Columbia Newton Wander Hiking Boots Review
AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF THE MOST AFFORDABLE BOOT FOR HIKERS
November 17th, 2025
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Our verdict
I’ve been testing footwear for more than a decade, traveling thousands of miles by foot through some of the most remote corners of the world in the process. The Columbia Newton Wander is my favorite entry-level hiking boot because of its price and reliability, allowing hikers to equip themselves with a pair of boots that tackles varying terrain without breaking the bank. This is why it won Best Affordable in our Best Hiking Boots for Women guide.
I tested these boots on 13,000-foot peaks in the Rocky Mountains, on muddy and wet trails, and across high-alpine tundras covering more than 100 miles of trail. I found the women’s version of this boot to keep dew and mud on the exterior of the shoe while providing comfort on the interior.
The outsole provides moderate grip, keeping me fixed to the ground even in steep and gravel-covered terrain. On one occasion, I found myself expecting to fall because of a patch of steep, loose dirt, but the Newton Wander never failed me.
Compared to more expensive boots, the Newton Wander may be prone to faster deterioration. It’s also not particularly quick drying, which could deter foul-weather hikers. But, for the price, this is one of the best hiking boots available today.
Buy these if you’re new to hiking and backpacking, and need a reliable pair of boots at an affordable cost. Skip them if you spend a lot of time hiking in Florida’s swamps, high-country thunderstorms, or winter conditions.
Find more of our favorite hiking boots in our Best Men’s Hiking Boots and Best Women’s Hiking Boots guides.
Columbia Newton Wander Hiking Boots
men's
Women's
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Columbia Newton Wander Specifications
Price: $100
Weight (per pair, men's and women's): 1 lb 15 oz, 1 lb 9.8 oz
Cushion level (Light/Medium/Maximum): Medium
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): 9.8
Stack height (heel/toe mm): 19.5mm heel
Upper materials: Suede
Midsole material: TechLite foam
Outsole material and lugs: Omni-Grip, 3.5mm lugs
Waterproof technology (if applicable): Omni-tech
Available sizes and widths: 7-15 in men’s, 5-12 in women’s (standard and wide widths in both versions)
Suitable for vegans: No
Comparison table
| HIKING BOOT | MSRP* | MEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | WOMEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | OUTSOLE | MIDSOLE | UPPER | WATERPROOFING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Newton Wander Men's Women's |
$100 | 1 lb 15 oz | 1 lb 9.8 oz | Omni-Grip | TechLite foam | Suede | Omni-tech |
| Danner Mountain 600 EVO GTX Men's Women's |
$260 | 2 lbs 8oz | 2 lbs | Vibram Fuga+ traction | Vibram SPE | Leather | GORE-TEX |
| Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof Men's Women's |
$180 | 2 lbs. 6.8 oz. | 2 lbs. 0.6 oz. | True Tread rubber | Heel puck/rubber-blended adaptive foam | Oiled nubuck leather/CORDURA fabric mesh | B-DRY single-layer membrane |
| KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof Men's Women's |
$170 | 2 lbs. 8.6 oz. | 2 lbs. 2.6 oz. | TPU | Luftcell polyurethane | Nubuck leather | KEEN.Dry |
| La Sportiva TX Hike Mids Men's Women's |
$209 | 2 lbs 2.6 oz | 1 lb, 12.6 oz | Vibram Ecostep EVO | Compression EVA | Recycled air mesh | bluesign-certified ePE GORE-TEX Extended Comfort |
Best for
Day hiking, overnight backpacking, and semi-technical terrain
Entry-level and intermediate hikers and backpackers
What we liked
Omni-Tech waterproof construction
Minimal break-in period
Comfortable out of the box
Omni-Grip outsole is stable, and great in all-terrain environments
What could be better
The fit could feel more customized
Durability could be improved
How we tested
I took the Columbia Newton Wander to some of my favorite trails in Colorado, tackling steep and technical 13,000-foot peaks after navigating large scree fields and gravel and small patches of snow. Over the course of the summer, I also navigated creekside trails, fields, and mud while covering a little more than 100 miles.
I compared these boots to 11 other pairs of hiking boots that saw similar testing strategies, and the Newton Wander won our most affordable title. Read about it in our Best Hiking Boots for Women guide.
Performance in the field
Fit and sizing
Right out of the box, the Columbia Newton Wander is comfortable, roomy, and true to size. I wore the standard-width version of these boots and found it to be slightly generous even while wearing thick socks. The toe box and shape of the boots also provided wiggle room without feeling cumbersome. I’d recommend sticking to your true size while equipping yourself with these boots, but keep in mind that this boot only comes with moderate arch support which could mean that some hikers will prefer the use of their own insoles.
If you usually require extra arch support, try these boots on in person to determine if the support is adequate, and if not whether your preferred insoles will fit in these boots. My orthotics have a tall metatarsal pad, and I found that both the height and the length of the Newton Wander accommodated my insoles.
Comfort and support
I love a pair of boots that’s rearing to hit the trail as soon as I pull them out of the box, which is one reason why the Newton Wander ranks high on my list of beloved boots. Interested in testing the boundary of their comfort, I found that these boots didn’t cause uncomfortable pressure or hot spots over the course of a three-mile hike on my first trek.
On longer hikes, they continued to provide comfort and ankle support while just mildly restricting movement, providing the perfect balance for hikers who want to stay nimble while protecting their ankles.
When laced tightly, the collar of these boots can create enough rigidity to reinforce the ankle and prevent rolling and twisting. Yet the height of the collar isn’t so high that it adds unnecessary weight.
The main area of improvement for this boot comes down to arch support, which is minimal to moderate at best. As a hiker who tends to use aftermarket insoles, this quality didn’t feel like a deterrent to me. But it’s definitely worth noting if you’re a hiker who prefers to find built-in arch support. Boots that are known for having built-in arch support include the KEEN Targhee IV and the Merrell Moab 3.
Traction and grip
Considering that the Newton Wander boots come with an easy-to-rationalize price, I was pleasantly surprised by the traction and grip of these boots. Oftentimes, a boot with a lower cost sacrifices some of the features of a more adept and expensive boot. But the Omni-Grip outsole and lug pattern are specifically designed to provide security in all-terrain environments. And they did.
One of my favorite 13,000ers features a 1,000-foot climb in just a half mile of trail, taking hikers straight up the mountain side before they traverse a ridgeline to the summit. This section of trail is notorious for its instability, scree, and gravel. I set out on this hike on a brisk summer afternoon, fully expecting to tumble down the mountainside when the outsole gave out. Yet, despite the unforgiving dirt and gravel, and even a few patches of snow, the Columbia Newton Wander held steadfast. I didn’t slip even when the clouds started forming around the summit of the trail and I booked it back down to the car.
After a full day of rock hopping and gravel navigating in the mountains, the outsole also showed minimal deterioration, which gave me hope for the long-term future of this boot.
Waterproofing
Convinced that the Newton Wander had to have some kind of unforgiving fault, I took this boot out to a creek to thoroughly test its Omni-Tech waterproofing technology on a sunny afternoon in Colorado. As my first exposure to this particular type of waterproofing, I had few expectations when I went for a walk along the creek. I knew that Omni-Tech worked by providing a waterproof membrane that prevents external moisture from leaking into the boot. In theory, that same membrane is supposed to release the moisture that your feet creates.
The Newton Wander comes with the Omni-Tech version (the older version) of Columbia’s waterproof membrane, and we found that it performed as expected: it was reliable against saturation but kept moisture trapped within the boot once it entered. Surprisingly, however, it took about 20 minutes of mild to moderate submersion to notice water entering the Newton Wander boots at all. While older versions of the Columbia’s waterproof membrane contain PFAS, as of 2024 the Omni-Tech membrane is PFAS free.
Water testing the Columbia Newton Wander.
Warmth and insulation
Designed as a three-season boot, the Newton Wander accommodates temperatures that range from warm to cool. When paired with a fluffy pair of hiking socks, it’ll retain extra warmth when fall starts to shift to winter. But it isn’t meant to tackle winter conditions. Those who love to hike in snow and ice might snag a pair of the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II hiking boots with Omni-Heat technology instead. You can also see our Best Winter Hiking Boots guide for more options.
The Columbia Newton Wander is designed as a three-season boot, and isn’t ideal for winter.
Breathability
Most boots either prioritize a waterproof construction or a breathable membrane, since it’s really difficult to incorporate both features. In the Newton Wander’s case, it falls into the former category, working hard to keep moisture from entering the internal chamber of the boot. But it isn’t exactly quick to allow sweat to evaporate from your feet. For this reason, I always recommend that hikers take their shoes off during snack and lunch breaks to allow both your feet and the boot to air dry before continuing onwards. Learn more in our How to Take Care of Your Feet while Hiking or Backpacking guide.
Drying Time
Drying time varies on the Columbia Newton Wander depending on the level of saturation. Mild rain and creek crossings took us just an hour or two of dry time on warm, Colorado autumn days. But after complete submersion on one day of testing, these boots took a full 24 hours to completely dry. While not an atypical dry-time for a boot like this, it does create restrictions on the type of environment they’ll accommodate. Hikers might opt for a lightweight, synthetic boot or a trail runner if they’re expecting to tackle wet trails.
Durability and construction
The upper material of the Newton Wander is made out of a suede material, which is durable and protective enough to keep brambles and pickers at bay. But suede is notoriously less durable than leather alternatives, which means that it’s more likely to break down sooner. It’s also not vegan, which could be a deterrent to some hikers.
Hikers can expect the midsole–the weakest point of this boot–to last for four to six months of heavy use and up to a year of moderate use although factors like terrain type, the amount of weight you carry, and moisture conditions can influence those timelines. While a pair of hefty leather boots might last 1,000 miles, it’s more likely that the Newton Wander will need to be retired closer to the 500-700 mile range.
Weight and packability
The Newton Wander weighs 1 pound and 15 ounces in the men’s version and 1 pound and 9.8 ounces in the women’s version, which is competitive or slightly lighter than a standard pair of hiking boots. Compared to other boots that we tested in our Women’s Best Hiking Boots guide, they were a few ounces lighter than our overall pick, the La Sportiva TX Mid boot. They also beat out our favorite lightweight hiking boots by about an ounce, but don’t offer the same nimble structure as the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX boots.
Features
Sustainability
The Columbia Newton Wander is designed without PFAS–a specific type of “forever chemicals” that don’t break down. They’ve been linked to negative health outcomes, and are commonly found in cookware and outdoor gear. The insole is made with at least 20% recycled materials.
Midsole
These boots combine an Omni-Tech waterproof membrane with an Omni-MAX layer of cushioning for added stability and control, while the TechLite midsole absorbs shock.
Outsole
The Omni-Grip outsole prioritizes traction and grip and works well on a variety of terrains, from hardpacked dirty to slippy mud.
Toe cap
These boots come with minimal toe cap protection.
Lacing
These boots have a traditional lacing system. The metal eyelets are durable, hefty, and made to last.
Colors
And this boot comes in five different colorways for women and five options for men.
Who should buy the Columbia Newton Wander Hiking Boots
Buy these if you’re new to hiking and backpacking, and need a reliable pair of boots at an affordable cost. The Columbia Newton Wander is ideal for new and budget-conscious hikers who expect to tackle beginner to intermediate trails.
Skip if you spend a lot of time hiking in Florida’s swamps, high-country thunderstorms, or winter conditions. These might not be the best boots for highly technical trails that require extreme precision and versatile movements.
Where to buy
The Columbia Newton Wander Hiking Boots are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Similar products
The Columbia Newton Wander surpassed my expectations when it came to balancing an affordable price with a technical boot. But it’s not the only boot out in the world that provides a reliable level of foot protection and grip. Here are a few alternatives.
Danner Mountain 600 EVO GTX
Price: $260
Weight (per pair): 2 lbs 8oz (men’s), 2 lbs (women’s)
Cushion level (Light/Medium/Maximum): Maximum
Upper materials: Leather
Midsole material: Vibram SPE
Outsole material and lugs: Vibram Fuga+ traction
Waterproof technology: GORE-TEX
The Danner Mountain 600 EVO GTX boot has a similar fit and style to the Newton Wander with a slightly narrower toe box and more rigid materials. As a boot with a leather upper, these boots require a slightly longer break-in period but they’re also built to last. Weighing exactly two pounds per pair, these boots are slightly heavier than the Newton Wander and they have a more significant price tag. But their lasting construction could make them the right fit for some hikers.
Danner Mountain 600 EVO GTX
men's
Women's
Oboz Sawtooth X Mid
Price: $165
Weight (per pair): 2 lb 6.4 oz (men’s), 1 lb 15.6 oz (women’s)
Cushion level (Light/Medium/Maximum): Medium
Upper materials: Nubuck leather
Midsole material: Dual-density EVA
Outsole material and lugs: Trail Tread
Waterproof technology: Available with B-Dry membrane
The Oboz Sawtooth X Mid runs $165 per pair, which is about $100 less than some boots. Yet it doesn’t forfeit reliability. This boot is a slightly more technical option than the Newton Wander, providing hikers with an aggressive outsole and reinforced upper. The ACT+ midsole is also built to accommodate varying types of hiking. This is a great alternative to the Newton Wander for hikers who are looking for added support during intermediate and advanced hikes and overnight backpacking trips.
The Oboz Sawtooth X Mid won Best for Beginners in our Best Women’s Hiking Boots guide and.
Oboz Sawtooth X Mid
men's
Women's
KEEN Targhee IV
Price: $180
Weight (per pair): 2 lbs 8.22 oz (men’s), 2 lbs 1.16 oz (women’s)
Cushion level (Light/Medium/Maximum): Medium
Upper materials: Nubuck leather
Midsole material: Air-injected Luftcell
Outsole material and lugs: KEEN Rugged outsole
Waterproof technology: Keen Dry technology
The KEEN Targhee has been a hiker favorite boot for years due to its burly construction, ankle support, and waterproof design. With an $180 price tag, it's a bigger investment than the Newton Wander but it’s also designed to take more heavy use and accommodate more demanding terrain. These boots offer an ideal alternative for hikers who prefer a slightly more rigid boot with added toe protection and an aggressive outsole, which is ideal in rocky and uneven terrain.
The KEEN Targhee IV won Best for Wide Feet in both our Best Men’s Hiking Boots and Best Women’s Hiking Boots guides. Learn more in our in-depth review of the KEEN Targhee VI hiking boots.
KEEN Targhee IV
men's
Women's
Why you should trust us / About the Author
Mary Beth is a serial long-distance backpacker that’s tackled the Appalachian Trail, the Colorado Trail, and the Annapurna Circuit. She hiked the first 800 miles of the Appalachian Trail while wearing a hefty pair of Vasque boots. Over the past decade, she’s tested dozens of trail runners, lightweight boots, and aggressive boots side-by-side in places like Italy’s Dolomites, British Columbia, Croatia and in Colorado where she resides today.
You can read all of Mary Beth's Treeline Review stories on her author page.
