There's a moment I keep coming back to. I was standing at the trailhead of a muddy, root-tangled path outside Portland on a gray November morning, looking down at my old boots and wondering if they'd hold up through what was clearly going to be a wet one. I'd been eyeing the Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Suede for a while, partly because Columbia knows Pacific Northwest misery better than most brands, and partly because my knee doesn't forgive me for bad footwear choices anymore. So I grabbed a pair in Elk/Mountain Red and figured I'd put them through what the PNW does best: rain, mud, and more rain.
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What I noticed first
Out of the box, these boots look more put-together than I expected at this price point. The suede and leather upper has a clean, almost rugged-casual look that doesn't scream "I bought these at a gas station." The Elk/Mountain Red colorway is bold without being obnoxious, though I'll admit I'm a "brown boot" guy and it took me a day to warm up to the red accent.
Weight was my first real test. I've been spoiled by ultralight trail runners since my knee surgery, so I braced for that classic "hiking boat" feeling. These aren't featherweights, but they're noticeably lighter than older Columbia models I've worn. The midsole cushioning is real. I walked around the block a few times before the first trail run and my knee actually said nothing, which is high praise from a joint that complains about everything.
The lace-up closure is straightforward, no fancy quick-lace system here. It's secure, easy to dial in, and the metal hardware feels like it won't corrode into a nightmare after a season of wet trails. I appreciated that. Simple things done well matter a lot on the trail.
After a few weeks
I put these through a handful of day hikes, including one genuinely soggy stretch of trail where I stepped shin-deep into what I can only describe as a puddle that had ambitions. The seam-sealed waterproofing held. My socks stayed dry. That's honestly the whole ballgame for a PNW boot, and the Newton Ridge delivered.
The Omni-Grip outsole is where I have mixed feelings. On wet roots and mud, it performed solidly. On dry rock slabs it was confident. But on wet rock, I found myself moving more cautiously than I'd like. It's not dangerously slippery, but it's not a resoled Vibram either. For most trail conditions, you'll be fine. Just don't expect miracles on granite in the rain.
Here's my one real criticism: the break-in period is longer than I'd want. After the first two hikes, I had some hotspot rubbing on my right heel that took a third outing to fully go away. I've seen this with other suede boots, but it's worth flagging if you're planning to take these straight from the box on a 10-miler. Give them a few shorter walks first. Your heels will thank you.
After three weeks of regular use, the suede is holding up well with no major scuffing or delamination. I haven't waterproofing-treated them yet, which I probably should do, and they still bead water like the day I opened the box. Honestly, that's impressive for the mileage I've put on them.
You can check current availability on Amazon if you're ready to pull the trigger.
Who this is for
If you're a thru-hiker obsessing over every ounce, these aren't your boot. They're not trying to be. But if you're a day-hiker or weekend backpacker who needs a reliable, waterproof boot that can handle wet trails without costing you a week's groceries, the Newton Ridge Plus II Suede hits a sweet spot that's hard to argue with.
They're also a solid pick for anyone dealing with knee or ankle issues who needs cushioning without sacrificing lateral support. The midsole genuinely softens the blow on long descents, which is exactly what I needed after blowing out my knee on a scramble two years ago. I've worn boots that cost twice as much and delivered the same performance on trail days like mine.
Where I'd steer you away: technical alpine routes, heavy multi-day loads, or any situation where you need the absolute best wet-rock grip. For those, you'll want to step up to a stiffer, purpose-built mountaineering boot. The Newton Ridge is a trail boot, not a climbing shoe.
For cold-weather hikes with some snow and ice, the dual-zone winter tread pattern is a nice bonus. I haven't tested it in deep winter conditions yet, but on a frosty morning on a packed-dirt trail, it felt sure-footed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid waterproofing that held up in real PNW conditions | Longer break-in period than I'd like |
| Genuinely comfortable midsole cushioning | Wet-rock grip is adequate but not exceptional |
| Durable metal hardware and seam-sealed build | Not the right pick for heavy backpacking loads |
| Good value for the price point | Suede requires regular waterproofing maintenance |
| Omni-Grip handles mud and mixed terrain well | Colorway isn't for everyone (personal taste) |
If you're on the fence, I'd say these are a dependable everyday trail boot that earns its keep in wet conditions. Grab a pair on Amazon and give them a few shakedown hikes before anything serious. They're not perfect, but for what they're asking, I keep reaching for them when the forecast says rain.
Stay dry out there, and don't trust puddles that look shallow. They never are.
— Dave