New Eco-Approach Shoe From Patagonia

Patagonia have just increased their range of eco-friendly footwear with the new Thatcher approach shoe. Its eco-credentials include a 70% recycled synthetic cork footbed and a 30% recycled Vibram EcoStep outsole. Also, all the materials it uses are completely vegan, so there’s no leather involved anywhere, if you want to spare a poor old beast its skin.

Aside from the materials, its most distinctive feature is the upper, which is collapsible, so you can easily pack it flat in your pack – sounds interesting. So, it could be handy as an approach shoe for climbing, if you’re going fast and light but you need to change from approach shoes to rock shoes when you reach the crag – and then stash them away somewhere.

Patagonia also markets the Thatcher as a general hiking shoe.

Its other features include the Vibram outsole, an air-cushioned midsole, steel-shanked board lasting for extra support, an antimicrobial carbon component, and a toe buffer with plenty of friction for technical approaches.

Weight is 510g and it comes in both men’s and women’s versions, so this time the gals don’t have to miss out.

Have a closer look at Patagonia’s website for further details of the shoe or take a peep at their environmental policy if you want to know more about their recycling schemes and their generally eco-friendly approach to outdoor gear.