Columbia Drainmaker XTR - Women's Review

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.

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 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 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.

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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.

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.

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.