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In 1964, the founder of Garmont decided to dedicate his life to a company that manufactures mountain and hiking boots. And the company has been doing this successfully for almost six decades now. In summer 2023, the Italians will be launching the new 9.81 Hi-Ride now also pedalling shoes for the first time in their history. The hybrid half-shoe is intended to be the perfect footwear for both classic cycling - with or without an electric motor - and light hikes.
How is the Garmont 9.81 Hi-Ride constructed?
The basis is the GTF Hyve sole specially developed by Garmont from two different material mixtures: grippy rubber in the pedal area and recycled rubber in the running area. The honeycomb design in the midfoot area is intended to provide more grip on the pedals. The upper material of the Garmont cycling shoe is made from recycled, abrasion-resistant ripstop nylon, complemented by reinforcements in the heel area. Sustainability is a top priority at Garmont, so the insole is made almost 100 per cent from recycled materials and the midsole is partly made from sugar cane waste. The lacing system is classic - including a practical elasticated strap to prevent the laces from getting caught in the chain, for example.
The Garmont 9.81 Hi-Ride in practice
A shoe for cycling and hiking often sounds like a bad compromise: either it's good for cycling and less comfortable for walking or vice versa. First things first: Garmont has achieved a good balance with its new Bike & Hike shoe. The 9.81 Hi-Ride has a sporty, discreet look, a mixture of cycling shoe and sneaker, available in two colour combinations. The lacing system keeps the shoe on the foot without wobbling. It feels a little tight at first, but even after many kilometres of cycling, the wearing comfort hardly decreases noticeably. The well-cushioned sole of the Garmont 9.81 Hi-Ride is stiff enough for sporty pedalling and also has good grip on the pedals.
Test summary of the Garmont 9.81 Hi-Ride
And how is walking? Amazingly comfortable! The robust upper material may initially suggest otherwise, but the cycling shoe is actually suitable for short hikes, whether in the countryside or in the city. The Garmont Bike & Hike shoe project has been a success - with minor limitations for hot midsummer days. The Garmont 9.81 Hi-Ride is available for 140 euros in two colours and in sizes 39.5 to 48 >> available here.
