Patagonia Drifter Shoe : Grab the Pack, Leave the Boots at Home

I am always on the look out for my ideal hiking shoes, and I almost always come up empty handed.

Basically, I want a hiking shoe with the same support, stability, tread, and all-around trail toughness as my hiking boots provide. I don't want to hike in trail running shoes or even multi-sport shoes. I want a stiff forefoot or rocker-sole style sole that protects my feet from the terrain and from excessive flexing. I get all that and more from Patagonia's Drifter Shoe.

What a lot of people don't realize is that squishy, flexible shoes might feel great when you try then on in the store but a few miles into a hike or power walk you're going to regret that purchase. The Drifter shoe has a seriously treaded Vibram sole, a midsole with cushioning that doesn't feel "cushy," and an insole board (which I think is some type of shank--an added stability feature usually found in serious backpacking boots). Thanks to these design features, I get a stable ride on what feels like a thick sole no matter what terrain I cover. My feet stay comfortable, so I can walk on and on with no signs of foot fatigue or soreness.

I love the rounded toebox (I wish all shoes had rounded toeboxes) because I actually have room for my toes. I have wide feet, and my toes splay out (I've heard them referred to as Frodo feet and Fred Flintstone feet) -- so I really appreciate having a shoe designed to accommodate my forefoot. I also like the toe bumper that runs back to the arch of the shoe - just some added protection against the elements. Because the Drifter incorporates Gore-Tex and bellows-style tongue, I have purposely stomped through many, many large puddles to test the weatherproofeness. So far, my feet have stayed dry. Even on dry days my feet are protected with a wicking lining that pulls moisture off of them.

Finally, I appreciate the low-key, stylish metal grommets of the lacing system. I can cinch up my shoes tight, and they never dig into my feet. I also like the simple design of these shoes--a bit of contrast stitching and color around the laces make it look like a casual shoe for daily wear. Of course, I would never wear mine for anything other than hikes and power walks -- I want them to last forever.

Another bonus -- some of the materials used in the Drifter shoe are recycled or partially recycled.

Available in women's and men's sizes.

Bottom Line : I love these tough, attractive hikers. I had a short break-in time, then was good to go. -- E.D. (Dec 08)

Price : $130 Click on one of the links below

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