TREKKING
Product 2026
Woman, Man
A mixed verdict for the Columbia Peakfreak 3 OutDry, a shoe designed for hiking. Let’s start with the positive points noted by our testers.
First of all, there is the excellent stability of the Columbia Peakfreak 3 OutDry, which allows you to tackle technical terrain without losing contact or confidence in more demanding sections: traverses, rock slabs and scree. The outsole provides good traction, while the flexible lugs deliver solid grip. The sole does not collapse under pronation, meaning that heavier hikers can rely on the Columbia Peakfreak 3 OutDry. It is well suited to long days on the trail, thanks to a fairly stiff sole in all directions—an advantage when carrying a heavy backpack. There is some cushioning under the heel. Under the metatarsals, however, the feel is direct, with very little shock absorption.
The construction is carefully finished, and the numerous reinforcements, materials and overall design of the Columbia Peakfreak 3 OutDry are all reassuring signs of durability. Despite being put through demanding tests, the shoe showed no signs of weakness. The toe cap provides very effective protection around the forefoot.
The fit of the Columbia Peakfreak 3 OutDry is fairly narrow through the forefoot. There is plenty of comfortable padding, and the foot is gently and securely enveloped. However, even though the shoe is waterproof, if water does eventually get inside, the padding absorbs moisture and the Columbia Peakfreak 3 OutDry starts to gain weight. This is actually one of the shoe’s weaknesses: we weighed it at 430 grams in a size 42.5. Those extra grams are noticeable while hiking. Other shoes can offer similar levels of performance while being considerably lighter.
The oval-shaped laces lock well through the upper eyelets of the Columbia Peakfreak 3 OutDry, and the tension stays in place. However, getting the forefoot fit right requires quite a bit of attention: you need to slide the lace through with your fingertips to achieve the desired tension. This is not easy, as the lace does not slide particularly well. In the end, even though the heel sits in a comfortable, well-padded pocket, it is not held particularly firmly. It is worth noting that the Columbia Peakfreak 3 OutDry runs rather large in length. Perhaps that explains the issue…
A low-cut hiking shoe that is very comfortable, durable and highly stable, with good grip. It would benefit from shedding a few grams and improving its lacing system.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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