Columbia Titanium Vertical Rise

Comfortable with very little break in time. Not at all durable, with poor warranty from manufacturer.

I used the boots lightly for a little over one year. My use was limited to day hikes, walking the dog and yardwork. The total miles of use did not exceeded 100. Just past the one year mark the soles on both boots began to separate from the upper.

I went to the Columbia web site for information concerning warranty repair/replacement and learned that the warranty is limited to one year regardless of wear. I've never owned a pair of boots in any price range that failed as quickly as these did with such limited use.

These boots received absolutely no abuse; no extremes of heat, cold or moisture. The fact that both boots failed in the same way, at about the same, time indicates a serious quality problem in manufacturing.

Columbia promotes their Titanium line as high tech and competitive with the gear of higher end manufacturers. The clothing in the Titanium line may fit that marketing plan but the boots don't make the grade.

These boots lasted 2.5 years with heavy use in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They were always comfortable and kept my feet dry unless I actually submerged them in water. By the end of the second year the mesh uppers split. In year three the soles started coming off the front of both boots. I duct-taped them together to try to finish the field season. Maybe that is how long lightweight boots last but I was disappointed they didn't last longer.

Purchased for combination work (construction manager) and play (outdoor photography). Absolutely the very best all around boot I have ever owned. Comfortable, extremely durable and waterproof. Broke in real easy, no sores. Out of the box and onto the trail for 12 miles. The only boot that has ever lasted me over a year, these babies lasted me almost 3 years! Lightweight, comfortable.