REASONS TO BUY
Quick to dry
Comfortable
Multi-purpose
Water-ready shoes
REASONS TO AVOID
Long-term durability concerns with mesh upper
Lacks sensitivity underfoot
Columbia Drainmaker XTR - Women's Review
A shoe that delivers in water and on land, dries quickly, and can transition between with comfort
Credit: Sara James
By Sara James ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 4, 2026
RELATED: The Best Water Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The versatile Columbia Drainmaker XTR is a solid choice for those moving from city to water without needing to switch out shoes. They have more cushion underfoot than most, which dampens the sensitivity but increases all-day comfort. Water easily drained out of these shoes as we waded through rivers, and our feet were kept securely in place. The mesh upper makes these shoes best suited for warmer climates, but we have some concerns about longevity due to the lightweight materials used. Still, for most light trails, water outings, and even travel days, these are a great option.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Columbia Drainmaker XTR - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Bang for the Buck |  Top Pick for Ultra Packable | | Best Bare Bones for the Beach or Lake | |
| Price | $90 List Check Price at Backcountry | $52 List Check Price at Amazon | $50 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $30 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $15.00 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A shoe that delivers in water and on land, dries quickly, and can transition between with comfort | Built with casual aquatic activities in mind, this lightweight, quick-drying, easy-to-slip-on shoe balances price, performance, and comfort | These lightweight, quick-drying shoes excel in casual comfort, convenience, and breathability and are versatile for a range of non-extreme activities | An inexpensive shoe might be nice for a day at the beach or kickin' it by the pool | These ultimate budget shoes offer just enough protection for casual beach side strolls |
| Rating Categories | Columbia Drainmaker XTR | Speedo Surf Knit Pro | Crocs Classic | DLGJPA Lightweight Q... | Athmile |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Traction (25%) | |||||
| Versatility (15%) | |||||
| Sensitivity (15%) | |||||
| Quality of Construction (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Columbia Drainmaker XTR | Speedo Surf Knit Pro | Crocs Classic | DLGJPA Lightweight Q... | Athmile |
| Measured Weight (per pair, size 9) | 1.16 lbs (Size 8.5) | 1.04 lbs | 0.69 lbs | 0.56 lbs (Size 8) | 0.46 lbs |
| Drainage Features | Large mesh panel on side and front. | Mesh upper | Perforated design and open heel | Mesh on upper, drainage holes on sole | Upper material is porous |
| Removeable Insole | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Footwear Closure | Lace | None | Heel strap | Drawcord | None |
| Available Widths | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Upper Materials | Synthetic, webbing and mesh | Mesh | Croslite compound | Synthetic mesh | Polyester |
| Midsole | EVA Foam with draining holes | EVA foam | Croslite compound | None | None |
| Outsole | EVA Foam | S-Trac rubber | Croslite compound | Rubber | Rubber |
Our Analysis and Test Results
We wore these during travels to Hawaii and were pleased with how they performed. We trekked on light trails, moved through streams, and paddled in the Drainmaker XTR, and they kept our feet secure and comfortable.
The Drainmaker XTR went on many journeys with us, including paddleboarding. Credit: Sara James
Likes
The Columbia Drainmaker XTR drains rapidly thanks to its large wrap-around mesh panels and underfoot drainage holes. After wading across streams, we weren't worried about water sloshing around our feet.
The side panels and toe box are one large mesh panel (with additional webbing for support. Credit: Sara James
The shoes fit a variety of foot shapes without causing hot spots. These mesh panels also make these shoes very breathable. They are a good choice if you expect to be walking around in warm environments.
We felt comfortable taking the Drainmakers on moderate hikes thanks to the grippy exposed lugs. We wore these on a 5-mile hike with river crossings and streams, and had suitable traction.
The exposed lugs on the outsole kept us surefooted on most surfaces. Credit: Sara James
The Drainmmaker weighed in as one of the lighter designs at 1.18 pounds for a pair of US size 8.5. This is impressive given that it offers much more support than most in its weight category.
This shoe is suitable for a variety of activities in, on, and around water. We enjoyed using the Drainmaker for paddleboarding and kayaking, and on moderate hikes; we also used them extensively as day-to-day shoes.
We wore these on a tropical hike and were happy with the comfort and support.
Dislikes
A common problem we see with mesh shoes is premature fraying. While these will be okay for less-intense activities and casual wear, we began to see fraying in the toe box after extensive use.
While the traction on the Dreammaker soles is better than the average shoe we tested, wet rocks are one area in which it underperforms.
We had a comfortable fit in the Columbia Drainmaker, though it is less sensitive than minimalist options. Credit: Sara James
The shoe's sensitivity comes at both a pro and a con. On the one hand, they lack sensitivity due to the thick midsole that most other water shoes lack. While this offers versatile comfort, they aren't the most responsive underfoot.
We wore these on hikes and were happy with their traction and comfort. Credit: Sara James
Should You Buy the Columbia Drainmaker XTR?
The Columbia Drainmaker XTR is a reasonable choice for those who need a versatile shoe to handle both in-town walking, light-to-moderate trails, and water use. They drain fast and keep your feet cool, best suited for warmer climates. While pricier than many bare bones water shoes, the cushion and support underfoot make these a worthy consideration.
What Other Water Shoes Should You Consider?
The Astral Brewer 3.0 is another highly versatile shoe that offers better traction and grip, though they are nearly double the price of the Drainmaker XTR. If you are interested in a bare-bones shoe for the beach or lake, the DLGJPA is far cheaper and has similar drainage but is less supportive.
The versatile Drainmaker XTR handled various water adventures that we went on. Credit: Sara James
—Sara James
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