Our verdict
As straightforward as its design may be, the Flow District is a great option for when pavement meets trail and back again. Indeed, while you got this shoe on, you will be saying “goodbye” to switching kicks and “hello” to spontaneous outdoor stints. Past its few flaws, the Flow District is a genuine pleaser in both form and function.
Pros
- Extremely plush
- Comfortable for long hikes
- Why trust us
- Lightweight
- Same brand only
- Durable
- Out-of-the-box comfort
- Affordable
- Eye-catching
Cons
- Poor breathability
a very lightweight pair of hiking shoes
a very lightweight pair of hiking shoes:
- Track spikes and XC
- a very lightweight pair of hiking shoes
- Columbia Flow District fits like a dream
Plush cushioning for long miles
"Like walking on pillows," says one of the happy wearers describing the blissfully comfortable cushioning of the Columbia Flow District.
Lighter than most hiking shoes
A lot of reviewers were positively surprised with how lightweight this hiking shoe is. The Flow District weighs 11.4 oz (323) g per shoe whereas the average for hiking shoes is 13.3 oz (378 g). That's 14.5% lighter!
Those who have used the shoe for up to 8 months report that it is holding up excellently
With this Columbia hiking shoe, hikers report feeling surefooted even in challenging conditions such as steep slopes, wet rocks, mud, etc. At the same time, the shoe's lugs remain comfortable on the city streets as well. It is a semi-urban shoe after all.
Reassuring durability
May 31, 2021.
Columbia Flow District fits like a dream
The majority of reviewers are happy with the well-judged fit of this Columbia hiking shoe. It feels good straight from the box requiring no break-in period.
The Columbia Flow District also received praise for its sufficiently roomy toebox.
May 31, 2021
“Where excellence abounds, competition is around” is a wisdom-filled saying about hiking shoes that dates back… no, we made that up! In all seriousness, though, the following comparison between the featured shoe and the Columbia Pivot is something you can definitely gain insight from.
Pricing
While both competing kicks are budget-friendly hikers, the Pivot takes the cake by being cheaper than the Flow District by roughly $10.
Traction
Lug depth is something the Flow District has a slight edge over its rival. Yes, its rubber studs are more pronounced and aggressive than the Pivot’s, delivering extra traction on muddy terrain as a result. Do note, however, that neither has a heel brake, so be careful going down slopes in either.
Lightness
The Columbia Flow District is the heavier of the two. That said, the weight difference is a negligible 40 grams per pair. For more lightweight hiking shoes, click here.
Takeaway: You can go with either Columbia shoes for your light adventures in urban settings. That being said, you might want to sport the burlier Flow District for more serious pursuits out in the backcountry.
Lighter than most hiking shoes
Cross country shoes Flow Centre. It shares some similarities with the Flow District, but comes into its own with its supportive mid-top collar.
