Columbia Sportswear Ships Millionth Pair Of Bugabootoos.

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 11, 1999--

Outdoor Company's Inclement Weather Boot Revolutionized

Industry, Upholds Brand's Tradition Of High-Quality,

Value-Priced Products

Today Columbia Sportswear Company(R) (Nasdaq:COLM) shipped its millionth pair of Bugabootoos(TM), the Company's best-selling inclement weather boot.

Since its fall 1993 debut, the product has revolutionized the winter boot (often called the pac boot) market as the first anatomically correct, value-priced inclement weather boot.

The Bugabootoo(TM), originally called the Bugaboot(R), combines pac boot and athletic shoe technologies. Featuring a single piece, injection molded TPU (thermal plastic urethane) shell, the boot is constructed like an athletic shoe so it's lightweight and flexible, has an EVA midsole for comfort and insulation and provides an exceptional fit. Prior to the debut of this product, most pac boots were bulky, vulcanized rubber styles that were impractical for everyday use. The Bugabootoo(TM) -- with its attractive leather upper, aggressive traction soles and full waterproof construction -- is coveted by outdoor enthusiasts and urban dwellers alike.

"The Bugaboot(R) was Columbia's first entry into the competitive outdoor footwear market, so it's very gratifying to reach such an important milestone with our flagship style," said Company President and CEO Tim Boyle. "Our footwear program has grown exponentially since inception because we had already established Columbia Sportswear as a brand name retailers and consumers could trust, and because our footwear is held to the same high quality standards as our functional apparel.

"This accomplishment highlights our commitment to the rugged footwear business and reinforces our goal to dominate the category."

One of the few outdoor apparel brands that have successfully entered the rugged footwear category, Columbia cites international markets as a key target for growth in this area. The Company's broad selection of fall and spring styles for men, women and children -- including inclement weather, extreme weather, hiking, amphibious, adventure travel, and sandals -- enables retailers worldwide to stock Columbia Sportswear footwear all year long.

Like other Columbia products, the Company's footwear boasts the quality and technical attributes that attract high-end users while offering the general public the best value for the dollar.

"The Bugabootoo(TM) attracts a broad range of consumers who are looking for a reasonably priced boot that will perform in a variety of situations," said Columbia General Manager of Footwear Rodney Gumringer. "The appeal of the Bugabootoo(TM) for both retailers and consumers is that its use is not limited to cold, wet conditions. For retailers, this means our product boasts a longer-than-average shelf life, providing additional sales opportunities, and consumers find that they can wear the boot practically year round."

Other features of the Bugabootoo(TM) include double adhesive latex seam sealing, 200g Thermolite(R) insulation for a temperature rating of -25(Degree)F/-32(Degree)C, removable contoured EVA footbed, and dual-directional, abrasion-resistant carbon rubber outsole for superior traction.

Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company(R) is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the Company has developed an international reputation by expanding its product line, emphasizing quality, performance, functionality and value. To learn more about Columbia Sportswear, please visit the Company's Web site at www.columbia.com.