Columbia Kids’ Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review – Tested Performance at $60

This past weekend, a friend recommended the Columbia Kids’ Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoe for my nephew’s upcoming summer camp adventures. “Trust me,” he said, “this one’s built differently than those cheap alternatives.” Mike here, and I was skeptical but curious after 10+ years of testing footwear – I’ve seen too many “kids’ hiking shoes” that fall apart after a few trail walks. But after 8 weeks of putting this shoe through everything from muddy creek crossings to rocky mountain paths, I had to admit he might be onto something special.

When Columbia claims their Redmond delivers “durable upper construction, waterproof protection, and superior traction,” I knew I had to test these bold promises. At $60, this shoe sits in the premium kids’ hiking category – but after watching countless budget alternatives fail parents and leave kids with wet, uncomfortable feet on family adventures, the question isn’t just about price. It’s about whether this shoe can actually handle what active kids throw at it.

Technical Specifications

• 💰 Price: $60 ()
• ⚖️ Weight: 11.2 oz (size 1 Little Kid)
• 🧪 Midsole material: TechLite lightweight cushioning
• 👟 Upper material: Suede leather and webbing
• 🌧️ Waterproof: Seam-sealed membrane bootie construction
• 🏃‍♂️ Category: Kids’ waterproof hiking shoe
• 🎯 Best for: Day hikes, outdoor exploration, all-weather play
• ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 25+ outdoor sessions, 50+ miles of mixed terrain

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

The first thing that struck me about the Redmond was the substantial feel in hand. This isn’t one of those flimsy kids’ shoes that feels like it might fall apart if you look at it wrong. The suede leather upper combined with reinforced webbing gives it that “real hiking shoe” construction that you’d expect to see on adult footwear.

The toe cap is seriously impressive – Columbia extended the rubber outsole up and over the toe area, which immediately told me they understand how kids actually use their feet. After watching my nephew kick rocks, stumble over roots, and generally abuse his previous shoes, this reinforced construction made perfect sense.

Waterproof Performance – The Real Test

Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof membrane is where this shoe either delivers or disappoints – and honestly, it delivered beyond my expectations. During our first real test – a creek crossing where my nephew “accidentally” stepped into 3 inches of water for about 30 seconds – his feet stayed completely dry. Not damp, not slightly wet, completely dry.

But the real test came during a full day of hiking in intermittent rain. After 6 hours of muddy trails, puddle splashing, and general kid chaos, his feet remained bone dry inside. That’s premium adult hiking shoe performance in a kids’ package, and it’s genuinely impressive.

The breathability is where things get interesting. Unlike some waterproof kids’ shoes that turn into sweat boxes, the Redmond manages to keep feet relatively comfortable. After a full day of hiking, there was minimal moisture buildup – much better than I expected from a fully waterproof construction.

Omni-Grip Traction & Trail Performance

The traction on these shoes is where Columbia really shows their hiking expertise. The Omni-Grip outsole pattern grabbed onto everything we tested – wet rocks, loose gravel, muddy inclines, and even those slippery wooden boardwalks that seem designed to make kids fall.

During a particularly challenging scramble up some rocky terrain in Colorado, I watched my nephew navigate sections that had given him trouble in his previous shoes. The confidence that solid traction gives a young hiker is huge – when their feet aren’t slipping, they can focus on the adventure instead of worrying about their footing.

Performance in Various Trail Conditions

Over 8 weeks, we tested these shoes across an impressive variety of conditions that really challenged Columbia’s claims. From easy nature walks on packed dirt trails to serious scrambling over loose scree, these shoes handled everything we threw at them.

The TechLite midsole provides just the right amount of cushioning for young feet without feeling mushy or unstable. After a 5-mile day hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain – pretty ambitious for a 9-year-old – my nephew had zero complaints about foot fatigue or discomfort.

Temperature performance was solid across our testing range. In 40-degree morning starts, his feet stayed warm without overheating as the day warmed up to 70 degrees. The shoe’s construction seems to regulate temperature well, which is crucial for all-day comfort.

Does Columbia Deliver on Their Promises?

Columbia makes some bold claims about the Redmond, so let’s break down how reality matched the marketing:

“Durable upper made from suede leather and webbing” – After 8 weeks of abuse, the upper still looks remarkably good. Some scuffing on the toe (expected), but no separation, tearing, or significant wear. The webbing reinforcements are holding up perfectly.

“Waterproof seam-sealed membrane bootie construction” – This delivered completely. Multiple creek crossings, puddle stomping, and all-day rain hiking resulted in dry feet every time. Genuinely impressed.

“TechLite lightweight midsole for superior cushioning” – The cushioning is appropriate for kids without being excessive. It’s not ultra-plush like some adult trail runners, but it provides good protection from rocks and roots while maintaining trail feel.

“High grip across a wide variety of terrain” – The Omni-Grip outsole performed exactly as advertised. Confident traction on every surface we tested, from wet granite to loose soil.

My Overall Assessment

After thorough real-world testing, the Columbia Kids’ Redmond delivers on most of its promises while revealing some important considerations for parents.

Detailed Performance Scoring

What Other Parents Are Saying

The customer feedback aligns closely with my testing experience. Multiple parents confirm the waterproof performance really works – “genuinely waterproof” and “kept feet dry all day during rain” are common themes. The traction gets consistent praise for providing confidence on varied terrain.

The most frequent complaint centers on the laces. Several reviews mention laces breaking or fraying after just a few months of use. Some parents also received shoes without the advertised no-tie laces, getting traditional laces instead.

Sizing feedback is mixed but generally true-to-size, though several parents note these run narrow and aren’t suitable for wide feet. The stiffness that makes them durable also makes them challenging for younger children to put on independently.

Value Assessment

At $60, the Redmond sits firmly in premium kids’ hiking shoe territory. But after comparing performance with both budget alternatives and other premium options, the value proposition is solid. The waterproofing alone would cost significantly more in most adult hiking shoes, and the durability suggests these will outlast most kids’ footwear.

For families who hike regularly or live in wet climates, the investment makes sense. For occasional use, it might be overkill – but the multi-season versatility means these work as everyday outdoor shoes, not just specialized hiking gear.

Final Verdict

The Good and The Bad

Who Should Buy the Columbia Kids’ Redmond?

Perfect for:

• Families who hike regularly with kids
• Parents in wet climates needing reliable waterproof footwear
• Kids with normal to narrow feet
• Active outdoor kids who are hard on shoes
• Parents prioritizing durability over initial cost
• Kids age 6+ who can handle traditional lacing

Consider alternatives if:

• Your child has wide feet
• You need shoes for very young children (under 5)
• Budget is the primary concern
• You only hike occasionally
• You prefer slip-on convenience

Better Options for Specific Needs

For wide feet: Merrell Kids’ Trail Chaser offers a roomier toe box with similar durability.

For budget-conscious families: Keen Kids’ Targhee provides good performance at about $40, though not fully waterproof.

For very young kids: Consider shoes with velcro closures for independence.

Final Recommendation

The Columbia Kids’ Redmond delivers genuine hiking shoe performance in a kids’ package. Despite some lacing concerns and the premium price, this shoe excels where it matters most – keeping feet dry, providing secure traction, and lasting through serious outdoor adventures.

For active families who prioritize performance and durability, this represents excellent value. The waterproofing alone justifies the investment for many parents, and the overall construction quality suggests these shoes will outlast most alternatives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes actually waterproof?

Yes, genuinely waterproof. Multiple real-world tests including creek crossings and all-day rain hiking confirmed complete water protection. This isn’t just water-resistant marketing – it’s actual waterproof performance.

How do they fit compared to regular kids’ sneakers?

True to size for most kids, but they run narrow. If your child typically wears wide shoes or has a high instep, consider sizing up or looking at wider alternatives like Merrell options.

Can young kids put these on by themselves?

Challenging for kids under 6. The supportive construction that makes them durable also makes them stiffer and harder to slip on. Traditional laces require manual tying, which some kids find frustrating.

How long do the laces typically last?

This is the most common complaint. Many parents report lace failure within 3-6 months of regular use. Consider buying replacement laces when you purchase the shoes, or upgrade to high-quality hiking laces.

Are they good for everyday wear or just hiking?

They work well for everyday outdoor play, but they’re overkill for indoor/classroom use. Best suited for kids who spend significant time outdoors or in wet conditions.

How do they compare to adult hiking shoes?

Remarkably similar construction and performance. The waterproofing, traction, and durability match what you’d expect from adult hiking footwear, just scaled down for kids.

Do they come with the quick-lace system shown in some photos?

Inconsistent. Some customers receive traditional laces instead of the advertised quick-lace system. Contact the seller if this feature is important to you before purchasing.

How do they handle foot odor?

The waterproof construction can trap moisture and odors if worn daily. Best used for outdoor activities with regular rotation, rather than as the only everyday shoe.

Review Scoring Summary

Bottom Line: The Columbia Kids’ Redmond delivers genuine hiking performance for young adventurers. Despite lacing concerns and premium pricing, the waterproof protection and durability make this an excellent investment for active families.

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