Verdict from 68 user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- Pampering: Reviewers in droves find the Columbia Flow District extremely plush. One of them even said that even after 8+ hours of walking, the shoe stayed comfy.
- Grippy: Many hikers say that this shoe sticks incredibly over "steep slopes" as well as on "rock, mud, and dirt."
- Light: The Flow District is barely-there weight-wise, and numerous adventurers very much agree.
- Reliable midfoot: This hiker from Columbia provides excellent arch support.
- Eye-catching: Expect to also make a fashion statement while wearing this as you mind the trail ahead.
2 reasons not to buy
- Narrow (women’s variant): Based on a couple of reports, the shoe could be more spacious around the toe box.
- Ventilation issues: Ridding your tootsies of the stuffiness they do not deserve might be a tall order for the Columbia Flow District.
Bottom line
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.
Tip: see the best hiking shoes.
Head-to-head: Columbia Flow District 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
While both competing kicks are budget-friendly hikers, the Pivot takes the cake by being cheaper than the Flow District by roughly $10.
Terrain tenacity
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.
Additional info
- Columbia has in its portfolio a shoe called Flow Centre. It shares some similarities with the Flow District, but comes into its own with its supportive mid-top collar.
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