I swapped my trail runners for Columbia’s Escape Thrive boots in a rainy week of hiking — and I’m not going back

The Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe is a well-cushioned, waterproof hiking boot that blends modern design with reliable performance.

It features Columbia’s signature technical materials to keep your feet protected across varied terrain, and it pairs just as well with traditional hiking gear as it does with more casual walking outfits like jeans.

Last summer, I tested the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoe and was impressed with its performance, but I wasn’t as keen on the high-top trainer look. With the Escape Thrive Titanium, Columbia has answered my prayers by combining excellent performance on the trails with a more classic boot style.

Over the past month, I’ve put the Escape Thrives through their paces, from easier hikes across the London commons to a week-long trip on the rugged Isle of Arran. Tackling wind, rain, rivers, mud and puddles, my feet stayed dry and comfortable throughout.

This boot sits in the mid-range price-wise. It’s not the cheapest option, but based on my experience, it delivers excellent value for the performance. Read on for my full take and decide if they’re the right fit for your next adventure.

Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe: Cheat sheet

• Who are they for? Hikers and walkers looking for lightweight comfort, grip and waterproofing
• What do they do well? Secure fit, great traction, breathable and fully waterproof
• What do they cost? $160 / £135
• What are the weaknesses? Lack of insulation for colder hikes and may not suit those needing extra ankle support.

Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe: Specs

Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe: Price and Availability

Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoes are available in men's and women's versions and sizes for $160 from Columbia and other large US-based retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods.

Women can choose from Teal/Black (blue and black) or Grey Ice/Dark Grey (grey and black) colorways, the latter is the style I tested and features in the photos. Sizes 5 to 12 are available in the women's shoe.

Meanwhile, the men's version of the boot comes in Zinc/Black (blue and black) or Moonstone/Graphite (grey and black), with sizes 7 to 15 on offer. Columbia has used the same base colorways across both versions, though the shades differ slightly between the men’s and women’s boots.

Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe: Design and Fit

The Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe weighs 10.3 oz / 292 g in a woman's size seven and 12.4 oz / 351 g in men's size 9. That’s considered lightweight for a mid-height hiking boot, especially one with built-in waterproofing. Many traditional hiking boots weigh 14 oz + per shoe.

The Escape Thrive is clearly a hiking boot, but unlike other waterproof options in the Tom's Guide guide to the best hiking boots, which tend to have a traditional, utilitarian look, Columbia’s take is trendier.

The sole of the shoe is noticeably bulky, but that’s where the all-day comfort comes from. The underfoot cushioning uses Columbia's Omni-MAX materials to deliver energy return and flexible support. It’s also designed to enhance stability and provide great traction while out adventuring.

Size-wise, I went with my usual shoe size and had no issues. I could comfortably wear thicker hiking socks without my toes feeling cramped, and didn’t experience any rubbing. My first walk in them felt great, with no feeling that I'd need a few walks to break them in.

Upper

Depending on where you live, waterproof shoes might not be essential for every hike. But in Scotland, I’ve never been on a hiking trip where I didn’t have to think about wet socks.

Whether it's relentless rain, ankle-deep bogs, or trails that double as streams, dry feet are a luxury you can’t really go without. I put the Escape Thrive’s waterproofing to the test in exactly those kinds of conditions.

Columbia uses what they call OutDry, a waterproof and breathable membrane that’s bonded to the outer fabric. Unlike some boots where water can sneak into the space between layers, this setup is designed to stop it at the surface.

After a few hours splashing through shallow streams and bog-ridden routes, my feet stayed dry and the boots didn’t feel waterlogged or heavy.

The Escape Thrive’s upper uses Columbia’s Navic Fit System, which basically means the laces are integrated into a webbing setup that helps keep your heel locked in place.

It’s a small detail, but it makes a difference. I didn’t notice any heel lift, even on steeper inclines or when picking up the pace on uneven terrain. It adds a sense of stability and reduces the kind of foot movement inside the boot that can lead to rubbing or blisters over time.

There are also handy heel and tongue pull loops on the boot to ensure you can hoist your boots on with ease.

Midsole

As mentioned above, the cushioning in the Escape Thrive stands out. The midsole uses Columbia’s Omni-MAX system, which offers a nice balance of cushioning and energy return, enough that I felt supported without feeling weighed down.

The insole adds to that comfort straight out of the box, with a bit of contouring that helps with underfoot support on longer hikes.

What I appreciated most was that the shoe didn’t feel overly rigid. It gave me freedom to adjust my footing depending on the terrain, without that locked-in feeling some sturdier boots have.

Outsole

I’m no stranger to the occasional slip or stumble on a hill walk, especially going downhill when my knees are tired and my lanky legs aren't doing me any favours.

But so far, I haven’t had a single slip in the Escape Thrive. The Adapt Trax outsole holds up, even on wet rock and muddy paths. The tread pattern is clearly designed for hiking and gives a solid grip without feeling bulky or stiff. It gave me confidence on dry trails and the more slippery sections where I’d usually be more cautious with my footing.

Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe: Performance

I found the Escape Thrive incredibly comfortable from the moment I laced them up. They didn’t just feel good on my feet, they looked great too. The grey colourway matched well with the rest of my hiking gear, which is a nice bonus if you care about how your kit looks on the trail.

I tested the boots during spring, and they handled the mixed conditions really well. I felt stable and confident whether I was moving over rocky ground, wet paths, or heading downhill. I also thoroughly enjoyed putting the waterproofing to the test.

I walked straight through puddles and streams without hesitation, and not a single drop made it into the boots. Thanks to the breathable design, my feet stayed dry from sweat, too, and there were no unpleasant odours to deal with after a long day of hiking.

Just be aware that, as these are mid-height boots, any water that comes above ankle level can still seep in from the top. Aside from that, they offered excellent protection. The traction from the Adapt Trax outsole was especially impressive and gave me solid grip in wet and dry conditions.

This is very much a three-season boot. The breathability is great for warmer days and changeable spring weather, but the lack of insulation means it might not be warm enough for cold-weather hikes or winter mountain trails.

Should you but the Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe?

The Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, waterproof hiking shoe that’s comfortable straight out of the box.

If you’ve got a hiking trip coming up, whether it's a weekend in the hills or a longer walking holiday, this is the kind of quality you want underfoot. It’s lightweight, offers a solid grip, and keeps your feet dry in wet conditions. I’d also recommend it to anyone who prefers a modern-looking boot that pairs well with the rest of their outdoor gear.

At $160, this isn’t the most budget-friendly option. If you only head out on the trails once or twice a year, it might feel like a lot to spend on a pair of boots. In that case, something more affordable could make more sense.

It might also not be the right fit for people who prefer a higher cut for extra ankle support or those tackling technical, rugged terrain where heavier-duty boots are more appropriate.

More from Tom's Guide

• I did a 5-mile hike in the Veja Condor 3 — and it’s my new favorite walking shoe
• 7 hiking gear essentials I recommend for the ultimate outdoor adventure
• I hiked 9 miles with the Apple Watch SE vs. Pixel Watch 3 vs. Garmin Forerunner 165 — 5 things I learned