After my old hiking shoes finally gave up during a rainy trail weekend, I started researching waterproof options that wouldn’t break the bank. Sarah here, and between managing work deadlines and weekend adventures with my hiking group, I needed something reliable that could handle everything from muddy trails to grocery store runs. That’s why I spent 8 weeks putting the Columbia Women’s Redmond Waterproof through every real-world scenario I could think of. Here’s whether these budget-friendly hikers actually deliver on their promises.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $70 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 13.5 oz (women’s size 8)
- 📐 Materials: Suede leather, mesh, rubber outsole
- 🧪 Midsole technology: Techlite lightweight cushioning
- 👟 Upper construction: Suede/mesh/webbing combination
- 🏃♀️ Category: Waterproof low-cut hiking shoe
- 🎯 Best for: Day hiking, trail walking, casual outdoor activities
- ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 40+ miles of hiking, daily wear testing
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Right out of the box, the Columbia Women’s Redmond Waterproof presents a practical, no-nonsense design that immediately felt familiar. The combination of suede leather and mesh creates a nice balance between durability and breathability – though as I discovered over weeks of testing, that breathability comes with some trade-offs we’ll discuss.
The upper construction impressed me more than I expected for a $70 shoe. The suede portions feel substantial without being stiff, and the mesh panels are positioned strategically around the forefoot and sides where you need airflow most. The webbing details aren’t just for show – they actually provide structural support that I could feel during lateral movements on uneven terrain.
Fit, Comfort & Break-in Experience
Here’s where things get interesting, and I need to address the elephant in the room that multiple reviewers have mentioned: sizing. I typically wear a 7.5 in most brands, but based on extensive research through customer reviews, I ordered an 8. This turned out to be the right call – the 8 fit perfectly with medium-thickness hiking socks, while the 7.5 would have been uncomfortably snug.
The toe box definitely runs on the narrower side compared to brands like Merrell or Keen. If you have wider feet, you’ll want to consider going up a half size or looking at the wide option if available. I have fairly standard width feet, and even I noticed the more sculpted fit around the midfoot.
What surprised me was how little break-in these required. Unlike some hiking shoes that need weeks to soften up, the Redmond felt comfortable from day one. The padded collar and tongue provide good protection against lace pressure, and the internal construction feels smooth against the foot.
Trail Performance & Waterproof Testing
Over 8 weeks, I put these through their paces on everything from easy nature walks to challenging day hikes with significant elevation gain. The Omni-Grip outsole performed admirably across different terrain types. On rocky surfaces, the lugged pattern provided confident grip, though it’s not quite as aggressive as you’d find on dedicated mountain hiking boots.
The waterproofing proved to be the standout feature. I deliberately tested these in puddles, stream crossings, and during a particularly memorable downpour on a 6-mile hike. My feet stayed completely dry through all of these conditions. Even when water reached the ankle height of the shoe, the waterproof membrane held up perfectly.
However, there’s a trade-off here that’s important to understand. The waterproof membrane that keeps water out also limits breathability. During warmer weather hikes (anything above 70°F), my feet definitely got sweaty. This isn’t unique to Columbia – it’s the reality of waterproof footwear – but it’s worth knowing if you plan to use these primarily in hot climates.
Performance in Various Hiking Conditions
Wet Weather Excellence
Where these shoes truly shine is in wet, muddy, and challenging conditions. I tested them extensively during fall hiking season when trails were consistently damp and muddy. The traction on wet rocks was reliable, though I still used appropriate caution on especially slick surfaces. The aggressive lugs shed mud well and didn’t clog up with debris.
During one particularly challenging hike in light rain, I watched other hikers struggle with wet feet while mine stayed perfectly dry. The peace of mind that comes with reliable waterproofing shouldn’t be underestimated – it completely changes your hiking experience when you’re not worried about every puddle or stream crossing.
Day-Long Comfort Reality Check
For hikes up to 8-10 miles, these provided solid comfort throughout the day. The Techlite midsole offers a nice balance of cushioning and support, though it’s not as plush as some premium hiking shoes. I found them perfectly adequate for the moderate day hiking they’re designed for.
The arch support is fairly minimal, which several customers have noted. If you have high arches or specific foot support needs, you’ll likely want to add aftermarket insoles. I tested them both with and without additional arch support and found the factory footbed adequate for my needs, but this varies significantly between individuals.
Does Columbia Deliver on Their Promises?
Marketing Claims vs Real-World Reality
Columbia makes some bold claims about these shoes, so let’s examine how they stack up after extensive testing:
“Exceptional waterproof performance” – Absolutely delivers. The waterproof membrane consistently kept my feet dry through every wet condition I encountered. This is probably the shoe’s strongest selling point.
“Superior cushioning for impact absorption” – The Techlite midsole provides decent cushioning for a shoe in this price range, but calling it “superior” might be a stretch. It’s adequate and comfortable but not revolutionary.
“Multi-terrain traction system” – The Omni-Grip sole performed well across different surfaces. Not the most aggressive tread pattern I’ve used, but reliable for moderate hiking conditions.
“Durable construction” – Here’s where the reviews get mixed, and my experience reflects that complexity. The shoes have held up well through 8 weeks of regular use, but I’ve seen enough customer photos of sole separation and upper deterioration to be concerned about long-term durability.
My Overall Assessment
Detailed Performance Scoring
Waterproof Performance: 9.2/10 – Excellent protection in all wet conditions tested. Membrane consistently performed as advertised.
Comfort: 7.8/10 – Good overall comfort with minimal break-in, but narrow fit limits appeal for wider feet.
Traction: 8.1/10 – Reliable grip on most surfaces, adequate for intended use but not aggressive enough for technical terrain.
Breathability: 6.5/10 – Limited by waterproof membrane, can get warm in hot weather but better than some competitors.
Durability: 7.2/10 – Mixed bag based on customer reports. Good initial construction but concerning long-term reliability issues.
Value for Money: 8.4/10 – Strong performance for the price point, especially considering waterproof capabilities.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
What Other Women Are Saying
The customer feedback paints a picture that aligns closely with my testing experience. Women consistently praise the waterproof performance and initial comfort, with many mentioning these as their go-to shoes for dog walking, casual hiking, and outdoor work.
The sizing feedback is remarkably consistent – nearly every review mentions needing to size up by a half size. The narrow fit is frequently noted, with several women mentioning they had to return for wider sizes or different brands entirely.
Durability reviews are split. Some women report excellent longevity (2-3 years of regular use), while others experienced sole separation or upper deterioration within 6-12 months. The difference seems to correlate with usage intensity and individual gait patterns.
Value Assessment for Budget-Conscious Buyers
At $70, these shoes occupy an interesting sweet spot in the market. They’re significantly less expensive than premium hiking shoes from brands like Salomon or Merrell, but they deliver many of the core features you actually need for day hiking and casual outdoor activities.
The key is setting appropriate expectations. These aren’t built to handle technical mountaineering or ultra-long-distance hiking. But for weekend trail adventures, dog walking in all weather, and casual outdoor activities, they provide solid value.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
What Works Really Well:
- Excellent waterproof performance in all conditions
- Comfortable from day one with minimal break-in
- Good traction on moderate terrain
- Attractive price point for waterproof hiking shoes
- Versatile enough for hiking and daily wear
- Reliable construction quality for the price
What Could Be Better:
- Narrow fit limits compatibility with wider feet
- Sizing runs small – order half size up
- Limited breathability due to waterproof membrane
- Minimal arch support may require aftermarket insoles
- Durability concerns based on customer reports
- Not suitable for technical or challenging terrain
Who Should Buy the Columbia Women’s Redmond Waterproof?
Perfect for:
- Weekend hikers who prioritize waterproof protection
- Dog walkers and outdoor enthusiasts who need all-weather shoes
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable waterproof performance
- Women with narrow to medium-width feet
- Casual hikers doing day trips on moderate terrain
- Anyone needing versatile shoes for outdoor work and recreation
Look elsewhere if:
- You have wide feet or need extra toe room
- You plan intensive hiking or technical terrain
- You prioritize maximum breathability over waterproofing
- You need aggressive traction for challenging conditions
- You require substantial arch support
- You want shoes that will last 3+ years with heavy use
Better Options for Specific Needs
If the narrow fit is a dealbreaker, consider the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof which offers a roomier toe box, though at a higher price point. For those prioritizing durability over waterproofing, the Keen Targhee III provides excellent long-term reliability with a comfortable wide fit.
For budget buyers who don’t need waterproofing, the Columbia Redmond V2 (non-waterproof version) offers similar comfort and traction at an even lower price.
Final Recommendation
The Columbia Women’s Redmond Waterproof delivers solid value for women seeking reliable, waterproof hiking shoes without premium pricing. While they’re not perfect – the narrow fit and durability concerns are real limitations – they excel at their primary job of keeping feet dry and comfortable during moderate outdoor activities.
For the right user (narrow to medium feet, casual to moderate hiking intensity, prioritizing waterproof performance), these represent an excellent value at $70. Just remember to size up a half size and consider aftermarket insoles if you need extra arch support.
🛒 Get the best deal:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these shoes run true to size?
No, these consistently run small. Based on extensive customer feedback and my own experience, I recommend ordering a half size larger than your normal shoe size. The narrow fit also means those with wide feet should consider going up a full size or looking at wide options.
How waterproof are they really?
The waterproof performance is excellent. I tested them in puddles, stream crossings, and heavy rain with completely dry feet. However, remember that waterproof means less breathable, so expect warmer feet in hot weather.
Can I use these for winter hiking?
These work well for light winter conditions and wet weather, but they’re not insulated. For cold weather hiking, you’ll need to rely on warm socks. The traction is adequate for light snow but not ideal for icy conditions.
How’s the arch support?
The factory arch support is minimal. Many women add aftermarket insoles for better support. The removable footbed makes it easy to customize with your preferred insoles.
What’s the break-in period like?
Minimal to none. These felt comfortable from the first wear, which is a significant advantage over many hiking shoes that require weeks of breaking in.
How do they compare to Merrell or Keen?
They’re narrower than both Merrell and Keen offerings but offer similar waterproof performance at a lower price. The traction and durability aren’t quite at the same level as premium brands, but for casual use, they’re competitive.
Are they good for people with plantar fasciitis?
The minimal arch support means they’re not ideal for plantar fasciitis without aftermarket insoles. However, the cushioned heel and overall comfort make them a decent platform for custom orthotics.
How long do they typically last?
Customer reports vary widely from 6 months to 3+ years. Usage intensity and individual gait patterns seem to be major factors. For casual weekend hiking, expect 1-2 years of reliable use.
Review Scoring Summary
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Performance | 9.2/10 | Excellent in all wet conditions tested |
| Comfort | 7.8/10 | Good overall, limited by narrow fit |
| Traction | 8.1/10 | Reliable on moderate terrain |
| Breathability | 6.5/10 | Limited by waterproof membrane |
| Durability | 7.2/10 | Mixed customer reports |
| Value for Money | 8.4/10 | Strong performance for price point |
| Overall Score | 7.9/10 | Solid choice for intended use |
Get the best price on Amazon: