Patagonia Women's EVERlong

The EVERlong is a lightweight, fast-drying shoe that makes you forget that you're wearing shoes.

I've been wearing my EVERlongs for almost a year now, required zero break-in, and they're still my favorite and most comfortable pair of shoes. I was sad to hear that this model is being discontinued.

I have had zero blisters or rub points, even after continuing to hike after river crossings. Uphill or descents both felt the same, unlike with other shoes I've worn that pinched on ascents or let my toes become bruised from hitting the fronts while going downhill. My feet get a tiny breeze the faster I go, thanks to the great breathability, which speeds up drying and keeps feet cooler.

Mine are a Women's size 10.5 and weigh 16.32 ounces. The construction is very good, although because they are so lightweight, I don't expect the mesh uppers to last many years. I've snagged the toe of one side on something and may have gotten it with my trekking pole, and the tiny holes are becoming larger as I wear them.

The laces are also very light, but with care they should last the life of the shoe, as I don't lace my shoes very tightly.

To me, these shoes lean towards being a minimalist style, and every rock can be felt due to the fairly thin sole. I have to choose my footing well if I don't want to bruise the bottoms of my feet when making my way through sharp-rocked areas. I did like the 4mm drop, but I want to try a 0mm drop (Altra) next because flat soles feel more natural to me.

They grip sufficiently for my taste, and I have not noticed that I am slipping any more or less than I have with other shoes.

The photo below shows the mesh uppers full of silt after crossing the Sandy River at the PCT in Oregon. We forded mid-morning and they were almost completely dry by mid-afternoon.