Columbia Facet 75 Outdry Review

Our Award: Best Budget

The Columbia Facet 75 OutDry are great-value walking shoes from a well-respected industry player. They boast an attractive combination of features and would be a great choice for many hikers.

Great news: This shoe is also available in a women’s fit.

Pros / Reasons to Buy

Great value
Breathable and water resistant

Cons / Reasons to Avoid

Not the lightest
They might look a little plain for some

See the Columbia Facet 75 Outdry in more detail:

Editor’s note: This article is part of our guide to the best hiking shoes, be sure to check out the rest of this guide for our top buying tips:

28 Best Hiking Shoes
How to Choose The Right Hiking Shoes
How We Tested Hiking Shoes
Compare Hiking Shoes
Related content: How to Re-lace Your Hiking Shoes for Better Comfort
Also in this series: 20 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes

The Columbia Facet 75 OutDry is a product that we think will appeal to a lot of hikers. It offers a great mix of breathability and water-resistance at a reasonable price point – all from a well-established brand that many hikers will know and trust making it one of the best walking shoes in our round up. They may not be the absolute lightest or most visually striking shoes in our round up, but their balanced combination of features none the less hits a lot of the right notes and we think these shoes would make an excellent choice for general hiking and trail walking in varied weather conditions for at least some, and maybe even all of the year depending on where you like to hike.

Compare to Similar Products:

	Salomon Men’s X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking	Columbia Facet 75 Outdry	Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX	KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof	Hoka Men’s Anacapa Aero Low	La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Boots	Nike Pegasus Trail 3	Danner Panorama Mid	Black Diamond Mens Mission Leather Low Waterproof Approach Shoes	Lowa Renegade GTX LO	Regatta Vendeavour Pro	Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe	La Sportiva Mens TX Hike GTX Hiking Shoes	The North Face Men’s Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight Track Shoe	Vasque Men’s Juxt Hiking Shoe

Buying Options
Our Ratings	Best Overall Men’s	Best Budget	Most Versatile	Most Comfortable	Best for Summer	Best for Technical Trails	Best Appearance
Pros	Robust whilst feeling light and aerodynamic, excellent traction	Great value. Breathable and water resistant	Striking Design. Makes use of recycled material	Comfortable. Very durable	Light weight. Extremely comfortable and quick to bed in	Relatively lightweight. Good support	Very lightweight. Very comfortable	Rugged build. Clean, minimal sytling	Very low weight. They look great!	short break in, comofrtable, tread grip is substantial	Bargain price. Well made	Reputaton for comfort. Resaonably priced	Relatively light weight. They Look Good	Very comfortable. Low weight	Durable build. Extremely comfortable
Cons	Fast lacing system won’t be for everyone	Not the lightest. They might look a little plain for some	Pricey. Sole material can look tatty with time	Dated design. Pricey	Not as water resistant as some competitors. Divisive Styling	Styling may not be to eveyone’s taste. Pricey	Not as durable as some competitors. Not suitable for very cold or wet conditions	Took a little while to break in. We wish there was a little more ankle support	Pricey. Soft rubber sole may wear quickly	Limited range of colors. Long term durability concerns	Limited Color choices. Not the Lightest	No the lightest design and color choices may seem dated to some	Slightly vague sustainability credentials. Sizing guidance is confusing	Limited choice of colors. Potential long-term durability issues	No waterproofing. Limited color choice
Traction	Very good	Good	Continental outsole with medium/deep thread pattern	Full rubber outsole with deep thread pattern	Very Good	Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread pattern	Very Good	Full rubber sole with medium/deep thread pattern	Rubber outsole with deep thread pattern. Uses ‘Black Label’ Sticky rubber for better grip.	Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern.	Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread pattern	Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern.	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good
Breathability	Very good	Good	Fine mesh upper with Gore-Tex membrane	Mesh sections on upper backed with waterproof membrane	Very Good	Breathable mesh upper with Gore-Tex	Very good	Minimal use of mesh, and unvented leather in main body of shoe but there is a Gore-tex membrane the boot is not insulated.	Breathable ‘BD.dry’ waterproof lining with some mesh sections. However unperforated leather will limit breathability.	Mesh lining backed with Gore Tex membrande	Breathable mesh upper with ‘Isotex’ waterproof membrane.	Breathable mesh upper with waterproof membrane	Good	Good	Very Good
Ankle Support	Minimal but feels supported	Minimal	Medium – Mid height boot. Support can be adjusted via lacing	Minimal – Low top shoe with minimal ankle support	Minimal	Good – Mid height design with adjustable tensioning via laces	Minimal	Medium – Mid height boot. Support can be adjusted via lacing	Minimal – Low top shoe with minimal ankle support	Minimal – Low top shoe with minimal ankle support	Good – Mid-height design with ankle collar adjustment via laces.	Minimal – Low top shoe with minimal ankle support	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal
Arch support	Regular	Regular	Gently moulded arch support in insoles	Subtle arch support	Very good	Subtle arch support	Regular	Subtly shaped inner section offers gentle arch support		Subtle arch support	Subtle arch support	Moulded nylon arch shank	Regular	Regular, but rocker-style sole may help comfort for some wearers	Regular
Fit	Fits true to size – regular	Regular – can run slightly large	Available in sizes from US 6/UK 5.5/ EU 38.6 up to US 15/UK 14.5/EU 50.6. Suitable for normal to wide feet. Runs small, so recommended to buy a slightly larger than normal size.	Meant to be very comfortable for a slighhtly wider foot – with lots of toe room. Available in sizes from US 7/uk 6/EU 39.5 up to US 16/UK 16/EU 49	Regular	Availalble in standard and wide versions. Available in sizes from US 5.5/UK 5 /EU 38 up to US 14/UK 13.5/ EU 49.5	Regular	Available in standard and wide fit. Standard is good for narrow/normal width feet. Available in sizes from US 7/ UK 6.5/EU 40 up to US 15/UK 14.5/ EU 50.6	Typically suitable for normal width feet. Some reports indicate it’s wise to size up a little. Availalble in sizes from US 6/UK 5/EU 38 to US 14/ UK 13/ EU 48.5	Santadard – nothing to note, can be good for wide feet and standard feet may be a bit wide for narrow feet. Available in sizes from US7.5/UK 6.5/EU40 to US 16/UK 15/ EU 51	Suitable for normal to wide feet. Available in sizes from US6.5/UK 6/EU 39.3 to US 12.5/UK 12/EU 48	Suitable for normal width feet – have a reputation for out-of-the-box comfort. Also available in a wide version. Available in sizes from US 7/UK 6.5/ EU 40 up to US 16/ UK 15/EU 51	Regular – can run a little small	Regular to narrow fit	Regular and Wide versions available
Materials	Synthetic	Fully synthetic	Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane. Minimum of 50% recycled material used in upper. High density foam sole can degrade with time.	Nubuck Leather and synthetic upper with Waterproof Membrane	Synthetic and nubuck leather	Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane	Fully synthetic	Suede and synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane	Nubuck leather and synthetic	Nubuck Leather and synthetic upper with Gore-Tex Membrane	Fully synthetic with waterproof Isotex membrane	Pig suede and synthetic. Mesh lining, laces and webbing are made from 100% recycled materials.	Fully synthetic	Fully Synthetic	Suede leather and synthetic
Appearance	Modern, grippy hiking shoe	Modern hiking shoe	Ultra-contemporary style with a wide range of colour ways – many are quite vivid	Slightly dated styling compared some newer designs	Modern hiking shoe with oversized sole	Contemporary styling. Available in a number of colour ways ranging from neutral to very striking.	Modern running shoe	The sytling is reminiscent of a hi-top basketball boot, but with with a clear modern interpretation.	Contemporary styling referencing classic sports shoe. Available in two colour ways	Design inspired by traditional hiking shoes. Limited color choices	Unintrusive styling. Available in a range of colours – some with vivid colour accents.	Unintrusive styling. Available in a range of colour options – mostly muted, ‘earthy’ colours.	Modern hiking shoe	Modern hiking shoe with oversized sole	Modern hiking shoe in earthy colors
Durability	Very good	Good	Medium to high	High	Good	Medium to high	Good	High	High	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Very good	Good	Excellent
Weight (pair)	800g/1lb 11.2oz (pair)	833g/1lb 14oz (pair)	910g/2lb	861g/1lb.14.8oz	706g/1lb 9oz (pair)	940g/2lb 1oz	642.8g/1lb 7oz (pair)	1048g/2lb 5oz	666g/1lb 7oz	950g/2lb 1.5oz	1080g/2lb 6oz	900g/2lb	790g/1lb 12oz (pair)	646g/1lb 7oz	822g/1lb 13oz (pair)
Insoles	Padded removable insole	Padded removable insole	Removable insoles	Removable, dual-density EVA footbeds cushion your stride	Padded removable insole	Removable insoles	Padded removable insole	Removable three-layer cushioned insoles	Removable insoles	Removable insoles	Removable foam insoles	Removable insoles	Padded removable insole	Padded removable insole	Padded removable insole
Break-in Period	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Straight away	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Medium	Minimal	Meant to be able to wear straight out the box	Minimal to medium	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal
Lacing system	Quick lacing system	Regular laces	Standard laces	Standard laces	Regular laces	Multizone lacing system allows control over fit	Regular laces	Standard laces	Standard laces	Standard laces	Multizone lacing system allows for precise fit control	Standard Laces	Regular laces	Regular laces	Regular laces
Toe Protection	Reinforced rubber rand on toe	Reinforced rubber cap on toe	Hardened rubber toe cap and thin but full boot rand.	Hardened rubber toe cap	Reinforced rubber cap on toe	Hardened rubber toe cap	Reinforced rubber cap on toe	Hardened rubber toe cap and full boot rand.	Hardened rubber toe cap	Hardened rubber toe cap	Hardened rubber toe cap and rand on front section	Hardened rubber toe cap and rand on front section	Reinforced rubber rand at front	Reinforced rubber cap on toe	Reinforced rubber rand and toe cap

Table of Contents

Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Conclusion

Traction
Breathability
Ankle Support
Arch Support
Fit
Materials
Appearance
Durability
Sustainability
Water Resistance
Weight
Insoles
Break-in Period
Lacing System
Toe Protection

Analysis and Test Results

Columbia are a very well-respected brand in the outdoor industry and many hikers will know and trust their products. These shoes offer a well-balanced package of features at a very attractive price point and, as such, we imagine that a lot of hikers and walkers would be happy to add a pair to their equipment collection. These shoes won’t be suitable for hiking in really cold or wet conditions, but for many they will make a fine pair of two or three season walking shoes that will provide dependable service for a long time to come.

Performance Comparison

Traction

The Facet 75 OutDry shoes feature Columbia’s own rubber sole with a medium-deep thread pattern. Whilst the thread isn’t as deep as on some of the other shoes we’ve assessed, it’s still more than adequate to give good grip an all but the most slippery of surfaces.

Breathability

The Columbia Facet 75 OutDry features large panels of ventilated material in their upper section. These shoes are not as well ventilated as some others in this round up – such as the Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low – but they do strike a good balance between breathability and water resistance which will be a very desirable trait for many buyers.

Ankle Support

The Columbia Facet 75 OutDry is a hiking shoe rather than a boot and, as such it doesn’t offer any direct ankle support. Whilst boots are still the preferred option for technical mountaineering, for general hiking, the choice between hiking boots and shoes really comes down to personal preference and many hikers will be happy to forego the additional ankle support offered by boots for the increased movement and lower weight allowed by shoes. For those who prefer extra ankle support, the Facet 75 OutDry is also offered as a mid-high boot.

Arch Support

These shoes come with an insole that offers gentle arch support. Most buyers will be perfectly happy with this, and it’s in line with what most manufacturers offer. However, if you find that you benefit from increased arch support, swapping out the provided insole with a third-party replacement is a great way to fine-tune the fit and comfort of your shoes – for some hikers this can make a world of difference.

Fit

Columbia offers the Facet 75 OutDry in a wider range of sizes, with the men’s version going from US 7/UK 6/EU 40 all the way up to US15/UK 14/EU 48. If a smaller size is needed, the Women’s version of the shoes goes down to a size US 5/UK 3/EU 36. Columbia recommend that their sizing can run on the large size, so if you are between sizes, they advise ordering the smaller size. The shoes are suitable for those with regular to slightly wider width feet.

Materials

These shoes – in common with many other modern lightweight hiking shoes and boots – make 100% use of synthetic materials in their construction. Whilst leather was long the favored material in hiking and walking shoes, synthetics are now well-proven and have distinct advantages in terms of weight, breathability and even durability too.

Appearance

The Columbia Facet 75 OutDry has a minimal, clean, modern look. The shoes are offered in a rage of different color ways and whilst there are some outwardly bold color combinations offered, they’re all slightly muted so as not to be too garish. The design also makes nice use of contrasting textures in the different materials used.

Durability

As mentioned above, the Columbia Facet 75 Outdry is a fully synthetic shoe, and the materials used have a good reputation for durability. There’s no reason to doubt that they won’t deliver many years of wear in typical use.

Sustainability

Outwardly, it’s difficult the pinpoint the sustainability credentials of these shoes. Columbia do not make as big a deal about the recycled content of the materials they use when compared to other manufacturers. However, look a little deeper and you’ll discover that Columbia has committed to greatly reducing the amount of water they use in manufacturing, integrating fabrics made from recycled plastic into their products and they also state that their OutDry water resistant membrane is their first such product that does not integrate ‘forever chemical’ PFCs.

Water Resistance

Columbia describes these shoes as ‘waterproof’ and the ‘OutDry’ part of this product’s name relates to Columbia’s own in-house waterproof, breathable membrane – effectively, it’s their house-brand alternative to Gore-Tex! Whilst the shoes can’t be said to be fully waterproof – they’d certainly let if water if crossing a shallow stream and submerged for more than a few moments – the OutDry membrane does a good job of keep your feet dry even in heavy rain. This can also be improved by adding a gaiter to increase waterproofing further up the leg. Do remember that in heavy rain, water can soak through your socks even if your shoes are doing a great job of keeping the rain out.

Weight

Weighing in at 833g/1lb 14oz for a pair, the Columbia facet 75 OutDry are not the lightest shoes we’ve assessed in this roundup; however they are also far from heavy and we do not think their weight will be an issue to all but the most ultra-lightweight focused hikers and trail runners.

Insoles

The Columbia Facet 75 OutDry come with a fairly generic, removable padded insole. We think that most buyers will be perfectly happy with this. However, if you need extra arch support or improved cushioning, swapping out the insole is a great and inexpensive way to fine-tune the fit of your shoes. Replacement insoles are available from drug stores, outdoors shops and even larger grocery stores.

Break-in Period

No shoes can be said to be without a breaking in period – and that’s certainly still the case. However, the days of rigid old walking boots taking days or weeks to bed in are long-gone, and these Columbia Facet 75 shoes will be ready for a long trek after a short period of bedding in: one or two shorter local walks, or wearing them around the house for the day should do the job for most people. Remember too that your choice of socks can have a large impact on shoe comfort, so wearing these with thicker or more heavily padded socks in the first instance isn’t a bad idea to help with bedding them in.

Lacing System

The Columbia Facet 75 Out Dry uses regular laces. That might not seem very exciting, but laces allow an enormous amount of flexibility in terms of adjustment and therefore fine-tuning of fit. Tightening or loosening up the laces at different eyelets is a great way to ease rubbing and pressure points respectively. Also, the pattern you use to lace your shoes can make a big difference too – we have a guide to this that’s well-worth checking out.

Toe Protection

The sole of these shoes extends up on the front to form a reinforced rubber toe cap. It’s not fully rigid and does not offer the same level of toe protection you’d find on, say, heavy-weight mountaineering boots, but it is par for the course when compared to Columbia’s rivals and will certainly save a few stubbed toes and broken nails should you accidentally kick into a rock or trip on the trail.

Conclusion

Columbia are a long-established and well-respected brand in the outdoor industry. They’re known for making dependable, no-nonsense products and these walking shoes fit that bill nicely. They offer a well-balanced package of breathability, water-resistance and comfort in a reasonably priced product – that will surely make them a very attractive proposition to a lot of potential buyers.

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