Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
A capable waterproof hiking boot at a lower price than Merrell or Salomon. Good for occasional hikers who do not want to spend full price.
- Consider if you hike occasionally and the Merrell price is hard to justify
- Columbia Omni-Tech waterproofing is reliable for casual hiking conditions
- Outsole not as durable as Vibram -- will wear faster under heavy use
Best For / Not For
Best for
- Occasional hikers who do not hike frequently enough to justify Merrell or Salomon
- Buyers who want a comfortable trail boot for casual use at lower cost
- First-time hiking boot buyers who want to try the category without full investment
Not for
- Frequent hikers who should buy the Merrell for its better outsole durability
- Anyone hiking technical terrain where outsole grip quality matters
- Buyers who need maximum waterproofing for very wet conditions
Key Details
What Makes It Stand Out
The Newton Ridge Plus II earns consideration on price. For buyers who hike a handful of times per year, the Merrell or Salomon premium is hard to justify. The Columbia handles moderate trail conditions well enough at a lower investment.
Columbia's Omni-Tech waterproofing performs well for most hiking conditions. The gap versus GORE-TEX or M-Select shows up in sustained very wet conditions, which occasional hikers rarely encounter.
Value
For occasional hikers, the value is strong. For hikers who go out weekly, the outsole wear and waterproofing limitations will show up faster and the Merrell is the better long-term investment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lower price than Merrell or Salomon
- Columbia Omni-Tech waterproofing is reliable for standard conditions
- Comfortable cushioning for casual trail and light day-hike use
- Widely available in multiple colors and widths
Cons
- Outsole compound not as grippy or durable as Vibram
- Waterproofing less robust than GORE-TEX or M-Select for heavy rain or stream crossings
- Not built for frequent or demanding hiking
Bottom Line
Consider the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II if you hike occasionally and want a capable waterproof boot without Merrell or Salomon pricing. Buy the Merrell Moab 3 if you hike frequently.
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