April 05, 2012
By Sam Hudson
Columbia Sportswear showed off its creative muscles last year when it introduced the Men's Drainmaker. The unique, wildly-colored water shoe gained followers quickly from boating, kayaking and wade fishing circles.
For 2012, Columbia ups the ante.
The beefed-up version of the original Drainmaker shoe is called the Powerdrain. It offers great fit and support for fishermen on their feet all day. On the boat deck, in the water, or partially submerged in your kayak's cockpit, this shoe handles water efficiently. The "amphibious" Powerdrain utilizes a fully drainable design, similar to last year's Drainmaker. Gone are the shoelaces, and instead is a quick-pull bungee cord on the upper portion of the shoe and side welds for a tight feel.
Columbia's 3-layer system allows water and air to move easily through the shoe for quick-dry, barefoot comfort. An Omni-Grip wet-grip rubber sole keeps traction on most slick surfaces. Weight is about 8.7 ounces for a size 9 1/2. A number of colors are available including Intense Red, Black and Asphalt, Laser Lemon. Expect to pay about $95. For more, visit the Columbia Sportswear website.
