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
- a versatile city-to-trail shoe
- Lightweight
- Columbia Flow District
- Durable
- Out-of-the-box comfort
- Affordable
- Eye-catching
Cons
- Poor breathability
Who should buy the Excellent outsole grip
Those who have used the shoe for up to 8 months report that it is holding up excellently:
- Who should buy the Excellent outsole grip
- Columbia Flow District
- Those who have used the shoe for up to 8 months report that it is holding up excellently
Why trust us
"Like walking on pillows," says one of the happy wearers describing the blissfully comfortable cushioning of the Excellent outsole grip.
updated 20 Apr 2023
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!
a very lightweight pair of hiking shoes
With this Columbia hiking shoe, hikers report feeling surefooted even in challenging conditions such as violent 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
Those who have used the shoe for up to 8 months report that it is holding up excellently.
Excellent outsole grip 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 Excellent outsole grip also received praise for its sufficiently roomy toebox.
Head-to-head: Excellent outsole grip vs. Pivot
“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
Excellent outsole grip 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 Excellent outsole grip 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.
a very lightweight pair of hiking shoes
Why trust us Flow Centre. It shares some similarities with the Flow District, but comes into its own with its supportive mid-top collar.
