Not only does mid-October mark 80% of 2015 being over, but it is also ushers in all the cool outdoor activities that come with fall. Whether you’re going to set out on a leaf-gazing hike or picking out the perfect pumpkin, October has it going on! It doesn’t matter you’re forging through the forest or strolling through the mall, having the sturdiest footwear possible is important. Luckily, I was granted the opportunity to try out a great pair of shoes to take on my autumnal adventures. These kicks by Columbia are called Vulc N Vent Camp.
Columbia advertises the Vulc N Vent shoes as being breathable. This feature is a significant boon if you are prone to getting sweaty feet from exercise or even daily use. I love it when my feet stay dry. With this in mind, I decided to test out the Vulc N Vent Camp shoes in different environments.
Scenario 1: Leaf Peeping at Suncadia Resort
As far as leaf-watching hikes are concerned, the Suncadia Resort near Cle Elum, Washington, offers a vast array of terrain from steep-inclined nature trails to flat ground. Even though I was on the lookout for a scenic view of fall, I knew this was also the perfect chance to experiment with the shoes’ durability. For the sake of this experiment, I took the Vulc N Vent sneakers up and down the rugged hills. I noticed right away that my feet felt completely snug and secure. Walking up the hills, I felt the soles of the shoes grip to the ground well and didn’t slip at all. Even though Vulc N Vent are sneakers, the traction was very impressive, but I felt they shouldn’t be substituted for hiking boots for more rigorous hikes. The Vulc N Vent shoes really excelled when I took them up and down the many stairs that connect the lodge to the river. Throughout my Suncadia experiment, my feet remained comfortable and cool thanks in part to the breathable footbeds (or insoles).
Scenario 2: Seeking a Halloween Costume
Choosing the best Halloween costume can take some serious searching. My search entailed going to several Halloween and thrift stores, which meant a lot of walking. The Vulc N Vent kept my feet comfortably supported throughout my multiple-day and multiple-location quest. As I bought all the items that completed my costume, I came to appreciate the Vulc N Vent Camps. They definitely went the distance when walking all over town, and my feet remained dry as a bone.
Scenario 3: The Corn Maze
For the final experiment, I decided to take the Vulc N Vent Camps through the corn maze at Maris Farms in Buckley, Washington. What is more quintessentially fall than a corn maze? The Vul N Vents are vented, which in dry circumstances is great. Given that I live in the Pacific Northwest, we tend to get rain. That said, there were a few puddles in the maze to navigate around. Ideally, I didn’t want to touch the shoes to water, but inevitably water got into my shoes when the puddles were unforgable. This was a useful experience to help me realize that these shoes are water-resistant, but puddles and mud don’t necessarily play nice with Vulc N Vents. On a dry day, the Vulc N Vent Camps would be perfect for a maize maze.
The good:
• Great footwear for walking long distances
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Stylish
• Great for working outdoors
• Nice traction
The bad:
• Not ideal for very wet days
Columbia Vulc N Vent Camp shoes are available on Amazon.
Photos provided by Columbia.
Note: Columbia provided me with a product sample for review purposes. Opinions expressed are my own and not influenced by the company.
