New Brand: Columbia Sportswear

Words: Sebastian Nicu

Columbia Sportswear is as much a part of the urban streets of Berlin as it is of the hiking routes of the Italian Alps or the Bavarian ski slopes. Originally a small family owned business, the brand founded by German-born Paul Lamfrom is an immense power on the outdoor clothing market today. Shortly after Lamfrom and his wife fled from Nazi Germany to Portland in 1937, the married couple decided to buy a local hat distributor and named it the Columbia Hat Company, after the nearby Columbia River. Over the years, the family had more and more difficulties finding suppliers, so in 1960 they took a giant step that would later stir up the industry: The Columbia Hat Company became Columbia Sportswear and the family began producing and selling their own clothes.

After the death of an important board member – the Lamfroms’ son-in-law suffered a heart attack – his surviving widow Gret Boyle and their son Timothy took over Columbia Sportswear and saved the company from bankruptcy. Even today – 81 years after its foundation – the mother-son team is still active in management positions and leads the company. Columbia is known above all for its outdoor and functional clothing, but since the norm-core hype is still omnipresent, the geography teachers’ style can also frequently be spotted in the concrete jungle. So it’s best to deck out with the current collection right away, because fleece season is just around the corner. And who says that outdoor clothing only works outdoors? Exactly, nobody.

But maybe you’re a passionate hiker who loves to wear his outdoor jackets in the wilderness just as much as on the way to the office or university. Imagine if there were shoes that you could wear both in the mountains and on the streets. And all this without making a fool of yourself, because as a reader of the HHV Journal you most probably place a lot of value on fly kicks. With the SH/FT series, Columbia now delivers exactly that: Everyday sneakers that can withstand any extreme situation. Whether you’re looking for a neutral shoe in muted earth tones or want to channel your inner Fresh Prince of the Grossglockner in flashy 90s colors, Columbia SH/FT has the right shoe for you. The different silhouettes combine style and the best outdoor technology. The SH/FT midsole delivers optimal traction whether you’re running after the bus or climbing a narrow path. The waterproof construction keeps your feet dry without sacrificing breathability. While sprinting to catch the tram, you’ll also notice that the SH/FT sole cushioning provides optimal energy return.