ColumbiaMen's Woodburn 2 Low Rise Hiking Shoes

I've been searching for a decent pair of walking shoes for what seems like an eternity! Having tried various brands to no avail and cheaper options that perished far too quickly, I decided that, "you get what you pay for" and purchased a more expensive option. As soon as I took them out of the box, I could see the build quality was very good. Trying them on for the first time, they fitted almost perfectly and felt incredibly comfortable, as if already worn in! So far, so good. I have been walking to and from work (a mile each way) for just over a week now and they are very comfortable. I cannot speak for the waterproofing as yet, or their longevity (having had other brands that began to perish after only a few months, this is something I will be very interested in observing). I will come back to this review and update it once I have greater experience of their build quality. The only negative I have noticed (and as another reviewer commented), the laces do tend to come loose. Maybe I need to learn to tie them in a reef knot instead! At the moment, top marks, but we'll see how they do after a greater period of time and use and I will update this review accordingly.Update 23 January 2021: Well, I've had these over a year now and they have held up well, looking barely worn since I removed them from the box. The undersole has also held up well (though slightly more worn on my right foot due to my walking style). They are just as comfortable and have also provided waterproofing during some heavy rain. Laces have to be double knotted to keep them tied, although even then, after a while become loose. It's a small gripe considering the quality of these shoes. So after a year in, I can still highly recommend these walkers (first 3 photos are after a years use).Update 15 February 2022: 2 years later these are still in great condition and just as comfortable. I would certainly purchase a replacement if and when they are required. Highly recommended!Update 8 February 2023: 3 years in and still going strong, only negative is the stitching has come lose at the front slightly on the right shoe (photos added). Though they are still in good shape all round especially when considering I wear these every day. I've noticed how much the price has boosted since I bought these in 2020, I paid £57 and they're now £87, which is a around a 50% increase for the same item!UPDATE: December 2024: Well I got 5 years out of these shoes and wore them pretty much every day during that period. Finally the soles began to perish and let water in, as did some of the leather on the main shoe. Great value for that period and price. I managed to pick up a new pair in preparation during a sale, so got them at a good price again (about £8 more than I first paid). I think the inflation of price on these shoes is now the main negative. I paid £57 the first time, £66 for the new pair in March 2024 (only just start wearing them now) but the price is usually around £90 which is a huge increase in price.

What I like about these walking shoes is that they do what they're meant to do. By that I mean they're waterproof. I've had several pairs from other brands in the recent past that were meant to be waterproof that either leaked like a sieve or let dribbles in after not very much exposure to water. Not these! I've worn them for about a month, every morning, in soaking grass walking the dog and not the slightest trace of liquid has got past them. Apart from that they are supremely comfortable, they did take a day or two to wear in but now are perfect. Size wise they are nearly true to size, I'm a 9/43 and they fit well enough but I'd say that they are quite narrow. This suits me but for anybody with medium to wide feet I'd go up a half size.All in all though, a fantastic pair of shoes so far and even if they wore out in a year or so I'd get another pair without hesitation.

These are a great pair of shoes. They fit really snug and are very comfortable to wear, walk and run. They are waterproof as advertised. The size was perfect to what I usually wear. The shoes have very strong grip as they align to shape of the feet they would be really good for hiking too. The only thing that I am not happy with are the laces! The knots don’t stay as the laces come off often. For the price, I would have hoped for better quality laces. But otherwise, they are a great pair of shoes.

Been struggling with footwear after a stroke left me with a bad limp tried all kinds of shoes and trainers,couldn’t believe it when I put these on so light and comfortable,definitely help me to walk better

These have replaced a really good pair of walking shoes from a rival manufacturer. I cannot believe just how comfortable, supportive and grippy these Columbia shoes are, on all surfaces. I guess the trade off will be that the grippy soles might wear out quicker, unfair of me to suggest it, only time will tell. But to be honest, at this price point, I think I'll be very happy to replace them with the same shoes eventually, they are that good.

Month 5 Update.For the last few months, I mostly use this shoe one day week and I was very happy until I noticed damage to the shoe inner lining. Shoe inner lining ripped on one of the shoes. I am thinking Columbia used cheap material for the lining. Sole still holding well. Very comfortable. Downgraded rating from 5 to 3 stars due durability issues and I would not be able to get a replacement.____________________________________For last one year or so, I was on a hunt for a comfortable shoe for walking around which is waterproof and good looking. Finally I found a good one which is 90% comfortable when compared to Adidas pure boost running shoe. This shoe is well padded and good grip.

I've had these 18 months and they've been worn at least 4 or 5 times per week - the photo shows they're still in great condition. Really well made, from durable materials, and I'll be buying another pair next year!

First time I've purchased Colombia as I have tended to use another brand over the last few years, and I am very impressed. These look smarter than a casual walking shoe whilst still having an "active" design, they took no wearing in whatsoever, and unlike my previous brand of walking shoes (which purported to be waterproof with goretex but actually let water in round the tongue and toes) these are genuinely waterproof and keep my feet dry.Oh, and they were less expensive than my last brand too!!