The Columbia Fairbanks Mid Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Columbia Fairbanks Mid is a lightweight boot designed for casual fall-to-early-winter excursions. It is particularly suitable for those seeking a comfortable, easy-to-wear option for light city trails and short hikes.

With its construction, the boot offers a balance between sneaker-like comfort and hiking-inspired design. Users will find it effective for leisurely outdoor activities without the burden of heavier footwear.

Pros

  • Remarkably light
  • Head-turning looks
  • Excellent waterproofing
  • Good grip on mild terrain
  • Hard-wearing outsole
  • Soft cushioning
  • Flexible design
  • Fits as expected

Cons

  • Not a true hiking boot
  • Lacks support and stability

Key Features

  • Heel-to-Toe Comfort: Experience exceptional comfort no matter where your journey takes you.
  • Nimble Performance: Made with a breathable mesh upper and durable suede heel cap, these shoes provide flexible and reliable traction thanks to the wrap-around front tread.
  • Flexible Webbing Eyelets: The integrated eyelets allow for a customizable fit, adapting to the shape of your feet while ensuring security.
  • All-Day Support: Featuring Columbia's TechLite lightweight midsole, these shoes offer superior cushioning and energy return to keep you comfortable throughout your day.
  • All-Terrain Traction: Equipped with an Omni-Grip non-marking outsole, the shoes provide excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces, making them suitable for indoor wear as well.

Specifications

  • Fabric Type: Leather and Textile
  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Shaft Height: Low-top

Columbia Fairbanks Mid Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Columbia Fairbanks Mid Danner Jag KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Boot
Price $110 $200 $170 $130
Trail terrain Light Light Moderate Light
Weight lab Weight brand 18 oz / 509g 17 oz / 482g 18.2 oz / 515g 15.5 oz / 439g
Lightweight
Breathability Warm Warm Warm Warm
Use Light Hiking Day Hiking Backpacking Light Hiking
Orthotic friendly
Drop lab 11.5 mm 13.5 mm 12.9 mm 12.3 mm
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Soft Firm Firm Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Big Small Small Normal
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Stiff Flexible Flexible
Stiffness Flexible Moderate Moderate Flexible
Outsole hardness Hard Very hard Soft Average
Waterproofing Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof
Material Suede Suede Leather Textile
Season Winter Winter Winter Winter
Toebox durability - Decent Good Bad
Heel padding durability - Decent Decent Decent
Outsole durability - Decent Bad Decent
Width / fit Wide Medium Wide Narrow
Toebox width Wide Medium Wide Narrow
Lug depth 3.5 mm 3.7 mm 4.2 mm 3.0 mm
Heel stack lab 30.9 mm 32.7 mm 31.1 mm 31.5 mm
Forefoot 19.4 mm 19.2 mm 18.2 mm 19.2 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Technology - Ortholite Ortholite -
Cut Mid cut Mid cut Mid cut Mid cut
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 12% Top 20% Bottom 41% Top 42%
Popularity Bottom 31% Bottom 26% Bottom 48% Bottom 36%