Columbia’s new Facet 45 OutDry shoes might just make you rethink your choice of hiking footwear. They’re designed to be a beautiful blend of trail running shoes and hard-scrabbling hiking boots, complete with the most innovative waterproofing I’ve seen in a long, long time.
First, the design: They’re ultra light, but have the stitch-free welding of a heavy duty hiking boot. Combined with their heel stabilizing system and aggressive outsole lugs, this makes the Facet 45s ready for the most intense days in the backwoods you can imagine.
But the real kicker for these shoes is in the waterproofing. Their patented OutDry construction is simultaneously waterproof and breathable—meaning that your feet will be at optimum temperature and moisture levels no matter what the trail throws at you. Overall, they’re an incredibly impressive combination of all my favorite things, in one handsome trail shoe.
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