SQUIRREL_13263165
Three Things To Know:
- Hybrid and multipurpose – These sandals blend the breathability of a sandal with the structure of a trail shoe. They're ideal for travel, urban exploration, or summer hikes, no need to switch footwear mid-adventure
- Support over plushness – The cushioning is firm and responsive, giving your feet real support over long distances
- Good airflow, sturdy construction – The quick-drying mesh upper keeps your feet cool and ventilated
Our Rating:
First Impressions and Fit
Comfort and Support
Grip and Traction
Build Quality and Materials
Walking sandals are a great option if you’re looking for something more supportive than a flipflop, but lighter and more breathable than a walking shoe or hiking boot.
Columbia has long been known for combining outdoor tech with accessible reliable gear, so let’s see how these “shandals” held up over weeks of country walks and city use.
- RRP: £80.00
- Weight: 244g (1/2 pair size 5)
- Upper: Protective synthetic cage
- Sole: ADAPT TRAX™ outsole
- Fastening: Quick lace system
First Impressions and Fit
I’m afraid to say, when I first took the Columbia Peakfreak Rush Shandals out of the box I was not a fan of the way they looked. Function was clearly the main priority here, and while I appreciate that on a walk, they’re a bit too clunky and technical looking for casual wear.
Designed to combine the support of a shoe with the breathability of a sandal, the fit is of these “shandals” is quite snug on my size five feet, and although the laces are easily adjustable, they do feel a little tight, and I’d say if you’re between sizes I’d try them on in-store, or go up half a size.
I’m also not a fan of the cream colour due to its propensity to stain and look a bit grubby after one walk. The lace system is also not my favourite. It’s a connected pull style, and I always worry about what happens if they break under pressure.
Comfort and Support
The Peakfreak Rush Shandals strike a decent balance between comfort and support. The cushioning underfoot is firm yet responsive – not overly plush, but enough to keep my feet comfortable on longer walks. I appreciated the structured heel and midfoot, which offered good stability without feeling too rigid.
That said, I experienced quite a bit of rubbing around the mesh areas on my first few outings, which was disappointing compared to other sandals I’ve worn.
Overall, they’re supportive enough for light hikes or city walks, but not quite as comfortable as I’d hoped.
Grip and Traction
The grip on these walking sandals is impressive. The ADAPT TRAX™ outsole provides exceptional traction in wet and dry conditions, both on muddy rural terrain and slippery city streets, making them great for summer and spring showers.
The outsole is thoughtfully designed with multi-directional lugs and flexible forefoot grooves that enhance ground contact and allow for natural movement, while deflection domes in the heel and forefoot add cushioning and rebound. Despite its sandal-like ventilation and lightweight feel, it performs more like a trail shoe when it comes to grip, giving you the freedom to explore without sacrificing stability.
Build Quality and Durability
The build quality of the Peakfreak Rush Shandal feels solid overall. The mesh upper is breathable and quick-drying, though it did feel a bit stiff at first. The synthetic overlays give it a durable feel, and after several walks, there’s no obvious wear – so it seems like they’ll hold up over time. They’re fairly lightweight, which I appreciated when packing for a weekend trip, and they don’t take up much space in a bag – ideal for travel or van life.
Adjustability is decent: the toggle-style lacing system lets you fine-tune the fit without fussing with traditional laces, though I found it didn’t always stay as tight as I’d like after a few hours, and I do worry about these types of laces breaking easily. All in all, they’re a practical choice if you want something tougher than a flip-flop but more breathable than a full walking shoe.
Value for Money
These sandals are towards the top of the average price range, but they are good at what they do, however, they’re physically not as versatile as other models, as I wouldn’t wear them anywhere but on walks.
Sustainability
While there’s no mention of sustainable materials in the composition of the Peakfreak Rush Shandal, however Columbia is taking steps towards using more recycled materials in its manufacturing.
Should You Buy It
If you’re happy with the style and price point, these are a solid pair of walking sandals.
Find more in our guide to the best walking sandals.
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