Men’s Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP Review

Bottom Line

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP is one of the best values on our hiking boots for men guide. At only $100, these boots are a popular and accessible choice for occasional hikers, beginners, and budget-conscious adventurers who want to hit the trails without emptying their wallets. CleverHiker senior gear analyst Ian Krammer has hiked over 200 miles through the Colorado Rockies in all seasons using these boots and found them sturdy, durable, and comfortable. Their cushy ankle material, burly tread pattern, and poly-coated leather and suede uppers deliver no-frills comfort on a range of terrain. Plus, they’re available in inclusive sizing, warmer versions, and tons of colorways, so there’s a pair for every foot shape, size, and style.

However, the Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP has some drawbacks. This model has minimal midsole cushioning and arch support, and it requires a break-in period of around 25 miles since they’re stiff out of the box – they aren’t our first pick for long trips. They are on the warmer side, making them best for cooler climates and shoulder season weather – but they’re not fully waterproof either, limiting their usefulness. Finally, we love the traditional hiking boot aesthetic of the Newton Ridge Plus 2s, but they look worn-in sooner than they actually are. Still, for this price, the Newton Ridge Plus 2s are a good choice for day hikes, new backpackers, and anyone who wants to get out on the trail with minimal investment.

Comfort

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP delivers reasonable comfort for casual hikers. The poly-coated leather and suede uppers mold to your feet the more you wear them, eventually providing a snug but flexible fit. These boots offer sufficient arch support with a responsive midsole for reliable balance, and the burly outsoles provide a solid, grippy ride that makes them feel stable on most terrain. Senior gear analyst Ian Krammer loves these boots for their simple details: a large heel loop allows easy on and off, a soft ankle cuff and thick tongue makes them cozy to hike in all day, and stretchy shoelaces are excellent for dialing in the fit. And at less than 2 pounds for the pair, they’re some of the lightest hiking boots we’ve tested, which means you can save energy and fend off leg fatigue. Plus, they come in wide sizes, a wider range of sizes (7 to 17) than most brands, and a variety of interesting colorways.  So, regardless of your foot shape, size, or style, there’s a pair of Newton Ridges that will probably work for you.

However, not everyone will find the Newton Ridge Plus 2s comfy. They’re stiff out of the box and require a break-in period of around 25 miles, so you’ll need to stick with them through those first few hikes until they begin to soften up. The leather uppers run hot in temps above 70°F, which can cause sweaty and swollen feet. Conversely, they aren’t waterproof and dry slowly if soaked through, so if your feet get wet in rain or snow, it can lead to potential chafing and discomfort. Compared to similar hiking boots, these boots lack the plush feel needed for longer, rugged adventures due to fairly low arch support and sparse cushioning through the midfoot. This design can lead to soreness on rocky terrain and big mileage, so folks with higher arches or those who need more support may want to consider after-market insoles. 

Ankle Support

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP offers moderate ankle support for peace of mind on moderate trails and rocky routes. The combination of poly-coated leather and suede construction adds structure around the ankle  and extends well over your malleolus bone. Double stitching at the heel also adds additional structure, and the reinforced eyelets create a secure lacing system that locks the boot to your ankle for a secure feel on steep inclines and descents. That added protection can prevent typical injuries like hyperextended or rolled ankles, though the cuffs are soft and flexible enough to move with your natural gait. We’re big fans of the soft, thick mesh ankle cuffs – they are excellent to reduce friction and fatigue during longer hikes and move with your feet instead of against them.

However, the ankle design falls into the same trap as the rest of the uppers: they’re a bit stiff. Our testing showed these boots take around 25 miles to soften and fully break in – though they can remain a bit uncomfortable and rigid even after that period. Luckily, the cushy cuffs make up for any potential discomfort through the ankle until the leather and polyester soften to your feet. The Newton Ridge Plus 2s are supportive, but their sturdiness might feel cumbersome if you prefer lighter, more flexible footwear.

Weight

These boots are some of the lightest we’ve tested. At just under two pounds per pair, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP strike a rare balance of low weight and low cost – making them perfect for day hikes, shorter adventures, and moderate trails. Soft and plush mesh with foam makes the interior of the boot feeling airy but comfortable and keeps the weight down. But most of these boots’ heftiness comes from the bottom, where Columbia uses a springy foam midsole paired with a burly rubber blend in the outsoles. This  combination walks a fine line of weight savings and stability – but without extra bulk – so you won’t feel dragged down on long walks or steeper inclines. The overall weight keeps fatigue at bay, especially helpful on short backpacking trips or extended day hikes, where every ounce starts to add up.

The downside of such lightweight boots is they aren’t as comfy or durable as burlier and heavier options. The foam and rubber soles have minimal cushioning to further reduce their weight, but this construction limits comfort on long days with big miles. Although these boots are durable enough, they simply don’t last as long as alternatives built with higher quality leather or synthetic fabrics. 

Traction

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WPs have solid traction on most terrain thanks to beefy rubber outsoles with an aggressive tread pattern. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer put these boots through the wringer over dozens of miles of off-trail hiking as he summited Colorado peaks over 13,000’. Whether he was traversing dry scree, loose rocks, gravel, sand, or packed dirt, the Newton Ridge Plus 2s provided dependable and stable traction for confident footing. Columbia utilizes its own proprietary rubber blend on the outsole, called Omni-Grip, for a sticky, stable outsole. With a solid tread depth, the boots offer excellent bite when navigating rocky trails or uneven ground, reducing the risk of slipping. The lug pattern is aggressive, featuring deep, wide, angled lugs through the midfoot that for secure movement on slight inclines and flat areas. We also love the smaller, sharper lugs at the heel for effective braking on steep declines. The minimalist cushioning through the midsole contributes to a secure feel during lateral movements.

The Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP offers solid traction, but it falls short on inclines and wet, muddy, and cold conditions. The lug design is most shallow at the toe, which means these boots aren’t as reliable on steep ascents. Headed up hills during testing – when most of your body weight relies on the forefoot – we found they didn’t grip as well as other options, an issue that could be fixed with deeper lugs or an alternative lug shape. The Omni-Grip rubber also isn’t as sticky as some higher-end options, which directly impacts performance and reliability on wet rock, slick or muddy surfaces, and snow. We like the lug design for grip on dry surfaces, but it struggled to shed debris like rocks and mud, which leads to reduced traction. Finally, the outsole is fairly stiff – which is great on angled trails and rocks – but it limits ground feel and flexibility, so these aren’t the best boots for routes where precise foot placement is key.

Weather Resistance

The Newton Ridge Plus 2s offer decent protection from the elements during day hikes and short backpacking trips with occasional summer storms and cool weather. The poly-coated leather and suede uppers repel light rain and moisture, making the Newton Ridge Plus 2s suitable for intermittent damp conditions. Sturdy construction – including double stitched panels, a thick leather toecap, and extra burly leather at the heel – add an extra layer of protection against splashes from shallow puddles, mud, and wet underbrush. This design helps retain heat well, so we love these boots for hiking in cooler spring and fall conditions and temperatures below 70*, where your feet will feel most comfortable. But for warmer days, the tongue is made of the same cushy, breathable mesh as the ankle cuffs and interior. Since this mesh fabric runs along the entire top of the boot from the ankle to the toe, it helps a bit to regulate temperature and release small amounts of heat in warm weather. 

If you’re looking for a truly waterproof hiking boot, though, the Newton Ridge Plus 2 WPs have major limitations, and we do not recommend them for rainy days, long winter adventures, or seriously muddy routes. The mesh tongue extends down the full length of the boot – all the way to the toe cap. That means if you dunk your boots in water deeper than an inch or two, the mesh will absorb that moisture like a sponge, and you’ll have instantly wet feet. Additionally, narrow suede panels on either side of the tongue are aesthetically pleasing but are a significant flaw in real life – once the panels are wet from damp underbrush or rain, they take many hours to fully dry. Lastly, the laces on these boots are a cotton and polyester blend. Cotton is rarely used in performance outdoor gear because it soaks up water, holds it for a long time, and dries very slowly – which is exactly what these laces do when wet. These boots are a good choice for mild weather, but serious hikers venturing into harsher climates may want to consider options with better waterproofing and insulation. 

Durability

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP will last for hundreds of miles and multiple seasons with just a bit of care. The poly-coated leather and suede provides excellent resistance against abrasions and scrapes, crucial for navigating rough terrain. The beefy rubber outsoles handle sharp rocks, brambles, and roots with ease, and the lugs wear down slowly even under the stresses of uneven trails and rocky paths. Reinforced stitching and strong lacing eyelets enhance their longevity, ensuring that the seams hold up under pressure. With proper maintenance, they will last for multiple seasons, making them a smart investment for budget-conscious hikers.

Still, this model doesn’t hold up as well as boots made with higher quality textiles like thicker leather or synthetic fabrics. The leather is a bit thinner than more premium boots, and begins to show signs of wear sooner than expected, including discoloration and deep creases. Although the suede and cotton laces add style and a bit of comfort, they absorb moisture in wet conditions, which can lead to quicker deterioration and weaken materials over time. The combined mesh and foam interior, ankle cuff, and tongue are comfy, but over time, the mesh starts to fray from just putting them on and taking them off. Finally, we like the outsoles for their good traction, but at the 200 mile mark, they began to separate from the uppers. These boots are suitable for casual hiking, but they may require replacement sooner than higher-end alternatives.

Should You Buy the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP?

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP is ideal for budget-conscious hikers looking for an entry-level boot for shorter hikes. If you mostly day hike or do occasional shorter backpacking trips on well-maintained trails where durability and support are essential but extreme performance is not, these boots will check every box. Casual hikers and beginners will appreciate the blend of comfort, stability, and practical performance. The range of sizes, including wide options, makes these boots accessible to various foot shapes for a comfortable fit during short adventures. And for this price, you could outfit two adults and a kid for only a bit more money than a single premium pair of hiking boots.

However, these aren’t the best choice for seasoned backpackers or those tackling challenging terrain. Experienced hikers venturing into rugged, muddy, or wet conditions will find the Newton Ridge Plus 2 lacking in waterproofing, support, and overall durability. Folks who hike frequently or require lightweight options for long-distance trekking may want to consider more advanced, premium footwear that offers superior performance and weather resistance.

What Other hiking boots Should You Consider?

Head over to our list of the Best Hiking Boots for Men to check out the full list of recommendations. 

Merrell Moab 3 WP Review: The Merrell Moab 3 WP is another top budget choice. They’re more expensive than the Newton Ridge Plus 2s but offer superior traction, comfort, and waterproofing. We love these for significantly improved durability and weather resistance, making them a more comfortable choice for longer treks in varied conditions. Although, they weigh more.

KEEN Targhee 4 WP Review: Similar to the Newton Ridge Plus 2s, the KEEN Targhees are a more affordable boot, but they’re considerably more comfortable and durable, including a burly toe cap and all-leather uppers. Though they weigh more and cost more, they may be worth it for better traction, protection and performance on technical trails and off-route exploring.

LOWA Renegade GTX Review: The LOWA Renegade GTX is one of our favorite boots for dedicated, serious, year-round hikers. Their high-quality construction offers outstanding comfort and durability. They cost nearly 2.5 times more than the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP, but they may be worth every penny as a long-term investment in weatherproof, super protective, and long-lasting boots for any terrain.