Columbia Men's Fairbanks Omni-Heat Hiking Shoe

I purchased the Columbia Men’s Fairbanks Omni-Heat Hiking Shoes in the Black/Rusty colorway, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice! These shoes offer the perfect blend of comfort, warmth, durability, and style, making them ideal for winter hikes and everyday wear.Fit & Comfort – Lightweight Yet SupportiveRight out of the box, these shoes felt incredibly comfortable with no break-in period needed. The fit is true to size, with enough room in the toe box for comfort without feeling too loose. The padded collar and tongue add extra cushioning, making long hikes or all-day wear a breeze.Despite being a rugged hiking shoe, the Fairbanks Omni-Heat is surprisingly lightweight, so I don’t feel weighed down even after hours of walking. The EVA midsole provides excellent shock absorption and support, keeping my feet comfortable on both rough trails and pavement.Warmth & Weather Protection – Omni-Heat Works Like a CharmOne of the standout features of this shoe is Columbia’s Omni-Heat reflective lining, which helps retain body heat while allowing moisture to escape. Even in sub-freezing temperatures, my feet stay warm without overheating. Paired with a good pair of thermal socks, these shoes are perfect for winter adventures.Additionally, the water-resistant textile upper does a great job of keeping out light rain and snow. While they’re not fully waterproof like some heavy-duty hiking boots, they handle light snow and wet conditions well without my feet getting damp.Traction & Durability – Ready for Any TerrainThe grippy outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, including muddy trails, snow-covered paths, and icy sidewalks. The tread pattern is aggressive enough to keep me stable without collecting too much dirt or snow.After several weeks of use, including multiple hikes in different conditions, the materials and stitching have held up well. The reinforced toe and heel areas add durability, making them a reliable option for rugged outdoor use.Style – Functional & Looks GreatThe Black/Rusty colorway is stylish yet understated, making these shoes versatile enough for both outdoor adventures and casual everyday wear. They pair well with jeans, hiking pants, or even joggers, so I find myself wearing them even when I’m not hiking.Pros & ConsPros:✔ Super comfortable with no break-in period✔ Omni-Heat lining keeps feet warm without overheating✔ Lightweight but still supportive✔ Great traction on different terrains✔ Stylish design for hiking or casual wear✔ Water-resistant and holds up well in light snow/rainCons:✘ Not fully waterproof – best for dry or lightly wet conditions✘ Laces are a bit long, but easy to tuck in✘ Might not be warm enough for extreme cold without thick socksFinal Verdict – A Must-Have for Cold Weather Adventures!If you’re looking for a lightweight, warm, and stylish hiking shoe that performs well in cold and mildly wet conditions, the Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat is an excellent choice. Whether for winter hikes, daily commutes, or casual outdoor activities, these shoes provide great comfort, reliable warmth, and solid traction.I highly recommend them for anyone needing a versatile cold-weather hiking shoe that balances performance and everyday wearability. Five stars all the way!

Best pair of boots you can own. Perfect for long walks, ideal ankle support and great value for money. Not too thick or too thin.

Extremely light and comfortable

Really comfortable with the support of traditional hiking boots but are much lighter and flexible didn't need breaking in

Excelent product. Quickly shipping.

Pros:1. Aesthetics: The boots have a unique, stylish look that garners positive comments.2. Warmth: The reflective Thinsulate lining keeps feet warm, making them suitable for winter.3. Comfort: Wide toe box ensures feet don’t feel cramped, providing a comfortable fit for casual wear.4. Lightweight: Great for urban walking and casual outings.Cons:1. Waterproof Claim: The “waterproof” label is misleading; they are more water-resistant and suitable only for light rain.2. Durability Issues:• The sole is separating on both sides of the right boot, with minor separation on the left boot.• Stitching around the toe box appears loose and unfinished.• Visible shoe glue residue in some areas indicates poor manufacturing quality.3. Structural Weakness: Lack of ankle and structural support makes them unsuitable for hiking or rugged terrain.4. Strange Odor: The reflective material inside has a pungent synthetic smell initially, which fades over time.5. Not for Summer: Due to the warm Thinsulate lining, these boots are strictly for cold-weather use.6. Price: At full retail (over £100), the value is questionable given the quality issues.Conclusion:These boots are ideal for casual, winter use in urban environments with light rain but lack durability and structural integrity for heavy or prolonged use. They’re comfortable, stylish, and warm, but their build quality and misrepresented waterproof claim leave much to be desired. If purchased at a discount (e.g., £68 what I got them for), they offer decent value for occasional wear, but they’re not recommended at full price.Originally ordered 27/11/2024 --> Update 18/2/2025: Laces on right boots are breaking apart (see photos) Rubber / Foam bit back of right boot is coming away? Foam bit on sole that says "Columbia" on both boots is getting ripped up. Stitching around both shoes toe cap is coming loose and or fraying, plus toe area shape is deformed compared to when new. (see photos) With these issues present after 2.5 months of medium use. I would say I have to drop 2 stars. I doubt these boots will make it to 6 months.Hey Columbia and or Amazon - Can I get my £68.32 back please! and I will wear until they fall apart.Why are companies building shoes that fall apart in 3-6 months. So much waste on so many levels, money, material and buyers time too. WTF!!! All to end up in a landfill.

These boots was bought for walking the dog originally due to being lightweight and waterproof, they are so comfortable and look good they are worn for everyday use during the colder months. Bought a size 9 for a size 8 to 8.5 foot as I knew I could ware thicker socks if they was too big but they actually fit well with normal cotton socks so with this I would say they are slightly on the smaller size so would advise maybe going up half to one size. My wife bought the female version and is a size 6 and bought a 6.5 and they fit well, she glad she went up a half size. They are waterproof and very warm. When muddy from walks they just wipe clean, probably the best boots Ive ever purchased, ticks all boxes, they look good, lightweight, good grip, warm, waterproof, comfortable, & easy to care for everyrhing I wanted in a winter boot.

Wore these boots out 4/5 times in wet autumn conditions and my feet stayed dry, I was really impressed as they looked great and worked, then when walking in a strong down pour of rain the boots took on water….but I’m not sure how - no holes no cracks, but equally both boots took on water in the footbed and around the toe, my ankles remained dry due to waterproof trousers. I’m wondering whether the material has already lost its waterproofing?Not sure whether to get hold of Amazon or Columbia for advice.