1. Garmont Eclipse III Hiking Shoe

by Howard E. Friedman DPM

The Garmont Eclipse III is a hybrid between a sturdy, durable hiking boot and a lighter-weight, less bulky trail shoe. I have been wearing and testing this shoe for one year, hiking in New Jersey, the Catskills and points in between, as well as wearing them as everyday shoes. The shoe has performed well and shows minimal wear, with only one stitch just beginning to fray. The shoe is low cut, like a sneaker or trail shoe but has a high quality Vibram sole and very substantial polyurethane mid-sole. This material is much more durable than what is used in many shoes ( a material referred to as EVA, ethyl vinyl acetate). The front of the shoe has a rugged rand, which I can attest, prevents  bumping toes into rocks and roots. The outer sole has performed well even ascending and descending smooth rocks and boulders. The upper portion is Nubuck leather and fabric. The shoe comes with or without a waterproof Gortex lining. I have been using the Gortex version, which has kept my feet dry when stepping into puddles and shallow brooks. The shoes lace well, due in part to the metal hooks at the top and the oval shape leaves plenty of room for the toes. The only downside is at more than 2 lbs. per pair, they are still heavier than some trail shoes, but, they are definitely lighter on your feet than many high-top traditional hiking and backpacking boots.