I usually like Columbia shoes and boots, but I think the quality is lacking in the Coremic Ridge 2. In fairness, I haven't worn them outdoors, yet, so this is only my opinion from trying them on inside the house.

First, the sole doesn't seem stiff or hard, as you might want it to be, in order to avoid feeling rocks through the shoe. Since I've yet to wear them over pointed rocks, I can't say for certain that they're insufficient, but I am quite skeptical.

So if it's not stiff or hard, then I expect them to be cushioned, flexible and comfortable, but they're not like that, either. In fact, the outer soles seem rather thin and the rubber seems typical of cheaper hiking boot. The arch support is also extremely poor, which I found rather surprising.

My other big concern has to do with the durability of the lacing. In order to pull the laces tight, you have to pull them against fabric loops that hold them. I can imagine that it won't take long before the fabric loops rip, which would make lacing them tight impossible.

The fit seemed fine and the looks were okay, but the quality just didn't seem up to par with what I expect from Columbia.