Columbia Men's Fairbanks Omni-Heat Waterproof Winter Ankle Boot - Insulated Hiking Shoes for Cold Weather Outdoor Activities

Love this shoe and seem to be comfortable. Really looking forward to the winter season to see how it performs.It felt warm and looks really cute on.In looking for a new pair of winter boots this year, my priority was flexibility and weight. I narrowed my search down to two boots, Sorrel Cheyenne Metro High Tops and these boots for Columbia. Both promised lightweight flexibility and rather than trying to distinguish a winner through research, I purchased them both for a test run.It's important to note that I live in Minneapolis and while this winter's (2020-21) been relatively mild so far, we've had multiple days where the wind chill's dipped into the negatives (-20 for a couple days) and we've had a nice mix of snow and ice.The Columbia boots exceeded my expectations. Not only were they far lighter than the Sorrel high tops, they were far my flexible - rare for a pair of winter boots. I don't want to exaggerate this quality - they still are boots afterall and like all boots I've worn they are far heavier and less flexible than shoes. Still, they are exceptional in this quality compared to other boots I've owned.This lightweight flexibility conspires with some mild insulation (200 loft) to really provide an exceptional winter boot. I've used this boot every day for the past 2 months and have averaged 3 miles of outdoor walking per day during that time. From day one my fet felt good in the boots on these walks. Some boots require a break-in period and result in blisters. Not these. My feet stay relatively warm (though on cold days - days below 10 degrees with snow on the ground my feet get cold in these) and comfortable throughout my walks.Overall, I'm extremely pleased with these boots but there are two potential knocks against them that I want to mention. One is the waterproofing. Like most boots that claim to be waterproof, the truth is murky. The soles certainly are waterproof and provide reliable waterproofing that extends about 1inch. After that, the waterproof runner soles meet the fabric of the boot. This seam splits quickly and the boots let water in at that 1 inch mark. Water also easily comes in around the tongue / lacing area of the boot.The other issue I've had with these boots is some discomfort with the placement of the tongue if I tie the boots up all the way. The tongue has a stiff inflexible piece of fabric that rubs against my ankle. I solved this problem by untying the top three lace keys opting instead to keep the boots tied around the bend of the ankle (kind of where a normal shoe would be tied at). This was the only solution that routinely worked for me and it worked well. THis might bot be acceptable to other buyers though not all buyers will necessarily experience this rubbing.With that said, the boot is a good buy and I recommend it for casual short - mid distance hikes in temps ranging from between 40F to 0 F. Anything colder than that and you're going to want more insulation or thicker socks.As described, thinking about getting a second pair in a different color. Really good design and material.For the price these boots are phenomenal for your regular outdoors lifestyle. I recently purchase these for 3D archery and I love em! They’re super lightweight and durable. I also used them for saddle hunting and I’m very impressed on performances. Go get your a pair!I was looking for a shoe/boot for regular life, walking around Denver in a particularly snowy winter. I wanted the following:1. Warmth- I have lousy circulation in my hands and feet because of medication. These boots are a lot warmer than a tennis shoe or my go-to Timberland Earthkeeper hiking boots. They are perfect for being outdoors in 10-40 degree (F) weather. They are overly warm and my feet get a bit sweaty when it gets warmer or if I am wearing them indoors for extended periods. But they do breathe so it's not too bad. Overall they hit the sweet spot.2. Support- My ankle ligaments are chewing gum at this point and will roll/sprain at the drop of a hat. These boots give a decent amount of support if you lace them tight. Not as much as I'd want for a hike but perfect for going around town or shoveling snow.3. Traction- the sole is light and doesn't have very thick tread, which means it will probably wear out quickly. However, the soft rubber is ideal for traction on snow and ice.4. Vaguely Fashionable- These don't look like big clunky snowboots. They look pretty good with jeans or khakis like a nice high top shoe or mid-hiker boot. I got the olive green ones and it is a nice neutral color that goes with anything.5. Comfort/fit- probably the most comfortable shoe I have ever owned. At first the area above the arch was tight- a common issue for me as I have high arches,- but after a bit of wear that wasn't a problem. The quilted padding means it should break in and accomodate different foot shapes. The size was spot on. I habe slightly wide feet and it was fine, again, the insulation means the shoes have give.So for my needs these boots are awesome. They can kind of do it all pretty well. I can walk around in the snow and then go to a restaurant or bar and look decently nice and be comfortable and warm but not overly.If any of your needs are more extreme, they might not be good for you. They aren't suitable for wearing with a suit, or for an Everest expedition. But no footwear is.Everything is fine. Excellent quality, fast delivery and good packaging.El confortI loved everything about this boot. I stayed dry even walking through some mucky puddles on a 25mile hiking trip in the boundary waters of northern MN. I also liked the soft toe, going down hills with a heavy pack didn’t destroy my toes as the slid into the toe of the boot. In fact my foot didn’t slide at all. The traction was great also on the wet or mossy rocks.They are not waterproofed as stated, leaked through from the top after only a few uses. Only worn in evening after work to walk dogs, and only on short grass open fields so terrian not harsh either. Also the cliam of low minus is nonsense as only -1C here but because they get damp your feet freeze. Do not buy!!!This is my first bad review I’ve ever felt compelled to write. I’m so bitterly disappointed with these boots. They looked and sounded perfect for what I needed. I bought these boots for light dog walking in local parks [not snow covered mountains, cross country races or Amazonian rainforests). These boots leak considerably from a light dew on the spring grass in Hyde Park London. The very fact the boots say WATERPROOF in large letters on the heel gave me the impression that perhaps my feet would stay warm and dry. These are boots for fair weather only. Do yourselves a favour and look elsewhere.I’ve written and complained to Columbia and had no reply.These are not waterproof boots. Were waterproof for about three weeks and then offered no water protection - so they did not smell great. Had to return when toe rubber separated on both toes after 3 months. The design around ankle acts like a funnel for grit, sand and dirt and you end up with tons in the boots. They are trail trainer boots which are really comfortable and look good.6 months in right boot leaking very badly. Contacted Colombia, absolutely no help. Partner bought a pair of Thier boots about a month after I did and they are now leaking too. Give this manufacturer a wide birth.Keep this review short.ProsLook good/expensive and different.WarmGood grip in slushy snowLike wearing sneakers very comfortableConsOn very slippery surfaces not good. But these surfaces no doubt problems with any shoeMaybe too warmSome reviews mentioned it would be better having a loop to help get them on. But this didn’t bother meI love them. They’re easy to love. Seemed water proof in slush and snow. Look after them with waterproofing and don’t scrub them to clean, cannot see a problemVerdict 8/10