Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II (men’s) review: the budget boot that punches up
Not everyone’s first hiking boot needs to cost two hundred dollars. The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is the budget boot that keeps showing up on trails for a reason: it is waterproof, comfortable out of the box, and priced so a beginner can get out there without overspending. It is one of the most popular entry boots going.
The verdict
The value pick for a first hiking boot: waterproof, comfortable almost immediately, grippy, and easy on the wallet. It is not a burly backpacking boot for heavy loads and alpine miles — but for day hikes, easy trails, and getting started, it is a lot of boot for the money.
What it does
The Newton Ridge Plus II is a mid-height waterproof hiking boot with a leather-and-mesh upper, a waterproof membrane, a cushioned midsole, and a lugged outsole for grip. The mid cut adds ankle support on uneven ground, and the padded fit means most people can wear it comfortably from day one. It is aimed squarely at day hikers and casual trail use rather than expedition loads.
What verified buyers say
Across verified-purchase reviews, the themes are consistent:
- Comfortable right away. The most common praise is little to no break-in — buyers wear them straight onto the trail and report happy feet.
- Waterproof and grippy. Owners report staying dry through rain and shallow wet, with confidence-inspiring traction on varied ground.
- Great value. Reviewers repeatedly frame it as a lot of boot for the price and an easy first pair for new hikers.
- Repeat buyers. Plenty note they are on their second or third pair, replacing rather than upgrading.
Worth knowing
Reviews are a little polarized: most owners are happy, but a minority report durability issues over hard use — soles or uppers wearing faster than a premium boot would. That is the honest trade at this price. Treat it as a day-hiking and light-trail boot rather than a heavy-load backpacking boot, and as with any membrane boot, deep puddles above the collar will still get you wet.
Who it is for
If you are new to hiking, on a budget, or want an affordable waterproof boot for day trips and easy trails, the Newton Ridge is the easy starting point. Hikers carrying heavy packs, logging big miles, or heading into rugged alpine terrain should step up to a burlier backpacking boot — but for getting started, this delivers real capability cheaply.
Specs at a glance
Type: mid-height waterproof hiking boot · Upper: leather + mesh, waterproof membrane · Outsole: lugged, high-traction · Break-in: minimal · Best for: day hikes, easy trails, beginners
The Verdict
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is the boot to start in: comfortable, waterproof, and cheap enough to say yes to the trail. Keep its limits in mind for heavy loads and hard mileage, and it will serve day hikes happily. Ready to step up to a do-more workhorse? Read our Merrell Moab 3 review, and learn to go farther and hurt less in hike all day: pacing, footing, and the Ten Essentials.
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