sizing available
• Sizes: Men's 7 - 15 US, 6 - 14 UK / Women's 5 - 12 US, 3 - 10 UK
• Weight (per shoe, women's US 6): 9.8 oz / 280 g
• Materials: Mesh upper, TechLite+ foam midsole, OutDry membrane, Adapt Trax outsole
• Colors: Mountain blue/White, Stone green/Canyon sun, Black/Shark, Moonvista/Blush rose, Ti grey steel/Teal
• Best use: Hiking
Stability seemed doubtful, given the extremely plush foam midsole, but we were quite happy on a relatively rocky Swiss trail in these. It's helpful that the NavicFit technology secures the boot around your foot so there's minimal movement.
As for traction, we've tested this boot against steep slopes, mud, grass and crumbly trails in the Alps and are yet to slip. In addition to that, they're extremely comfortable out of the box and even worn over long days.
The sole is extremely flexible, which adds stability, but we can't help but wonder how it would hold up against the toughest trails. We'd love to see more recycled materials used, but if you're looking for a comfortable, performance-ready boot for fast hiking at a decent price, this is it.
Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Hiking Shoe: in the field
Columbia hiking shoes have often missed the mark for me, but this spring, the Konos TRS OutDry came along and changed all that. It was so comfortable and grippy that it became my go-to shoe this summer. So when I was offered the chance to test the mid-height version on a recent trip to Val d'Anniviers in the Swiss Alps, I was very keen to see if the boot-style would perform as well as the low-cut shoe.
Here’s how they performed:
Sizing, fit and comfort
As usual, I went up a half size and tested a US 6 to give my feet plenty of room to swell, which was a good call as I think these shoes run slightly small. There was room for my feet, but any smaller and I think my toes would have been bashing on the ends during the downhills.
These boots have what Columbia calls its NavicFit technology which I learned whilein Switzerland means it's designed to hug the navicular bone across the midfoot. This explains why I get such a nice, neat fit from these boots. The toe box isn't enormously wide but by going up a half size, I had enough room and the lacing system lets me secure these around the ankle while my feet still have a little room.
Straight out of the box, I could tell these shoes were every bit as comfortable as the trainer-style version, with an extremely plush and flexible midsole that makes them feel more like walking in slippers than boots. I ended up wearing them all day for two days in a row without any breaking in and never experienced any rubbing or discomfort, even across the top of my foot which can be a problem area for me as I have high arches.
Breathability and protection
Let's get one thing straight: waterproof clothing and shoes are never as breathable as non-waterproof gear, no matter how breathable the membrane. I took a bit of a risk testing them on this trip since it was early September which meant the temperatures were already warm and there wasn't much rain in the forecast. I'd also tested the Columbia Facet 75 Alpha Outdry shoes in the Alps a year ago and found them to be extremely sweaty. However, while my feet got a little warm in these and I would ordinarily save them for cooler weather, I was impressed by their breathability.
As for protection, I waded through a few springs and streams and the waterproof membrane, which is bonded to the upper rather than a separate bootie, works a charm. There's also ample protection from trail hazards thanks to reinforced uppers everywhere I'd want them.
Grip, stability and responsiveness
Because these shoes use the same outsole technology as the low-cut version, I was pretty confident in their ability to stick to the trails but it was still good to take them on some steep alpine descents, muddy slopes and wet rocks to put that theory to the test. The only time I lost traction was stepping on a wet and exposed piece of plastic piping, which isn't exactly your typical hiking surface. The traction is great even though the plush and flexible soles really don't appear to be as rugged as some and I think they're a good match for anything I'm likely to encounter.
The chunky sole definitely doesn't look super stable, and I do hike with poles so that always helps my balance, but I didn't have any issues with stability. I think the added flex in the midsole actually improves my ability to walk with a normal gait even over rough ground, while the foam gives a nice, responsive ride.
Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Hiking Shoe: the bottom line
If you're looking for all-day comfort and excellent traction in a mid-cut hiking shoe, it's hard to poke any holes in this choice, especially given the price point. The only issue is that they're not available in a non-waterproof option so if you live in a more arid climate, you could definitely find them too warm, however the low cut option is available without the membrane. Compare these to the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid Gore-Tex for another option that delivers out-of-the-box comfort and grip.
