I wore the Columbia Konos for a 3-day hiking trip in the Swiss Alps — and it changed my mind on mid-cut hiking boots

The Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoe is a rugged, waterproof hiking shoe perfect for those who need comfort, durability, and versatility on the trail. If you’re used to wearing a more traditional style hiking boot with a high ankle cut and a rugged leather upper, then the mid-height Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoe may throw you off a little. However, I put the Konos shoe to the test during a hiking trip in Switzerland and they did not disappoint.

I spent three days hiking in the beautiful Swiss Valley, Val d'Anniviers, conquering varying trails from rocky mountain paths to, slick grass-covered slopes to muddy forest trails. While the weather was mostly blue skies and sunshine for the majority of my time hiking in Switzerland, I did get to test the shoe in some wetter conditions including muddy puddles and shallow bodies of water. Plus, the shoe stayed on my feet for up to 10+ hours a day so I got a pretty good feel for their overall comfort and breathability.

Overall, I was just really impressed by this shoe. They also sit on the more affordable end of hiking footwear at $130 for a sturdy pair of hiking shoes. You’ll find a range of prices in our guide to the best hiking boots, with some costing well over $200.

For example, the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX which features a high-cut design (one that extends above the ankle) and is a bit of a does-it-all boot (why it’s currently number one in our guide) will cost you $219. Or another high-cut boot, the Hoka One One Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Boot, which features more of a trainer style costs and around $200.

Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes: Price and availability

The Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoe is available in US men’s sizes from 7-15 and in women’s sizes from 5-12. They are available to buy from the Columbia website, Amazon, and other US retailers.

The colors available for women are Ti Grey Steel/Teal, Moonvista/Blush Roseand Black/Shark (pictured here). Men can choose from the colors, Mountain Blue/White, Stone Green/Canyon Sun and Black/Shark.

Columbia's Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes: Design and Fit

The US women’s size 9 weighed 11.5 ounces when I put it on my scales at home, which, when compared to other hiking shoes on the market, this is a lighterweight option. For example, the women’s version of the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX boot weighs just over 12 ounces, and the women’s Hoka One One Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Boot weighs 13.4 ounces.

The low-cut design and sleek silhouette give the Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoe a trainer-like appearance, while the shoe's sturdy outsole and waterproof outer shell add to its versatility. The OutDry upper has a minimalist look, featuring a minimalist design and subtle texturing. This isn’t a bulky heavy-duty-looking shoe and is adaptable to wear off the trail as well.

As for sizing, I wore a US women's size 9, and I found the Konos TRS to be true to size. The midsole in this shoe cradles the heel to provide better balance and a secure feel for your foot and ankle as you tackle more uneven terrains. The pull loop at the back of the shoe is a simple yet practical detail that makes it much easier to slip the shoes on and off, especially after a tiring day of hiking. 

If you prefer a bit more space for thicker socks or have wider feet, you might consider sizing up half a size for added comfort.

Upper

The upper of the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes combines a lightweight mesh material with a sprinkling of TPU overlays for added durability in high-wear areas. 

The upper features Columbia’s OutDry tech and is what the brand claims to be fully waterproof and breathable. They have bonded the waterproof membrane directly to the outer shell to prevent any water from getting in and help keep the shoe lightweight and comfortable. 

During my hikes in the shoe, the uppers kept my feet dry when navigating through muddy patches and wet meadows. Although we were high up in the mountains where temperatures are typically cooler, we did get lots of sunshine and during those hotter periods, my feet felt comfortably cool in the Konos. 

Of course with trainer-style hiking shoes water can still get in from the top and your ankles don’t have as much stability compared to more traditional boots, but if you’re looking to live out your Euro hiking summer dreams like I was then I recommend picking up a pair of the Konos TRS. 

Midsole

The Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes have a cushioned midsole that softens the impact of each step and gives you a bit of spring in your stride. The foam feels light underfoot but still offers good stability and support, making long hikes more comfortable. Unlike some hiking shoes that can feel stiff, the midsole flexes nicely with your foot, especially at the forefoot.

Additionally, the way that the heel cradles the foot nicely and securely meant I could focus more on enjoying the views of the Alps and less on how my feet were feeling or where they were landing.

Outsole

The outsole of the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes really surprised me with how well it handled different terrains. The lugs aren’t the deepest, but they still provided reliable grip on everything from loose dirt to slick rocks. While hiking through the Val d’Anniviers, I tackled a mix of muddy trails, wet boulders, and gravel paths, and I didn’t have a single slip or stumble. 

Performance

I enoyed lots of things about the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoe but the area I was particularly chuffed with was the fact I didn’t have to break these shoes in. Growing up, my Dad always encouraged me to wear-in my new hiking shoes on small local walks before we took them up any big climbs. This was often much to my dismay, hoping any school friends didn’t see me walking to the supermarket in my big clunky hiking boots. However, the Konos TRS felt worn in and cushy from the get-go.

I was pleasantly surprised by how stable and secure I felt tackling varied mountain terrains in a mid-cut hiking shoe. Again, growing up with a Dad obsessed with hill-walking, I was always under strict orders to wear "suitable footwear," which meant clunky, traditional leather high-cut boots. Well, Dad, you might not approve of the trainer-like appearance of the Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes, but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their performance on our next climb. 

Should you buy the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes?

The Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoe is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys hiking but doesn’t want the bulk and weight of traditional hiking boots. They’re perfect for tackling various trails, as I found during my time in the Swiss Alps. 

Over the course of three days of hiking through the Val d’Anniviers, I encountered rocky paths, muddy slopes, and everything in between, and these shoes handled it all without missing a beat. They kept my feet dry, felt comfortable even after long days on the trail, and provided reliable traction on both dry and slick surfaces.

However, if you’re used to the extra ankle support and protection that comes with a more traditional, high-cut hiking boot, you might feel a little exposed in these. The mid-cut design offers some support but doesn’t wrap around the ankle quite as snugly as other models. The style might not be for everyone either, especially if you prefer a more classic, rugged look. Plus, the mesh upper, while durable, can be tricky to keep clean after a few muddy adventures.

Overall, if you’re planning to take on moderate hiking trails and are looking for something that won’t weigh you down, the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes could be just what you need, and for a lot cheaper than other boots on the market.

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