Columbia Women's Trailstorm Review - This Expansive Adventure

If you’re looking for a good all round hiking shoe that comes in at a low price point, then check out the Columbia Women’s Trailstorm further – it tested exceptionally well! In fact, we had to question the retail price, though it does have some breathability
concerns in warmer weather and is more suited to colder, wetter or spring like
weather.

Columbia Women's Trailstorm Waterproof Hiking Boot

Great news: This shoe is also available in a men’s fit.

Pros / Reasons to Buy

Low price point but packed full of features we’d expect to see on a much pricier model
Excellent grip and innovative design handles very well on steep ascents and descents

Cons / Reasons to Avoid

Columbia’s Omni-Tech technology is not the most breathable and these shoes can feel very sweaty in warmer conditions
Runs small so you may need to buy a bigger size

See the Columbia Women’s Trailstorm in more detail:

Editor’s note: This article is part of our guide to the best hiking shoes, be sure to check out the rest of this guide for our top buying tips:

28 Best Hiking Shoes
How to Choose The Right Hiking Shoes
How We Tested Hiking Shoes
Compare Hiking Shoes
Related content: How to Re-lace Your Hiking Shoes for Better Comfort
Also in this series: 20 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes

We were very impressed with the Columbia Women’s Trailstorm shoes, considering their price point, you really can’t go wrong and if looked after well, should last you a really long time. What we were particularly impressed with was the multi directional design Columbia have used for the lugs. This performed very well on climbs but also on varying terrain – grass, mud, snow and everything in-between. They’re comfortable and fit the foot nicely from front to back – a really good trail shoe that hits a hybrid between a trail runner and traditional hiking shoe.

Compare to Similar Products:

Product	Danner Womens Trail 2650	Columbia Women's Trailstorm	Hoka Speedgoat 5	Adidas Terrex Swift R3 Gore-Tex	Keen Zionic Speed	Altra Lone Peak 7	Adidas Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes	Keen NXIS EVO Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe	La Sportiva Spire GTX	Merrell Moab Speed	Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof	On Cloudwander Waterproof	Merrell Siren Edge 3

Buying Options
Our Ratings	Best Overall Women's	Best Budget	Best Lightweight	Best for Winter	Best for Long Distances	Best for Trail Running
Pros	Durable build. Extremely comfortable	Exceptionally good hiking shoe for the price point. Clever traction design in the lugs	Extremely well cushioned and comfortable fit. Deep lugs offer good traction on slippery surfaces	Well protected and durable. Great traction and feels very grippy	A great fast and light shoe. Roomy toe box, and comfortable for wider feet	Roomy toe box. Excellent traction.	Striking design. Makes use of recycled material	Light weight. Good environmental credentials	Light Weight. Ultra breathable	Lightweight. Iconic Moab fit and comfort	Durable build. Good water resistance	Excellent balance of weight and waterproofing. Stiffer design gives a more technical feel	Very light. Often very reasonably priced
Cons	Not the cheapest. We found they didn't keep our feet warm in wet conditions	Breathability concerns in warmer temperatures	Colorways are divisive. lacking in stiffness between outsole and midsole	Pretty rigid - not the most fast and light shoe on the market, can feel a little big	Not waterproof. Durability concerns on the sole	Less durable. Pricey	Looks may be too much for some. Slightly narrow fit may be unsuitalbe for wider feet.	May not be best fit for narrower feet. A bit pricey	Pricey. Some may prefer a more rigid shoe	Not most supportive. More expensive than the regular Moab	Heavy. Longer break-in period	Some may find them too stiff. Can be pricey.	Not Waterproof. Some durability concerns
Traction	Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern	Extremely good	Very good	Extremely good	Average	Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread pattern	Continental outsole with medium deep thread depth	Full rubber outsole with medium thread depth	Vibram outsole with deep thread pattern	Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern.	Very good	Very good	Good
Breathability	Perforated suede outer with breathable mesh inner	Not so great	Good	Good, but Gore-Tex membrane does play in here	Excellent	Full mesh upper	Breathable mesh upper with Core-Tex membrane	Breathable mesh upper and lining with anti-odor treatment	Breathable mesh upper with Gore-Tex	Full mesh upper	Average	Good	Very good
Ankle Support	Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support	Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support	Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support	Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support	Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal
Arch support	Gentle arch support	Regular	Regular	Regular	Minimal	Gentle	Subtle arch support	Gentle arch support	Gentle arch support	Gentle	Good	Regular	Regular
Fit	Available in medium width and in sizes from US 5/ UK 3.5/ EU 36 up to US 11/ UK 9.5/ EU 44	Regular	Standard/slightly wide	Regular/wide	Standard/slightly wide	Roomy and good for wider feet with natural movement. Available in sizes from US 5.5/UK 3.5/EU 36 to US 12/UK 10/EU 44.5	Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3.5 /EU 36 up to US 12/ UK 10.5/ EU 45.3	Iconic Keen fit' - Wider fit with extra space at forefoot. Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3.5/ EU 36 up to US 12/ UK 9/ EU 43	Fits true. Typically suitable for normal to narrow feet. Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3/EU 36 up to US 11/ UK 9/ EU 42	Similar to the Moab 3 - but a little more narrow but still suitable for most hikers. Available in sizes from US 5/UK 2.5/EU 35 to US 11.5/UK 9/EU 43	Normal and wide verisons available	Standard/slightly narrow	Normal and wide versions available
Materials	Suede and synthetic	Synthetic	Synthetic	Synthetic with 50% recycled upper	Synthetic	Fully synthetic	Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane. Adidas claims upper contains a minimum of 50% recycled material	Fully synthetic with waterproof 'KEEN.DRY' membrane	Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane	Fully synthetic. Merrell claim these sheos are vegan.	Synthetic and leather	Synthetic	Synthetic
Appearance	Modern design with classic elements and materials. Available in a wide range of colour ways.	Modern cross between hiking shoe and trail runner	Trail running shoe	Modern hiking shoe	Trail running shoe	A really nice looking shoe that could work well for multiple purposes such as hiking and trail running - with a variety of striking color designs	Striking angluar design available in a wide rang eof colour ways	Distinctive good looks available in multiple colour ways	Available in multiple colour ways with striking styling, typical of La Sportiva.	Does something inbetween a hiking shoe and trail runner and comes in a variety of striking colourways	Modern hiking shoe	Modern hiking shoe	Modern hiking shoe
Durability	Very high	Considering the price point, seems durable	Average	Rip resistant synethetic finish with durable Continental sole	Longer term durability concerns	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Excellent	Good	Some durability concerns
Weight (pair)	680g/1lb 08oz	500g/1lb 3oz	460g/1lb	700g/1lb 7oz	544g/1lb 2oz	635g/1lb 4.5oz	758g/1lb 11oz	644g/1lb 6oz	740g/1lb 10oz	640g/1lb5oz	800g/1lb 12oz	640g/1lb 7oz	560g/1lb 4oz
Insoles	Removable three-layer cushioned insoles	Standard insole	Standard insole	Standard insole	Standard insole	Removable padded insole	Removable insoles	Removable padded insole	Removable padded insole	Removable padded insole	Paded, shaped 'O FIT' insole	Standard insole	Standard insole
Break-in Period	Minimal	Minimal break in	Minimal	Minimal break in	Minimal break in	Very minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Very minimal	Short break in period	Short break in period	Very minimal
Lacing system	Standard laces	Ghillie lacing	Standard lacing system	Traditional laces	Traditional laces	Standard laces	Standard laces	Standard laces	Standard laces	Standard laces	Standard laces	Standard laces	Standard laces
Toe Protection	Rubeerized, semi-rigid toe cap with rubber rand around front section of shoe	Rubber toe rand	Rubber toe rand	Rubber toe rand	Minimal rubber toe rand	Hard but not solid	Rubberized, reinforced, but non-rigid toe and front section	Hard, but not solid, rubber toe cap.	Non-rigid PU 'TechLite' toe cap	Hardened rubber toe cap	Reinforced toe	Rubber toe rand and small toe cap	Reinforced toe

Table of Contents

Analysis and Test Results

These hiking shoes performed very well on the trail and they felt pretty much comfortable straight out of the box. We initially thought that these were going to be more suitable for lighter trails or extremely well-maintained paths, but we were wrong – they hold themselves really well in a whole range of conditions.

We felt just as confident with these shoes in alpine as we did in boggy, wet conditions. They handled scrambles well, slippery rocks and loose scree on trails perfectly. For the price, we thought they actually offered more value for money than some of the top competitors on the market and would make a great beginner shoe if you’re new to hiking or simply don’t have the budget to spend on a pricier shoe. We feel you would be spending your money wisely if you decide to buy the Trailstorm.

Performance Comparison

Traction

One of the areas that impressed us the most was the Adapt Trax™ outsole. The directional lugs were extremely helpful when it came to ascending and descending and offered something that felt as grippy as some of the more full-on mountain boots we’ve tested. This is very impressive for such a low price point. We felt confident with very slippery surfaces too – they actually handled really well on a snow descent with some slippery stream rock crossings too.

Breathability

One area we did feel was a little bit of a let down on the Columbia Women’s Trailstorm was the breathability. These shoes make use of Columbia’s in house Omni-tech technology, which is similar to Gore-Tex. We feel this may be where the price point becomes a little more obvious. On warmer days, these shoes feel quite sweaty, and you might find them overkill if you’re looking for a hiking shoe for desert hikes or warmer climates. If you can forego this and want a pair of hiking shoes that suits colder temperatures or wetter places, then you will likely be happy to make the trade off, especially if the price point is right for you.

Ankle Support

As with pretty much all hiking shoes with a below ankle finish, the support offered around the ankle is fairly minimal. If you need something with better support around the ankle, you would be better looking for a hiking boot, but if you’re happy with the support offered with a hiking shoe, then these shoes offer a similar level of support to a lot of other models on the market.

Arch Support

The Columbia Women’s Trailstorm offer a regular amount of support in the arch – this will be suitable for most hikers. Our tester had no concerns at all (and doesn’t have any problems in the arch or back).

Fit

Columbia notes that their fit on these hiking shoes runs a little small. With that in mind, we ordered the next size up and we found them to be about right. If you didn’t know that you may have a surprise if they turn up and are too small. If you have a narrow foot, there’s a good chance your actual size will fit you well. However, if your foot is a little wider, you may run into problems, and the back of the shoe may feel too roomy and long for you. However, the Navic Fit System™ and Ghillie lacing offers much more control in terms of the mid foot, so in terms of foot security on the trail, once you’ve found your perfect fit, you will find these shoes very comfortable.

Materials

The Trailstorm’s use mesh on the upper, Techlite+™ Foam for the midsole and Adapt Trax™ for the outsole. This means that the entire shoe is constructed of synthetic, durable materials.

Appearance

Looks aren’t everything, but one area we found these hiking shoes had a bit of a downside was their appearance. They just weren’t particularly exciting to look at. Of course, this is personal opinion and everyone’s taste in hiking shoes is different, but there are so many interesting designs on the market now that we would have liked to have seen Columbia offer something a little bolder with this shoe.

Durability

After testing, we had no real concerns about the durability of these hiking shoes. On close inspection, the seam sealing is incredibly strong and there has been quite a bit of effort put into areas that could traditionally be seen as ‘weak’ points such as the heel, toe and mid. The laces will likely need replacing over time, but that’s an easy change. The only area that may start to look a little tired after repeated use would be the mesh pattern on the upper. Whilst we did test this area’s durability, this could be subject to tears in the right circumstances over time (though this seems unlikely).

Sustainability

Columbia don’t make any specific notes about the sustainability credentials of these particular hiking shoes, however due to their well-built nature, you’d likely have these hiking shoes for a long time. This of course helps to avoid buying multiple times.

Water Resistance

These hiking shoes are marketed as waterproof and make use of Columbia’s Omni Tech waterproofing technology. This is essentially their in-house version of Gore-Tex. A hiking shoe is never going to be fully waterproof on its own as it can let water in over the top, and if you plan to use them as such, you’ll want to make use of gaiters to give you a strong, waterproof finish. However, these are fine for light snow, light puddles, and rainy days. But we’d avoid big, deep puddles and boggy ground without a stronger system added to these.

Weight

The Columbia Women’s Trailstorm has quite an impressive weight at 500g/1lb 3oz. Considering they’re waterproof too, this is actually at the lower end of the scale in terms of the hiking shoes we’ve tested and reviewed. They feel exceptionally light to wear and do not have a ‘clumpy’ or heavy feel – aiding lightness on the trail.

Insoles

The Trailstorm hiking shoes come with a fairly standard insole, similar to most off the peg hiking shoes. For most hikers, this will be more than adequate for the majority of uses. However, these hiking shoes can have their insoles swapped out easily if you need for a more specialist or tailored insole for your needs.

Break-in Period

The Columbia Women’s Trailstorm have virtually no break-in period. We never like to say that a shoe is good to wear straight away, as you can never trust it fully until you’ve worn it out on the trail on a few test hikes to get a feel for if there are any sore spots or rubbing points you need to know about. However these hiking shoes were good to go extremely quickly and after one test hike, we felt they were ready to take out on the trail with no problems afterwards at all.

Lacing System

These hiking shoes use a ghillie lacing system, which is slightly different to a standard lace. This allows for a really adjustable fit over the whole foot, with tension able to be created easily at the points where you need it. Over time, there could be some sustainability or durability concerns as the lacing system is made with synthetic materials (similar to the laces) rather than traditional eyelets, so these could break. That said, they look extremely well made and robust, so we don’t think this is likely unless you really hammer these shoes around.

Toe Protection

A fairly chunky rubberized toe rand is used to protect the feet from any knocks and bumps. We found this to be more than adequate on scrambles, protecting our toes similarly to some of the much pricier options on the market. This shoe gives more than good enough toe protection from most of the conditions you’re likely to need them in.

Conclusion

The Columbia Women’s Trailstorm is a great hiking shoe. For the price, even better. We were repeatedly impressed by its performance against some of the pricier models on the market right now and if this shoe is in your budget, or if you’re new to hiking and want a solid product that is likely to last you a good amount of time, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this shoe.

It packs some pretty impressive tech, and whilst the breathability isn’t the best, for a budget waterproof shoe, used in the right circumstances, we think you’ll be impressed by its performance.

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