Our verdict
In the area of comfort, Columbia’s Peakfreak X2 Outdry is quite a keeper. That said, this good-looking hiking gear is more than just insanely comfortable. Indeed, it is also remarkably well-made and fantastically supportive. The shoe, however, comes with a couple of criticisms, the more unappealing of which has to be its purportedly expensive price tag.
Pros
- Comfortable cushioning
- Excellent traction on different types of outdoor surfaces
- Supportive
- Attractive design
- Magnificent overall build
Cons
- Expensive
- Excellent traction on different types of outdoor surfaces
Who should buy the Columbia hiking shoes
The Columbia hiking shoes is intent on wowing outdoorsy folks with every trail-worthy pro it has up its sleeve. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a hiking shoe that is a massive hit for hiking enthusiasts who require enhanced agility on rugged trail adventures.
- Prefer a hiking shoe that makes strides more efficient with its high-energy-return midsole technology.
- Provides adventurers with adequate comfort and shock protection.
Breathable and waterproof
The Peakfreak X2 Outdry comes with the Omni-Grip outsole for sufficient traction on different types of outdoor surfaces. It has aggressively shaped protrusions (commonly known as lugs) and toothy ridges, making it a highly sticky component, especially over loose-soiled terrain.
Columbia Peakfreak X2 Outdry
The lugs around its outer perimeter jut out slightly off the edge, delivering extra grip on tricky slopes and during lateral (sideward) maneuvers. It is made entirely of non-marking, heavy-duty rubber.
Provides adventurers with adequate comfort and shock protection
This hike-centric offering provides adventurers with adequate comfort and shock protection with its Techlite midsole—a Columbia exclusive. This one-piece layer, which is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate, stabilizes feet over rough terrain, thanks to its partly rigid, partly supple construction.
Bouncy cushioning
Columbia shoemakers gave it a level of bounciness that helps wearers expend less energy during transitions. They also paired it with a removable insole, creating something that wearers say adds underfoot comfort.
Abrasion protection
What houses the foot in the Columbia hiking shoes is a below-the-ankle upper made of textile. It is laden on both sides with welded synthetic overlays, providing abrasion protection.
Breathable and waterproof
Its inner walls are lined with Outdry, making the shoe sufficiently breathable and waterproof at the same time. Both its heel and toe box are randed, giving the footgear a more solid structure, thereby providing owners with additional support on the trail.
Excellent closure mechanism
The closure mechanism of this waterproof hiking shoe is made up of combination eyelets and flat synthetic lace. Its uppermost pair of eyelets are reinforced with synthetic overlays, which prevent the lace from cutting through the fabric according to owners.
