WALKING

Comfortable walking shoes designed for light day hikes.

HIKING

Shoes for more technical or long hikes.

FAST HIKING

Fast hiking shoes: lightweight, performing and comfortable.

How to choose your men’s hiking shoes

Columbia men's walking boots and shoes are made to provide comfort, style and protection from the elements to hikers. Whether you're going for a day hike outdoors or a four-day hike in the mountains, you will need a reliable and lightweight boot to be your ally. Choosing the perfect pair of walking boots for men can be challenging. But luckily, we're here to help you find the right pair

It is well-known that walking requires comfort. Midsole cushioning technologies, great breathability and choosing the right size will ensure that you and your feet are as comfortable as they can be. You will also need a good grip and an excellent outsole with traction control and quality rubber. Finally, you may also need protection from the elements as, even on an average summer day, a hiker will encounter humidity: Puddles, dew in the grass, or light rain showers. So even if you're not walking in the rain, you may protection from humidity.

Columbia designs walking boots for men include shoes with different profiles. You will find "low" profile shoes. These are generally light, allowing for nimble movement and quick walking. However, they offer little protection and support around the ankle. They're generally chosen for day hikes with less technical difficulty. They can also be chosen by people who are willing to sacrifice some protection and support for a sportier walking shoe.

We also have "high" profile walking boots. These are more protective around the entire foot (sole, toes, heel) and more supporting around the ankle. People like them for their ability to protect their feet from pointy rocks and shocks from the front. With their high profile, walking boots will easily keep the snow and water from coming in. Finally, because they provide excellent support to the ankle, they are a good choice for technical and/or long hikes.

Last but not least, there are "mid" profile walking shoes. These combine the best of both worlds and are fit for a wide variety of walking styles. They will prove to be good allies whether you’re tackling adventurous mountain hikes or simply going on classic outdoor day walks.

Columbia waterproof technologies: Keeping your feet dry

As weather conditions can change fast in the mountains, humidity is always present. Even during a sunny day, you may encounter puddles, wet grass, or rivers that you need to cross (if not unexpected rain showers). For all these reasons, you may want to consider choosing a waterproof hiking shoe.

Here are the waterproof levels we offer:

• Not waterproof: These shoes do not offer any protection from water. However, they are extremely light and breathable. They are perfect for warm conditions, as they breathe in the heat and keep your feet fresh and cool like no other pair.
• Drizzle: These are typically low profile shoes that are fit for active hiking or even trail running sometimes. Thanks to their construction, these shoes can survive drizzle and a few droplets in the grass. They do not have a waterproof membrane, which explains their light protection. They are also good at keeping out moisture and have high breathability.
• Rain: These shoes are equipped with a waterproof membrane or finish and yet remain breathable. This allows you to stay active outside even if the weather should change and you face rain while you’re outside.
• Downpour: These shoes use our waterproof and breathable membrane Outdry. It's a seam-sealed membrane construction that proves itself durable and efficient. You lose a certain level of breathability and gain some shoe weight, but you'll be ready for anything mother nature throws at you.

Bear in mind that the profile of the shoe matters in the waterproofness level: A high boot will generally offer a higher protection.

We have four main technologies for waterproof footwear:

• OMNI-SHIELD™: Provides long-lasting water-and-stain repellency and resists liquid absorption, allowing you to stay both dry and clean in light moisture.
• OMNI-TECH™: Provides multi-layered waterproof protection against light to medium rain. At the same time, it’s made of breathable materials which allow excess moisture to escape.
• OUTDRY™: Provides absolutely waterproof protection with patented construction. While breathable and flexible, its barrier allows no space for heavy rain to get in. Be surte this technology will keep you ultra dry—inside and out—even in extreme conditions.

Columbia innovative shoe technologies: Perfecting your grip

Our walking and hiking shoes are equipped with innovative technologies, so your feet can get a perfect grip no matter the terrain. Check out our cushion technologies and traction technologies here:

• Techlite™ provides long-lasting lightweight cushioning with enhanced impact absorption and a high energy return.
• Techlite+™ provides lighter and faster cushioning with extra light responsive foam. It’s the next generation cushioning standard that ensures extra comfort and stability all day long.
• Techlite™ Plush provides an even further elevated cushioning with enhanced transition from heel to toe. It’s highly durable and perfect for long-distance performance trail hiking.
• Omni-Grip™ is an outsole grip technology and provides multi-terrain traction. Its job is to tightly hold on to any terrain thanks to a great sole and good rubber composition design.
• Adapt Trax is an advanced traction system and provides our best grip for wet or slippery conditions.
• Navic Fit System™ is a lace system that delivers a natural midfoot lock down. It provides an enhanced fit and is a great option when you’re facing uneven terrain. Your shoe will follow your lead with precision!

Can I wear hiking shoes every day?

Men's hiking boots and hiking shoes are the best choice you could make for day walks, quick hiking, longer hikes and trekking. They will prove perfect as they give support to your feet and allow you to walk long distances without feeling sore. They will protect you from pointy rocks and shocks from the front and decrease the risk of twisted ankles. They're also useful when the weather turns bad, as many hiking shoes offer protection from the rain with a waterproof membrane. Men’s boots are also appropriate in both an outdoor context and in a city context. Because they offer excellent foot support, you will be able to walk long distances with unparalleled comfort. Another factor that helps you continue walking all day long is the breathability of the materials, allowing your feet to vent.

We also have a specific selection designed for mixed activities. Our versatile hybrid walking shoes are perfect to combine small sport hikes outdoors and daily urban use. How is this accomplished? We have designed technical shoes with great support and traction that at the same time come in a modern and sober urban look. One example is a lightweight mid suede leather shoe. Imagine the technical qualifications of a great mid hiking shoe, with a classically casual look that lets you head from the trails to the city. Ready for your next hike? Don't forget to take a peek at men’s hiking pants and bags!

Picking the perfect men’s walking shoes for you

The perfect men’s hiking boots will not only fit the type of hikes you go on, but also your needs and personal style. Using the filters in the online shop, you can browse through the wide range of sizes, styles and colours available. Our men’s walking shoes come in popular colours such as mountain red, collegiate navy, mercury, dark mountain, nori and deep water.

You can also narrow your choices by using the filters: benefit, level of waterproofness, level of warmth etc. That way, you can find a shoe that meets all your needs.

If you know that you often hit the trail in wetter areas, getting a shoe with water resistance is a given. A hiking shoe with a wet-dry traction outsole will have you climbing the toughest terrain in no time. Say hello to exceptional comfort in a shoe with a durable mesh and knit collar–All this without sacrificing waterproofness, as everything but the laces are waterproof.

If you often go travelling to frozen winter wonderlands for snowboarding with friends, you’ll want to look at boots adapted to snowy trails. Boots in this category generally have an upper of waterproof leather to keep you toasty and dry. Just pack up your snowsports accessories with the rest of your items and you’re ready to hit the slopes and skip around in the snow.

When you choose a Columbia walking shoe, you can be sure that you receive a thoroughly tested product. Columbia’s founder Gert “Tough Mother” Boyle famously said: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.” These are words that we still live by. That’s why getting a Columbia boot means you’ll get the whole package. Say hello to a stylish, lightweight, warm, comfortable, and practical shoe to keep you company on outdoor adventures for years to come!