Definite upgrade

By Niall MacRae Ranked #303 - Rock Climbing Shoes September 23, 2009

I am really digging the Karakorams. I had/have a pair of the Finns, which I did a lot of hiking and cycle touring in, but ultimately they've broken down a lot faster than I would have expected them to, both the lining and the upper where the eyelets have pulled loose. I think Patagonia has tried to address these issues, and the feeling that the Finns were not "real" approach shoes, with the Karakorams.
The PU-coated leather (sounds burly, huh?) makes for a much, much tougher upper, a big upgrade if real rock-rubbing scrambling and hiking is a regular item on the menu. No eyelets, just loops, so no pulling out and they look to be a pretty durable solution as well. Rubber is STICKY. The Vibram Idrogrip soles are another big upgrade and help to turn these into shoes that have real approach chops. If you are wearing them around town you'll feel the soles gripping the sidewalk. Interesting sensation. The lining is still the big question, since it was one of the first things to go in mine and all of my fellow salespersons' shoes. It looks and feels better, but only time will tell.
All in all, a real approach shoe that looks built for the long haul with quality materials all the way around. If you are going to wear this for hiking, working outside or just to wear around town, size to your normal street shoe size. If you want them for serious approach duties, and you have a narrower foot, I would consider sizing down by a half-size. Definitely my favorite Patagonia shoe so far.

View Details: Patagonia Footwear Karakoram Approach Shoe - Men's

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