Columbia Crestwood Shoes Review
The Columbia Crestwoods are a lightweight, affordable option for weekend hikes and everyday outdoor wear. After several months of use across varied terrain — from gravel tracks in the Peaks to damp woodland trails — I can say they’ve earned their keep.
First Impressions
Straight out of the box, they feel like a hybrid between a trail runner and a hiking shoe. The suede leather and mesh upper gives them a rugged look without the bulk of a full boot. They’re light (around 380g per shoe), flexible, and surprisingly breathable — ideal for spring through autumn.
Comfort & Fit
The Techlite™ midsole is the star here. It’s cushy without being spongy, offering solid shock absorption on rocky paths. The fit runs true to size, though folks with wide feet might find the toe box a bit snug. I’ve worn them for 10+ mile hikes with no hotspots or heel slip, which is impressive for a shoe at this price point.
Performance on the Trail
- Traction: The Omni-Grip™ outsole is decent on dry dirt and gravel, but it’s not a mud monster. Expect some slippage on wet roots or slick rock.
- Support: There’s enough structure for light hiking, but don’t expect ankle support or torsional rigidity for technical terrain.
- Water Resistance: These aren’t waterproof, and they don’t pretend to be. They dry quickly, though, and the mesh dumps heat well on warm days.
Durability
After about 150 miles, the outsole shows moderate wear, and the upper has held up well — no delamination or major scuffs. The heel padding is a weak spot, though; it’s started to compress and fray a bit.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Comfortable straight out of the box
- Lightweight and breathable
- Versatile for hiking, travel, and casual wear
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Average grip in wet conditions
- Heel padding could be more robust
- Narrow fit for some
Final Verdict The Columbia Crestwood is a solid entry-level hiking shoe that delivers comfort and versatility at a wallet-friendly price. It’s not built for alpine scrambles or boggy moors, but for dry trails, light hikes, and everyday outdoor use, it’s a dependable companion.
