Camino de Santiago de Compostela

[grayland]

An added thought on the original question "shoes or boots?". In 2009 I wore a very good pair of Merrill walking shoes. They were fine and I had no particular foot problems. However, I did have the annoying problem of small pebbles (scree) getting in my shoes. I would empty them and in a very short time...more small pebbles. A real pain to stop and empty shoes so this year I am wearing a similar Merrill mid boot to avoid the rocks.

[barbaramarie]

Hi Tim, as others have stated....this question is all about you. I wore light weight hiking boots because they were light, plus they gave me support. As I continued on my journey across Spain I realized what a good decision it was to wear boots compared to sneakers. You will encounter all kinds of terrain, pavement, muck, dirt roads and loose rock...so it will depend on how strong your ankles and feet are....I suggest allowing a little space at the front of your boot or shoe..it will save your toes from being bruised with the constant walking and weight of your pack.

[Tim-the-fat-Canadian]

Grayland,

I also get small pebbles in my merril hiking shoes when I am on training walks in the rural area that I live. (Not a lot of walking outside lately between huge blisters and it is -12 right now).

As suggested by Barbaramarie and others, I am going to get a pair of Merril half boot hiking shoes. I checked the prices at MEC here in Canada - they are $155 CAD. However, the same boots in Buffalo are $98 US. The exchange right now is almost at par, so I am going to sneak across the border and get some.

Eventually Canada will thaw out and I can walk outside again.

Tim

[Tia Valeria]

We wear boots Tim and also carry a pair of lightweight Crocs to wear in the evening or for sightseeing and to the shower (it doesn't matter if they get wet). Gives the boots time to dry out before next day's walking. Some people prefer lightweight sandals.
Hope you find some trousers too.
Tia Valeria

[Tim-the-fat-Canadian]

Tia, I ordered some trousers from one of the websites provided by a responder to the other post. So maybe I won't be stared at so much if I have pants on

I got my Merrill boots today in Buffalo then went to a Buffalo Bandits professional Lacrosse game. The boots were very comfortable for watching lacrosse. It is -17 outside right now so until Canada thaws out a bit, I won't be walking outside. It is supposed to go up to zero by next weekend.

But at the very worst, I have good, comfortable, lacrosse watching boots

Tim

[Lemonkid]

Are there actually people that do the whole camino in sandals without problem?

I've been agonizing over footwear, and I'm consider wearing Vibram Fivefingers shoes, haven't decided yet, but will need to soon to have time to break them in.

[JohnnieWalker]

Yes, many people wear walking sandals and swear by them. I've used Teva sandals for many kilometers although generally my preference is for a mid ankle shoe. People wear sandals to avoid problems because your feet are dry blisters are usually avoided.

Are these the shoes you are thinking of using? If so we'd all be fascinated to know how you get on:

[Lemonkid]

Yes, many people wear walking sandals and swear by them. I've used Teva sandals for many kilometers although generally my preference is for a mid ankle shoe. People wear sandals to avoid problems because your feet are dry blisters are usually avoided.

Are these the shoes you are thinking of using? If so we'd all be fascinated to know how you get on:

Yes I'm considering the KSO Trek, which are a little more rugged and suitable for hiking.

[JohnnieWalker]

Lemonkid - I've looked at their website etc but although there are references to runners wearing Fivefinger shoes I can't find any reviews from long distance walkers - I'd check on that if you can before making the investment. On Camino you will be walking continuously all day - every day for many days. I'd be cautious of walking barefoot in shoes over the distances we cover - but there again I never though I'd like walking in sandals!

Good luck with your choices

[Lemonkid]

Lemonkid - I've looked at their website etc but although there are references to runners wearing Fivefinger shoes I can't find any reviews from long distance walkers - I'd check on that if you can before making the investment. On Camino you will be walking continuously all day - every day for many days. I'd be cautious of walking barefoot in shoes over the distances we cover - but there again I never though I'd like walking in sandals!

Good luck with your choices

Thanks. You have any hiking sandals that you'd recommend?

[JohnnieWalker]

I use Tevas but I'm sure there was previous thread on this with pictures of the sandals people wear. I'll have a look.

[lynnejohn]

My husband has worn Keen H20 sandals (with socks) for portions of a couple of caminos and they worked out quite well.

lynne

[falcon269]

Bag Balm and current culture:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100131/ap_ ... s_bag_balm

It is a good foot treatment for keeping skin soft, but its value in preventing blisters has not been "scientifically" demonstrated. You can get the very small tin, perfect for the minimalist, on Amazon or most pet/farm stores.

[lynnejohn]

Very interesting link, Falcon.
Lanolin, petroleum jelly and hydroxyquinolone sulfate. Just had to check that out. Being a city girl, I always thought that sheep had to be killed to get the lanolin - now I've learned it comes from their wool! I might buy a small tin - the reported smell and consistency reminds me of the "special" camino foot unguento sold in Spain - something about "Peregrino" on the label - just can't remember the name.

lynne

[goonerpilgrim]

Very interesting link, Falcon.
Lanolin, petroleum jelly and hydroxyquinolone sulfate. Just had to check that out. Being a city girl, I always thought that sheep had to be killed to get the lanolin - now I've learned it comes from their wool! I might buy a small tin - the reported smell and consistency reminds me of the "special" camino foot unguento sold in Spain - something about "Peregrino" on the label - just can't remember the name.

lynne

Maybe you're referring to the "Ungüento del Peregrino"

¡Buen Camino!

[lynnejohn]

That's it. I remember seeing it in Laura's office at Mansilla de las Mulas, and I think she had it for sale. Never did try it though.
Thanks.

lynne

[kkcamino]

Here are some thoughts about gear selection for walking the Camino in the spring.

Two items I found invaluable were my light foam ear plugs, and my roll of duct tape.

There are some amazing snorers out there, and my ear plugs helped block out some of the noise.

Every morning I would take out my duct tape and tape my heels. Then I would give the bottom of my feet and my toes a good vaseline rub and put on my light wicking inner socks under my heavier pair of wool blend hiking socks. I wasn’t completely blister free, but I’m sure it made a difference.

I had a choice between my well worn leather hiking boots, and my worn in, but newer merrel hiking shoes. I chose the leather hiking boots, and was I ever glad I did. I walked through snow, during falling snow, and in rain, and my boots kept my feet dry. I walked even more days when the sun was shining, but during March and April, there was a lot of mud, and of course, a lot of mud and manure that last week walking through some of the Galician villages! Perhaps later in the spring and in the summer it is a lot drier, but I would wear my boots again if I was walking in the early spring.

I was intrigued by some pilgrims wearing some very light gaiters over their boots. I think they would be a good idea in any season, to keep rain and snow out of the boots, but even more importantly, to keep those pesky little pebbles from being kicked into the boots on the meseta and on some of the gravel paths.

I wore a goretex jacket and goretex pants, and had a rain cover over my back pack. I would choose those any day over one of those portable sauna ponchos. Also, I never understood why those people who wrapped all their personal items in plastic bags had to rewrap every item when they packed in the morning – and why did those same people always seem to be the first ones awake! Many cold mornings I started with my goretex pants over my shorts, then took them off when it warmed up. Same with the jacket, so I didn’t have to carry an extra jacket or a heavier long pair of pants.

I started out with a three season sleeping bag, since I had heard that some of the albergues were unheated. Some were unheated, but they all had extra blankets. I eventually discarded my sleeping bag, and bought a nice light sleeping sack that compressed to the size of a large grapefruit. I was never cold, though there were some nights after Astorga that I had to wear my fleece to bed initially. And some of the albergues were really quite overheated, so it was nice to have a much lighter bag.

I hope this helps.

[falcon269]

Good gaiters for the price:

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___91259

Gaiters are often described as raincoats for boots, and are excellent for keeping boots dry in warm weather where rain pants may be too sweaty.

[Lemonkid]

Lemonkid - I've looked at their website etc but although there are references to runners wearing Fivefinger shoes I can't find any reviews from long distance walkers - I'd check on that if you can before making the investment. On Camino you will be walking continuously all day - every day for many days. I'd be cautious of walking barefoot in shoes over the distances we cover - but there again I never though I'd like walking in sandals!

Good luck with your choices

I've found some good reviews from long-distance trail-runners that seem to suggest that they'd be ok. I guess I'll find out though won't I? I've considered taking some hiking sandals as backup, but I haven't been able to find any on Taobao, which, because of my location, is where I have to do most of my shopping. I'm going to be testing out the Vibram Fivefingers before I go, if they're really not suitable I'll probably pick up some hiking sandals in Paris, or maybe try more standard hiking shoes.

Either way people on this forum should be easier able to recognize me only the Camino - that Canadian guy with the toe-shoes, haha.

[JacquelineRowe]

Vibram Fivefingers shoes

OMG has anyone seriously used these for long distance walking over rough terrain & in wet conditions???

Has anyone worn Scarpa hiking boots - if so, your recommendation?? I am looking at a pair and they appear very good

Thanks
Jacqui

[Tia Valeria]

In the above post I have been reading that you have to have shoes 2 sizes more than your normal shoesize? Will you not get more blisters if your feed are slidding?
Many greetings from Holland

Terry and I have been discussing how shoes are sized and it varies according to where you live. Here in the UK shoes/boots can be sized in half sizes, so 2 sizes actually goes 5; 5½; 6. In the EU sizes are 37;38;39 and the US has a different sizing again, something like 5;6;7. etc.etc.
In some places you do need 2 sizes bigger in others it sounds like only 1 size if there are no ½ sizes.
So best to try on until you are sure of your sizing because if they are too big and slip then its a very expensive mistake, and as bad as being too small.
Keep your feet happy and Buen Camino
Tia Valeria

[JohnnieWalker]

This is good advice. I'd go to a reputable hiking shop where they will measure your feet. Go mid week in the afternoon preferably after walking for a while. This give you the benefit of getting more epxereinces sales people rather than Saturday temps. Take the socks you will normally wear and put them on - most good hiking shop will have spare socks if you forget. Having measured your feet try on different types of shoes or boots as no matter the measurement different manufacturers often have different "fits". Walk up and down in the store and make good use of the practice hills which they will have for you to try them out.

Bets wishes

John

[Lemonkid]

Well now I'm considering using the Vibrams as a backup. My gf made a good point - though the Vibrams seem sturdy enough for the trail / walking, she's not sure how they'd hold up with the added weight of a backpack in terms of support. Most of the shoes are worn by trail runners, who're of course not going to be wearing a pack. The benefits of asking around - I hadn't even thought of that.

Still considering Vibrams, but looking for more recommendations in terms of hiking shoes. I'm kind of limited to whatever I can order online here in China, but I'll listen to any ideas.

Couldn't find any Keen Sandals in my search so far.

[lynnejohn]

Keen has stores and online dealers globally. Here is the page on their website that lists their global sites:

http://www.keencanada.ca/international_dealers.aspx

Many brands but the Newport H2 sandals and the Targhee boots are my favorites.

lynne

[Alan Pearce]

Hi Jacqui..

I wore Scarpa Trek boots on my camino of 1000 km in 2008. They were perfect, and the only time they let ANY water in was when I was walking to Finistere and it absolutely bucketed down for hours on end. You MJST break them in before you go - it took me 3 months of daily walking in them before they felt really comfortable and I stopped getting blisters.

Because the Scarpa boots are fairly weighty, and my left knee had cartilege trouble, I opted for light riding boots on my 2009 camino. Bad mistake! I could not keep them secure around my feet as you can with lace-up boots, and got blisters in a whole range of places. I now have a new pair of Scarpas and have already started wearing them in preparation for the Via de la Plata in 2011. I got around 6000 km out of my first pair.

Buen camino

Alan

Be brave. Life is joyous.