Columbia Woodburn II Waterproof low hiking shoes for men

The essentials

Columbia’s Woodburn II waterproof low hiking shoes are aimed at people who want proper grip and weather protection without the bulk of a full hiking boot. On paper, the design focuses on traction, cushioning and staying dry: a waterproof, breathable membrane sits behind a mesh/leather upper, while Omni-Grip non-marking rubber and a Techlite lightweight midsole are meant to handle longer walks more comfortably.

If you’re looking for everyday walking shoes that can cope with muddy paths, damp woodland edges or changeable UK weather, these are the sort of pair you’d shortlist. They’re also the kind of shoe that works for day trips where you don’t want to faff with heavy footwear.

It’s not perfect for every situation, though. The note about waterproof zips and laces is worth taking seriously—small parts can let water in depending on how you use them and what conditions you’re walking through.

Key takeaways

What stands out most here is the combination of grip and cushioning. Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber is designed to bite without shredding indoor floors, which matters if you’ll go from pavement to park paths and back again. The Techlite midsole is described as lightweight with long-lasting superior cushioning and high energy return, so you’re not just getting “shock absorption”, you’re getting a more responsive feel for steady walking.

The waterproof side is handled by an Omni-Tech waterproof, breathable membrane. That usually means you get better resistance to rain and damp trails than a standard shoe, while still trying to reduce the “sweaty feet” effect you sometimes get with fully sealed designs.

Where it shines (and when it might feel limited)

These shoes make most sense if your outings are more “low hiking” than technical scrambling. Think country walks, commuting to trailheads, and casual trails where you still want solid tread and a bit of support.

One limitation to keep in mind: Columbia notes that laces and zippers incorporated in Columbia Sportswear Company footwear are not waterproof. So while the overall shoe is positioned as waterproof thanks to the membrane, water can still find its way in at openings and seams—especially if you’re wading in deep puddles, walking through wet grass for long periods, or dealing with heavy sideways rain.

If you’re the type who frequently crosses ankle-deep water or expects absolute “submerged” waterproofing, you may want to look at footwear that’s designed with stricter sealing and fewer entry points.

Everyday use tips

A useful way to think about these is as a weather-capable walking shoe for mixed surfaces. For example: you set off from town in light rain, the pavement gets slick, then you cut across a muddy path to reach a viewpoint. The non-marking traction rubber is there to keep you stable when the ground turns unpredictable, and the midsole is there to keep you comfortable when you rack up miles.

For the best results, avoid treating the laces and zip area like a waterproof barrier. If you know you’ll be in genuinely wet conditions, tighten laces consistently and consider how you step through water—where the upper meets the ground is usually where the shoe’s waterproof performance is most tested.

Who it suits (and who should be cautious)

It’s a good fit if you prioritise traction for day-to-day walks, want lightweight cushioning rather than heavy boots, and like the idea of an Omni-Tech waterproof, breathable membrane.

It might not be a great match if you need guaranteed waterproofing at the closure elements (laces and zip) for prolonged wet or wading conditions. It also may feel like an “in-between” choice if you’re after either very lightweight trainers for pure city use, or a high-support boot meant for tougher terrain.

What to check before buying

Before you buy, it’s worth double-checking a few practical things, because these shoes are a functional walking style rather than a guaranteed waterproof “everywhere, no exceptions” design:

• Closure position and how water might reach the laces/zip area in your typical routes.
• Whether you want non-marking tread for mixed indoor/outdoor use.
• Your preference for lightweight cushioning and responsive feel (Techlite is described as lightweight with high energy return, which can be exactly what you want—or not, depending on how you like your footwear).

Final verdict

It’s worth considering if you want low hiking shoes that focus on grip, comfort and waterproof breathing for everyday trail walks in changeable weather. The waterproof mesh/leather upper with an Omni-Tech membrane, plus Omni-Grip non-marking traction and a Techlite midsole, looks like a solid recipe for casual country walking and damp-path days.

You may want to skip these if your main use involves frequent deep puddles, prolonged wading, or you expect total waterproof integrity through the laces and zip areas—Columbia explicitly notes those components aren’t waterproof. In that case, you’ll likely get better peace of mind from a more fully sealed footwear approach.

Mini FAQ

Are the Woodburn II shoes fully waterproof?

They use an Omni-Tech waterproof, breathable membrane, but Columbia notes that laces and zippers aren’t waterproof. So they’re designed for waterproof performance, not for absolute waterproofing at every closure point.

What makes the traction different?

They feature Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber. The “non-marking” bit is aimed at reducing scuffing on indoor surfaces while still giving you tread for outdoor paths.

Do they sound comfortable for longer walks?

The Techlite lightweight midsole is described as providing long-lasting superior cushioning and high energy return, which suggests comfort plus a more responsive ride for extended walking.

Are they suitable for technical trails?

They’re positioned as low hiking shoes, so they’re more about everyday paths and lighter trail use than serious technical terrain (where you’d typically expect more specialised support).