When it comes to athletic and outdoor shoes, Nortiv 8 and Columbia are two popular brands to consider. Both offer durable, comfortable shoes but have some key differences that may make one better suited for your needs and preferences.
This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, features, and key distinctions between Nortiv 8 and Columbia.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspect | Nortiv 8 | Columbia |
| Style | Athletic, versatile | Outdoor, rugged |
| Typical Use | Running, training, casual wear | Hiking, outdoor activities |
| Comfort Features | Memory foam, moisture-wicking lining | Techlite midsole, padded tongue and collar |
| Traction | Multi-directional lugs | Omni-Grip outsole |
| Waterproof Models | Select models | Select models |
| Weight | Lightweight | Mid-weight |
| Durability | Durable ripstop mesh upper | Leather and suede materials |
| Price Range | $60-$120 | $80-$200 |
| Origin | China | USA |
| Popular Models | Nortiv 8 Runner, Nortiv 8 Trail | Newton Ridge Plus, Redmond III |
Overview of Nortiv 8
Nortiv 8 is an athletic footwear brand known for its versatile, lightweight shoes. Here are some key features and technologies:
- Versatile styling – Models like the Nortiv 8 Runner and Nortiv 8Trainer feature a sleek, athletic look suitable for the gym or everyday wear.
- Lightweight – Many styles utilize breathable mesh uppers and EVA foam midsoles to reduce weight.
- Comfort technologies – Memory foam insoles, moisture-wicking linings, and padded heel collars provide comfort and support.
- Traction outsoles – Rubber outsoles with multi-directional lugs enhance traction.
- Reflective accents – Reflective logos and trim improve visibility.
- Price range – Nortiv 8 shoes retail between $60-$120.
- Models – Popular styles include the Nortiv 8 Runner, Nortiv 8 Trail, Nortiv 8 Trainer, and Nortiv 8 Walk.
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Versatile for athletic activities and casual wear
- Affordable pricing from $60-$120
- Memory foam insoles provide cushioning
- Moisture-wicking linings keep feet dry
- Reflective accents for visibility
- Contemporary athletic styling
Cons:
- Durability not as robust as Columbia
- Traction not optimized for rugged terrain
- Limited waterproofing on select models only
- Lesser known brand than Columbia
Overview of Columbia
Columbia specializes in rugged outdoor and hiking footwear. Some notable features include:
- Rugged styling – Columbia shoes have a rugged, outdoorsy look suited for the trails.
- Durable materials – Leather, suede, mesh, and synthetic uppers hold up well to outdoor use.
- Comfort technologies – The Techlite midsole provides lightweight cushioning. Select models have padded tongues and collars.
- Omni-Grip outsole – This proprietary rubber outsole has an aggressive lug pattern for traction on varied terrain.
- Waterproof options – Many models are available with waterproof membranes.
- Price range – Columbia shoes cost between $80-$200.
- Models – Popular options are the Newton Ridge Plus, Redmond III, and various hiking boot styles.
Pros:
- Rugged design for hiking and outdoor activities
- Durable leather/suede uppers withstand elements
- Omni-Grip outsoles provide excellent traction
- Waterproofing on many styles
- Reputable brand known for quality
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Heavier and less breathable than Nortiv 8
- More expensive – $80-$200 price range
- Bulky look not ideal for athletic activities
- Break-in period required for stiff leather models
- Mainly for outdoor rather than gym use
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Key Differences Between Nortiv 8 and Columbia
Now that we have covered the basics information about both of them. Let’s dive into the deeper and compare them across their key features:
· Style and Intended Use
Nortiv 8 shoes have a sleek, athletic look that aligns with their versatile usage for activities like running, training, and casual everyday wear.
They utilize lightweight mesh uppers, minimalist styling, and bold colorschemes that give them a modern, gym-ready appearance. Many Nortiv 8 models have a low-profile design suitable for speedwork.
In contrast, Columbia shoes have a bulkier, outdoorsy look with leather/suede uppers and an aggressive lugged outsole. This aligns with Columbia’s specialty of designing footwear specifically for hiking, trail running, and extended use in the outdoors.
Columbia shoes prioritize function over form. While they may not look as sleek as Nortiv 8, their sturdy build stands up to rugged terrain.
· Comfort Technologies
Nortiv 8 maximizes comfort for athletic pursuits by using memory foam insoles to soften impact and reduce foot fatigue. The memory foam molds to the contours of the foot and provides responsive cushioning during activities like running.
Additionally, Nortiv 8 uses moisture-wicking fabric linings in areas like the heel collar to actively draw sweat away from the foot. This combination of targeted memory foam and moisture management makes Nortiv 8 shoes both soft and breathable.
On the other hand, Columbia employs lightweight midsole foams like Techlite to cushion the entire foot without excessive softness. This firmer cushioning provides stability and support for hiking with heavy packs over uneven ground.
Columbia also relies on design elements like padded ankles and gusseted tongues to prevent rubbing and hotspots during long days outdoors. The padding helps, but overall Columbia offers more structure versus the softer, more breathable comfort of Nortiv 8.
· Traction and Grip
The chunky, aggressive Omni-Grip outsole on Columbia shoes digs into loose dirt, mud, and snow to keep traction stable on unpredictable terrain.
Its multidirectional lugs and rubber compound give it an advantage when hiking downhill or climbing over rocks and roots where slipping could cause injury. Columbia put years of R&D into engineering Omni-Grip for traction in the outdoors.
In comparison, the thinner rubber outsole of Nortiv 8 is oriented more for flat surfaces like roads and tracks.
While it does have some multidirectional gripping ability, the lugs are nowhere near as pronounced as Columbia’s. Nortiv 8 traction excels for athletic training but comes up short versus Columbia’s trail-optimized Omni-Grip soles.
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· Weight
Nortiv 8 selects lightweight mesh fabric uppers and low-profile EVA foam midsoles to keep the weight down. This feather-light feeling enhances speed and performance for running while making the shoes more packable and portable. After long miles, lighter shoes also reduce foot fatigue.
Columbia does not prioritize minimal weight, instead using sturdy leathers and synthetic textiles to construct the uppers.
This adds bulk but also improves structure and durability. In the midsole, Columbia’s Techlite foam cushions without an excessively soft feeling underfoot. Together the upper and midsole create a shoe that feels substantial for hiking rigors but not overly heavy.
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· Waterproofing
Both brands offer select waterproof styles to help keep feet dry in wet conditions. Nortiv 8 uses proprietary waterproof membranes laminated onto fabric uppers to repel moisture.
These membranes have micropores that still allow sweat vapor to escape, preventing a soggy feeling inside the shoe. However, most Nortiv models are not waterproof.
Columbia integrates technologies like Omni-Shield into many of their shoes, especially hiking boots.
Omni-Shield coats the exterior fabric in a chemical treatment that causes water to bead up and roll off the surface while still allowing air exchange. Having waterproofing standard on more models gives Columbia an advantage in wet environments.
· Durability
Nortiv 8 stands up well to athletic wear but cannot match Columbia’s durability born from leather and suede uppers. The abrasion-resistant ripstop mesh of Nortiv resists tears but is vulnerable to punctures from things like rocks.
The cemented construction also risks coming apart over time. They work well for running but lack the long-term endurance of Columbia’s shoes.
Columbia uses stitched and sealed construction along with thick leathers that resist abrasion and water saturation far longer than mesh fabrics can. Additionally, the zig-zag stitchdown method of attaching the outsole improves stability.
Overall, Columbia easily outpaces Nortiv for extended longevity thanks to the structure and quality materials. The tradeoff is less breathability and flexibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Nortiv 8 is known for making affordable, lightweight athletic shoes. They perform well for running, training, walking, and cross-training. The brand isn’t as established as others, but provides quality and value.
Nortiv 8 is owned by Grabit Inc., a company based in China that manufactures athletic footwear. They have their own shoe factories in China.
Nortiv 8 shoes are designed at the company headquarters in China. The shoes are manufactured in China as well.
Yes, Columbia is a renowned outdoor footwear brand. They’ve been making hiking, trail running, and outdoor shoes for decades. Columbia is known for making durable, waterproof, traction-focused shoes.
Final Thoughts
In the end, choosing between Nortiv 8 and Columbia comes down to your intended use and budget. Nortiv 8 excels at versatile, lightweight athletic shoes suitable for running and training. Columbia is better for hiking and extended outdoor use where ruggedness and grip matter more.
Nortiv 8 costs less while Columbia has pricier but trail-ready designs. Weigh your priorities, usage, and budget to decide which brand is the better fit. Both Nortiv 8 and Columbia make quality shoes with their own strengths.