Best Overall · 1 of 6
Columbia Mens Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot

- Waterproof full-grain leather
- Omni-Grip multi-terrain tread
- Lightweight durable midsole
Our take
The boot I would buy first. Real leather and named technology while staying under the cap.
Why it made the shortlist
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is the boot that stretches a hundred dollars furthest. Its listing describes waterproof full-grain leather with a mesh bootie construction, a lightweight durable midsole and a lace-up closure for an adjustable fit.
It adds Omni-Grip multi-terrain traction, which the Columbia Transverse also carries. The Newton Ridge leans on leather where the Transverse mixes leather and mesh. Against the Coostar Tactical, it comes from a brand that spells out its waterproof and traction systems by name.
It is the right boot for a hiker who wants one dependable pair for weekend trails in mixed weather. Leather uppers wear in and keep their shape over seasons.
What works
- Leather upper keeps shape through seasons
- Lace-up closure fine-tunes fit
- Traction compounds matched to terrain
- Brand lists its systems by name
Watch out for
- Costs the most in this list
- Leather is slower to break in
- The catch
- Leather needs a short break-in, and the price sits near the top of the budget.







