Columbia Redmond III: My Trusty Trail Companion – A Review
ReviewOkay, so I’m that person who’s equally likely to be found pounding the city pavement as I am scrambling up a dusty trail. That means I’m always hunting for shoes that can pull double duty. Recently, I got my hands (or rather, feet) into a pair of Columbia Redmond III Waterproof Hiking Shoes, and I’ve been putting them through their paces. Time to spill the beans.
First Impressions:
Right away, the Redmond III nails that sweet spot: tough enough for the wilderness, but chill enough for everyday life. You’ve got that classic hiking shoe vibe with the suede leather and mesh combo, but it’s not screaming “I belong on Everest.” I went with the Cordovan/Black – a solid choice, I gotta say. They look just as good with jeans grabbing a coffee as they do paired with hiking pants ready to hit the trail n/a.
Hitting the Trail:
Alright, let’s get real – hiking shoes need to hike. I took these bad boys out on some pretty diverse trails, nothing too crazy, but enough to get a feel for them. Think dry, crumbly paths mixed with some slightly muddy climbs. And you know what? The Omni-Grip outsole? Legit. I felt glued to the ground, even on those dicey downhill bits. No slipping, no sliding, just pure confidence n/a.
And that Omni-Tech waterproof thing? It works. I may or may not have “accidentally” stepped in a few shallow streams (for science, of course), and my feet stayed bone dry. Plus, the mesh kept things breathing nicely – no swamp foot, even after a good few hours of sweating it out n/a.
The midsole cushioning was decent, too. I wouldn’t pick these for lugging a giant pack on a week-long trek, but for day hikes? Absolutely comfy. And that toe cap? Lifesaver. I’m a bit clumsy, so bashing my toes into rocks is a regular occurrence. These kept me bump-free n/a.
From Trail to Town:
Here’s the kicker: these shoes don’t just perform on the trail; they’re surprisingly good for everyday wear. The soles don’t leave marks (major win!), and honestly, they’re comfy enough to wear all day without my feet staging a rebellion. I even sported them on a couple of drizzly days around town, and those waterproof powers kept my socks happy and dry n/a.
A Couple of Tiny Hiccups:
Look, no shoe is perfect, right? The laces could be a bit better. I struggled a little to get that super-snug fit around my ankles. And they felt a tad stiff straight out of the box. Nothing major, just needed a few wears to really break them in and mold to my feet.
The Bottom Line:
So, are the Columbia Men’s Redmond III Waterproof Hiking Shoes worth it? In my book, definitely. They’re a solid all-rounder, giving you comfort, grip, waterproofing, and durability without breaking the bank. Whether you’re conquering a mountain or just running to the grocery store, these shoes have your back (or rather, your feet) n/a.
The Good Stuff:
- Seriously grippy on all sorts of surfaces n/a
- Waterproof that actually works n/a
- Comfy enough for hikes and everyday life n/a
- Built to last n/a
- Look good doing it n/a
Things to Consider:
- Laces could be better n/a
- Need a little breaking in n/a