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The Columbia Women's Newton Ridge™ Plus Waterproof hiking boot is popular with hiking veterans and newbies alike. This boot (which is in my closet, and a part of my hiking shoe collection FYI) is comfortable, durable, and waterproof. Here are some key takeaways from this boot:
Pros | Cons |
Ankle Support | Best for those with a normal to low arch |
Is waterproof | Not as much arch support/cushion as other hiking boots |
Fits most bunions and hammertoes, other toe deformities | |
Key Features of the Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof hiking boot
Waterproof: The Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof boot has Columbia's Omni-Tech waterproof technology. This boots material has an added layer of protection, and sealed seams to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
Durability: The upper of this boot is typically made from a combination of leather, suede, and mesh. These materials give this boot durability, breathability, and support during hikes.
Cushioned Midsole: The boot has a cushioned midsole that will give you added comfort and support during hikes. The structure of the midsole is more flexible, giving the hiker added energy return, which helps with moving you forward with each step.
Traction Outsole: The outer sole of the Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof boot has great traction on different kinds of surfaces. This can lower the risk of falls on the ground with lots of gravel, rocks, or loose ground. It also features Columbia's Omni-Grip rubber compound, which provides grip and stability on both wet and dry terrain.
Supportive Design: This boot is built with ankle support in mind. This personally is one of the highlights of this boot for me. This design helps lower the risk of ankle injuries when hiking on uneven ground. The lace-up closure system allows for a secure and adjustable fit.
Breathable: Even with this boot being waterproof, it still maintains some breathability. This makes it much easier for heat and moisture from your feet to escape the foot, also keeping your feet dryer during hikes. For us that live in Arizona, this is especially important, because sweat building up during a hike can increase your risk of blisters on your feet, as well as athlete's foot.
Stylish Options: The Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof boot is available in so many colorways. There is truly something for everybody with this boot.
What foot type is the Women's Newton Ridge™ Plus Waterproof hiking boot best for? The Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof boot from Columbia though designed for many foot types, but is recommended for people with a normal to low-arched foot. This boot has moderate arch support, because of this, this boot does give some support and stability to your foot. For people with a cavus foot type or high arches, this boot would not be a good pick because a high-arched foot requires much more arch support.
Is the Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof good for people with bunions, hammertoes, or other toe deformities?
Toe Box Space: The boot generally provides a roomy toe box, which is important for people with bunions or hammertoes. This extra space allows for these toes to fit, and for them to not rub inside the shoes causing calluses, and increasing the risk of blisters.
Flexibility: For people with bunions or hammertoes, any shoe that offers some flexibility in the toe box can be more comfortable.
Customization Options: Depending on your foot type, and other foot issues you have, a pair of insoles could help give additional comfort.
My personal experience with the Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof boot, as a foot doctor
So I'm an avid hiker and have been since 2016. Initially, I wanted a new pair of hiking boots for several reasons:
1. More ankle support - I suffered an ankle sprain in 2021 and wanted boots that would give my ankles more stability outside of wearing a brace.
2. Could be worn in cold or wet weather - The other pair of hiking shoes that I have, though great, are not waterproof. Even though I live in Phoenix, Arizona, I love traveling, and hiking usually makes up an aspect of these trips. I wanted a pair of shoes that could be worn in cold, rainy, climates, just in case I decided to hike or even camp in these locations, which I do a couple of times of year.
I have a low arch, but not a flat foot. The width of my foot is normal. I don't have bunions, hammertoes, or any other toe deformities.
Literally, while trying these boots on at the Columbia outlet I fell in love with them. I felt the arch support, the midsole cushion, and the flexibility of the midsole as well. It didn't take much for me to walk out of the store with this purchase. I broke them over a week (walking around my neighborhood, and on the treadmill) before I took them on a camping trip to Moab, Utah. Over the course of that week, we did a lot of hiking, walking, and other outdoor activities. The temperatures were over 85 degrees during the day and got down to the 50s at night. My feet were so comfortable the entire time. I didn't feel like my feet were sweating a lot during the day due to the waterproof design, but at night my feet (with a good pair of added wool socks) were very warm and toasty. Since then, I've taken these boots on hikes around Maricopa County, Arizona and I feel the same way about them. It's been a year with these boots, and I'm so glad I made this purchase.
This is a foot doctor's review of the Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof hiking boot. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about a specific pair of shoes, try them on in-store to get a good feel if they will work for you, or if purchasing online, purchase from sites with a good return policy. Amazon has a 7-day "try before you buy" program for Prime members. This is where you can have the shoe delivered to you, then try out the shoe for 7 days before you are charged for the purchase. If you decided after the 7-day period you don't like it, you still have the 30-day return period to send the shoes back.
Looking for a foot doctor in Tempe, AZ? My name is Dr. Tarr. I'm a podiatrist and the owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona. To look at available appointment times, or for a free consultation, click the link here: directpodaz.janeapp.com
