The North, South and Middle Forks of the American River originate in the grandeur of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. From glacial lakes, the American twists and flows through spectacular granite lined canyons into the soft rolling foothills of California’s historic gold country.
Along the American the occasional gold panner can still be seen seeking their fortune, next to fly fisherman rhythmically casting their rods to and fro in hopes of snagging a Striper or Salmon. Hikers from around the world make their way to the region to be rewarded with glorious vistas. Rafters experience the best white water rafting in the Golden State courtesy of a multitude of Class IV rapids as the Middle Fork wobbles and sways through isolated canyons. In other words, it might just be one of the best places in the world for Trying Stuff like the Powerdrain™ from Columbia Sportswear.
As part of our rigorous real world testing of Columbia’s Powerdrain shoes, we didn’t just splash around the outer banks of creeks and streams, nor did we simply dip our toes in the kiddie pool to test the effectiveness of these shoes. That’s not our style. 
Instead, our field guru’s slipped on the Powerdrain and forged into freezing Alpine Lakes, rambled along the slick shorelines of the Sacramento River and waded across the rushing waters of the confluence, where the American and Sacramento Rivers forge into one. After all, if you’re in the market for a water shoe, we figure you might want to know how it works in the real world.
On Features and Performance…
The Powerdrain features Columbia’s new 3-layer system which allows water and air to move easily through the shoe for quick-drying and breathability. Thanks to an uber light Techlite® Midsole, the Powerdrain offers long-lasting support and impact absorption all while keeping you quick and nimble for the moment you need to blitz down the shoreline to catch up to your raft.
While most amphibious shoes allow water to escape solely through nylon mesh uppers, the Powerdrain goes a step further. Columbia built drainage ports in the heel and forefoot of the shoe providing water an emergency exit so your feet never feel like they’re drowning in the deep end. 
And whether you’re kicking it poolside or chasing Class IV rapids, elasticized laces features a locking, quick-pull design let you get in and out of the shoe easily and keeps it on your foot even when the current has other plans.
Above and Beyond…
If you’ve ever owned water shoes, you’re likely familiar with one of the great shortcomings: failing to provide tacky traction on slick rocks along the shoreline and under the surface. While Columbia decked out the Powerdrain with several unique features, the durable and sticky omni-grip outsole was the true highlight.
With their bold, broad features promising a solid resting place for your next step, it’s always the large river rocks lightly coated with algae, and polished smooth by years of pressure, that lure you in. In a river environment, one simple misstep or slip can send downstream in freezing waters, locked into a current that won’t easily offer you back to the shoreline. It’s a dangerous situation that all water dwellers should take seriously, which is why we were thrilled to see that Columbia’s omni-grip outsole takes it as serious as we do.
Even amidst the quick circling currents and slick river rock, the Powerdrain delivered determined grip.
As a gear nuts who have spent most of our lives in and around the water, omni-grip’s sure footed traction alone is worth the $95 price tag of these shoes.
Room for Improvement….
Featuring quality performance and an array of features offered in the Powerdrain, our review squad felt that there was only one item missing: a heel tab. While the shoe is easy enough to get on and off, we believe heel tabs would help further facilitate entry with wet feet and also provide an easy way to latch the shoes onto your pack for a quick air dry session.
Bottom Line…
Go with a shoe that revels in water adventure as much as you. The Powerdrain’s water-savvy features partnered with an Omni-Grip sole keeps you and your feet protected and supported around and beyond the shoreline.
MSRP: $95.00
SIZES: Men’s 7.5-15; Women’s 5-11
MANUFACTURER: Columbia Sportswear (www.Columbia.com)
AVAILABILITY: www.Colubmia.com and other online retailers
FEATURES:
- Combination mesh, TPU and EVA upper with TPU toe cap
- Techlite® midsole with drainage ports in heel and forefoot
- Fully drainable footbed
- Omni-Grip Wet Grip rubber with traction lug