First Look: Columbia Konos TRS OutDry

The holy grail of trail shoes? Instantly comfortable, lightweight, grippy, waterproof, and stable. That recipe is now a reality with the Konos TRS OutDry. And you can add reasonably priced ($120) to the list as well. Thanks to innovations in cushioning and traction that join an incredibly comfortable, secure-fitting upper that’s both waterproof and breathable, Columbia’s new Konos handles everything from gentle meandering paths to rugged and rocky summits. This is the shoe that will inspire more time on trails for everyone from beginning hikers to trail veterans.

Comfort First

Unlike boots with stiff soles and heavy-duty uppers that can be uncomfortable until well broken in, the Konos TRS OutDry feels great upon first step-in. A soft, seamless interior, plus a padded tongue and heel collar, envelop the foot, while the laces engage the Navic Fit™ system—integrated webbing that locks down the navicular bone for stability and support. And instead of a firm ride and inflexible sole, this shoe features shock-absorbing, joint-saving midsole cushioning that flexes naturally at the forefoot thanks to strategically placed outsole grooves. This is a wear-all-day kind of shoe with hike-all-day performance.

Lightweight Performance

All that cushy midsole foam is extremely lightweight while both softening impact and providing responsiveness in every step—there’s no mush here. Unique dome-shaped cutouts visible on the outsole (located directly under the heel and forefoot) further absorb force and return energy, combining with the cushioning to put a little extra spring in your hiking step. TRS stands for “trail speed,” as a nod to the lightweight resilience of that underfoot platform and its surprising energy return.

To deliver secure footing on a range of terrain, the Konos TRS OutDry features a proprietary rubber compound that excels on both wet and dry surfaces. The outsole’s lug shape, depth, and traction pattern underfoot were designed specifically for hiking. And the way it grabs hold of everything from loose, dry dirt to slick, wet rock inspires confidence.

All this tech comes in a seriously lightweight package: a mere 11 ounces per shoe.

Breathable Waterproofing

The mesh upper of the Konos TRS OutDry features TPU overlays with smartly placed cutouts for weight savings; there’s added armor where you need it and none where you don’t. And the entire upper is protected by OutDry™ waterproofing—a bonded construction that blocks water from getting in while allowing internal moisture and excess heat to escape. That means the shoe remains plenty breathable while keeping your feet dry in summer rainstorms and shallow creek crossings or while splashing in puddles mid-hike just for the heck of it.

With its sleek all-black styling, the Konos TRS OutDry is ready to be your go-anywhere, do-anything shoe year round. As Ben Rainey, senior product manager at Columbia, puts it, the Konos TRS OutDry takes the best features of running and hiking footwear and fuses them into a shoe built for performance. “It highlights the best technologies Columbia has to offer,” Rainey adds, “making sure you stay cool, dry, and protected for all your outside activities.”

Based in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear is a global outdoor brand that crafts active lifestyle gear fortified with industry-leading technologies tested in our own backyard. Our apparel, footwear, and accessories reflect our Pacific Northwest heritage and indomitable spirit.