Another pair of hiking shoes from Columbia! I received the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid as a gift directly from Columbia for participating in their Columbia 30x30 challenge back in 2025. I still haven't written about that experience, by the way!
By now, I have three pairs of Columbia hiking boots, which probably says a lot about how much I enjoy using their footwear. I've previously shared my experience with the Columbia Women's Peakfreak II Mid OutDry and Columbia Men's Peakfreak Venture Mid LT, and now it's time to put another pair to the test.
This time, I'm reviewing the Columbia Women's Konos TRS OutDry Mid. Having used different Columbia hiking boots, how does this pair compare to my previous ones? Let's find out!
Disclosure: Columbia gifted me these hiking shoes through the Columbia 30x30 challenge in 2025. However, all opinions and experiences shared in this review are my own.
π‘Looking for more hiking gear recommendations? Here are some of the hiking and outdoor gear I've personally used and reviewed:
- Best Day Hiking Backpack: Deuter Futura 32
- Best Backpack for Multi-Day Hikes or Travel: Osprey Ace 50
- My Favorite Trekking Poles: Northland Aluminum
- Hiking Watch: Garmin Forerunner 255s Music
- One-Person Lightweight Tent: Naturehike Cycling Ultralight
Coming soon: I'm also putting the Columbia Blackcomb Ridge 30L Backpack to the test! I'm curious to see how it compares with my trusty Deuter Futura 32, which has been my go-to day hiking backpack. Stay tuned for my upcoming review!
Brand: Columbia
Officially known as Columbia Sportswear Company, Columbia is an American outdoor brand founded in Portland, Oregon. It specializes in outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment for hiking, camping, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
In the UAE, Columbia is a fairly accessible outdoor brand, with products available through its retail stores in shopping malls and authorized sports retailers such as Sun & Sands Sports. However, the availability of specific models can vary, and not all the latest collections are readily available in local outlets. Nonetheless, it's a brand worth considering for outdoor enthusiasts looking for functional and relatively affordable gear.
To explore its product range, visit theΒ official Columbia website.
Model: Columbia Women's Konos TRS OutDry Mid
The Columbia Women's Konos TRS OutDry Mid is a mid-cut hiking shoe designed for women, featuring Columbia's TechLite, Omni-Max, OutDry, and Adapt Trax technologies. These are designed to provide cushioning, stability, waterproof protection, and traction across different types of terrain.
According to Columbia UAE, the shoe comes with the following features:
- Omni-Maxβ’: Combines adaptive cushioning, stability, and traction to support movement across variable terrain.
- TechLiteβ’ Midsole: Provides lightweight cushioning, stability, and energy return for long-lasting comfort.
- OutDryβ’ Waterproof Construction: Uses a waterproof-breathable membrane bonded to the outer shell to help keep your feet dry.
- Adapt Traxβ’ Outsole: Features a specialized rubber compound and hiking-specific tread pattern designed to provide traction in wet and dry conditions.
- Technical Mesh Upper: Features no-sew overlays for additional durability and support.
- Navic Fitβ’ System: Uses a lace-webbing system designed to keep your heel in place for a more secure fit.
- Mid-Height Cut: Provides additional coverage and support around the ankles.
The pair I received comes in Cloud Grey/Citron Haze and in US Women's size 8.5 (UK 6.5 / EU 39.5).
If you're shopping in the UAE, the Columbia Women's Konos TRS OutDry Mid is available through the official Columbia UAE store. At the time of writing, it is listed at AED 279, discounted from its original listed price of AED 599.
Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes Experience and Review:
Compared to my Columbia Women's Peakfreak II Mid OutDry, I still feel that I haven't used my Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid shoes enough to give them a proper review. Or maybe that's just my impostor syndrome acting up again!
As mentioned earlier, this pair was gifted to me, along with the other participants of the Columbia 30x30 Challenge in 2025. We initially tested them in Hatta, and I returned to the same trail a few weeks later as part of the support crew for Ultra Trail Dubai.
I think Hatta was a good environment to put these shoes to the test. The terrain was rugged but not overly technical, giving me an opportunity to see how they performed on rocky trails. However, I haven't had the chance to properly test their waterproofing in rain or snow.
The most noticeable things I liked about these shoes were their fit and cushioning. I also found them true to size and offered a snug fit while remaining comfortable, with enough room for my feet to move around.
I also noticed something during my recent hike at Wadi Al Far in Ras Al Khaimah. Even though my toes hit the front of the shoes quite hard during the descent, I didn't end up with damaged toenails. I've experienced this with another pair of hiking shoes before, but thankfully, not with any of my Columbia pairs so far!
I've also worn the Konos on a few casual hikes in Sri Lanka, and they remained comfortable throughout. Another thing I appreciate is that they're not as heavy as some of my other hiking boots, making them easier to pack when travelling.
π Related Post:
- Pidurangala Rock Hiking Guide: Sunrise Hike for the Best Sigiriya Rock View
- Sigiriya Rock Hiking Guide: Hike Sri Lanka's Ancient Rock Fortress
That said, I personally see the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid as a good option for casual and moderate hikes rather than my first choice for more demanding adventures. After roughly a year of use, I've noticed that I can feel sharper rocks underfoot, especially on rocky trails. It's not painful, but I do wish there was a little more cushioning and protection between my feet and the ground.
I also wore them while cycling 35 km along the VELO1 route in Moscow, so they've been useful beyond hiking too!
One thing I wasn't particularly happy about was how quickly the shoes picked up brown stains after just a couple of hikes. Even after handwashing them, some of the discolouration remained. Perhaps it's a me-problem, or maybe I'm just not used to owning light-coloured hiking shoes. Either way, keeping them looking clean has certainly been a challenge!
Final Verdict:
Overall, I enjoy using the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid for casual and moderate hikes. They're comfortable, true to size, lightweight, and have good grip on dry rocky trails. However, I would probably choose a different pair for multi-day hikes, more technical trails or high-altitude adventures, simply because I haven't tested the Konos enough to confidently recommend them for those conditions.
Iβm looking forward to taking them on more hikes this season and hopefully testing them on different terrains, including in the rain and even snow!
At its current price of AED 279 in the UAE, I think they're a pretty good option within this budget. If you're looking for a comfortable pair of hiking shoes without spending too much, I don't think you'll go wrong with these.
