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Columbia Redmond III Hiking Shoe
As a well-known brand in many different categories, Columbia really excels at just about anything they do.
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Our Conclusion
The Redmond III hiking shoe is a great example of this. This shoe is comfortable, has great energy return, and is impressively durable.
Without compromising features, the Redmond is available at a more affordable price point than many of its competitors. It has a low top, which is comfortable, but provides less stability than a mid hiking shoe.
Overall, it is a great choice for the casual hiker.
Continue reading to learn more about the features of this shoe.
Without compromising features, the Redmond is available at a more affordable price point than many of its competitors. It has a low top, which is comfortable, but provides less stability than a mid hiking shoe.
Overall, it is a great choice for the casual hiker.
Continue reading to learn more about the features of this shoe.
Where to Buy
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Great energy return
Comfortable cushioning
Minimal break in
Non-marking outsole
Durable
Good traction
Cons
Waterproofing system needs improvement
Minimal color options
Unclear warranty
Key Features
Key Features
Comfort
Similar to most Columbia products, the Redmond III is comfortable. Each shoe weighs 15 ounces or 425 grams. They are slightly heavier than other hiking shoes, but they won’t weigh you down. The shape of the midsole hugs your foot and the outsole doesn’t touch the ground as you walk, providing impressive arch support.
There is a removable insole that is quite thin. Somehow, it still provides comfort but you may want to replace it with something thicker. There is ample padding around the heel and on the underside of the tongue.
Fit
The Redmond III is available in a very wide range of sizes, all the way from 7 to 17. You can also choose between a normal width or wide. As usual, if you are in-between sizes, it’s best to go a half size up.
These hiking shoes have a minimal break-in period. They are flexible without compromising stability. If you are accustomed to streamlined shoes, these are going to feel a bit clunky.
They have a traditional lacing system with fabric loops and two metal loops at the top. The heel tab at the back makes putting them on a breeze.
Features
One of the best features of the Redmond III is in the design. The Techlite midsole is well-cushioned and provides impressive energy return. This allows you to walk longer distances while your muscles feel less fatigued.
Columbia uses an Omni-Tech waterproof membrane bootie with sealed seams to keep your feet dry in these shoes. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of complaints about this technology.
For many people, it simply doesn’t work - for some people, even walking through wet grass was an issue. On the bright side, the gusseted tongue is nicely cushioned and successfully keeps debris from entering the shoe.
Color-wise, there are two options. You can choose from a combination of graphite and black or a combination of saddle and caramel.
Additionally, the non-marking outsole makes these a great option to wear just about anywhere - even on a boat.
Durability
The Redmond III is constructed very well. It is made from suede and mesh and has synthetic leather overlays that increase the durability and provide a natural lockdown. The molded toe and heel caps act as buffers and keep those sensitive parts of your feet safer.
While it does seem that Columbia offers a warranty on their shoes, it is not clearly listed how long the warranty lasts and what it covers. To receive more information, you need to send in a claim and wait to hear back from the company. In my eyes, this is a big disadvantage. I prefer to know that the company confidently stands behind its product.
Stability and Traction
The Omni-Grip rubber traction works very well on packed dirt, loose dirt, rock, and gravel. The outsole features two different patterns and multidirectional lugs. You can walk confidently on wet or dry land with the Redmond III.
In terms of stability, there is little to no ankle support because it is a low-rise shoe. However, being able to pull the laces as tight as you wish and lock your foot in, it is a stable enough shoe for most people.
Similar to most Columbia products, the Redmond III is comfortable. Each shoe weighs 15 ounces or 425 grams. They are slightly heavier than other hiking shoes, but they won’t weigh you down. The shape of the midsole hugs your foot and the outsole doesn’t touch the ground as you walk, providing impressive arch support.
There is a removable insole that is quite thin. Somehow, it still provides comfort but you may want to replace it with something thicker. There is ample padding around the heel and on the underside of the tongue.
Fit
The Redmond III is available in a very wide range of sizes, all the way from 7 to 17. You can also choose between a normal width or wide. As usual, if you are in-between sizes, it’s best to go a half size up.
These hiking shoes have a minimal break-in period. They are flexible without compromising stability. If you are accustomed to streamlined shoes, these are going to feel a bit clunky.
They have a traditional lacing system with fabric loops and two metal loops at the top. The heel tab at the back makes putting them on a breeze.
Features
One of the best features of the Redmond III is in the design. The Techlite midsole is well-cushioned and provides impressive energy return. This allows you to walk longer distances while your muscles feel less fatigued.
Columbia uses an Omni-Tech waterproof membrane bootie with sealed seams to keep your feet dry in these shoes. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of complaints about this technology.
For many people, it simply doesn’t work - for some people, even walking through wet grass was an issue. On the bright side, the gusseted tongue is nicely cushioned and successfully keeps debris from entering the shoe.
Color-wise, there are two options. You can choose from a combination of graphite and black or a combination of saddle and caramel.
Additionally, the non-marking outsole makes these a great option to wear just about anywhere - even on a boat.
Durability
The Redmond III is constructed very well. It is made from suede and mesh and has synthetic leather overlays that increase the durability and provide a natural lockdown. The molded toe and heel caps act as buffers and keep those sensitive parts of your feet safer.
While it does seem that Columbia offers a warranty on their shoes, it is not clearly listed how long the warranty lasts and what it covers. To receive more information, you need to send in a claim and wait to hear back from the company. In my eyes, this is a big disadvantage. I prefer to know that the company confidently stands behind its product.
Stability and Traction
The Omni-Grip rubber traction works very well on packed dirt, loose dirt, rock, and gravel. The outsole features two different patterns and multidirectional lugs. You can walk confidently on wet or dry land with the Redmond III.
In terms of stability, there is little to no ankle support because it is a low-rise shoe. However, being able to pull the laces as tight as you wish and lock your foot in, it is a stable enough shoe for most people.
Comparison to Similar Hiking Shoes
When shopping the Columbia shoe collection, you will also come across the Crestwood. These are very similar to the Redmond III but they have a narrower and tighter feel because of the paneling design of the leather. Beneath the leather are the same materials as the Redmond III- suede and mesh.
The Crestwood has many of the same features including the Omni-Grip traction, the Omni-Tech waterproof bootie, and the Techlite midsole. These weigh less than the Redmond, at only 12.6 ounces or 360 grams per shoe. Honestly, the difference between these two options really just comes down to the shape of your foot.
Another great option from a different brand is the Altra Lone Peak 5. Altra is more well-known for producing running shoes but they have recently branched out to hiking shoes. This shoe is very comfortable and allows your feet to sit naturally in the spacious shoe. This lightweight pair weighs 1.4 pounds or 629 grams.
The Lone Peak 5 is well-cushioned with a breathable mesh upper. They are slightly wide, which helps with stability and comfort but is not ideal for technical terrains. The MaxTrac outsole is very durable and features TrailClaw lugs for traction.
This shoe stands out a bit more than the Redmond III and is available in many different creative color combinations.
The Crestwood has many of the same features including the Omni-Grip traction, the Omni-Tech waterproof bootie, and the Techlite midsole. These weigh less than the Redmond, at only 12.6 ounces or 360 grams per shoe. Honestly, the difference between these two options really just comes down to the shape of your foot.
Another great option from a different brand is the Altra Lone Peak 5. Altra is more well-known for producing running shoes but they have recently branched out to hiking shoes. This shoe is very comfortable and allows your feet to sit naturally in the spacious shoe. This lightweight pair weighs 1.4 pounds or 629 grams.
The Lone Peak 5 is well-cushioned with a breathable mesh upper. They are slightly wide, which helps with stability and comfort but is not ideal for technical terrains. The MaxTrac outsole is very durable and features TrailClaw lugs for traction.
This shoe stands out a bit more than the Redmond III and is available in many different creative color combinations.
Verdict
The Columbia Redmond III Hiking Shoe is a great casual hiking shoe that is offered at an affordable price. It is durable, comfortable, and helps you to hike for longer with its great energy return. We especially love the minimal break-in period. You can hit the trails almost immediately after receiving these shoes.
On the other hand, the color options, waterproof membrane, and clarity of the warranty could use some improvement. Seeing as how this is already the third version of the Redmond, we hope and expect to see these issues addressed in a future version - mainly the waterproof technology.
Overall, as long as you’re not chasing (and walking through) waterfalls, the Redmond III is a good option.
On the other hand, the color options, waterproof membrane, and clarity of the warranty could use some improvement. Seeing as how this is already the third version of the Redmond, we hope and expect to see these issues addressed in a future version - mainly the waterproof technology.
Overall, as long as you’re not chasing (and walking through) waterfalls, the Redmond III is a good option.
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Best offer on: Nov. 22. 2024
