Lightweight hiking shoes can be a bit of a compromise. Go too light and you can lose protection and durability; add cushioning and support and suddenly you’re carrying around something that feels more like a hiking boot. The Columbia Tellurix Peak takes a fairly traditional hiking-shoe approach, combining a structured feel with a relatively low weight, waterproof construction and a versatile outsole.
At 368.5g per shoe, they’re surprisingly light for a shoe that feels this protective underfoot. I’ve been using them mainly on dog walks in the Wiltshire Downs, along with a camping trip in the Brecon Beacons where I wore them over rocky terrain around the Llangattock escarpment. I’ve been testing them through late summer and early autumn, and so far they’ve proved to be a good option for well-defined trails where wet feet are a concern.
Columbia Tellurix Peak: The Top Line
The Tellurix Peak is aimed primarily at casual hikers and people looking for a comfortable, waterproof shoe for three-season walking. They aren’t designed for serious mountain terrain or technical scrambling, but there is enough underfoot protection and stability here to make them capable beyond easy lowland paths.
The biggest attraction is the balance Columbia has struck. They’re lightweight, reasonably cushioned and waterproof, but retain a slightly stiff, structured feel that gives good protection from rocks and roots. At the same time, they’re casual enough to wear away from the trail.
Price: £70
Weight: 368g
Waterproof?: Yes
Lugs: 4mm
Pros: Lightweight, waterproof, good underfoot protection, versatile styling, good value.
Cons: Mesh construction raises durability concerns, basic lacing system, limited grip on steep muddy terrain.
Columbia Tellurix Peak
★★★½
Thinking of buying? Columbia are offering an extra 10% off when spending £120 or more (UK between Sept 28th and Oct 4th).
Thinking of buying? Get an extra 10% off when spending £120 or more (UK 28th Sept to 4th Oct).
Comfort and Fit
Straight out of the box, the Tellurix Peak felt a little stiff. It took a long day hike for the uppers to loosen and start conforming properly to my foot, but after that initial bedding-in period they were comfortable.
The cushioning is moderate rather than plush. There’s some useful shock absorption, but this isn’t a soft, bouncy hiking shoe. The single-density foam midsole has a degree of stiffness that I actually found beneficial on rocky ground, as it helps block sharp rocks and roots without completely removing your feel for the terrain.
After a long day, my feet felt good, although anyone prioritising maximum cushioning for long-distance walking might prefer a softer shoe. The trade-off is that I suspect this firmer midsole will hold up better over time than an extremely soft, heavily cushioned alternative.
I tested a size 10, which is my usual size, and wouldn’t want to go up or down. The heel holds securely and there’s a little arch support, although it isn’t particularly pronounced. The toe box is reasonably accommodating but could feel a little narrow for people with wider forefeet.
Grip and Stability
Columbia uses its proprietary Adapt Trax outsole, with 4mm lugs. It’s a fairly moderate tread rather than an aggressive mountain outsole, which makes sense given the shoe’s intended use.
On dry rock, the Tellurix Peak performs particularly well, providing reassuring grip. On lightly damp rock they’re also capable, although, like most hiking shoes, there are limits once surfaces become properly wet and slippery.
The 4mm lugs provide useful traction on gravel and moderate mud, but this isn’t a shoe I’d choose for very steep, loose or deeply muddy slopes. A more pronounced heel brake would also improve downhill traction.
On rocky paths, the shoe’s slight underfoot stiffness works in its favour. The footprint is relatively wide, giving a stable platform even when carrying a backpack. Overall, the grip is well suited to established trails rather than technical mountain terrain.
Waterproofing and Breathability
The Tellurix Peak is a waterproof hiking shoe and, in my testing, it has kept my feet dry in all the conditions I’ve encountered. The limitation is the obvious one with any low-cut shoe: water can simply come in over the top. Deep puddles, streams and long wet grass can therefore defeat the waterproofing regardless of how good the membrane is.
Interestingly, these are also some of the coolest waterproof hiking shoes I’ve used. The mesh upper allows considerably more airflow than you might expect from a waterproof shoe, and I’ve worn them comfortably during hot late-August hikes without experiencing clammy feet, particularly when paired with decent merino socks.
The mesh does become saturated when wet, but it dries relatively quickly.
Protection and Durability
The PU toe bumper provides some protection against knocks while also helping shield the mesh, although it isn’t as substantial as a full rubber rand.
Underfoot protection is particularly good. I’ve felt well protected from rocks and roots, while still retaining enough ground feel to know what’s happening beneath my feet.
The obvious question is durability. I’ve had no problems so far, but mesh uppers combined with waterproof membranes aren’t generally the longest-lasting construction in my experience. If you’re regularly pushing through heather, brambles and rough vegetation, I’d expect a more substantial shoe to survive longer.
For groomed trails, however, the lightweight mesh construction makes plenty of sense.
Lacing and Everyday Use
The lacing system is fairly basic. The flat laces hold securely and pull evenly, while a small cord around the second lace position helps draw the upper around the ankle. I’d prefer a more conventional system and a lace garage to keep the ends tucked away.
The shoe’s casual styling is a definite bonus, though. The Tellurix Peak doesn’t look excessively technical, so I’d happily wear it for dog walking, travelling or everyday use as well as hiking.
That crossover appeal is something Columbia has done particularly well here.
Columbia Tellurix Peak vs the Competition
The Tellurix Peak is comparable to shoes such as the Aku Rocket DFS GTX, Mammut Sertig Low, The North Face Vectiv Fastpack and Salomon X Ultra 360.
Compared with the Aku Rocket DFS GTX, the Columbia is lighter and considerably cheaper, although the Aku is a higher-spec and more durable shoe. The Mammut Sertig Low provides more cushioning but costs considerably more.
The North Face Vectiv Fastpack is similarly positioned, although the Columbia is more breathable and offers better underfoot protection in my experience. The Salomon X Ultra 360 is another close rival, with slightly more cushioning and a less stiff feel. I prefer the Columbia’s more versatile styling, particularly if you want a shoe that works away from the trail too.
Verdict
The Columbia Tellurix Peak is a good-value hiking shoe that gets a lot of important things right. It’s lightweight at 368.5g, waterproof, surprisingly protective underfoot and comfortable once broken in. The Adapt Trax outsole provides good grip across most established trails, while the mesh upper makes it unusually breathable for a waterproof shoe.
I’d be happy using these for three-season walking in the Welsh mountains or Scottish Highlands, provided I’m sticking to well-worn trails. They’re also a good option for long-distance paths such as the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, where a lightweight waterproof shoe and decent grip are useful for dealing with puddles and wet sections.
I wouldn’t choose them for serious, rocky mountain routes, deep winter mud or technical scrambling. The tread isn’t aggressive enough for really steep loose ground, and the shoe isn’t stiff enough for technical edging. If you’re particularly hard on footwear, the mesh construction may also prove to be its Achilles heel.
For most casual hikers, however, that isn’t really the point. The Tellurix Peak offers a very good combination of low weight, waterproofing, underfoot protection and everyday versatility for the price. It’s a particularly appealing choice if you want one pair of shoes that can handle summer hiking and low-level trails, while still looking perfectly at home away from the hills.
Columbia Tellurix Peak
★★★½
Thinking of buying? Columbia are offering an extra 10% off when spending £120 or more (UK between Sept 28th and Oct 4th).
