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Columbia Heavenly Omni-Heat Lace-Up Review

This warm and comfortable winter boot is the lightest we've tested
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Columbia Heavenly Omni-Heat Lace-Up Review
Credit: Columbia
Price:  $140 List
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Manufacturer:   Columbia
By Amber King ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 13, 2020
65
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth - 25% 5.0
  • Weather Protection - 25% 6.0
  • Comfort & Fit - 25% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 8.0
  • Traction - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

If you're a lover of fur-lined boots that are super lightweight, the Columbia Heavenly Omni-Heat may be dialing your number. With each boot weighing less than a pound, you can walk for miles without even noticing this winter boot is on. The synthetic overlay is not super stable or firm, but it is flexible and completely waterproof. Slide your foot into the fully faux-fur lined interior for heavenly comfort. The 200-grams of insulation will keep you warm in moderately cold temperatures. Overall it's a light and versatile winter boot.
REASONS TO BUY
Warm
Faux-fur collar
Waterproof
Versatile
Light
REASONS TO AVOID
Tight and narrow fit
Need to size up
Questionable style

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Heavenly Omni-Heat offers 11 inches of pure comfort and weather protection. Wear it for less technical hikes, to work, or around town. This is one of the most versatile boots we tested.

Performance Comparison


columbia heavenly omni-heat lace-up - the heavenly omni-heat boots are flexible, soft, and comfortable...
The Heavenly Omni-Heat boots are flexible, soft, and comfortable. One of the most versatile boots tested.
Credit: Amber King

Warmth


Loaded with 200 grams of insulation and Columbia's Omni-Heat heat-reflective technology in the liner, this boot keeps feet warm in freezing conditions.

columbia heavenly omni-heat lace-up - 200 grams of insulation will keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures.
200 grams of insulation will keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures.
Credit: Amber King

While there is ample insulation throughout this boot, the sole is relatively thin and was a source of heat loss during super cold days out in the field. As a result, we're not sure if the -25 degree temperature rating claim is correct, as we quickly lost heat when temperatures were around zero degrees, and our feet were left cold.

columbia heavenly omni-heat lace-up - faux-fur extends from the collar along the interior of the boot for...
Faux-fur extends from the collar along the interior of the boot for ample coziness and warmth.
Credit: Amber King

Weather Protection


This boot is exceptional in snow. The faux-fur collar keeps out blowing snow while the upper protects even after walking around for hours. When we stood in a local lake and marched around for a few minutes, no water penetrated through the seams either. The upper is indeed waterproof. When we went a little deeper, however, water seeped in where the tongue meets the body of the boot. This happened with most of the boots we tested. Despite this weak point, we are impressed with the weather protection of this fabric-based boot.

columbia heavenly omni-heat lace-up - during our water tests, this boot stayed dry until it met the point...
During our water tests, this boot stayed dry until it met the point where the tongue and body separated. Here we show that point of waterproofing.
Credit: Amber King

Comfort & Fit


As the lightest boot in our test (weighing less than a pound), you'll hardly know this boot is on your feet. As a result, we recommend it for all-day wear. We also love its fur-lined interior that makes stepping inside quite cozy, generating warmth on the go.

columbia heavenly omni-heat lace-up - it features a flexible shaft that is easy to walk in for days.
It features a flexible shaft that is easy to walk in for days.
Credit: Amber King

While we love the comfort features, the Heavenly has quite a tight fit. When pairing it with thick wool socks, we could hardly wear the boots because they were too tight. The toe box is narrow and doesn't have a whole lot of volume. Also, the heel is super tight and small in comparison to other boots in this review. Those with narrow feet will likely love this boot, but we would recommend sizing up a half or even full size depending on the width of your feet.

columbia heavenly omni-heat lace-up - pull once and all the laces tighten up with the  heavenly omni-heat.
Pull once and all the laces tighten up with the Heavenly Omni-Heat.
Credit: Amber King

Ease of Use


Pulling on this boot is not the easiest. The interior is lined with a super plush faux-fur that catches on the fabric of socks. The shaft of the boot is not stiff, so both hands are needed to open it up. While it's harder to put on than some, we do like that the lacing system can be tightened with just one simple pull. It locks the boot into place and doesn't move for hours.

columbia heavenly omni-heat lace-up - this 11-inch boot features faux-fur and a baffled design throughout...
This 11-inch boot features faux-fur and a baffled design throughout the body of the boot. Perfect to wear with a pair of tights or under a pair of pants.
Credit: Amber King

Traction


With fan-shaped lugs and a rubber outsole, this boot provides decent traction overall. The longer lugs grab trails and snowy sidewalks when the weather turns foul.

columbia heavenly omni-heat lace-up - the outsole is loaded with tri tipped lugs that bite the trail in...
The outsole is loaded with tri tipped lugs that bite the trail in all directions.
Credit: Amber King

Unfortunately, the Heavenly doesn't offer much in the way of surface area on the bottom of the outsole. That is to say, it's thinner and more narrow. As a result, we found ourselves falling through deep snow easier than with the broader platform found in wider options. Despite this small caveat, we felt this boot did well for trudging around town and light hiking in the woods.

columbia heavenly omni-heat lace-up - decent traction, suitable for light hiking and around-town use.
Decent traction, suitable for light hiking and around-town use.
Credit: Amber King

Value


This boot is a decent value. While other options have better protection and warmth for less, this one stands out for its super flexible and lightweight design. If this is what you seek, we think the price is right.

columbia heavenly omni-heat lace-up - heather takes a look into a beautiful canyon while on an afternoon...
Heather takes a look into a beautiful canyon while on an afternoon hike after teaching all day.
Credit: Amber King

Conclusion


Take this super flexible boot anywhere! Wear it to work, on a trail, or around town. It's versatile, protective, and warm, a great winter wear option.

columbia heavenly omni-heat lace-up - take a light hike with this soft snow boot!
Take a light hike with this soft snow boot!
Credit: Amber King

Amber King