Columbia operates using the wrong definition of waterproof. I have a Columbia waterproof jacket that was NEVER waterproof. Aside from that major major problem, their products seem to work as well as I'd expect for the price. After many years of using Columbia products, I've decided that they only produce non-rainy day equipment. That's not the kind of performance I'll spend my money on anymore.
My boot of choice is this Scarpa boot. It's a leather boot that takes application of waterproofing goop well. I've found it to be waterproof for a few years and then not so much after whatever makes it waterproof starts to fail (guessing the Goretex degrades and seams start to leak). Scarpa boots shine in the fit department for me (perfect fit). My only complaint about Scarpa boots is they seem to fall apart earlier than I'd like but maybe that's just my higher than possible expectation.