Just a few short weeks ago, I was presented with a rare opportunity to explore a chunk of one of the most biodiverse locations in the world: Costa Rica. A small handful of journalists and I were invited to visit Origins Lodge, a stunning wellness-focused mountainside ecolodge in the middle of dense Costa Rican rainforest. The team had planned a thoughtful itinerary of events that would help us get a better feel of the estate and the lodge’s mission of helping guests reconnect with their roots (hence the name “Origins”). Outside of horseback riding, chef-prepared meals, and a head-to-toe cacao and coffee body scrub treatment, I was looking forward to a preplanned waterfall hike the most.

The problem was, I didn’t own a pair of decent hiking boots that fit; once upon a time, my toes crammed into a size 10, but now, they needed at least a 10.5 to feel comfortable. Naturally, I took to Amazon to see what I could find and, lo and behold, I discovered these Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boots, a well-reviewed, top-rated pair of hiking boots that just happened to be on sale for under $100. I ended up buying them, and I’m so glad I did. Not only were they supportive and rugged enough to handle the damp, mushy rainforest terrain, but they required no break-in period on my part. Now that they’re on sale again during Amazon’s October Prime Big Deals Day event — a sitewide, Prime members-only sale — I’ve decided to spread the word about how amazing these budget-friendly hiking boots really are. 

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots

First, let’s get into the specs. What really sealed the deal for me with regard to hitting the checkout button were the five-star reviews that reported how lightweight they are. In fact, one five-star reviewer shared that these boots were the most lightweight of all the ones they had tried previously. Since I was planning on only bringing a carry-on duffel bag with me, weight was an important factor I had to consider; plus, my legs get tired easily, and I knew that heavy, cumbersome boots would have my legs feeling like Jell-O once we were done.

I was excited to hold them for myself, and just as the reviews had promised, these were deceivingly lightweight — they felt even lighter than some of my walking shoes! Outside of their minimal heft, I was immediately impressed with the style. Having read Cheryl Strayed’s hiking memoir, Wild, years ago, I had always wanted a pair of brown boots with bright red laces — and these fit the bill. I appreciate that the vibrant red color of the laces was carried throughout the plush, padded interior lining and parts of the shoes’ rubber outsoles, popping even more against the tread’s deep gray. 

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots

As for their feel, let me tell you: I have never, ever had a pair of boots be so comfortable upon first wear. I bought these a week before departing to Costa Rica and didn’t get a chance to try them on beforehand. Several five-star reviewers — specifically this one, this one, and this one — reported that these hiking boots required no break-in period, but I took those bits of praise with a grain of salt. I have wide, sensitive feet and am prone to plantar fasciitis, so I was going in with reasonable expectations as far as fit goes.

Turns out, those reviewers weren’t bluffing. These babies are so cushioned and pillowy, I almost became angry at my old hiking boots for being so inflexible and rough, despite years of wear. These boots are fully padded inside, with stitched comfort on the tongue, the heel, the ankle shaft, everywhere. My wide feet felt free to flex, and when they did, they were met with padded, soft cushioning rather than hard, unmoving walls. 

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots

On our waterfall hike, my feet and ankles felt properly supported. I didn’t develop any blisters despite wearing them for more than four continuous hours. Perhaps more important, though, was that I felt safe in them. The rubber tread outsoles expertly traversed damp leaves and easily churned through muddy patches. I felt like my feet had proper grip on the rainforest floor the entire time. No sprained ankles for this traveler! 

All in all, I can confidently say that these boots were well worth the purchase. Considering how comfortable they were, the thoughtful style details, and the lightweight feel, I would have been happy to have bought them at full price — the discount was just the cherry on top. But since they’re on sale again for October Prime Day, I’ve been eyeing the other 21 colorways (hard to choose a favorite, but I’m loving this blue dusk shade).

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots

Whether you’re a hiking newbie like me or already clock in frequent miles on the trail, I can’t recommend the Columbia Newton Ridge hiking boots enough. They were comfy straight out of the box, and proved to be a great choice for trekking through the Costa Rican rainforest. 

If you’re so inclined to try them out, I recommend grabbing a pair for yourself (or your friend, or your family member) sooner rather than later. They’re on sale for just $50 — less than I initially purchased them for — but that discount likely won’t last past October 9, when the Prime Big Deal Days event is set to conclude. 

Rest assured, these aren’t the only top-rated hiking boots currently on sale for Prime Day. If you’re looking to weigh all of your options before buying, take a look at these other discounted options. 

More Hiking Boot Deals for Amazon October Prime Day

Keen Women’s Targhee 3 Hiking Boot

Timberland Women’s Mt. Maddsen Hiking Boot

Timberland Men’s White Ledge Hiking Boots

Salomon Women’s X Ultra Pioneer Hiking Boot

Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boot

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