Patagonia has had the Boaris since they started making footwear a couple years ago. Now the company is adding the high top model for a bit more ankle support. We managed to get our hands on both versions to give them a try.
The Patagonia Boaris is a shoe that’s a bit hard to nail down. The low top version looks very much like a long line of skate shoes I had in high school, yet the vibram sole and tread pattern is straight out of a hiking boot. The quality of the suede and leather Patagonia chose to use in the shoes is also significantly better than what you find in the average skate shoe.
After using these shoes for the past three months, I’ve gotten a pretty good feel for them. While they don’t look like your typical hiking shoe, they can come in pretty handy for a typical day hike. The Boaris seems to be a good fit for those that like to hike after work, but don’t want to advertise the fact.
Construction quality is standard Patagonia. Besides the previously mentioned quality leather, there is double stitching in any location that may get abrasion. The soles are thick enough that they will take a good amount of wear before becoming slick. Even the interior uses a thick fabric that hasn’t shown any wear in the 3 months I’ve had the shoes.
The high top version of the Boaris is almost identical to the low top version. The suede does have a slightly different texture than the low tops. Additionally, the high tops are waterproof, while the low tops aren’t marketed as such. While the somewhat retro look of a high top sneaker isn’t for everyone, they do provide a bit more ankle support than the low tops. As such, they might be a bit more appropriate for someone that wants to take on a bit more than an easy hike in the woods after work.
Overall, I really like these shoes. While they wouldn’t be my choice for a week long backpacking trip, they serve the much more useful daily use that crosses over to hiking. The quality of the materials is reflected in the price of the Boaris. At $100, these are a bit more pricey than your average skate shoe but cheaper than your average hiking boot.
