Release

 

Product Description and Features

The slip-lasted, vegan-friendly Patagonia Release cross-trainers are here to carry you through the miles, be they over trails or pavement.

Flexible synthetic leather uppers and nylon mesh underlays are treated with a Durable Water Repellent finish to cause water to bead up and roll off

Nylon mesh linings help move moisture away from feet

Ortholite™ X-40 foam insoles inhibit odor and enhance comfort while 2mm of 15% recycled EVA cushions feet

Dynamic Fit Lacing system offers a secure fit, no matter your foot shape

External injection-molded thermoplastic urethane (TPU) InStep supports cradle the heel to secure it in place

Triple-density EVA midsoles are made from 15% recycled EVA and deliver cushioning for all-day wear

Air Cushion Plus inserts directly under the heels and asymmetrically aligned heel strike pads soak up and dissipate impact shocks

TPU plates and arch bridges distribute pressure, supply midfoot stability on uneven terrain and provide protection underfoot

Vibram® Release outsoles with TC5+ rubber compound and multidirectional TPU studs deliver excellent traction on a variety of surfaces

All-synthetic construction makes these shoes vegan friendly

My Experience

I've had these shoes for a few months now and have been able to test them in some pretty ridiculous conditions. Since it's still early spring, and I got them in the winter, the normal conditions I will mainly use them for don't exist yet. I bought these shoes to use as an approach shoe to alpine rock climbs during the summer. Because I this, I will judge the shoe on how it performs for those tasks.

Nonetheless, I used these shoes for normal low-land cragging, trail running and hiking. They proved more than enough for simple hikes into local crags and more stable than some boots for normal trailed hiking. They performed extremely well for trail (and road) running with great ventilation. I've used a lot of running shoes before and these are already one of my favorites.

Now for the good stuff...

I got to try these out on some early morning frozen snow. I happened to be in an area where there was well frozen and consolidated snow, so I put these shoes to the real test! I strapped my stubai ultralight crampons on and hit the slopes. I've used approach shoes with crampons numerous times so I take for granted that shoes don't front point or do steep ice well. These shoes are no exception. But on hard show, these shoes worked as well as my la sportiva cirque pros. I was able to climb up and down steep snow with confidence. And yes, they were cold, but I don't plan on using them in the winter, so I don't really worry about that..

On another day, I tried rock climbing in these shoes. Like most other non-sock shoes, they don't work like a real rock shoe but they'll handle tough class 4 with confidence and work well for low 5th stuff.

I plan to use these are my main shoes for alpine rock climbs during the summer months. The vibram rubber soles have excellent traction on wet or dry terrain.

In the end, I am super excited for trails to dry out and things to warm up. These shoes will handle any trails, 4th class scrambling, low 5th class rock and short glacier approaches to rock climbs.

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