Patagonia recently added some new footwear models to their Women’s line, one of them being the Bly Mid Gore-Tex hiking boot (named after famed adventurer, Nelly Bly). The Bly has all the right components to make up a quality hiking boot: leather and polyester upper with a Gore-Tex waterproof lining, a midsole designed specifically for women’s feet, and a Vibram sole. However, there are some extra touches: the sole is from Vibram’s Ecostep line, using 30% recycled rubber, and the polyester mesh lining is 40% recycled content, as well as a POLI-CORK footbed, designed to minimize odors and is 70% recycled. Overall, a very eco-conscious shoe.
But all that aside, how does it perform on the trail? I recently tested a pair on a four day backpacking trip, and was very impressed with the quality, comfort, and support they provided. Straight out of the box, they felt like well-broken in boots, always a plus. Debating the risks of wearing new boots on a trek, the advantage the Gore-Tex lining had over the boots I was planning on wearing helped the Bly win, as I knew there were lots of stream-crossings on the trail.
After four days and not a single instance of discomfort, blisters, or complaints, I was very pleased with the performance of the Bly hiker. While only a mid-height boot, they offered plenty of support while carrying a 35-pound pack over a multitude of terrain: dusty trails, stream crossings, moraines, and even a small glacier climb for good measure. They held the foot in place securely, the leather breathed well, and the Gore-Tex lining kept my feet dry even through missteps into higher-than-expected streams.
The only complaint I had of the shoe was that the rubber molding that bridges the sole to the leather upper began to peel in a small portion on the left shoe, right where the shoe bends at the ball of your foot. While a minor and cosmetic annoyance, it did not seem to affect the waterproofing of the boot, my main concern. With the excellent performance otherwise, I am simply disappointed that the glue did not hold up beyond a day in that stress point of the shoe.
Overall, I thought that the Patagonia Bly Mid Gore-Tex was a great all-around hiker, and suitable for a wide variety of terrain and hikes. Whether a short day-hike or a multi-day trek, these boots will perform well. The boots retail for $165 and are well worth the price.
