Our verdict
Where the trail grows cold, and you need something reliably cozy, the snappy Fairbanks Rover will be there for you. Yes, dry and toasty feet are yours in this highly insulated Columbia boot, allowing for safe, extended hikes in the snowy outdoors. Although there were some minor complaints, yet again we know you wish to be fearless during winter, so don a pair and let loose!
Pros
- Day-one comfort
- Superb insulation
- Top 17% in
- Waterproof
- Value for money
- Solid construction
- Barely-there lightness
- Value for money
- Appealing design
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Low tongue gusset
Who should buy the Columbia Fairbanks Rover
The Columbia Fairbanks Rover is a reliable waterproof and budget-friendly hiking boot best recommended for:
- hiking and outdoor enthusiasts who need an insulated and comfortable mid-cut shoe for winter escapades
- day hiking on icy terrain and cold conditions
Columbia Fairbanks Rover
Hiking boots built for winter escapades (in most cases) are an easy read—they protect your tootsies from the biting cold as you mind the trail.
While the Fairbanks Rover is far from a complicated boot, it has nuances you might find of some value knowing.
The Fairbanks Rover comes with extra grippy outsole
Its grippy lugs are also present on the sides of its outsole (forefoot section), giving extra grip during sideways maneuvers and on soft soil.
If you remove its cushy footbed, you will see that its flooring it also has a reflective liner. This means that you can stay on icy terrain for longer without getting the chills.
Columbia Fairbanks Rover offers effective waterproofing
The narrow fit of the forefoot area can cause discomfort for hikers with a wide feet. The Columbia Fairbanks Rover could be a bit more spacious, particularly around the forefoot.
However, it offers an instant, day-one comfort for outdoorsy folks with regular or narrow feet. The Fairbanks Rover is comfy from the get-go, according to numerous reviewers. In this regard, a critic among them even said, “Columbia didn’t let us down.”
Gusseted tongue needs some improvement
An expert would have liked the shoe more had its tongue’s connecting flaps were as high as the ankle collar.
But despite its solid construction, which most Columbia hikers have, the boot has a barely-there lightness. It comes with a TechLite midsole which is lightweight and provides comfort with sufficient cushioning and energy return.
Keeps moisture out
The Fairbanks Rover has a highly flexible sole unit, which translates to more creative foot placements and freer mobility.
Its array of excellent qualities makes this hiker a justifiable purchase. Handsome: Expect to be complemented by your hike-mates in this beautiful shoe.
Columbia Fairbanks Rover offers effective waterproofing
Many hikers find the insulation of this piece quite remarkable in cold conditions. Professional testers also agree that the Fairbanks Rover keeps moisture out brilliantly, especially in slushy snow.
Top 7% in leather boots, but you still wish to stay warm this winter, try Hiking boots built for winter escapades instead. This insulated offering is made of stable textile courtesy of Cordura.
