The brand Patagonia is synonymous with hardcore rock climbing and mountaineering, but whenever I get a catalog in the mail, my attention is usually drawn to the relaxed, leisure side of Patagonia. They make hanging out riverside, on the beach, or drinking a beer on the back porch look like an outdoor sport in itself. And no single piece of gear I’ve tested quite speaks to the lounging aspects of outdoor gear than the Patagonia Advocate Lace Shoes.
Patagonia describes the Advocate Lace Plaid Shoes as “relaxed and recycled,” that are “loaded with casual comfort.” Other features include:
- Durable, soft microfiber upper with 100% polyester
- 100% polyester lining
- Rear pull-loop provides easy on/off; clips to pack and harness
- 3mm, 20% EVA anatomical footbed provides cushioning, comfort and support; 2mm, 15% recycled EVA insole provides extra cushioning
- 3mm, 20% recycled, durable armadillo rubber sole provides grip, traction and protection
- Construction: Strobel
- Last characteristics: medium width, full toe box, medium arch/instep
When the Patagonia Advocate Lace Shoes arrived, I was surprised upon taking them out of the box. They didn’t look or feel like shoes… they were more like slippers. Putting them on further confirmed this, because they were as comfortable as slippers. Shoes for lounging around? Damn right.
Ok, so chillaxing is part of post-recreation, but why review these shoes on an outdoor recreation website? They’re not for hiking, absolutely not for climbing, and performed reasonably well as shoes to wear while apre’ spring skiing. Well, I found my answer while camping in Utah’s remote Henry Mountains. I’ll say it again – the Patagonia Advocate Lace are the perfect shoes for hanging around in camp. Here’s why:
They are super comfortable. They are totally packable. They provide protection better than sandals. They are easy to slip on and off. If you need to walk around outdoors, the soles are thick and durable enough for light-duty hiking. They look pretty chill.
The real kapow though is the packability. The shoes (even the soles) are so flexible that you can roll them up into a ball. I guess that’s why they call it an Armadillo sole. You can stash them just about anywhere. I foresee them as my go-to airplane shoes. Forget clipping heavy sandals to my backpacking straps when these super light shoes will smush inside the pack and hardly weigh a thing.
As an added bonus, the Patagonia Advocate Lace Shoes are environmentally friendly. The EVA footbed is made from 20% recycled materials, the EVA insole is 15% recycled, and the rubber Armadillo sole is also 20% recycled. In addition, Patagonia is partnered with 1% For The Planet for even more feel-goodness when you slip on these kicks.
The only gripe I have is that although they might replace my flip flops for post-recreation tomfoolery, they will never be as breathable. While the polyester upper is reasonably breathable, flip flops will always rule. As a result, the Patagonia Advocate are better as cool-weather slip-ons.
Good Patagonia Advocate Lace: The perfect outdoor shoes for relaxing. Ultra packable. Comfortable. Light weight. Sharp looking.
Bad Patagonia Advocate Lace: No replacement for sandals in the breathability department.
Final Word: If you’re looking for the ideal camp shoes on backpacking/camping/flying trips, or just need casual kicks for hanging on the patio with a cooler of beer and a grill full of brats, then the Patagonia Advocate Lace Shoes wont disappoint.
Ok, so I know this review is almost 10 years old, but my husband LOVES these shoe/slippers and his, of course, are nearing the end of their life (re: they’re on life support as we speak). Patagonia discontinued these bad boys, but I’m curious to know if you’re aware of a similar alternative? Slip on/off, low profile, decent soles, styled like a shoe, not a slipper… thoughts? Suggestions?
Hi Sarah, sorry I don’t know of anything similar to these that are currently available. It’s a bummer that Patagonia doesn’t make them anymore!
Oh that’s too bad. Thanks for the quick reply.