I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes.
-Oprah Winfrey
From their Black Friday ad that asked you not to buy this jacket, to their repair program, to their corporate responsibility and commitment to sustainability, to their policy of recycling clothing at the end of its life cycle, Patagonia is an epically eco company that’s getting it done.
And from now until April 23rd, they’re showing their eco ethics by donating $10 to Healthy Child Healthy World for every pair of Patagonia shoes sold through Online Shoes!
Awesomesauce, right? But what are the shoes like?
I got to try out a pair to tell you about, and went with the Patagonia Fore Runner in Deep Plum/Flash Pink for running the trails at the state park that borders our property. The road that I take from my house to pick up the trails is pretty steep, and has lots of loose gravel and whatnot. I really wanted something with a bit of grip.
Bear with me here, I’m a novice runner and I don’t really know what an experienced runner looks for. These are just the details that jumped out at me.
I agonized for hours about what size to order; I can wear anything from a 10 to an 11 depending on the brand. Figuring I could always stretch a slightly-too-small shoe (as opposed to blistering in a too-big shoe), I went with 10s and they fit nice and snugly without caging my toes in. Yippee!
The Patagonia Fore Runner claims to be a minimalist trail runner and ideal for long distances. I’m still maxing out at about 3 miles, so I can’t vouch for that bit, but I did take these shoes out for a treadmill run and a trail jog.
My other pair of athletic sneaks are Asics, which I always thought were pretty light (compared to the Pumas and Converse I wore before them); the Fore Runners are notably lighter. The insole really cradles my high arch, which is pretty unusual for a sneaker (usually I have to buy some gel inserts).
Why yes, I do have the knobbiest knees ever. Thanks for noticing!
I ran just under 3 miles on the treadmill (without stopping! OK, no I slowed to a walk once, but only for a minute and I made it up at the end! super slow, but I did not die! Thx Couch to 5K!) the first time I wore these out, in retrospect not the brightest idea in the world, but with no ill effects. No “breaking in” period: the Fore Runner is very flexible right out of the box, which made me wonder if they weren’t going to be the best trail shoes ever.
A cautious jog downhill to the park (and then a slow jog back up the hill), a distance of a little over a mile, made me pretty confident that I can run faster in these on our crumbling backroad and the trails without breaking my dang leg. They were plenty grippy and I didn’t go sliding at all. Which may or may not have happened before. Which may or may not have resulted in me almost falling in White Clay Creek.
So all in all, I like ’em a lot. They’re nice and light and comfy and sturdy, and they don’t look too much like “hiker” shoes— super cute for every day, even if they do nothing to minimize my giantess feet (Pumas have the market cornered on that quality).
Also, they match my hair, as a lovely older gentlemen pointed out to me at the Y.
OK, you got me. You can’t really see my hair in that photo, but I’m using it as #PROOF that I ran. If you want to see my pink stripe in all its gaudy glory go here.
Patagonia Fore Runner specs:
- breathable airmesh and synthetic leather with perforated nylon overlay reinforcements
- moisture-wicking, 100% polyester airmesh collar and tongue lining keep feet cool and dry
- 15% recycled anatomical EVA footbed
- gender-specific footframe provides a smooth forefoot stride, while a shock-absorption distribution plate protects against rocks
- multi-density sticky rubber outsole provides 360-degree wet/dry traction
- shoebox has pretty swirly design on the inside and invites you to turn it inside out and reuse for storage. SO BRILLIANT. How is it that I’ve never seen that before?
GIVEAWAY!!
Online Shoes and Patagonia are offering up a pair of shoes to one lucky reader! Whoop whoop!
Doesn’t have to be sneaks or trail shoes, they have lovely comfy-casual and decently-dressy kicks too. Not just for the ladies, either! Menfolk, feel free to get in on this action 🙂
Just follow the directions on the Rafflecopter widget. This sweeps will end next Friday, April 20th, at midnight.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I received a pair of shoes for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
So many to choose from but I am loving the Patagonia Fiona Quilted High Boots
Love the color of your sneakers (and hair!)
I like the
Women’s Patagonia P26 A/C Feather Grey/Nile Blue
I love the Tsali 2.0! I need a new pair of kicks!
oh man, i need new runners so badly. my current shoes have 2 years of walking on them and almost a year of running. sooo bad.
oops. i forgot to tell you which pair! I’d definitely go for the Women’s Patagonia Fore Runner in Deep Plum/Flash Pink (like you are wearing).
I like the Pinhook Style
The Specter shoes look great! I can’t decide a color though, they’re all so cute!
And love the color of your shoes…too cute!
I am liking the Women’s Patagonia Specter Burlap, Item # 249072. I go through running shoes frequently so these would definitely get some good use!
Love the Patagonia Release – but I am in dire need of new hiking shoes – so the Drifter AC Mid or the P26 mid look pretty sweet too.
i Love the Women’s Patagonia
Maha Breathe Sable Brown
Definitely Fore Runner. Look perfect for my needs.
Tsali’s for me! Love the color!
Tweeted @ https://twitter.com/#!/TheWeddingQueen/status/190807769690021888
I am loving the Bhanda slice and the criss cross too!
Hillary
Fore Runner. so cool
You look great in those shoes!!
I would love the bly goretex. moving to OR soon! Lots of hiking ensuing! The Bhanda is yummy and the cragster is…AWESOME! So hard to choose but these are all in the running.
Cute shoes! I need a pair of running shoes.
If I win, I would choose the New Balance running shoe.
I love the Addie Rider High Chimney 🙂
Womens Specter perhaps?
I would love to have the Fiona Quilted High Black boots!
Just started running again (finally) and it’s time for a new pair of sneakers. I love the ones I have (Asics) and am looking to upgrade a bit. Maybe something fancier.
This is the first time I’ve linked to your blog – I haven’t even read an entry yet! But I figured why not start off with a bang and enter a contest 🙂
I love the Bandha Thong – summer should mean no socks!
I would hands down want the forerunners as they appear to be a light weight running show. I am trying to get myself back in gear to run but I lack the motivation. A new pair of shoes would easily cure that.
Loving the shoes you picked!
Love the ones you are wearing (fore runner) and also the Specter. Love the bright colors!
Patagonia is probably the only outdoors brand I don’t own yet………they all look good!
Robin, what a fun review and a giveaway! My favorite pair is the Tsali in Black/Ultra Marine. Since my arches are high and I am inclined towards running on trails, this shoe must be the answer. Thank you for the giveaway!
I love the Maha Strap!
I would actually choose the exact same shoes you did! I have been in desperate need of some new running sneakers for some time now. My second choice would be the Women’s Patagonia P26 A/C Feather Grey/Nile Blue because I could also use some new hiking shoes 🙂
I would get the Fore Runner Deep Plum/Flash Pink!
Loving the like the Women’s Patagonia P26 A/C Feather Grey/Nile Blue
Definitely these for me Fore Runner Forge/Nile Blue
I like the Women’s Patagonia
Tsali Black/Ultra Marine in size 6.5M
Thanks!!!
I like these Women’s Patagonia
Tsali Black/Ultra Marine.
Women’s Patagonia
Bly Mid Gore-Tex® Sable Brown
or
Women’s Patagonia
Bly Burlap
Women’s Patagonia
Better Clog Black
Women’s Patagonia Drifter A/C Mid
Tsali 2.o those look really cute!
I would choose the Patagonia Tsali Black/Ultra Marine!
I would choose the Release Leather Burlap/Lemon Balm.
I like the Men’s Patagonia P26 High Cardamom for my husband.
I really like the Naked Maui Washed Green.
maybe Women’s Patagonia
Release Leather Burlap/Lemon Balm
I would get the Women’s P26 Mid A/C Gore-Tex.
The release woman’s shoes are great.
I would choose the Men’s Patagonia Drifter A/C Gore-Tex.
These are gorgeous!!
I would choose Better Clog Boot Black.
If I won, I would get my husband a pair of the Men’s Patagonia Drifter A/C Mid Coriander/Cork boots
I’d choose the Addie Weave in black and do the Dance of Joy.
I like the Women’s Patagonia
Bandha Thong Black
I like the blue Tsalis- http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-patagonia-tsali-black-ultra-marine-p_id208762
I love the Advocate Lattice Black.
I would choose the tsali
I like the lugano waterproof boots
I like the Maha
I like the tsali sneakers.
Patagonia drifter a/c
I would choose the Banha T-strap!
Women’s Patagonia
Fore Runner Deep Plum/Flash Pink
freebiegoddess03@aol.com
I would choose the Drifter A/C Gore-Tex® Canteen/Dark Celadron shoes.
I LIKE THE BLY HEMP
Women’s Patagonia…love them to death…..
Probably the Men’s Pau
I would choose the Advocate Lattice Pearl.
I think I would get the Addie Weave Black.
I’d love to get these for my son who is a hiker:
Men’s Patagonia
P26 Mid Gore-Tex® French Roast/Inca Gold
I like the Men’s Patagonia Advocate Fennel Print
I’d get the addie ruffle. CUTE! Thanks for hosting!
I love the look of Women’s Patagonia Addie Weave.
I would choose the
Bly Hemp Narwhal Grey/Modem Blue
I like the Women’s Scree Shield shoe, not sure which color I like best though.
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
I lke the Forerunner. The light weight appeals to me.
i’d choose the p26 mid style hiking boot
I would choose the Bandha T Strap. Thanks!
I’d choose the Women’s Patagonia Bandha Criss Cross.
i like the fore runner shoes!
I like the Women’s Patagonia
Advocate Lattice Pearl casual shoes.
Advocate Lattice in gray. So cute!
I love the Release Burlap/Lemon Balm
I like the Women’s Patagonia
Addie Rider High Chimney.
I would pick the Women’s MerrellStellabloom Black for my daughter.
I would choose Advocate Lattice Feather Grey womens shoes.
I would choose the Specter in Gecko/plantain, it would definitely make it easier for cars to see me if I ran by roads
I like Maha Breathe Black
I do like the fore runner and the Women’s Patagonia
Tsali 2.0 Feather/Flash Pink
I would choose the women’s Patagonia Drifter.
Thanks!
Women’s Patagonia
Tsali Black/Ultra Marine
My husband could use the “Men’s Patagonia Tin Shed 6 Waterproof Espresso” for work.
I like the Fore Runner Forge in Nile Blue!
bandha t strap
Men’s Patagonia Drifter A/C Mid Coriander/Cork are nice
I like the Laguna Lace Mid Waterproof boot.
I would choose the Naked Maui!
I’d love the Women’s Patagonia Bandha Criss Cross Deep Space
http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-patagonia-bandha-criss-cross-deep-space-p_id249164
I would choose the Women’s Patagonia
Bandha Criss Cross Deep Space
I would pik the Women’s Patagonia
Fore Runner Deep Plum/Flash Pink
<3 bandha criss cross
Women’s Patagonia
Specter Ultra Marine
Item # 249069
I like the Advocate Skimmer in Feather Grey.
I like the advocate lattice.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
Women’s Patagonia
Tsali 2.0 Fog/Cilantro
I would choose Women’s Patagonia
Tsali 2.0 Feather/Flash Pink/
Women’s Patagonia P26 A/C Feather Grey/Nile Blue
I would love the Release Leather Burlap/Lemon Balm shoes!
Women’s Patagonia
Addie Boot Chimney
I love the Fore Runner sneakers!
Women’s Patagonia
Maha Curl Dried Vanilla
Women’s Patagonia
Better Clog Black
I would pick the Men’s New Balance for my hubby!
I LOVE the Patagonia ones…..they are adorable and as the mom of a 3 year old I really need comfy shoes! =)
I love the Women’s Patagonia
Tsali in Black/Ultra Marine
I’m looking ahead to fall and winter and would select the Drifter A/C Gore-Tex® Canteen/Dark Celadro.
I’d choose the better clog in cattail
Men’s Patagonia: Tsali 2.0 Black/Grecian Blue are awesome! I would choose them for sure.
I like the Patagonia Bly Hemp sneakers.
I would get the new balance ww927 thanks
carolwegs at gmail dot com
I would choose these http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-patagonia-release-leather-burlap-lemon-balm-p_id220918
I like the Women’s Patagonia ADvocate.
I like the Naked Maui style.
I would want the Release Burlap/Lemon Balm.
I’d get the Tsali 2.0 in grey/green
i like the men’s maui air slip ons
I like the Women’s Patagonia
Bandha Criss Cross Black sandals. thank you!!
i like the Women’s Patagonia
Bandha Slice Dried Vanilla
I like the men’s Hog Tie shoes
I like the Women’s Patagonia
Release Leather Burlap/Lemon Balm
Women’s Patagonia Specter Burlap, Item # 249072
I would love to try the Patagonia Addie Weave in either of the colors shown!
I like the Advocate.
I like the Scree runners
I’d choose the Bly Hemp.
Hmm I like Women’s Fore Runner, looks like a soft glove for your feet !!!
I would choose Tsali 2.0.
so many choices but I am leaning toward the Pinhook Forge Grey/Fog
I’d choose the Release Leather Burlap/Lemon Balm.
i like the fore runner and the scree. ty ♥
Women’s Patagonia
Better Clog Jane Deep Espresso
pinhook
I would choose the Naked Maui Washed Green.
I would love to have the Women’s Patagonia
Addie Ruffle Artisan’s Gold boots.
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
Women’s Clark Desert Boots (size6)
Patagonia Advocate Lattice — I love the stretch.
I would choose the Fore Runner in Forge/Nile Blue
i like the specter in turquoise and yellow
I’d get the Patagonia Specters in blue and yellow
I’d get the Release Burlap/Lemon Balm
love the Release Leather
I really like the Women’s Patagonia
Tsali Black/Ultra Marine
I like the Tsali shoes or the Bandha slings!
I would like the Women’s Azura
Narcisse Black
Men’s Patagonia Drifter A/C Turkish Coffee
Women’s Hush Puppies
Burlesque Black Leather
I would choose the Women’s Patagonia Bandha Sling Sandals in Black
I had no idea Patagonia had such a wide selection, even flips and cute flats. I might choose the Naked Maui Alpha Green slip ons.
I like these babies:
Women’s Patagonia
Scree Shield Dark Celadon
I like the Women’s Aerosoles
Wip Stick Brown Nubuck.
i like the Women’s Patagonia
Release Burlap/Lemon Balm
I like the Women’s Patagonia
Fore Runner Deep Plum/Flash Pink
I would choose Triumph 1914 14 Eye Floral Print Brown Massa!
I’d choose the Women’s Patagonia Boots – Lugano Waterproof Dried Vanilla.
I love the Women’s P26 Mid Burlap/Deep Peacock!
I like the Men’s Patagonia
Loulu Velvet Brown.
i like the Women’s Patagonia
Tsali 2.0 Feather/Flash Pink
These are my favorite (http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-patagonia-bly-hemp-narwhal-grey-modem-blue-p_id249148) 🙂
Women’s Patagonia
Pinhook Forge Grey/Fog
Patagonia Tsali Black/Ultra Marine
I would choose the Women’s Patagonia Maha Dragon Fruit shoe.
reejen at comcast dot net
I would get the Maha Dragon Fruit
The Lugano waterproof boot. Thanks
I would choose the Women’s Patagonia
Fore Runner Deep Plum/Flash Pink!
I’d get the Women’s Patagonia
Specter for trail running. It’s super cute and I’m always looking for a good new running shoe!
Better Clog Curve Cattail
i;d pick Women’s Patagonia
Release Burlap/Lemon Balm
I would love the Specter Grecian Blue trail-running shoes.
Thanks for the chance to win. I like the Spector shoes.
I’d like the Tsali because I need new sneakers and love the color.
I would like the Addie Weave Acorn shoes.
I would love the Women’s Patagonia Better Clog Cattail.
Men’s Patagonia
Drifter A/C Coriander/Cork
Women’s Patagonia
Tsali Black/Ultra Marine size 8
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Women’s Patagonia
Advocate Skimmer Pearl
Thanks for the contest.
The Women’s Patagonia Pinhook are the ones I really like. Thanks!
I believe I’d pick the Maha Breathe in black or brown. Breathable…winning!
I’d choose Men’s Patagonia
Snoutler Sable Brown/Golden Maple
Item # 229344
I like the Tsali Black/Ultra Marine
I would love new hiking boots. I really like the womens patigonia drifter a/c 🙂
might choose Men’s Patagonia
Drifter A/C Turkish Coffee
brich22 at earthlink dot net
specter in ultra marine!
These are so cute! http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-patagonia-addie-boot-chimney-p_id220953?source=igodigital&
I would love the Women’s Patagonia Tsali Black/Ultra Marine.
I like the Women’s Patagonia Bandha Thong Black!!
I would choose a pair of the spectors! 🙂
I would choose Women’s Patagonia Advocate Lattice Black Item # 292144! I love how different and unique they are!!! http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-patagonia-advocate-lattice-black-p_id249175
I would want these if I won…
http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-patagonia-tsali-black-ultra-marine-p_id208762
Women’s Patagonia
Better Clog Black
I’d definitely go with the Forerunner since I’m taking on the trails this summer.
id choose the Women’s Patagonia
Better Clog Curve Black
http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-patagonia-better-clog-curve-black-p_id249168
Men’s Patagonia
Tin Shed 6 Waterproof Forge Grey
I love the Bandha Scuff Black! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I’d choose the Bandha Slice sandals.
i like the Women’s Patagonia P26 A/C Dark Burlap/Endive
I would pick the Maha Sable Brown
I like the Women’s Azura Narcisse Black
Mens Forerunner blue/black 🙂
I think the Maha Curl Black but the sandals are so cute.
I really need shoes for work, so I’d probably go with the black pair of Addie Weave, but I’m loving the Addie Ruffle Espresso & each and every sandal!
I would choose the women’s Patagonia, Bly Hemp. They look so comfortable. I like to walk, so I need good, comfortable fitting shoes.
I would choose the Scree Shield Narwhal Grey/Ultramarine. They look really comfy.
I would chose Womens Patagonia Specter Ultra Marine
i would like to try a trail shoe
Women’s Patagonia
Bandha Criss Cross
$109.95
FB: Toni Marie Caravello
reannenny at aol.com
Twitter: Tonic67
Google: toni caravello or reannenny
http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-patagonia-bandha-criss-cross-deep-space-p_id249164
I love the Patagonia Bandha Thong.
I like the Mens Patagonia Cragmaster shoe! Thanks for doing this giveaway!
Very interested in these… seems like such a great way to get some running in and do your part for the environment.
I like the better clog jane. Thanks for the giveaway.
I’d chose the Maha in brown I think.
I love the Women’s Patagonia Better Clog in Black
i like Women’s Patagonia
Tsali Black/Ultra Marine
sherwalk at yahoo dot com
The Bandha Criss Cross is so cute!
I like the P26 Mid Gore Tex Boots
Love the Tsali.
I’d love to have the Women’s Patagonia
Better Clog Curve Deep Espresso.
I like the Women’s New Balance
WW815WS White/Silver
fb/ shirley greenawalt zolenski
twitter, gfc, stumble/ daveshir2005
google +/ shirley pebbles
Women’s Patagonia
Pinhook Forge Grey/Fog
The Women’s Patagonia Bly Mid Gore-Tex® Sable Brown looks awesome. Love them Vibram soles, sooo good. I need a nice hikin boot that’s not too clunky but keeps stuff out!.
i like the Patagonia Pinhook Forge Grey/Fog sneakers.
Bandha Spice!!
I would choose the Men’s Patagonia Specter.
I believe my sole searching is over. Great post.