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Columbia was made into the much loved brand we know today by the iconic Gert Boyle, who inherited the struggling brand, originally a hat business, from her husband in 1970, who had previously inherited it from her father. The first company to introduce Gore-tex parkas, these Columbia boots are an affordable, lightweight option, but hardcore hikers may want to think again.
Comfort and Fit
If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable mid-height trainer/hiking boot combos, then the Columbia Konos should be high on your list. As an everyday trainer, these have excelled in winter due to the padded yet mostly seam-free internal areas, a plump tongue and midsole that’s on the softer side.
They also feel stable on different terrains and trails, with the mid-height ankles adding further foot comfort. Sizing, for me, felt spot-on. They come in four colours for both male and female walkers, but the Stone Green/Canyon Sun option here is our pick of the male crop and has enough style to pull off daily casual trainer wear. Sizing comes in at a wide 6-14UK.
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
The Konos TRS look and feel like a standard pair of mid-height trainers, but the impressive, titular Outdry waterproof membrane in the upper really is an impressive piece of tech that has kept my feet dry in the wettest of winter weather.
It feels wrong to get that stylish Stone Green/Canyon Sun colour scheme dirty but it’s easily wipeable due to the membrane. Testing took place over autumn and winter so I’ve yet to test their midsummer prowess but breathability hasn’t been an issue thus far, including on higher tempo walking and light running, as well as daily cycle commuting.
Durability and Build Quality
After nearly six months of constant, daily wear and weekend walking, the Konos still look the part, with only the exposed white on the midsole and the white outsole lugs showing a little wear. I have no concerns about any of the exposed seams (not that there are many).
There’s no leather here but the polyester upper is neatly fused to the midsole. There are ‘deflection domes’ in the heel and forefoot but these don’t offer the same protection as a dedicated rock plate on jagged terrain. The toe protection is minimal compared to a dedicated toe cap, while heel protection is also fairly minimal.
Weight and Flexibility
The sizeable midsole offers plenty of cushioning but might be a little squishy for some hikers, but it does compress over time and I’m enjoying the Konos more now than when I first wore them. At 338g for a men’s UK7, however, these are incredibly lightweight for mid-height walking boots, helped by the lack of a rock plate and lack of genuine toe protection.
Grip and Traction
Away from the daily commuting on concrete and onto the trails, the outsole grip has remained reliable on wet, muddy and stony paths, and mud doesn’t cling to the lugs either. You will want more aggressive lugs if you’re venturing in tougher trails, though, and serious mountaineers won’t want these for demanding expeditions.
Value For Money
At £115, these are welcome value, and some of the colourschemes can sometimes be found cheaper on Columbia’s own website. The build construction feels like it should last a fairly long time.
Sustainability
Columbia make few sustainability claims about the materials used in the Konos, which is a shame. The brand do, however, provide supply chain transparency on their website and in their annual impact report, while they’re part of the Planet Water Foundation.
Suitable For...
The Konos feel ideal for recreational walkers, more casual hiking and those dipping their toes in all-day adventures on established walking trails. The moderate grip and lack of toe protection won’t appeal to dedicated hikers on demanding terrain and mountaineers though. They’ll also please anyone looking for a waterproof, lightweight and comfortable daily trainer.
Should you buy it?
With a welcome price tag, an impressively low weight and bags of comfort, these fit the bill for casual hiking and all-day adventures. The waterproofing is excellent and they look great too. But hardcore hikers should look elsewhere.
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