Multi-purpose shoes
Product 2018
Man

Columbia MontrailFluidFlex XSR

These Columbia shoes are versatile and at ease on rolling terrain and on the forest tracks. As soon as it becomes steep or muddy you quickly reach the limits that these can provide.

 

With the FluidFlex XSR, you can’t help being a little skeptical when you read the technical specifications laid out by Columbia. The first thing we notice is the arch supported by a supple plastic frame that envelops the ankle. We immediately thought of the older models developed by Salomon or Eider that at the time chose this technical option.

The result wasn’t very convincing: the foothold wasn’t good and depending on your arch height they rubbed around your ankles.

 

So it was with skepticism that we slid on these Columbia for several long outings in the mountains. The other surprise we had was that the heel isn’t held by any reinforcements, except the plastic frame so this rear zone is very flexible…

 

The FluidFlex XSR is designed like a slipper: you slide your foot inside and close it with the laces, like a compression sock. Usually these type of products are difficult to put on, but Columbia has used materials that are flexible enough to allow your foot easy entry. The only slightly negative point is that the two small front and back loops are not quite big enough to slide your fingers through.

 

The feeling of comfort is immediate: like slippers! The foot envelopment is very good. The shoe is like a second skin and the toe box is slightly wider.

 

The feeling of lightness is very pleasant, 245g on the scales. The heel cushioning is noticeable in the first strides, and the Columbia sensations feel similar to the Trans Alp FKT II – firmer in the center and softer on the edges of the sole, which gives a rolling sensation in the foot strike.

 

In the downhill on non-technical terrain these shoes are a dream, they filter out the bumps and protect the runner from pointy stones. These Columbia have less rebound than other models, due to the cushioning and their 4mm drop encourages the runner to lean forward.

The sole is performant on easy terrain but less efficient when it’s wet and even worse in the mud, it turns into a skidding fest.

 

 

We were surprised by the foothold at the heel, great if you aren’t on technical ground. You have a controlled flexibility. You lose a little precision when traversing slopes your foot has a tendency to slide inside the shoe but the plastic frame at the rear of the foot doesn’t hurt. In steep climbs you end up feeling the arch which isn’t really comfortable after a long time. At the heel a fold does form in the fabric and a pressure point emerges.

Breathable, with stone guards and flat lacing, which do not slip despite their appearance. The major good point is that they slide well in the eyelets and adjust perfectly.

 

 

 

We recommend these Columbia FluidFlex XSR for runners who prefer flattish forest style tracks, or non-technical single tracks. Excellent cushioning for nasty bumpy tracks, but technical terrain and mud are not their strong points. On long distances you really need to check the zone at the heel to avoid any rubbing.

 

 

"We recommend these Columbia FluidFlex XSR for runners who prefer flattish forest style tracks, or non-technical single tracks. Excellent cushioning for nasty bumpy tracks, but technical terrain and mud are not their strong points. On long distances you really need to check the zone at the heel to avoid any rubbing."

Rating

Track skiing

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • Foot hold
  • Cushioning quality
  • Grip
  • Foot strike
  • Stone guard

Price : 119,95

15 mm 11 mm4 mm

Base width

M

TYPE OF FEET

Pronator Universal Supinator

Overall Rating

7.00

LONG TERM TEST

We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:

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