Our verdict
- Being so incredibly densely woven, neither water nor air has a chance to pass through best lightweight waterproof hiking boots
- Being so incredibly densely woven, neither water nor air has a chance to pass through best Columbia hiking boots
Pros
- Remarkably light
- Head-turning looks
- Excellent waterproofing
- oz / 439g
- Hard-wearing outsole
- Soft cushioning
- Flexible design
- There was enough room for our toes to splay freely and even fit a thicker sock
Cons
- Not a true hiking boot
- Lacks support and stability
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar hiking boots compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
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Audience score | 80 Good! | 85 Great! | 88 Great! | 87 Great! | |
Price | $110 | $165 | $200 | $130 | |
Trail terrain | Moderate terrain | Moderate terrainTechnical terrain | Moderate terrain | Light terrainModerate terrain | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 18 Our top pick in 15 A no-no for long distances | 18.2 oz / 515g 17.4 oz / 493g | 17 oz / 482g 17 oz / 482g | 15.5 There was enough room for our toes to splay freely and even fit a thicker sock 15.7 oz / 444g | |
Lightweight | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Breathability | Warm | Moderate | Warm | Warm | |
Use | Light HikingUrban hikingSnow | BackpackingDay HikingLight HikingSnow | Day HikingLight HikingUrban hikingSnow | Light HikingUrban hikingSnow | |
Foot condition | - | BunionsFlat feetPlantar fasciitis | Flat feetPlantar fasciitisOverpronation | - | |
Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Drop lab | 11.5 mm | 12.9 mm | 13.5 mm | 12.3 mm | |
Midsole softness | Soft | Firm | Firm | Soft | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | Big | Small | Small | Normal | |
Heel counter stiffness | Flexible | Flexible | Stiff | Flexible | |
Stiffness | Flexible | Flexible | Moderate | Flexible | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Big | Small | Small | Big | |
Outsole hardness | Hard | Soft | Very hard | Average | |
Waterproofing | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | |
Material | Suede | Leather | Suede | - | |
Season | Winter | Winter | Winter | Winter | |
Toebox durability | - | Good | Decent | Bad | |
Heel padding durability | - | Decent | Decent | Decent | |
Outsole durability | - | Bad | Decent | Decent | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Wide | Wide | Narrow | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Wide | Wide | Medium | Medium | |
Lug depth | 3.5 mm | 4.2 mm | 3.7 mm | 3.0 mm | |
When it comes to cushioning, the Fairbanks Mid features a rather minimal and grounded platform | 30.9 mm | 31.1 mm | 32.7 mm | 31.5 mm | |
Forefoot | 19.4 mm | 18.2 mm | 19.2 mm | 19.2 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | NormalWide | Normal | NormalWide | |
Technology | - | Ortholite | Ortholite | - | |
Cut | Mid cut | Mid cut | Mid cut | Mid cut | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #24 Bottom 11% | #14 Bottom 48% | #7 Top 26% | #9 Top 34% | |
Popularity | #19 Bottom 29% | #27 Bottom 1% | #17 Bottom 37% | #22 Bottom 18% |
Who should buy
The Fairbanks Mid is a men's hiking boot from Columbia. We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests:
- need a city-to-backcountry boot
- prefer to hike and roam in style (it gives off an '80s boot vibe similar to the Timberland Sprint Trekker)
- want a waterproof hiking boot that is light on the feet
Midsole width in the forefoot
This Columbia boot is ideal for more casual outdoor adventures but is no good for demanding hikes. If you need truly functional footwear for multi-day trips, steep inclines, and challenging terrain, we recommend the On the bright side, this is still 16% softer than what we saw in the other lab-tested boots instead.
And if you don't hike in mud, river crossings, or downpours on a daily basis, we suggest that you consider a non-waterproof boot instead. The Timberland Euro Hiker, for example, allows the foot to breathe while keeping it protected from shallow puddles and drizzles.
Breathability
The waterproofing appears to be quite effective in the A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy. It completely eliminates breathability in the upper!
We used a smoke-pumping machine to test how permeable the boot's textile is. As you can see from the video below, the smoke is only able to escape through the gaps at the very top of the collar. Thus, we rated the breathability of this Columbia boot as low as 1 out of 5.
In our follow-up transparency test, we put the boot's upper against the light. It is clear that there are no extra perforations or ventilation holes on the boot.
Lastly, we had a look at the textile up close through a microscope.
Being so incredibly densely woven, neither water nor air has a chance to pass through.
Fairbanks Mid | 1 |
Average | 1.6 |
Durability
Heel padding durability
The heel counter turned out to be a problem too. Squeezing and pushing it revealed how floppy this part of the upper is! We gave it a low stiffness rating of 2 out of 5 as well.
Given these findings, we do believe that the Fairbanks Mid is more of a mid-cut hiking-inspired sneaker rather than a proper hiking boot because of its lack of stiffness and structure.
But if you're someone who goes on light hikes and doesn't rely on strong ankle support, this may be fine by you.
Outsole hardness
Columbia chose a super hard rubber compound for the Fairbanks Mid's outsole. Pressing our durometer against it returned 89.4 HC. This is a few points harder than the average of our lab-tested hiking boots.
This is a really good sign as we have found harder outsoles to last longer.
![A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy Outsole hardness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39340/columbia-fairbanks-mid-outsole-hardness-20333990-main.jpg)
Fairbanks Mid | 89.4 HC |
Average | 87.6 HC |
Outsole thickness
The outsole itself is of average thickness in this Columbia boot. Excluding the lugs, our calliper shows a 2.6-mm layer of rubber underfoot.
![A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy Outsole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39340/columbia-fairbanks-mid-outsole-thickness-20333989-main.jpg)
Fairbanks Mid | 2.6 mm |
Average | 3.1 mm |
Weight
Putting the boot on for the first time, we were pleasantly surprised with how light it felt on the foot.
Placing the boot back on the scale, we found that it weighs 15 oz (425g) in a men's US size 9. That's incredibly lightweight given that waterproof hiking boots on average weigh a whopping 20 oz (568g)!
Fairbanks Mid | 17.95 oz (509g) |
Average | 18.45 oz (523g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
When it comes to cushioning, the Fairbanks Mid features a rather minimal and grounded platform.
Using a calliper, we measured its heel stack height at 30.9 mm. That's half a centimetre lower than average!
That is one of the main reasons why we don't recommend this boot for serious hiking adventures. The lack of cushioning becomes very apparent after only 5 miles of walking.
Fairbanks Mid | 30.9 mm |
Average | 36.3 mm |
Forefoot stack
Based on our measurement, your toes are separated from the ground by a mere 19.4 mm of sole! That's one of the thinnest forefoot stacks we've seen on hiking boots.
A no-no for long distances!
![A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy Forefoot stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39340/columbia-fairbanks-mid-forefoot-stack-20333991-main.jpg)
Fairbanks Mid | 19.4 mm |
Average | 22.5 mm |
Drop
In the A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy, your heel is elevated above the toes by 11.5 mm. That's a standard drop for a hiking boot.
You need more cushioning in the heel to protect it from the impact while the forefoot remains more flexible.
![A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy Drop](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39340/columbia-fairbanks-mid-drop-20333997-main.jpg)
Fairbanks Mid | 11.5 mm |
Average | 13.8 mm |
Midsole softness
We expected minimal cushioning from this Columbia boot and were left surprised by its softness!
Measuring the boot's primary foam, our durometer showed a reading of 19.9 HA. That is a whole 41% softer than hiking boots on average!
Generally, you want a slightly firmer boot to keep you and your load supported throughout the hike. And for that reason, we think that it's better to use the Fairbanks Mid for hard-packed trails and semi-paved roads, where soft ride is more appreciated.
Fairbanks Mid | 19.9 HA |
Average | 27.3 HA |
Difference in midsole softness in cold
However, if you are picking this Columbia boot for winter or as a three-season boot, be prepared that the softness will reduce!
To mimic cold weather, we kept the boot in the freezer for 20 minutes. After that, we repeated the durometer measurement and it now showed 29.1 HA.
On the bright side, this is still 16% softer than what we saw in the other lab-tested boots.
That was quite a leap. The Fairbanks Mid's cushioning firmed up by 46.2% after this test!
![A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy Difference in midsole softness in cold](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39340/columbia-fairbanks-mid-difference-in-midsole-softness-in-cold-21343019-main.jpg)
Fairbanks Mid | 46.2% |
Average | 19.1% |
Insole thickness
A finishing touch in the boot's cushioning is the insole. We measured its thickness at 5.6 mm which is only about a millimetre thinner than average.
![A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy Insole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39340/columbia-fairbanks-mid-insole-thickness-20334000-main.jpg)
Fairbanks Mid | 5.6 mm |
Average | 6.1 mm |
Stability
Torsional rigidity
The A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy is the exact opposite of a stable and supportive hiking boot.
Our manual assessment of the boot's pliability showed that it has little-to-no torsional rigidity. On a 1-5 scale where 5 is the stiffest we only gave it a 2!
In addition to the boot's soft cushioning, we think that it's a disaster formula for flat feet and/or overpronation.
Fairbanks Mid | 2 |
Average | 4.3 |
Heel counter stiffness
The heel counter turned out to be a problem too. Squeezing and pushing it revealed how floppy this part of the upper is! We gave it a low stiffness rating of 2 out of 5 as well.
Given these findings, we do believe that the Fairbanks Mid is more of a mid-cut hiking-inspired sneaker rather than a proper hiking boot because of its lack of stiffness and structure.
But if you're someone who goes on light hikes and doesn't rely on strong ankle support, this may be fine by you.
Fairbanks Mid | 2 |
Average | 3.5 |
Flexibility
Stiffness
The boot's flexibility wasn't a big surprise given its lack of stability and support.
According to our force gauge, it took as little as 18.6N to bend the boot to a 90-degree angle. That's a whopping 122% less than it takes a hiking boot on average!
Of course, it makes this Columbia boot feel more like a sneaker on the trail as it bends easily along with your foot. This made us even more convinced that the Fairbanks Mid is just a high-rise outdoor sneaker.
Fairbanks Mid | 18.6N |
Average | 44.3N |
Difference in stiffness in cold
Lastly, we had a look at the textile up close through a microscope.
It required more force (29.9N) to bend the boot after it had spent 20 minutes in the freezer. Still not as stiff as most hiking boots though (59N).
For context, the boot stiffened up by a good 60.8%!
Fairbanks Mid | 60.8% |
Average | 25.4% |
Grip / Traction
Lug depth
Measuring the lugs of the A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy, we found them to be a little shallower than average. At 3.5 mm, these treads are not as toothy as most.
But from our experience, they still do a great job on moderate terrain and on slightly wet surfaces.
However, if you need a pair to deal with mud, mossy roots, and wet rocks, we recommend going for the more aggressive traction pattern. Like that on the On the bright side, this is still 16% softer than what we saw in the other lab-tested boots.
Fairbanks Mid | 3.5 mm |
Average | 4.2 mm |
Size and fit
Toebox width at the big toe
However, if you are picking this Columbia boot for winter or as a three-season boot, be prepared that the softness will reduce!
To mimic cold weather, we kept the boot in the freezer for 20 minutes. After that, we repeated the durometer measurement and it now showed 29.1 HA.
On the bright side, this is still 16% softer than what we saw in the other lab-tested boots.
That was quite a leap. The Fairbanks Mid's cushioning firmed up by 46.2% after this test!
Fairbanks Mid | 86.5 mm |
Average | 78.4 mm |
Toebox feel
For a medium-width foot like ours, the A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy proved to be a very well-fitting pair of boots.
There was enough room for our toes to splay freely and even fit a thicker sock.
The Fairbanks Mid is a mens hiking boot from
The boot comes with a fully-gusseted tongue which perfectly complements its waterproofing capacities. The gussets don't let water and debris inside the boot while also creating a secure foothold.
![A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy The Fairbanks Mid is a mens hiking boot from](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39340/columbia-fairbanks-mid-tongue-gusset-type-20334006-main.jpg)
Fairbanks Mid | Both sides (full) |
Comfort
Tongue padding
The interiors are very well-padded in the Fairbanks Mid. There is 12.1 mm of foamy padding in the tongue of the boot, about the same amount as we see in most hiking boots.
![A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy Tongue padding](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39340/columbia-fairbanks-mid-tongue-padding-20334011-main.jpg)
Fairbanks Mid | 12.1 mm |
Average | 11.2 mm |
Heel tab
A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy.
![A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy Heel tab](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39340/columbia-fairbanks-mid-heel-tab-20334008-main.jpg)
Fairbanks Mid | Finger loop |
Removable insole
For those who need customised support on the trail, the boot's insole is easily removable to accommodate any custom insert.
![A finger loop at the back assists in getting the boot on. Nice and handy Removable insole](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39340/columbia-fairbanks-mid-removable-insole-20334013-main.jpg)
Fairbanks Mid | Yes |