Camino de Santiago de Compostela

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - my friend walks with a pair of these and says they are the best he has ever had. Buen Camino with them!

[JacquelineRowe]

YAY

Thanks "JohnnieWalker" great to hear!!

[skilsaw]

I was a dedicated "Boot man" but this year on the VDLP, I developed terrible blisters on both feet. I spent the days from Zafra to Merida trying options - light synthetic socks, wool socks, sandals. But the blisters were raw, and everything I tried hurt.

My final solution was to buy a pair of Nike trainers (running shoes) in Merida that were 2 sizes larger than my boots. While several questioned the wisdom of "just" running shoes, I found them very adequate for the final 4 weeks of the VDLP. And my blisters healed.

Now I'm reconsidering my previous commitment to hiking boots.

Buen Camino,
David, Victoria, Canada

[tmpcoleman]

Having suffered serious blisters on the first two stages of the Camino Frances, ( SJPP to Burgos, June 2009 and Burgos to Leon, March 2010) I am determined to avoid them on my third stage, Leon to Santiago, Sept. 2010. Only 4 weeks to go!! I have taken on board much of the advice from this forum and have made the following changes;
1. Ditched the heavy full ankle trekking boots in favour of lighter trekking shoes. Less area to rub.
2. Bought a full size bigger than my normal size.
3. Changed from the two sock set-up to a single 1000 mile type.
4. Tie the laces less tightly than before. This is really important and needs a lot of trial and error. You can vary the tightness of the laces at different parts of the foot. I only start threading the laces halfway up the shoe of my right foot to cope with a big to problem.
5. And finally, elastic shoelaces! I find these to be really great. You set them once, and then you simply slip them on and off as required. Great for stops on the trail, airport security, etc. They work great for shoes, not sure if they work on full ankle boots.

[JacquelineRowe]

I've spent the money on buying 2 pairs of the Silver Thread Bionic x-socks - $55 per pair (Australian $) and SOOOO very worthwhile. Also with the boots CARN they're not the full high boots only just above the ankle bone. They have a wider front section so the toes are NOT squashed. I've done many 5, 6 & 7hr walks already over the past few months and have not once had a hot spot let alone a blister and I've not put a single lotion of any kind on my feet!

Am looking forward to this continuing when I commence the Camino in September - has to be a good sign tho!!

Cheers
Jacqui

[LTfit]

Hi TMPCOLEMAN - Curious which 1000 mile sock did you get? Was looking at the website yesterday and there are many different models

Jaqui - hate to be negative but no hot spots during a training walk of 5,6 or 7 hrs is no guarantee for a blister-free Camino. Had same experience as you did: little to no problems during 7hr walks but during the Camino...well let's just say that I had my share of blisters. I followed advice here and taped by heels and forefoot with sport tape. After 4 days I started to develop blisters under the tape and put Compeed on these spots. BIG MISTAKE! Following day had blisters 2x the size (know no one who was happy with Compeed). Used the needle & thread methode, iodine (betadine) and bandage. That worked fairly well. Every evening I cleaned and rebandaged feet. By the time I got to Léon I sent my walking shoes home (1 size larger) and bought a new pair 2 sizes larger. I may be an exception but my feet would swell quite a bit.

I did not use vaseline (either during training or Camino) but plan on doing this the next time. Might also try the 1000 mile sock.

Wish you the best in September!
Cheers,
LT

[tmpcoleman]

Hi LTfit,
I got the 1000 Mile Fusion (2028) sock. I think this is the standard basic sock. I just bought one pair to try. I did a 27Km hike and was very happy with them, so I will buy a few more pairs, although I do agree with your point about doing long single hikes before the Camino and then finding out that it works different on the Camino! But who is going to walk a week of 27Km hikes to train for the Camino! Your point about the tape was interesting. Maybe I won't try that after all.