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Garmont Eclipse XCR Runners
By Editor | June 29, 2008
For heavy-load backpacking, this rugged Garmont Eclipse XCR runner is the best choice here.
Built to go over or through anything. The chassis is stiffer and more supportive than any other shoe in this class; testers carried 40 plus pounds for days on the Appalachian Trail and in the North Cascades, and negotiated miles of sharp, fossilized coral in the Azores.
The broad platform offers excellent stability on trail, but gets a bit tippy on uneven terrain like talus, No other shoe offers as much padding in the tongue, and testers appreciated how its asymmetrical shape folded comfortably over their ankles.
Waterproofing is good-our feet stayed dry through hours of rain and puddles, Solid construction, including a reinforced toe and heel and tough nubuck/synthetic upper, guarantees years of hard use.
What is the tradeoff? The Garmont Eclipse XCR is a heavier and stiffer trail runner shoe than true fastpackers will want, and it has this field’s least breathable upper. Traction was so-so on loose gravel and steep downhills due to the absence of a pronounced heel cut. Lastly, it required more break-in time than other models, though the Eclipse was very comfortable after that. Best for medium- to high-volume feet and wide heels.
Price: $130 USD Weight: 2 lbs, 5 OZ Sizes: men’s 8-13, 14, women’s 5-11
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Topics: Footwear, Outdoor Gear Reviews, Runners, Spring and Summer | 141 Comments »
