Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs
Breakin’’ up the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign – Tesla
The world seems littered with signs from ‘the man’ telling you what you can and cannot do. Perhaps the most infamous is that “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service.” Well my friend, slip on the Men’s Maui Smooth shoe from Patagonia, your favorite vintage Hawaiian shirt, and waltz right in to get your fair share of service.
From barefoot to built up mountain muncher, our gear guru’s have had the fortune of putting a veritable cornucopia of shoes to the test over the course of the past year. And while we’ve tossed around the word “comfortable” from time to time, the Maui Smooth kicks are the first shoes we’ve slid on and simply said…. “Ohh… WOW.”
This new generation of casual footwear blends sandal comfort with the coverage of your favorite slipper for footwear that lounges with the best, all while keeping you stylish enough to grace the cover of the next GQ magazine – or REI mailer – take your pick.
Stain-resistant pigskin upper not only keeps things classy, but they stand up to a heap of weekend wandering and afternoon ambling. And whether your ambling from the BBQ to Cabana, or simply cruising downtown Hilo Hawaii, the roomy toe box provides plenty of space keeping your feet comfortable all day long.
At 6.4 oz these casual kicks are lighter than some of my ‘elite’ category running shoes so you’ll never need to worry about them weighing you down. To ensure that every stride is made in comfort, the Patagonia design team went the extra mile and built in the Patagonia Air Cushion Plus to smooth out the bumps and bruises on the road ahead.
A 20% recycled EVA footbed and 20% recycled EVA midsole reduce the environmental impact of this shoe. But moreover, when those features are coupled with the Air Cushion Plus system, you’re left with the perfect yin and yang of firm yet soft providing a plush ride you’ll love.
Room for Improvement…
At a price tag of $90 there will be those who may grumble at the price. Yet in reality, when one considers the quality and comfort offered in the Maui Smooth, Patagonia could have charged a lot more. So in terms of actual critiques, if you’re going to force us to nitpick there’s only two minor points we’d offer. First, if you hit the pavement after a spring rain, the high-abrasion EVA outsole can tend to get a little slick. Secondly if that Luau you’re attending is in the dead of summer, you can expect those toes to get a little warm… but you’re feet will still be stylin’ and profilin’.
Bottom Line…
Spring, Summer, or Fall slip on the Maui Smooth, sit back, relax and take in the sights and sounds of the season. For a sophisticated look with the heart and soul of a Kaanapali lifestyle, the Patagonia Maui Smooth will make your feet feel like they’ve just been upgraded to first class.
MSRP: $90
SIZES: 7 – 12, 13, 14, 15
STYLES: Also available in the following styles – Naked Maui with breathable natural hemp upper and the Maui Air (think Maui Smooth with perforated air holes on the upper)
MANUFACTURER: Patagonia (www.Patagonia.com)
AVAILABILITY: Patagonia.com and retailers nationwide