Trail Runners?

[DJO Camino 2022]

When choosing footwear for the Camino de Frances I chose a trail runner and never regretted this, enjoying good comfort and support throughout my walk. Water proof, breathable and light weight were key. I am now planning to walk both the Camino San Salvador and Primitivo this year. From your understanding of these caminos, would the trail runner manage the terrain of these two caminos with equal comfort?

 

[trecile]

If it's any help, I wore hiking sandals on both the Salvador and Primitivo.

 

[peregrina2000]

When choosing footwear for the Camino de Frances I chose a trail runner and never regretted this, enjoying good comfort and support throughout my walk. Water proof, breathable and light weight were key. I am now planning to walk both the Camino San Salvador and Primitivo this year. From your understanding of these caminos, would the trail runner manage the terrain of these two caminos with equal comfort?

I’ve worn trail runners on those routes and never had a problem.

 

[Kiwi-family]

If it's any help, I wore hiking sandals on both the Salvador and Primitivo.

Me too!

 

[David Tallan]

When choosing footwear for the Camino de Frances I chose a trail runner and never regretted this, enjoying good comfort and support throughout my walk. Water proof, breathable and light weight were key. I am now planning to walk both the Camino San Salvador and Primitivo this year. From your understanding of these caminos, would the trail runner manage the terrain of these two caminos with equal comfort?

I wore Hoka Challengers on the San Salvador and Primitivo last summer (after having worn them on the Madrid) and had no issues with them.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Did the Primitivo in July in my Altras. Zero issues.

 

[DJO Camino 2022]

Thanks to all for your input. The terrain I have observed on vlogs appeared manageable for a lighter footwear and from responses to my question I am good to go. Much appreciated!

 

[Richard Maynard]

When choosing footwear for the Camino de Frances I chose a trail runner and never regretted this, enjoying good comfort and support throughout my walk. Water proof, breathable and light weight were key. I am now planning to walk both the Camino San Salvador and Primitivo this year. From your understanding of these caminos, would the trail runner manage the terrain of these two caminos with equal comfort?

I did the Salvador last September. I wore Hoka mid GTX and was really glad of the support especially crossing the Cordillera de Cantabrica (I think day 3). The descents can also be a bit treacherous. Personally I wouldn’t wear a trail runner with little ankle support on this Camino. However , I am 74 so I can do with all the help I can get

 

[ratherbefollowingflechas]

I have walked the Frances, the Portuguese and the Primitivo in Saucony Ride trail runners and have had no problems with them. Husband walked in Keen Targhee hiking sandals, also with no problems. There is plenty of grip on the bottom for the terrain, and I add insoles so there is good cushioning for my feet. Although the setts in Portugal were noticeable...

Boots don't work for me due to an ankle issue from a sprain and the resulting surgery.

Buen Camino

 

[Jo Jo]

Trail runners worked just fine on Salvador and Primitivo. I've done the Salvador/Primitivo combination once and the Primitivo by itself once. I've also done the Colorado Trail in them (far gnarlier than anything on any Camino). Boots only necessary for extreme, off-trail cross-country routes where you need to protect ankles from getting banged around or in very deep mud.

 

[DJO Camino 2022]

Trail runners worked just fine on Salvador and Primitivo. I've done the Salvador/Primitivo combination once and the Primitivo by itself once. I've also done the Colorado Trail in them (far gnarlier than anything on any Camino). Boots only necessary for extreme, off-trail cross-country routes where you need to protect ankles from getting banged around or in very deep mud.

Trail runners worked just fine on Salvador and Primitivo. I've done the Salvador/Primitivo combination once and the Primitivo by itself once. I've also done the Colorado Trail in them (far gnarlier than anything on any Camino). Boots only necessary for extreme, off-trail cross-country routes where you need to protect ankles from getting banged around or in very deep mud.

Thanks for the details and also providing comparative details.

 

[GuyA]

Walked both in 2022 in HOKA Speedgoats and they were great!

 

[jrewins]

I did the Salvador last September. I wore Hoka mid GTX and was really glad of the support especially crossing the Cordillera de Cantabrica (I think day 3). The descents can also be a bit treacherous. Personally I wouldn’t wear a trail runner with little ankle support on this Camino. However , I am 74 so I can do with all the help I can get

Richard: I’m a fellow 70+YO and I share foot issues that come with the birthday disease. I wore Merrell Moabs on my first 2 Caminos, the Francés (low cut) and the Portuguese (mid-ankle), and I’m now prepping for the VDLP. I’m considering Trail Runners for a few reasons:
1. The VDLP appears to be a relatively flat Camino with little need for a more ‘hiking boot’ type
2. I’ll only have to bring 1 pr of full coverage shoes. I can use the TRs both with & w/o backpack
3. Less weight; in both my pack (no extra pair of ‘casual sneakers’), and on my feet

What are your thoughts about footwear on the VDLP? Knowing what you know now, would you change what you wore or keep the same, and most importantly, why? Thanks for your counsel.

 

[el-pe]

I did the VdlP this spring in New Balance Walking shoes and had no issues. In fact have worn the same model on all my Caminos with no foot issues and no blisters.

 

[Lou Lulu]

If it's any help, I wore hiking sandals on both the Salvador and Primitivo.

Good to know as I am planning on wearing sandals on the Del Norte in September/October this year.

 

[BombayBill]

Waterproof trail runners? I wouldn’t in warm months. The sweat buildup would be a problem in my opinion.

I wore Altra Lone Peaks on this route in September weather and had no issues.

 

[Willfully6017]

how are the hoka rincon 3 for doing the camino? for the sarria to compostela.

 

[trecile]

how are the hoka rincon 3 for doing the camino? for the sarria to compostela.

The Rincon is a road racing shoe. Most people will recommend a trail running shoe with better grip on all kinds of surfaces for the Camino.

 

[wabana]

I now consider trail runners a no-brainer compared to what I wore in 2021. I wore such on the Primitivo September 2023 in its entirety for 14 days ….The only change I would make is I would get high tops instead of conventional. I would’ve appreciated the extra support as I did. Roll my ankles a couple of time on some sketchy downhill loose terrain. Coupled with wool socks, no blisters whatsoever. Obviously, you need to get a size larger than you think because of the swelling of everybody’s feet regardless. I would NOT get waterproof however which I would consider a mistake choice.

 

[Xago]

I am planning to start my Camino from SJPP in mid-May. I'm already training in Ultraventure 3 trail running shoes which I really like because of the wide toe box and high cushioning (I am a little overweight).

I thought it was a good choice for my walk until i saw this thread. Now I am unsure again.

Can I also use these shoes for the Camino in spring even with them not being waterproof? Or are they just shoes for the summer?

 

[KariannNor]

Rincon is a very good shoe, but Challenger (Wide model best for hot weather) will get you an even better grip and more stability. Just my opinion and experience. Perfect both spring/autumn. No waterproof, because what keeps the water out will also keep the water in = blisters. Non waterproof = drying easily overnight

 

[KariannNor]

I am planning to start my Camino from SJPP in mid-May. I'm already training in Ultraventure 3 trail running shoes which I really like because of the wide toe box and high cushioning (I am a little overweight).

I thought it was a good choice for my walk until i saw this thread. Now I am unsure again.

Can I also use these shoes for the Camino in spring even with them not being waterproof? Or are they just shoes for the summer?

They are perfect for spring, stay away from waterproof, go for what feels good for YOUR feet, all feet are different again, just my opinion..