Fairbanks Low

I have spent the past year looking for the right shoes to wear on a 200+ mile hike through rugged, mountainous terrain in north central Spain. Since the trip also involved some road and city walking, I needed a pair of shoes that could handle anything--with enough tread to keep me safe on steep ascents and descents, but not so aggressive as to make walking on pavement uncomfortable. These shoes were perfect--If you have ever hiked the Camino Primitivo, you know the demands of that trail. After 200 miles/300km, the tread still looks like new. These shoes made the trip very comfortable for my feet. I normally wear wide sizes, but these don't come in wide. However, there was plenty of room in the toe box for my feet to spread out, and there no issues with feet swelling towards the end of a long day of hiking. I did not need to size up for this backpacking trip--the shoes had just enough room for my feet to breathe and move, but were also secure enough and breathable enough that I did not develop any of the dreaded heel blisters. The shoes are not waterproof--I chose breathability instead for the hot weather. Early one day, I stepped in mud up to my calf, and the shoe and sock underneath were dry within 45 minutes of walking. This incident did not affect the fit or performance of the shoe. This shoe does not have much cushioning, and again this is why I chose it. There is just enough to support my feet and joints, and it also allows me to feel the trail beneath my feet--which really helps prevent a rolled or sprained ankle. This was a surprise to me, as I run on heavily-cushioned Hokas; for walking, this minimally-cushioned shoe was perfect. I had no joint problems. I had an older pair of these shoes, which I have worn every day around the city where I live. These shoes handle uneven, poorly-repaired sidewalks, grass, and wet concrete and brick very well. This is one of the most comfortable, versatile pair of shoes I have ever owned. There is enough flexibility in the shoe to adjust your tie to a thin summer sock or a thicker merino wool sock for hiking or cold weather. They look nice, too. The black color fits in any business casual setting, or even with a suit on a regular day in the office. Finally, the price is excellent--this is also one of the least expensive pair of shoes I have purchased in years. It's a steal. The pictures show my shoes after completing the Camino de Santiago. Given that I now have two pairs of these, I don't expect to have to replace them for another year.

Comfy, sturdy, dependable! I have worn these shoes in an austere and hostile environment. These hikers do very well for long distant runs at a very fast pace, have great flexibility for weight training and boxing, are comfy enough to stand around up to 4-6 hours on, and are excellent to drive for several hours with. In extreme heat these low cut boots do well to keep cool, while in cold weather you would need to wear at least a mid weight warming sock to be comfy. Overall, I am going to buy a couple more pairs because of the proven status.

These are true fit. There seems to be a little break in’ period. They also feel a little flat, like the arch should be a little higher. All of that being said, they look nice, feel good and are comfortable. If I had any complaint, it would be that the back of the shoe is rather rigid and high, causing a little discomfort. I’m sure once I wear them a little longer they feel better.

Love these shoes, especially for the discounted price. They are very comfortable. I normally wear 8.5, I ordered the same size and it fit perfectly. Seems to have good traction on wet ground. Though keep in mind that these are NOT waterproof, but still they are now my go-to shoes for rainy days. BTW, they don't squeak on hardwood floor.

📝 Quick Review These sneakers are comfortable right out of the box, with a lightweight feel that makes them great for all-day wear. The breathable upper keeps feet cool, while the cushioned sole provides solid support for walking, casual hikes, or running errands. The style is versatile enough to pair with jeans, shorts, or outdoor gear. 👟 Why They Stand Out Lightweight design for extended comfort Breathable materials help keep feet dry Cushioned sole offers good shock absorption Sleek, casual style works in multiple settings ✅ Final Thoughts A well-made, versatile sneaker that blends comfort and style, perfect for both outdoor adventures and everyday activities.

I really like these shoes for daily wear. I would classify them as casual outdoor shoes. They are very comfortable but lack the support of a true outdoor or hiking boot/shoe. If you're thinking these are replacements for something like a Keen hiking shoe, they're not built to the level of a Keen. But that's ok, they serve a purpose and for the price, I'm very happy with them. They fit true to size for me and they've held up very well over the past couple of months. They look good, have great traction, and for the price I'm very happy. For heavy duty trail use they may fail sooner than something like a Keen, but then again, you paid less than half the price, so maybe that's ok. I think they perform very well for the price range.

I wore these on a short backpacking trip. Very comfortable and good grip. But the shoelaces are so dangerously long that they tripped me up stepping down a 2 ft drop and I fell forward on my hands. Luckily I only had a skinned knee and a sore wrist and hand for days. I've since replaced the laces with 60-in long ones on my size 15 shoes which are plenty long. Would buy again but immediately replace the laces

I’m really happy with my Columbia Fairbanks Mid Boot for everyday hikes and outdoor walks. They feel lightweight yet supportive, and the waterproof upper really keeps moisture out while letting heat escape — which made rainy trail days way more comfortable. The cushioned midsole helps absorb impact on uneven ground, and the tread gives decent traction on both dry and slightly slippery terrain. What I love most is how versatile these are — comfy enough for long walks around town but rugged enough for weekend trail outings. The ankle height gives a bit of support without feeling bulky, and the materials feel durable and well‑built. The only thing to keep in mind is that if you’re planning really technical or long backpacking hikes, you might want boots with more aggressive ankle support and stiffer soles (these lean more toward comfort and all‑day wear rather than hardcore trails). Overall, they’re solid hiking boots that handle rain, rough ground, and daily wear with ease — a great choice for casual hikers or anyone who wants a reliable all‑around boot.