Reviews You Can Rely On

Columbia Minx Slip-On Review

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columbia minx slip-on winter boots women review
Credit: Columbia
Price:  $110 List
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Manufacturer:   Columbia
By Amanda Fenn ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 9, 2013

Our Verdict

We reviewed both the Columbia Minx Slip-On Omni-Heat and the Columbia Minx Mid, and we quickly came to the conclusion that we liked the lace-up version much better. The Minx Slip-On has been replaced by the Minx Slip-On II.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to take on and off
Very Lightweight
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Not very attractive
Not very warm
When we first tried on the Minx Slip-On, we kind of got the feeling that it was a glorified house slipper: it looks like a house slipper, its lightweight, and it doesn't provide much support in the sole or ankle. Although this piece turned out to be much warmer than a house slipper and was surprisingly waterproof, it just didn't compare in performance or style to many of the other women's winter boots in our review.

Our Analysis and Test Results

columbia minx slip-on winter boots women review - rocking the columbia minx slip-ons on a cold, cold day in boulder...
Rocking the Columbia Minx Slip-Ons on a cold, cold day in Boulder. In comparison to the other boots in this review, these boots left our feet pretty chilly. Columbia says these boots will keep your feet warm to -25F, but we beg to differ.
Credit: Skiy Detray

Not the most attractive boot, the Columbia Minx Slip-Ons were the lightest of all the winter boots in our review. They were also the easiest to take on and off. Although these slip-ons weren't very warm, they were quite waterproof and they were some of the least expensive boots in our review. For a more stylish piece that has many of the Minx Slip-On's qualities, including its affordable price tag, check out the Columbia Minx Mid Omni-Heat, which laces up the front and has a faux fur-lined cuff.

Performance Comparison



Warmth


The Columbia Minx Slip-Ons were some of the shorter boots in our review and they were the only model that didn't have some sort of lace system to cinch down the upper and seal in heat. Despite the 200 grams of OMNI-HEAT insulation and Columbia's OMNI-HEAT reflective lining, these boots just didn't stay warm. When we wore our pants tucked into these boots, snow could also fall into the boot through the spacious top opening. Brrrrr. For a lightweight boot that is significantly warmer and still features a side zipper, consider the Ahnu Northridge.

columbia minx slip-on winter boots women review - the minx slip-on doesn't have any sort of cinch system at the top to...
The Minx Slip-On doesn't have any sort of cinch system at the top to seal in heat. We found that much of the boot's warmth slipped out the top, plus it didn't offer much extra heat on the calves.
Credit: Skiy Detray

Comfort & Coziness


There wasn't really anything comfy or cozy going on in this piece. The sole provides little support and the lining isn't soft or plush. Because it's so lightweight, the boot does move easily with you when you walk, and the thin sole provides as close a feeling to being barefoot as a boot probably can. We thought that the taller Columbia Minx Mid Omni-Heat was much cozier, since its upper shaft cinches down against the calf.

columbia minx slip-on winter boots women review - the columbia minx slip-on omni-heat is lined with columbia's...
The Columbia Minx Slip-On Omni-Heat is lined with Columbia's OMNI-HEAT thermal reflective technology as well as 200 grams of its OMNI-HEAT insulation. This makes the boot quite light, but comparatively doesn't provide much warmth.
Credit: Amanda Fenn

Water Resistance


We were pleasantly surprised that the Columbia Minx Slip-On was waterproof up to about 5 inches of water. Oddly, though, the boot started taking on water below the point where the tongue dips to meet the sides. We're not sure where this mystery leak was coming from, but unless you're standing in really deep puddles or trying to wade a creek in this boot, it's not a huge problem.

Style & Fit


When we asked friends and family to weigh in on the style of all the footwear in this review, these slip-ons came in last. Unlike the similar, but more attractive Minx Mid, the slip-on version just doesn't have any interest- or style-adding features. And, as we mentioned before, the quilted design just kind of makes this boot look like a house slipper. This piece runs just a tiny bit small and is on the narrow side.

columbia minx slip-on winter boots women review - the columbia minx slip-on has a quilted design that just continually...
The Columbia Minx Slip-On has a quilted design that just continually reminded us of a house slipper. Unlike the Minx Mid (which laces up) the slip-on model doesn't have any interest adding features.
Credit: Amanda Fenn

Traction


Columbia outfitted this shoe with its OMNI-GRIP outsole. We weren't super impressed with the traction that the Minx Slip-On offered, but it was grippier than the Tecnica Moon Boot and the The North Face Janey II. The thin sole allowed us to feel the the ground a little bit better, so overall that improved the traction a bit.

columbia minx slip-on winter boots women review - the small lugs on the bottom of the columbia minx slip-on didn't...
The small lugs on the bottom of the Columbia Minx Slip-On didn't provide nearly as much traction as the deep treads on the Vasque Pow Pow Ultradry.
Credit: Amanda Fenn

Ease to Take On & Off


This boot did excel in how easy it was to take on and off. The Columbia Minx Slip-On doesn't have any laces, just a simple side zipper. Also thanks to its shorter shaft, it's easy to kick off and pull back on.

Best Application


Since these slip-ons are so easy to take on and off, we liked them for quick errands and outdoor chores like taking out the compost or garbage. They were also better on warmer days when we didn't have to worry about our toes getting cold.

Value


At $110, the Columbia Minx Slip-On was one of the most affordable boots in our review; however, if you're like us, you'd probably rather spend a bit more to get something stylish that you'll actually get a lot more use out of. If you like the idea of the Minx Slip-On, but aren't sold on its fashion sense, be sure to check out the Minx Mid, which is warmer and more stylish, for just $10 more.

columbia minx slip-on winter boots women review - these were some of the least expensive boots in our review, but if...
These were some of the least expensive boots in our review, but if you're looking for a winter hiker, consider the Vasque Pow Pow. Just looking for an all-around winter boot at a great price? Check out the Sorel Joan of Arctic - our Best Buy award winner!
Credit: Skiy Detray

Conclusion


The Columbia Minx Slip-On isn't the best for women who live in cold climates or those who care about stylish footwear. This piece scored well in our waterproof and ease of taking on and off metrics, but fell short in style, comfort, and warmth.

columbia minx slip-on winter boots women review - here, amanda wears the columbia minx slip-ons under her jeans on a...
Here, Amanda wears the Columbia Minx Slip-Ons under her jeans on a short walk in Arches National Park. This piece is not suitable for even light hiking.
Credit: Liz Scordato

Other Versions


The Minx Shorty Oh Herringbone, are a shorter version of this shoe and have a herringbone style. The Minx Moccasin Omni-Heat, feature a suede leather lower part of the shoe and jacket like baffling on the top, complete with a drawstring for tightening, while the Minx Mid II Omni Heat, sport jacket like baffling around the shoe and have faux-fur detail.

Amanda Fenn