It's no secret we're big fans of Garmont on our feet, so when recently we planned a three week trip to Europe with carry-on luggage only, we had an idea of where to look for do-it-all footwear. OK, do-it-most footwear, but hey – we're traveling with a seven-year old, so BASE jumping will have to wait.
I wanted something that could do light trail hiking, lots of cobblestone mileage, the fancy French restaurant on the Sheflogger's itinerary, and oh yes – be comfortable to wear in the 90F+ temps we were expecting. I ended up in the Garmont Tikal, and apres-trip I can tell you they do indeed do it most. With a pair of sport sandals, everything fit in a small daypack and did everything we asked and more.
From freezing temps on the Jungfraujoch glacier saddle to the streets of charming Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and stomped to the floorboards of a rented Mercedes Benz on the autobahn, the Tikal was comfortable, cool and stylish. The thin reversed leather uppers shed light precipitation and breathed very well, and as a bonus they wore extremely comfortably without socks thanks to a coconut hair footbed. The softness of the leather was really appreciated when shoes became necessary to protect sunburnt feet.
Transitioning off trail or on hard cobblestone streets the Tikal's EVA and cork midsole made for pain-free walking around more castle walls than you can shake a stick at. Seriously, you would get tired shaking a stick because some of those walls go on. The Tikal is a standout in the active travel category. With shorts, jeans or technical travel slacks the Tikal will get you through most any nontechnical scenario you can imagine. Available in men's and women's and highly recommended.