Garmont has been making rugged and tough hiking and mountaineering shoes for decades, but if you haven’t discovered their lifestyle line, called their ‘travel’ line, you are in for a treat! Seriously, my Garmont Tikal shoes have gone on every active trip I’ve taken since I got them! Here’s why:
The Tikal is lightweight and comfortable, with a modern, simplified design that will literally go with everything in your luggage. The reversed leather upper has a suede look (it is made of 2.2 mm reversed leather), and you get a coconut and cotton footbed. The EVA and cork midsole with anti-torsional shank gives you just enough stability on light hiking trails, uneven cobblestones, and rough roads. These aren’t hiking shoes, but the outsole has serious traction without looking bulky or rugged, so these shoes will do the trick in a pinch, which means you don’t need to pack as many pairs on your trip.
I really like how the Tikal looks with skinny jeans and leggings, so it’s replaced my boots, giving me even more room in my carry-on. They’ve been on road trips and city trips, and will soon be accompanying me to Belize as a city walking shoe and light hiker.
Pick up a pair on the Garmont site or at Amazon or other online retailers in four jewel-type tones including grape (more of a ruby color) or sand for approximately $150. They’re a fantastic value, as you’ll use them both at home and on the road. They also come in a men’s version!