Escape Pursuit Sports Shoes for Men

If you’re in the market for hiking shoes that make you feel like you’re striding through nature with the confidence of a man in a shampoo commercial, allow me to introduce you to the Columbia Woodburn II Waterproof Wonders. Yes, Waterproof with a capital W, because these things repel water like they’ve sworn a personal vendetta against moisture. I’ve stepped in puddles, mud, suspiciously shiny patches on the trail—you name it—and my socks stayed drier than my social life on a Friday night. Style-wise, they’re surprisingly sharp. Not “runway model” sharp, but definitely “the forest ranger will nod approvingly” sharp. They’ve got that rugged, outdoorsy look that says, “I could wrestle a bear if I had to—but I won’t, because I respect wildlife.” Cushioning? Like walking on little clouds that went to therapy and are now emotionally supportive. My feet felt hugged—firmly but lovingly. Comfort is top-tier; I’ve worn them for hours, and not once did my toes try to file a complaint. Durability is also impressive. These shoes feel like they were built to survive not just trails, but possibly the next three world-ending apocalypses. The grip is phenomenal too—sticky enough to keep you steady on wet rocks, muddy slopes, or that one annoyingly wobbly bit of pavement outside your house. Value for money? Okay, they’re a bit pricey. Let’s just say my wallet sighed deeply, the way a parent does when a child announces they’re taking up an expensive hobby. But honestly? Worth every penny. These are “buy once, use forever, brag about occasionally” shoes. Sizing was spot-on for me. Not too tight, not too loose—Cinderella wishes her shoe fit this well. In conclusion: waterproof, stylish, comfortable, durable, grippy, slightly expensive but gloriously worth it. If these shoes were a person, I’d take them on a hike and thank them for their service.

Comfortable straight out of the box, no need to break them in. Has a wide toe box and good grip, and so far waterproof. I wouldn't use them on very challenging hikes or prolonged rough terrain, but are great for moderate walks/hikes.

I’ve had this pair of shoes for two months now and have probably walked about 400+ miles in them in that time. All in all they are very good and were comfortable straight out of the box. No special insoles required as the factory ones are really very good. Size is exactly right for me a perfect 10, not too tight for width and with a nice rounded toe section that allows some movement. They are low cut, and really light, and walking is really easy, but they don’t have a heel at all, so you need to be mindful if you like a heel section that promotes a forward foot press. Waterproofing is a slight problem, the tongue section around the laces was not totally waterproof at all, however a double coating of nikwax seems to have solved this for me, and they are now pretty much water tight. Of course I had to buy that solution so prepare for that. Also to mention again these are really low cut, dropping way below your ankle bone, more like trainers, and long wet grass can make your socks wet above the shoe line, as all low cut shoes would do. All in all, pretty good, comfortable and look great, can recommend but buy some waterproofing solution.

These have just leapfrogged my Salomon Elixir Activ hiking boots to become the most comfortable walking shoe I own. They look great on and are so comfortable on long distance walks. They respond really well on tarmac but I have yet to try these in wet, muddy conditions but will probably use a mid-rise hiking boots for those conditions. Great value and are so well-made with quality materials.

What I like about these walking shoes is that they do what they're meant to do. By that I mean they're waterproof. I've had several pairs from other brands in the recent past that were meant to be waterproof that either leaked like a sieve or let dribbles in after not very much exposure to water. Not these! I've worn them for about a month, every morning, in soaking grass walking the dog and not the slightest trace of liquid has got past them. Apart from that they are supremely comfortable, they did take a day or two to wear in but now are perfect. Size wise they are nearly true to size, I'm a 9/43 and they fit well enough but I'd say that they are quite narrow. This suits me but for anybody with medium to wide feet I'd go up a half size. All in all though, a fantastic pair of shoes so far and even if they wore out in a year or so I'd get another pair without hesitation. Edit: One year later and they're still working fine. I've worn them every day and mostly in wet grass and still watertight. I do give them a cost of Dubbin every now and then to be sure. I've just bought another pair to wear alternately to let them dry.

I have had around 5 or 6 pairs of walking shoes over the years and these are the most comfortable I have owned. Purchased in October 2024 and up until November 2025 I was very pleased - comfortable, warm and kept my feet dry. Unfortunately after 13 months the right shoe is no longer waterproof and I get a damp patch by my little toe when walking in wet conditions. Considering I only use these to walk the dog when it's wet I am disappointed. That being said I have spent double on other brand walking shoes and they haven't faired much better.

I've been searching for a decent pair of walking shoes for what seems like an eternity! Having tried various brands to no avail and cheaper options that perished far too quickly, I decided that, "you get what you pay for" and purchased a more expensive option. As soon as I took them out of the box, I could see the build quality was very good. Trying them on for the first time, they fitted almost perfectly and felt incredibly comfortable, as if already worn in! So far, so good. I have been walking to and from work (a mile each way) for just over a week now and they are very comfortable. I cannot speak for the waterproofing as yet, or their longevity (having had other brands that began to perish after only a few months, this is something I will be very interested in observing). I will come back to this review and update it once I have greater experience of their build quality. The only negative I have noticed (and as another reviewer commented), the laces do tend to come loose. Maybe I need to learn to tie them in a reef knot instead! At the moment, top marks, but we'll see how they do after a greater period of time and use and I will update this review accordingly. Update 23 January 2021: Well, I've had these over a year now and they have held up well, looking barely worn since I removed them from the box. The undersole has also held up well (though slightly more worn on my right foot due to my walking style). They are just as comfortable and have also provided waterproofing during some heavy rain. Laces have to be double knotted to keep them tied, although even then, after a while become loose. It's a small gripe considering the quality of these shoes. So after a year in, I can still highly recommend these walkers (first 3 photos are after a years use). Update 15 February 2022: 2 years later these are still in great condition and just as comfortable. I would certainly purchase a replacement if and when they are required. Highly recommended! Update 8 February 2023: 3 years in and still going strong, only negative is the stitching has come lose at the front slightly on the right shoe (photos added). Though they are still in good shape all round especially when considering I wear these every day. I've noticed how much the price has boosted since I bought these in 2020, I paid £57 and they're now £87, which is a around a 50% increase for the same item! UPDATE: December 2024: Well I got 5 years out of these shoes and wore them pretty much every day during that period. Finally the soles began to perish and let water in, as did some of the leather on the main shoe. Great value for that period and price. I managed to pick up a new pair in preparation during a sale, so got them at a good price again (about £8 more than I first paid). I think the inflation of price on these shoes is now the main negative. I paid £57 the first time, £66 for the new pair in March 2024 (only just start wearing them now) but the price is usually around £90 which is a huge increase in price.

Two months in and used every day for walking my dog, in all weathers ! First of all, they are comfy right out of the box, no breaking in period necessary 👍 Second they are 100% waterproof, so far🤞despite being frequently covered in mud! So I would have no reservations about recommending them. One previous reviewer complained that the laces came undone when walking. I have to say I have not had any problems with the laces and I single tie them rather than double knotting (out of laziness😉) more than anything.