NRC Full Shoe Review

Patagonia Loulu

Stack height is the total height from the bottom of the foot to the ground including outsole, midsole, insert and additional materials for lasting/lining.

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Review Summary

by Nick Pang, of Minimalist Running Shoes and NRC shoe review editor

As I mentioned in my review of Patagonia’s Advocate Moc, when I first approached the company about a casual/dress minimalist shoe, I had the Patagonia Loulu in mind because of its wide toe box, dressy look, and most importantly, no heel. But they quickly suggested the Patagonia Pau and Patagonia Advocate Moc. And they were right as those two models are much more flexible, lighter, and more comfortable than the Loulu. The Loulu weights 12.2 ounces, the Pau 11.4 ounces, and the Advocate Moc is only 5.0 ounces.

The pliable leather outer and naturally wicking wool lining of this simple loafer offers pasha like comfort. The removable, molded EVA midsole, with a Dri-Lex® merino wool footbed lining, cradles your foot and helps with temperature and moisture control. Waterproof stretch gussets at the tongue allow easy entry/exit.

The Opanka stitched honeycomb outsole, made of durable, sustainable and responsibly harvested 70% natural hevea-milk latex, is stitched to reduce environmental impact. It also has a generous and full toe box.

With the midsole insert in place, the stack height is about 16mm.

One thing I dislike which I mentioned in my review of the Loolu- the soles of both the Pau and Loulu makes a loud squeaking noise when I walk on hardwood floors. The honeycomb design gives really good grip though! It's just the noise but it softens over time…

I'm also a little disappointed that the Loulu is slightly heavier than what I expected in addition to having stiff leather uppers. But other than those two minor annoyances, it’s a good minimalist casual and dress shoe option.

When I first approached Patagonia about a casual/dress minimalist shoe, I had the Patagonia Loulu in mind because of it's wide toe box, dressy look, and most importantly, non-heeled. But they quickly suggested the Patagonia Pau and Patagonia Advocate Moc. And they were right as those two models are much more flexible, lighter, and more comfortable than the Loulu. The Loulu weights 12.2 ounces, the Pau 11.4 ounces, and the Advocate Moc is only 5.0 ounces.

The Loulu is almost an identical version of the Pau but with laces and slightly harder leather uppers - pretty much a low cut lace-up Pau.

Both have super-wide toe boxes and the same outsoles.

With the midsole insert in place, the stack height is about 20mm, about 4mm more than the Pau.

One thing I hate - the soles of both the Pau and Loulu makes a loud squeaking noise when I walk on hardwood floors. The honeycomb design gives really good grip though! It's just the noise but it softens over time…

I'm also a little disappointed with both the Loulu and Pau because they are slightly heavier than what I expected in addition to having stiff leather uppers. But other than those two minor annoyances, they're good minimalist casual and dress shoe options.