I swapped my trainers for these waterproof Columbia shoes - the wide toe box and comfortable grip mean I'm never going back

I've been a trainer person for as long as I can remember – ever since I got my first pair of beloved L.A Gears back in the 80s. I wore trainers on my wedding day, for goodness' sake, and I'm a devoted Birkenstock fan. Up until recently, a pair of walking shoes had never earned a place in my wardrobe.

To be perfectly blunt, I've always thought hiking shoes look a bit boring and middle-aged. I've never considered investing in a pair because my weekends are more about walking on the beach with my dog and enjoying a pint in the pub than scaling Everest or going on hiking weekends. But it seems I've been missing a trick.

I tried the Columbia Peakfreak Hera II Outdry hiking shoes. Attractive, not too dissimilar to a sturdy trainer, and sitting on the more budget-friendly end, I tried them for a week of walking and was pleasantly surprised. I have no doubt these wouldn't be out of place on a serious hiking trip, but they also paired with my jeans for a dog walk before hitting said watering hole.

Columbia Peakfreak Hera II OutDry review

Specifications

• Sizing: 3-10 (UK)
• RRP: £115
• Weight per shoe: 336g
• Waterproofing: OutDry™ waterproof, breathable construction
• Grip: Adapt Trax™ rubber outsole with 4mm multi-directional lugs
• Cushioning: Techlite+™ midsole and moulded Techlite™ Eco insole
• Sustainability: Insole made with 20% recycled content

Overview of the Columbia Peakfreak Hera II Outdry

I live rurally on the coast of Northern Ireland and have a very energetic dog, so I spend most days outside, either on the beach, in the forest or stomping along the muddy farm lane around where I live.

However, my body doesn't always feel as carefree as it once did. Perimenopause and hypothyroidism have given me twingy joints, to the extent that I sometimes find myself thinking twice about a muddy walking workout – especially now the weather is wet, and it's dark by the time I've finished work for the day.

I want to keep my step count up throughout the winter, but I'm tired of wrecking my favourite trainers, feeling a little unsteady on my feet and faffing about with footwear that isn't quite up to the job.

So, when I was offered the chance to try the new Columbia Women's Peakfreak Hera II OutDry hiking shoes, I decided to find out whether proper hiking shoes are a worthwhile investment for someone who loves being outside but isn't exactly a hardcore hiker.

Something surprising happened: after I wore them once, I started heading out for a walk every day, come rain or shine, without thinking twice about the faff of my footwear. In other words, they've been a total game-changer.

What are they like to wear?

I've always found walking shoes heavy, stiff and restrictive, particularly around my ankles. I hate footwear that feels like hard work before I've even left the house, but the Peakfreak Hera II are a different gravy.

The low-cut design gives my ankles plenty of freedom, and the shoes feel lighter than some of my favourite chunky-soled trainers. There's also plenty of room in the toe box. My toes stayed unsquashed, and they were comfortable from the get-go.

But the real test came on my usual walks: muddy lanes, rocky beaches, woodland trails and uneven, coastal steps. I was instantly impressed – these don't feel like shoes I have to endure for the sake of a walk. They're shoes I actually enjoy wearing.

Walking in the Columbia Women’s Peakfreak Hera

Living by the sea, waterproofing is an essential, not a luxury. On one walk, I stepped in a puddle without even noticing and later got caught out by the incoming tide. When my daughter asked if my feet were wet, I had absolutely no idea – because they were bone dry.

The shoes feature Columbia's OutDry waterproof protection, which definitely does its job. No soggy socks, no damp feet and no more spending the rest of the walk wondering whether the water has seeped in.

The grip is also amazing. The first time I wore these, I found myself striding down a steep coastal path with far more confidence than I would normally have. My husband and daughter have both slipped on this route recently, but while they gingerly picked their way along the path, I strode off ahead in my new hiking shoes.

I even tackled some very steep, uneven steps and felt secure enough to forget all about my foot placement for once, and enjoy the breathtaking views.

No hiking shoe makes slippery ground risk-free, of course, but I've noticed a huge difference in how I approach uneven terrain while wearing these. Even when tractors turn the lane where I live into a river of mud, I find myself lacing up my shoes and heading out with the dog as soon as my lunch break rolls around – no second thoughts about ruining my shoes.

How do they compare?

I can't speak to every other pair of walking shoes, but lightweight comfort, excellent grip, reliable waterproofing and a low-key design make the Columbia Peakfreak Hera II OutDry shoes a great choice for muddy paths and coastal trails in all seasons.

Just this week, I easily added another 5,000 steps at the end of a long day - something I never would have done before. I normally avoid walking alone at night, but I headed to the seafront, where lights along the promenade meant I wasn't worried about the dark. And with such lightweight but sturdy footwear, I had a spring in my step despite the uneven ground and wet, sea-sprayed pavements after the recent storms.

The low-cut design offers plenty of freedom of movement, but if you need more ankle support for uneven terrain or longer hikes, a mid-cut hiking shoe or boot may be a better option. Look for a higher collar and a more supportive fit around the ankle, particularly if stability is a priority.

The Salomon XT-6, similar in design and function to Columbia's Peakfreak, makes as many waves in fashion as it does in outdoor wear. This could be a better option for those wanting a more stylish walking shoe.

For a sportier look, Hoka is another favourite for walking and running shoes, with the Speedgoat 6 or Anacapa 2 popular among walkers for its supportive design, thick lugs, bright colourways, and sale price.

Should I buy the Columbia Peakfreak Hera II OutDry?

A thousand times, yes. I really don't understand why I've been so slow to adopt a hiking shoe. These have the exact combination I didn't know I needed: excellent grip, waterproof protection, comfort and confident foot placement on even the most unstable ground.

I'm still not planning to scale Everest. But for muddy farm lanes, coastal paths, woodland walks and keeping my steps up through the winter, these have been a very worthwhile investment.

Turns out you don't have to be climbing mountains or tackling long-distance trails to benefit from a proper hiking shoe. If your everyday walks involve muddy lanes, wet grass, uneven ground or slippery paths, the right footwear can make a big difference to your comfort and confidence.

And who knows? I might even try hiking trousers or walking poles next.