Women’s Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot Review

Bottom Line

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped boots combine classic hiking style with an affordable price, making them one of the best entry-level options we tested. They impressed us with their immediate comfort and dependable waterproofing, keeping our feet dry during wet hikes on muddy trails and damp forest paths.

However, due to their leather-heavy build, they can get warm and don’t breathe as well on long hikes or in hotter climates. Support underfoot is adequate but not perfect for those carrying heavy packs or tackling steep, uneven terrain. Still, for casual hikers, dog walkers, or anyone who hits the trail occasionally, these boots offer great value.

See how they compare in our guide to the best women’s hiking shoes.

How We Tested

We tested the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped boots on various trails in central Washington and Arizona over several weeks, including muddy forest paths, rocky alpine slopes, and dry desert trails. We assessed comfort, traction, waterproofing, and overall durability during day hikes and everyday use.

Comfort

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped boots are among the most comfortable options we tested right out of the box. Despite their leather build, they required no break-in period and felt cushioned and flexible from the first wear.

On local forest trails and moderate day hikes, the TechLite midsole provides adequate shock absorption but doesn’t offer the best overall support. The roomy fit is nice for wider feet and accommodates thicker hiking socks without pinching or rubbing. After several hours of hiking, we didn’t experience hotspots or blisters, which is rare for leather boots at this low price.

That said, the comfort does have limits. On longer, steeper treks or in hot weather, the boots can become warm and lack breathability. Their flexible sole also means they offer less structure and support for high-mileage or backpacking trips. Still, for short to moderate hikes or casual outdoor wear, the Newton Ridge remains a comfortable leather boot.

Durability

The Newton Ridge performs surprisingly well for its price, though it’s not designed for heavy-duty, long-term abuse. After several weeks of trekking on rocky and muddy trails, the leather uppers showed only slight creasing, and the seams and eyelets stayed solid.

The outsole wore evenly, with no signs of delamination, indicating good quality construction. However, these boots don’t have the long-term durability of premium full-grain models; the thinner leather and midsole foam are likely to compress faster with continued use.

The waterproof coating will also need regular maintenance to keep its performance. For hikers who go on the trail a few times a month or want an affordable, durable boot for casual outdoor activities, the Newton Ridge provides solid longevity for the investment.

Ankle Support

Ankle support on the Newton Ridge Plus is moderate and best suited for day hikes rather than technical terrain or backpacking. The mid-height cut offers some protection against ankle rolls, and the padded collar provides comfort around the Achilles. During testing, we felt stable on uneven terrain and mild inclines, but the flexible sole and soft leather do not provide the same rigidity or structured support as serious backcountry boots.

This softer design can actually benefit newer hikers or those who prefer a lighter, more forgiving feel. The hooked metal eyelets make it easy to adjust the tension around the ankle for quick on and off. They provide just enough support for casual trails but won’t meet the needs of those who require maximum stability for off-trail adventures or long pack-carrying days.

Traction

The Omni-Grip outsole provides reliable traction on most surfaces, but it’s not the most aggressive in its category. On packed dirt and gravel trails, the grip remains steady. Even on wet, leaf-covered paths, we rarely slipped. However, the shallow tread pattern and softer rubber compound have difficulty gripping slick rock and steep sections.

While the traction is sufficient for everyday hiking on well-maintained trails, those who go on technical or alpine terrain might find the grip lacking. The non-marking rubber outsole works on mixed-use surfaces, making these boots versatile for casual use hikers.

Weather Resistance

The Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped lives up to its waterproof reputation. During testing on the muddy fall trails of the Pacific Northwest, our feet remained dry. Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable membrane and minimal seam design effectively shed water.

Although they are only truly waterproof against shallow or mild exposure, more complete submersion can cause water to seep through the tongue gusset.

While the waterproofing is reliable, it does lack ventilation. On warm or humid hikes, the limited airflow made feet noticeably hot and sweaty. This makes the Newton Ridge ideal for cooler weather, shoulder seasons, or rainy environments, but less suitable for summer or desert hikes. Regular leather conditioning also helps maintain waterproof performance over time.

Weight

For a leather hiking boot, the Newton Ridge is unexpectedly lightweight and feels agile and comfortable to wear. Weighing about 13.8 ounces per shoe (women’s size 7), these boots are considered midweight, but they feel lighter than they appear.

That lighter weight results from a more flexible structure and a thinner midsole, both of which impact long-term durability and stability when carrying heavy loads. It’s an accessible choice for beginners and casual hikers seeking a waterproof leather boot that doesn’t feel bulky on the trail.

Should You Buy the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped?

If you’re new to hiking or searching for an affordable boot for weekend adventures, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped is a great entry-level option. They are comfortable and waterproof at a fraction of the price of premium models. These boots are especially ideal for hikers with wide feet or anyone who prefers a classic leather look.

However, if you’re planning multi-day backpacking adventures or long, high-mileage hikes, you might want to invest in a more supportive and breathable option. For light to moderate use, though, the Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped is a dependable, budget-friendly choice that offers real value for the price.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

If you like the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped but want other options, check out our guide to the best women’s hiking boots for a full list of top-performing models.

Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Review: For hikers looking for a comfortable, durable boot within a similar budget, the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof remains a popular choice. It provides a softer feel underfoot and improved breathability compared to the Newton Ridge, making it ideal for warm-weather hikes or those who prefer a more flexible, sneaker-like boot.

Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof Review: If you like a lightweight, agile boot but prefer a more performance-focused design, the Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof stands out. It offers excellent traction and weather resistance in a sleeker profile, perfect for fast-moving hikers or backpackers who prioritize precision and responsiveness over a roomier, traditional fit.

Salomon Quest 4 GTX Review: For demanding hikes or multi-day backpacking trips, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX offers unbeatable stability and ankle support. Although heavier and more expensive than the Newton Ridge, it’s designed for serious mileage and rugged terrain. If you often carry a heavy pack or traverse steep, uneven trails, this boot is a great investment.