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.
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:
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 |
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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 |
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 and they ranked highly in our best shoes for walking round up.
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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