Between replacing my teenager’s destroyed hiking shoes for the third time this year and watching every other dad at the trailhead struggle with overpriced gear, a fellow coach mentioned the Columbia North Plains II. Mike here, and after burning through $400 on “premium” alternatives that lasted six months, I was conflicted about trying another budget option. That’s why I spent 8 weeks putting these through every terrain I could find around Ohio and beyond. Here’s whether Columbia delivers genuine trail-worthy performance or just clever marketing.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $60-70 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 14.2 oz (men’s size 9)
- 🧪 Midsole material: Techlite lightweight foam
- 👟 Upper material: Leather, webbing, and textile combination
- 🦶 Outsole: Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber
- 💧 Waterproofing: Seam-sealed membrane bootie construction
- 🏃♂️ Category: Day hiking and light backpacking
- 🎯 Best for: Trail hiking, daily walking, light outdoor work
- ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 47 trail sessions, 180+ total miles
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Right out of the box, the North Plains II feels like a hiking shoe that knows its place in the market. The leather and textile upper construction strikes a practical balance – not as premium as my $150 Merrell alternatives, but substantially more robust than the synthetic budget shoes I’ve tested. The scratch rubber toe cap immediately catches your attention, and after 180 miles of Ohio creek beds and rocky Appalachian trails, I can tell you it’s not just cosmetic.
The wide fit option addresses one of my biggest frustrations with hiking footwear. At 180 pounds with moderately wide feet, I’ve spent years either dealing with pinched toes or swimming in oversized shoes. Columbia nailed the proportions here – the toe box provides genuine room for your feet to spread naturally during long descents, while the heel cup maintains a secure lockdown that prevents the infamous hiking blister syndrome.
Waterproofing Performance – The Reality Check
Columbia’s seam-sealed membrane construction delivers exactly what you’d expect from a $60 hiking shoe – reliable protection for typical trail conditions, with some important limitations. During creek crossings up to about 3 inches deep, my feet stayed completely dry. Morning dew-soaked grass, muddy trail sections, and light rain presented zero issues over my 8-week testing period.
However, let me be straight about the limitations. During one particularly intense thunderstorm while hiking near Hocking Hills, I discovered that sustained heavy downpour will eventually find its way in around the tongue area. This isn’t a design flaw – it’s physics and price point reality. The $200 boots handle submersion better, but for 90% of hiking scenarios, the North Plains II waterproofing performs admirably.
Traction and Trail Confidence
The Omni-Grip outsole genuinely impressed me. Testing across wet limestone, muddy creek banks, loose gravel descents, and those treacherous wet wooden bridge crossings that every Ohio hiker knows, the traction remained predictable and confidence-inspiring. The lug pattern provides excellent bite on soft terrain while the rubber compound stays grippy on rock surfaces.
I specifically tested these against my previous Keen Targhees on the same trail sections, and while the Keens edge out slightly on technical rock scrambling, the difference is minimal for typical day hiking scenarios. For $60, this level of surface grip exceeds expectations.
Performance in Various Hiking Conditions
Rocky Terrain and Technical Sections
The Techlite midsole provides adequate rock protection for day hiking, though I wouldn’t call it exceptional. During longer sessions on Appalachian ridge trails with sharp limestone exposure, I occasionally felt larger rocks through the sole after about 8 miles. This is actually typical for shoes in this price range – the trade-off between weight, flexibility, and protection.
Where these shoes excel is stability on uneven terrain. The wider platform and supportive heel counter kept my ankles secure during those inevitable moments when you step wrong on loose rock. I never experienced the dreaded ankle roll that can end a hiking trip.
Multi-Day Comfort Testing
The real test came during a 3-day backpacking trip through Pennsylvania’s Pine Creek Gorge. Carrying a 35-pound pack over 25 miles of varied terrain, the North Plains II maintained comfort levels that genuinely surprised me. No hot spots, no pressure points, and my feet felt fresh enough each morning to tackle another full day.
The break-in period was minimal – essentially non-existent if you size correctly. Unlike premium boots that require weeks of conditioning, I was comfortable hiking 10+ miles in these after just two short training walks.
Does Columbia Deliver on Their Promises?
Marketing Claims vs Reality
Columbia markets these as “lightweight, waterproof and durable shoes designed for multiple activities on the trail.” Let me break down each claim based on 180 miles of real-world testing:
Lightweight: At 14.2 ounces, they’re genuinely light for a waterproof hiking shoe. You won’t notice foot fatigue from weight during normal day hikes.
Waterproof: Mostly accurate with important caveats. Excellent for typical trail conditions, adequate for moderate wet weather, but not impervious to sustained heavy rain or stream crossings above ankle height.
Durable: Here’s where it gets interesting. The construction quality is solid for the price point, but several long-term users report toe cap separation after 12-18 months of regular use. For occasional hikers, durability should be excellent. For daily trail users, expect 1-2 seasons.
Multiple Activities: Absolutely true. These work well for hiking, daily walking, light outdoor work, and even casual wear. The versatility is a genuine strength.
My Overall Assessment
After 8 weeks and 180+ miles of testing across diverse conditions, the Columbia Men’s North Plains II Wide earned a permanent place in my gear rotation. This isn’t a premium hiking boot trying to compete with $200 alternatives – it’s a well-executed budget hiking shoe that delivers solid performance for its intended market.
Detailed Performance Scoring
Comfort & Fit: 8.5/10 – Excellent toe box room, secure heel, minimal break-in required. Wide fit option is genuinely helpful for broader feet.
Traction & Stability: 8/10 – Omni-Grip outsole performs admirably on varied terrain. Confidence-inspiring on wet surfaces and loose rock.
Waterproofing: 7/10 – Reliable for typical trail conditions, adequate for moderate wet weather. Limitations in sustained heavy rain.
Durability: 7/10 – Solid construction for price point, but long-term users report toe separation after heavy use.
Weight & Packability: 8.5/10 – Light enough for day hiking, substantial enough for confidence on technical terrain.
Value for Money: 9/10 – Outstanding performance per dollar spent. Hard to find better trail capability under $70.
Overall Score: 8.1/10
What Other Hikers Are Saying
The user feedback aligns closely with my testing experience. Consistently positive comments about immediate comfort, reliable waterproofing for normal conditions, and excellent value. The most common complaints center on sizing (runs slightly small) and the narrow fit of the standard width version – issues addressed by ordering the wide version and sizing up half a size.
Several users mentioned durability concerns after 12+ months of heavy use, which matches my assessment that these are designed for recreational rather than professional-level daily abuse.
Value Assessment
At $60-70, the North Plains II delivers performance that competes with shoes costing $40-50 more. The combination of comfort, adequate protection, reliable traction, and genuine versatility makes this an outstanding value for recreational hikers, families outfitting multiple kids, or anyone wanting capable trail shoes without premium pricing.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
What Works Exceptionally Well:
- Outstanding comfort with minimal break-in period
- Reliable waterproofing for typical trail conditions
- Excellent traction on varied terrain surfaces
- Wide fit option addresses common hiking shoe problems
- Genuine versatility for multiple outdoor activities
- Exceptional value for money at $60-70 price point
Areas for Improvement:
- Waterproofing limitations in sustained heavy rain
- Long-term durability questions for heavy daily use
- Minimal ankle support due to low-cut design
- Rock protection adequate but not exceptional
- Sizing runs slightly small – order up half size
Who Should Buy the Columbia Men’s North Plains II Wide?
Perfect for: Recreational day hikers, families on a budget, anyone wanting versatile outdoor shoes, hikers with wider feet, casual trail users, light backpackers seeking affordable reliability.
Consider alternatives if: You need premium waterproofing for extreme conditions, require maximum ankle support, plan heavy daily use for professional purposes, or prioritize long-term durability over initial value.
Better Options for Specific Needs
For premium waterproofing: Consider Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX or Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof (expect to pay $130-160)
For maximum durability: Look at Keen Targhee III or Vasque Breeze (budget $120-150)
For ultralight hiking: Altra Lone Peak or Merrell Trail Glove (different philosophy, similar price)
Final Recommendation
The Columbia Men’s North Plains II Wide delivers genuine trail performance at an honest price. After 180 miles of testing, I’m confident recommending these to recreational hikers, families, and anyone seeking capable outdoor footwear without premium pricing. The combination of comfort, adequate protection, and versatility makes this an intelligent choice for most hiking scenarios.
Just remember to order the wide version if you have broader feet, size up half a size for optimal comfort, and set realistic expectations about waterproofing limits. At $60-70, these punch well above their weight class.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Columbia North Plains II sizes run?
Based on extensive user feedback and my testing, these run about half a size small. If you normally wear size 10, order 10.5. The wide version provides additional room in the toe box without affecting length sizing.
Are these truly waterproof?
They’re reliably waterproof for typical trail conditions – creek crossings up to ankle height, wet grass, light to moderate rain. However, sustained heavy downpour or deep water will eventually penetrate around the tongue area. For most day hiking, waterproofing is adequate.
How long do Columbia North Plains II last?
For recreational use (2-3 hikes per month), expect 18-24 months of solid performance. Heavy daily users report toe separation after 12 months. At this price point, that’s reasonable durability.
Do these provide enough ankle support?
These are low-cut shoes, so ankle support is minimal. The heel counter and sole stability are good, but if you need significant ankle support, consider mid-height boots instead.
Can I use these for backpacking?
Yes, for light backpacking (packs under 40 pounds). I successfully used them on a 3-day trip with a 35-pound pack. For heavy loads or multi-week trips, consider more supportive boots.
How’s the breathability?
Moderate breathability typical of waterproof shoes. Your feet will stay comfortable during cool to moderate temperatures, but expect some moisture buildup during hot summer hiking or intense activity.
Are these good for wide feet?
Absolutely – the wide version genuinely addresses broad foot issues. The toe box provides natural spread room while maintaining heel security. This is one of the best features of these shoes.
What’s the break-in time?
Minimal to none if sized correctly. I hiked 10+ miles comfortably after just two short walks. This immediate comfort is a major advantage over traditional hiking boots.
Review Scoring Summary
| Performance Category | Score (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort & Fit | 8.5 | Excellent toe room, secure heel, minimal break-in |
| Traction & Stability | 8.0 | Reliable grip on varied terrain, confidence-inspiring |
| Waterproofing | 7.0 | Good for typical conditions, limitations in heavy rain |
| Durability | 7.0 | Solid for price point, some long-term wear concerns |
| Weight & Design | 8.5 | Light enough for comfort, substantial enough for protection |
| Value for Money | 9.0 | Outstanding performance per dollar spent |
| OVERALL SCORE | 8.1 | Recommended for recreational hiking |
Bottom Line: The Columbia Men’s North Plains II Wide delivers solid trail performance at an honest price point. Recommended for recreational hikers seeking reliable, comfortable footwear without premium pricing.
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