I’ve been a big fan of Patagonia gear for years now and recently started getting into their trail running line. Last year I remember hearing rumors of a new trail shoe that would sport a cushioned midsole and light, flexible upper. When they announced the EVERlong, I got excited. When they mentioned that ultramarathon super-star, Jeff Browning, had a hand in it’s creation, I got REALLY excited.

Now that I’ve put quite a few miles in the Everlong, I can say without a doubt that I really love the shoe. I liken it to a real trail version of the Saucony Kinvara, and we all know how much I love that as a road shoe. The midsole is plush, but not to the detriment of ground-feel. The upper is thin, durable, and comfortable as all get-up. The shoe is flexible and fast. I just love it.

The only real downsides deal with the EVA losing some of its plushness prematurely (a design element Jeff LIKES), the fact the outsole is limited in its ability to run on ALL terrains/weather conditions, and that the upper doesn’t incorporate a ton of structural elements to really lock down my foot.

Regardless, I still very much love this shoe. It’s great for going long, going fast, and having fun. It’s simple and I like it.

LIKED:

  • Hybrid shoe
  • Flexible (shoe AND upper fabric)
  • upper
  • Light (8oz good for train/race)
  • Fast (less heel outsole for lightness)
  • Simple

DISLIKED:

  • Terrain specific
  • EVA packing
  • Pointy
  • Security (no heel counter, heel pads are low)
  • No rockplate

QUALITY: 4/5
COMFORT: 4/5
PRICE: 4/5
LOOKS: 4/5

TOTAL: 16/20

These shoes were provided by Patagonia for review. All opinions are my own.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,