Columbia Shoes, Boots, and Sandals

Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributorship to one of the world's largest outerwear brands and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Columbia is renowned for developing innovative products that are comfortable, protective, functional, stylish and offer great value.

At the head of the company are 84-year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, chairman of the board of directors, and her son, Tim Boyle, president and chief executive officer. Gert took on the persona of the tough mother in Columbia advertising, and "Mother Boyle" often is shown as the tyrant who makes sure that each of Columbia's products can stand up to her tough standards and the worst weather. The global marketing campaigns and Gert's "Tough Mother" persona turned her into an international celebrity. The mom-is-looking-out-for-you message is universally understood around the world.

Today, Gert is the inspiration for the "Medal of Merit" (M.O.M.) awarded to pioneers with a passion for the Greater Outdoors. Today Columbia products are available in approximately 90 countries around the world. Columbia owns and operates sales offices in North America, Europe and Asia. Additionally, Columbia wholly owns subsidiaries in Canada and Japan. The company's family of brands has grown to include Montrail, Mountain Hardwear, Pacific Trail and Sorel. Columbia corporate headquarters remain in Portland, Oregon, and the company employs nearly 3,000 people around the world.

Columbia is known as a product innovator and has an unparalleled reputation for quality and value, and their customer service is unparalleled. Their shoes, manufactured for men, women and children, range from casual sandals to rugged hiking and ski boots. While you won't find dress footwear, the styles produced by Columbia are seen where people need a reliable, fashionable, comfortable and rugged pair of footwear.

Brand: Columbia
Model: Ingelside
Reviewer: K. John Talbot from CT
Date Submitted: March 23, 2009
Review:
If you think these boots are ugly, then you're not a geek. Perfect geek footwear, especially with a fake turtleneck and tweed jacket. Seriously, the most comfortable walking boots ever with great grip and truly waterproof.