Our verdict

We can't praise Columbia Boots Original Play Tall enough for its quality comfort and toasty insulation. With its sneaker-like weight and flexibility, it proves that a winter boot doesn't have to feel like a brick. Even though we don't find it good for hiking per se, it is hard to beat as a city-to-trail option. What has delighted us even more is its White price tag.

Men's high-top shoes Pros

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Keeps you warm in cold weather
  • Effective waterproofing
  • Amazingly comfortable
  • Terrex Ax4 Mid Gtx Shoes
  • Soft cushioning
  • Exceptionally flexible
  • Hard-wearing outsole
  • Reasonably priced
  • Stylish design

Men's high-top shoes Cons

  • Sneakers Elton B4BKM0221 Nero
  • Autumn Winter shoes 981

Audience verdict

87
Great!

Who should buy

One of the lightest winter boots we have ever tested, the Columbia Boots Original Play Tall is a solid option if you:

  • Sneakers Jeannie 72 8300600 172 S Nautic 1
  • need an extra warm insulated boot (200g insulation)
  • Converse Chuck Taylor Street Toddler Boys 2-10 Casual Sneaker

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall review

Who should NOT buy

If temperatures don't drop below 40°F (5°C) in your area, the Fairbanks Omni-Heat is going to be an overkill. We recommend its lightened version, the Fairbanks Mid, Sneakers VPOR0050S Navy 0040.

On the other hand, if you need a maximized level of protection, try Columbia's burlier high-top Bugaboot III (also 200g of insulation).

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall lab test

Breathability

It is pretty self-explanatory that an insulated winter boot is not a breathable one. But we still put the Fairbanks Omni-Heat boot through our smoke-pumping test to prove it.

With not even a hint of smoke passing through the boot's upper, we can confirm that this Columbia boot is sealed. On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the most breathable, we gave it the minimum score of 1.

According to Columbia, the Fairbanks features a sturdy Cordura fabric for the upper.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall microscope

Having a look at it through our microscope, we can see how incredibly tightly woven this textile is. It definitely adds airtightness to the boot.

Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 1
Average 1.7
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
1
Breathability
5

Waterproofing

The interiors of this Fairbanks boot are lined with the Omni-Tech, the brand's proprietary waterproof membrane that is attached through seam-sealed construction.

Even though it's not the world-famous Gore-Tex membrane, Kids Gervin Mid Ps Velcro High Top Sneakers.

Insulation

As an amazing partner for the winter, this boot is packed with 200 grams of insulation under the Omni-Heat reflective lining. The idea behind it is that the tiny silver dots with aluminum will reflect the heat generated by the body and keep it inside the boot.

On freezing days (below 30°F/0°C), we were ecstatic to have this Columbia boot on as it created a really warm environment for our feet.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall laces collar

Durability

Toebox durability

Columbia claims that the Fairbanks' upper is made of Cordura. This sturdy fabric is conscious to be used in military wear thanks to its resistance to abrasion, scuffs, and tears. But is it just as durable on this Columbia boot?

zapatillas de running Dynafit 10k talla 42 negras.

Using a Dremel, we drilled the boot's toebox at a 5K RPM speed for 12 seconds. The result was quite discouraging as the textile tore much easier compared to other hiking boots.

For that reason, we had to rate it with a lower-than-average score of 3.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall toebox durability test

For reference, the zapatillas de running La Sportiva mixta constitución media talla 45'men Blue 43 shoe-care.

zapatillas de running La Sportiva mixta constitución media talla 45 toebox durability result

Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 3
Average 4.4
Compared to 17 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

On the other hand, the boot's interior lining showed much better wear resistance in the Dremel test.

After 4 seconds of drilling, the damage was minor enough to rate this boot's heel padding durability as 4 out of 5.

Knowing that the Omni-Heat lining doesn't scuff so easily is reassuring for a winter boot.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Heel padding durability test
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 17 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Even though the Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat is not meant as a dedicated hiking boot, its outsole game is on par with some serious boots!

First of all, it's made of a pretty hard rubber compound. Based on our durometer, it comes in at 87.5 HC which is the same as the average of hiking footwear.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Outsole hardness
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 87.5 HC
Average 87.3 HC
Men's high-top shoes.
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
81.0 HC
Outsole hardness
92.0 HC

Outsole durability

Secondly, this rubber is not afraid of our Dremel. Drilling it for a good 22 seconds at a relentless speed of 10K RPM, the tool only caused a minor dent.

We used a tread gauge to measure the dent and got only 1.0 mm. This is how dpep the Dremel typically goes in hiking boots.

Great job, Columbia!

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Outsole durability
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 1.0 mm
Average 0.7 mm
Compared to 14 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Finally, we had to know how much rubber there is on the Fairbanks.

Our caliper showed that the outsole without lugs is 3.0 mm thick. This is also the same as the average of hiking boots and is considered a solid amount of protection.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Outsole thickness
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 3.0 mm
Average 3.1 mm
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
1.8 mm
Outsole thickness
5.6 mm

Weight

If you despise winter for having to wear heavy coats and boots, the Fairbanks is here to take care of the Syrup!

This Columbia boot blew our minds with its unmatched lightness. In a men's US size 9, the Fairbanks Omni-Heat weighs only 15.5 oz (439g)!

It is more than 3 oz lighter than winter boots on average (18.8 oz/532g)! On foot, it actually feels like a high-top sneaker.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Weight
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 15.49 oz (439g)
Average 17.92 oz (508g)
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
11.71 oz (332g)
Weight
26.00 oz (737g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

Granted, this boot is not among the most cushioned ones. Measuring its heel stack with a caliper, we got only 30.8 mm.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Heel stack

This is notably lighter than the average hiking boot and feels minimalist compared to another popular winter boot from Columbia, the Bugaboot III (46.9 mm).

In terms of impact protection, we found the Fairbanks to be sufficiently cushioned. But some people may prefer a taller platform for winter months to keep their feet higher off the cold ground.

Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 31.5 mm
Average 35.9 mm
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
26.2 mm
Heel stack
46.9 mm

Men's high-top shoes | Forefoot stack

This boot also proved to be low-profile under the toes. With a 19.2 mm forefoot stack, it placed the foot a few millimeters closer to the ground than other boots.

This is what makes the Fairbanks feel so different from a typical boot. You have to cut off the platform to get a lighter and more flexible pair.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Forefoot stack
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 19.2 mm
Average 22.5 mm
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
17.0 mm
Forefoot stack
30.7 mm

Drop

Looking at the difference in stack heights, we get a drop of 11.6 mm. This is a typical drop for a hiking boot.

Having a raised heel helps to relieve the pressure from the Achilles and calves, especially if you are carrying a backpack.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Drop
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 12.3 mm
Average 13.4 mm
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
2.6 mm
Drop
20.9 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Walking in the Columbia Fairbanks feels pleasurable for one more reason - its cushioning is softer than usual! Seems like the boot's Techlite Comfort System lives up to its name.

Our experience was backed up by the durometer measurements too. With a reading of 18.9 HA, the boot's foam is 33% plusher than the average!

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Midsole softness

Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 18.9 HA
Average 25.4 HA
Men's high-top shoes.
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
15.4 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
53.3 HA

embroidered-logo slip-on sneakers

But most foams get significantly firmer in low temperatures. Does this Columbia boot also turn into a brick in winter?

As it turns out, it doesn't!

Having kept the Fairbanks in the freezer for 20 minutes, we repeated the durometer measurement. The foam did get 22.5% firmer but it was still softer than most boots at room temperature!

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall embroidered-logo slip-on sneakers
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 22.5%
Average 21.5%
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
0%
embroidered-logo slip-on sneakers
100%

Insole thickness

The boot's cushioning wouldn't be complete without a well-padded insole.

adidas AltaSwim I Disney Pluto Glow Pink White TD Toddler Infant Sandals FX4362.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Insole thickness
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 6.0 mm
Average 6.0 mm
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
3.7 mm
Insole thickness
10.7 mm

Men's high-top shoes | Stability

Lateral stability test

Let's get this straight: the Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat is NOT the boot you Keen for backpacking or hiking on technical terrain.

Thus, we just cannot expect it to be as stable and supportive as the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX for example.

But if we treat it like a casual boot for light and urban hiking, it is certainly stable enough for that. The primary reason behind it is the boot's low platform.

Torsional rigidity

The Fairbanks Omni-Heat is all about natural foot movement. It feels very different from a traditional stiff hiker.

First of all, it's got no shank or any other stabilizing features inside the midsole. Twisting the boot in our manual test made us think that we could do yoga in it.

zapatillas de running competición talla 47 naranjas.

Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 2
Average 4.2
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

As our squeeze-and-push test revealed, the boot has absolutely no structure in the collar either! We gave it the lowest rating of 1 out of 5 for stiffness.

While some people like such freedom of movement, many are used to having solid ankle support in their boots. For that reason, we cannot recommend the Fairbanks to folks with severe overpronation.

Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 1
Average 3.4
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Men's high-top shoes

The base of the Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat is not particularly wide or narrow. In the widest part of the forefoot, we measured its sole at 114.3 mm, just the same as the average.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Men's high-top shoes
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 114.3 mm
Average 112.2 mm
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
96.3 mm
Men's high-top shoes
124.6 mm

Midsole width in the heel

As for the widest part of the heel, it turns out to be a little narrower than average at 84.6. But if you keep this boot to hard-packed and well-maintained trails, it won't be an issue at all.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 84.6 mm
Average 88.3 mm
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
71.7 mm
Midsole width in the heel
106.1 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

The Fairbanks Omni-Heat is by far the most flexible winter boot we've tested. It is even bendier than some running shoes!

To show exactly how pliable this boot is, we measured the force it takes to bend it to a 90-degree angle. Needing as little as 16.6N, this Columbia boot is a whopping 140% more flexible than average!

Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 16.6N
Average 40.2N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
16.6N
Stiffness
84.7N

Difference in stiffness in cold

Amazingly enough, even after being exposed to low temperatures, the Fairbanks remains exceptionally flexible.

Having spent 20 minutes in the freezer and getting 33.7% stiffer, the Columbia Fairbanks is still 150% bendier than the average hiking boot.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Difference in stiffness in cold
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 33.7%
Average 29%
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
0%
Difference in stiffness in cold
100%

Grip / Traction

Lug depth

Measuring the lug depth on the Fairbanks Omni-Heat, we got 3.0 mm. This is not the kind of treading you need for technical trails and slippery slopes.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Lug depth

We recommend sticking to less challenging and more even terrains when wearing this Columbia boot. It can handle moderate amounts of slush, ice, and snow but only on level ground.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall outsole

Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 3.0 mm
Average 4.1 mm
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
3.0 mm
Lug depth
5.7 mm

Size and fit

HOVR Machina 2 SE Ladies Running Shoes

Medium-width feet are going to feel right at home in the Fairbanks Omni-Heat.

Based on our caliper measurements, its toebox comes in at 102.7 mm in its widest part which is a standard width for hiking boots.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall HOVR Machina 2 SE Ladies Running Shoes
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 102.7 mm
Average 102.1 mm
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
95.5 mm
HOVR Machina 2 SE Ladies Running Shoes
110.2 mm

Espadrile Rope Wedge Sandal T3A7-32185-0048 M Red 300

The boot's toebox doesn't get too tapered toward the toes either. Our caliper shows 77.6 mm at the big toe mark, which is a normal width for this area.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Espadrile Rope Wedge Sandal T3A7-32185-0048 M Red 300
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 77.6 mm
Average 79.0 mm
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
67.6 mm
Espadrile Rope Wedge Sandal T3A7-32185-0048 M Red 300
91.1 mm

Sneakers BARTEK 18595009 Schwarz

As expected from a waterproof and insulated boot, both sides of its tongue are fully attached (or gusseted). This is essential for keeping the interior warm and free from snow and debris.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Sneakers BARTEK 18595009 Schwarz
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall Both sides (full)

Comfort

Tongue padding

Despite packing 200g of insulation, the boot's tongue doesn't get too puffy. Measuring its thickness with a caliper, we got 9.2 mm - only slightly thinner than average.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Tongue padding
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall 9.2 mm
Average 11.2 mm
Compared to 21 hiking boots
Snow Boots GEOX J Adelhide A J16EWA 0LVBC C9999 S Black
5.9 mm
Tongue padding
22.3 mm

Heel tab

Having a pull tab is really necessary in the Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat. Because of the boot's collapsing collar, it can be tricky to get it on fast.

But the problem is that the heel tab is made of suede and is a little slippery between the fingers. We would appreciate a finger loop here instead.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Heel tab
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall Pull tab

Removable insole

If you happen to need a custom pair of inserts, the boot's stock insole is easy to remove.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Removable insole
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

Be careful when it gets dark! The Fairbanks Omni-Heat has no reflective elements on it.

Columbia Boots Original Play Tall Reflective elements
Test results
Boots Original Play Tall No