Advnture Verdict
A waterproof walking shoe offering comfort, support, performance and protection for an extremely reasonable price.
Pros
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Excellent value
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Waterproof
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Well cushioned
Cons
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Low trail feel
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No recycled material
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
Columbia Men’s Trailstorm: first impressions
As Columbia Men’s Trailstorms have a recommended price tag at least 20% cheaper than most hiking shoes, you might be forgiven for looking for faults in them. But actually, these trail stompers are solidly build and impressively featured for their price point.
They are fully waterproof, capable of tackling a wide range of trails, stylishly designed and offer wild walkers good levels of protection, with a supportive heel cup and reinforced toe cap.
• RRP: $100 (US) / £90 (UK)
• Gender specificity: Men’s / Women’s
• Materials: Mesh upper; Techlite+ foam midsole; Adapt Trax Outsole
• Weight (per shoe): Men’s: 319g / 11.25oz Women’s: 269g / 9.5oz
• Colors: Men’s: Dark Mountain & Steam / Deep Marine & Bold Orange / Black & Solar / Dark Gray & Bright Bold Women’s: Cirrus Gray & Sandalwood Pink / Black & Bright Marigold / Graphite & Dolphin
• Compatibility: Hiking and trekking in all kids of conditions
Columbia Men’s Trailstorm: on the trails
I tested these shoes on various coastal and country trails in the South West of England, and bashed them around some green areas of Kent and Essex, trialing them on a range of terrain types and in all kinds of weather.
I thought the 4mm lugs on the outsole looked a little bit tame at first, but once I hit the trails I discovered that they are artfully angled and positioned to provide traction and braking control on all sorts of terrain, without causing any discomfort when you’re walking on concrete or hard-packed surfaces. They also pick up virtually no mud, even in gloopy conditions.
The ghillie lacing system, which runs through securely stitched cord eyelets and employs a pair of wings across the top of the foot, provides a really secure hold and prevents any unwanted movement within the chassis of the shoe.
There’s plenty of cushioning in the chunky (but light) Techlite+ foam midsole, but trail feedback is next to non-existent, so these aren’t for barefoot running shoes fans (but hiking shoes aren’t made for running anyway). They also run a little warm on hotter days, thanks to the waterproof membrane, but do allow feet to breath reasonably well.
