Trail Runners on the asphalt.

[JP]

What type of Trail Runners with rigid soles do you recommend. I did my last Caminos with boots, looking for something lighter next time. Thinking of the Camino Del Norte and it seems there is a lot of asphalt walking on that one.

 

[linkster]

@JP I live in SWFL ... I am walking everyday in my Altra Olympus on asphalt. They have been holding up very well and show little signs of wear; however, I will replace them when I have about 500 miles on them. I plan on using a pair on on the CP this summer.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

What type of Trail Runners with rigid soles do you recommend. I did my last Caminos with boots, looking for something lighter next time. Thinking of the Camino Del Norte and it seems there is a lot of asphalt walking on that one.

Hi, JP. . .

Trail runners do not have rigid soles. But if it helps, the largest percentage of backpackers, including those who thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail do so in trail runners. In fact, much of the reason trail runners are so popular is because they do not have a rigid sole.

So the followup question - - which may help give us a bit more guidance -- is why do you want a shoe with a rigid sole?

 

[edandjoan]

Trail runners with "rock plates" will be more rigid. Inov8's could be a choice.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I am a lover of Hokas. I describe them as like you are walking on "marshmellows"!

 

[Mugatu]

What type of Trail Runners with rigid soles do you recommend. I did my last Caminos with boots, looking for something lighter next time. Thinking of the Camino Del Norte and it seems there is a lot of asphalt walking on that one.

Are you referring to the hardness of the lugs? If so there are some trail runners with harder lugs due to the rubber compound used for specific terrains & conditions or are you looking for a rigid platform?

For example, I just purchased some HOO Speedgoat 3's and it lugs are softer than say Arcteryx Norvan LD (stiffer platform & lugs) or Nike Tera Keiger 4 (hard lugs & minimal platform).

Start here, this may help you out:

10 Best Trail Shoes For Pilgrims Walking Camino De Santiago 2019 - Trail to Peak

Picking the right trail shoe is probably the most important gear decision you’ll need to make for a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. In this post, I’m going to break down what to look for…

trailtopeak.com

 

[Vacajoe]

Loved my Altra TIMPs, but they don’t have a rock plate. Found no need one for one 95% of the CF route - even then, the rocky Roman roads were bearable.

 

[AlexanderAZ]

Salomon’s for me.
If you are lucky Dave Bugg will grace this thread and drop all kinds of footwear knowledge on you.

 

[LTfit]

Have used Salomon the last few years but I go through a pair after only 600 km (holes at heels and toes). While in Spain in January I bought Sportiva. They look a bit more rugged, we will see, off at the end of the month to walk the Lana from Alicante.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Have used Salomon the last few years but I go through a pair after only 600 km (holes at heels and toes). While in Spain in January I bought Sportiva. They look a bit more rugged, we will see, off at the end of the month to walk the Lana from Alicante.

My son loves, loves LaSportivas! He wore them on the AT, John Muir trail, and the Colorado trail with success!

 

[seashell]

What type of Trail Runners with rigid soles do you recommend. I did my last Caminos with boots, looking for something lighter next time. Thinking of the Camino Del Norte and it seems there is a lot of asphalt walking on that one.

Having always associated serious walking with a good pair of solid boots with vibram soles it took quite some persuading before I agreed with myself to switch to a simple pair of Adidas supernova trainers with good quality insoles for the Primitivo last summer. It turned out to be the best decision I’ve made in a long time. The soles are thick and spongy and walking remained pleasant even after 30+ km days. I’m about to head out to Porto to walk the Portugues and will take a new pair with me. Hopefully the Portuguese cobblestones will prove no match for the supernovas.

 

[josephmcclain]

I would always recommend one of the HOKA models. Right now my favorite is the HOKA Bondi.

 

[peregrina2000]

Loved my Altra TIMPs, but they don’t have a rock plate. Found no need one for one 95% of the CF route - even then, the rocky Roman roads were bearable.

I haven't yet been to a store to try on some Altras to replace the 3.0 lone peak for this year's camino,, but I saw that you or someone said the Timps had more cushioning. So I was going to look into it. Unfortunately, it looks like the Timps have been discontinued.

 

[gloria lowe]

Are you referring to the hardness of the lugs? If so there are some trail runners with harder lugs due to the rubber compound used for specific terrains & conditions or are you looking for a rigid platform?

For example, I just purchased some HOO Speedgoat 3's and it lugs are softer than say Arcteryx Norvan LD (stiffer platform & lugs) or Nike Tera Keiger 4 (hard lugs & minimal platform).

Start here, this may help you out:

10 Best Trail Shoes For Pilgrims Walking Camino De Santiago 2019 - Trail to Peak

Picking the right trail shoe is probably the most important gear decision you’ll need to make for a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. In this post, I’m going to break down what to look for…

trailtopeak.com

Good article. I love Brooks but not the Cascadia, which was my shoe of choice for years until they narrowed the tie box. Might have to try this years model

 

[alipilgrim]

I found hiking shoes with a solid sole made it very difficult to walk on paved surfaces, and twice gave me shin splints as it overworked my front shin muscles (anterior tibilias?) since my foot could not flex naturally. Trail runners with excellent cushioning only for me from now on. I've found some Hoka Challengers that I love. Used to have some Altra Olympus's but I don't think they make those anymore...

 

[linkster]

I haven't yet been to a store to try on some Altras to replace the 3.0 lone peak for this year's camino,, but I saw that you or someone said the Timps had more cushioning. So I was going to look into it. Unfortunately, it looks like the Timps have been discontinued.

Checkout the Altra Olympus.

 

[trecile]

I haven't yet been to a store to try on some Altras to replace the 3.0 lone peak for this year's camino,, but I saw that you or someone said the Timps had more cushioning. So I was going to look into it. Unfortunately, it looks like the Timps have been discontinued.

You can still buy the Timps on the Altra website, and they offer free shipping and free returns. Or, check out the Olympus for more cushioning.

WOMEN'S TIMP TRAIL | Shop at Altra

www.altrarunning.com

 

[JP]

Seems like hard sole is not the way to go, I was misinformed. We were wearing boots on the Camino Portugese and after all the asphalt & cobblestone walking after a few days my Girlfriend destroyed the bottom of her feet and we had to come back home. It took a month for her to walk normally after that experience. Lots of good suggestion, but unfortunately many of the brands listed are not available here in Quebec.

 

[Leigh Macklin]

As a fellow Canadian, I found everything I needed at MEC. In colder weather my preference is the Vasque Mantra 2.0 (leather) and in hot weather my preference is Merrell trail runners. Neither are waterproof, by choice. Then I make sure my socks match temperature wise. Thick smartwool in the winter and shorty running socks in the summer.

 

[JP]

Yes MEC is a very good place, I bought several items from them for my Caminos. I used Merrell Moab boots on both my Camino Frances with no problem, but they were not ideal for the asphalt & cobblestone walking on our disastrous attempt on the Camino Portuguese.

 

[Kathy Jaudegis]

Hoka !!

 

[Tie]

I walked the Norte/Primitivo last Sept/Oct in Altra Timps. They were good (I have a really hard-to-fit foot) but my feet suffered from fatigue on the lengthier pavement walks. I have used Altras for long distance hiking/backpacking on trails with success. I agree with the input about replacing them at 500 miles. Even though they may not look worn the internal support breaks down.
If you like a stiffer feel, you could consider looking at insoles such as those made by SuperFeet.

 

[Mugatu]

Yes MEC is a very good place, I bought several items from them for my Caminos. I used Merrell Moab boots on both my Camino Frances with no problem, but they were not ideal for the asphalt & cobblestone walking on our disastrous attempt on the Camino Portuguese.

I’ll be in the Norte this summer with the Speedgoat 3’s but did consider the Challenger ATR 5, you may want to look at them (Challenger) if you’re planning on a bit more pavement walking. I tried them on at REI and they felt close to general running shoes with a thicker midsole, the lug pattern is wider & not so aggressive to allow for usability on pavement but still maintains some trail capabilities.

 

[RuediG]

A Marathoner friend told me how he found his shoe: after various models didn't work out, he finally bit the bullet and went to an (expensive) specialist store. They looked at his gait, then told him which types of shoes would work for him. Their final advice: "try out any of the shoes in the store that we recommend, then buy the one that feels old and comfortable." He did, and has had no more problems ever since.

IOW, I'm a bit dubious about advice to buy this or that shoe. Everybody needs to find for themselves which shoe fits them, rather than which shoe fits somebody else.

 

[Walking Lover]

What type of Trail Runners with rigid soles do you recommend. I did my last Caminos with boots, looking for something lighter next time. Thinking of the Camino Del Norte and it seems there is a lot of asphalt walking on that one.

Hoka ones

 

[blueskywa]

I am a lover of Hokas. I describe them as like you are walking on "marshmellows"!

Hello Chris, what type of Hokas do you walk in? I'm recovering from PF (heel) and have specially made very firm (hard) insoles which are comfortable with the Bondi 6 but I'm sure they wouldn't be sturdy enough for a Camino because of the fabric material. They are like marshmallows!!! Cheers

 

[blueskywa]

I would always recommend one of the HOKA models. Right now my favorite is the HOKA Bondi.

Hello Joseph, Are you going to walk, or have you walked, the Camino in your Bondi 6?

 

[trecile]

Hello Chris, what type of Hokas do you walk in? I'm recovering from PF (heel) and have specially made very firm (hard) insoles which are comfortable with the Bondi 6 but I'm sure they wouldn't be sturdy enough for a Camino because of the fabric material. They are like marshmallows!!! Cheers

Search the forum, I'm sure that I've read of members that have done the Camino in Bondis. What is it about the fabric that you don't think will hold up? I walked in very lightweight trail runners with no problem.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hello Chris, what type of Hokas do you walk in? I'm recovering from PF (heel) and have specially made very firm (hard) insoles which are comfortable with the Bondi 6 but I'm sure they wouldn't be sturdy enough for a Camino because of the fabric material. They are like marshmallows!!! Cheers

My pair were the Hoka One One's, an older model no longer available, but I do hear good things about the Bondi's.

 

[trecile]

Search the forum, I'm sure that I've read of members that have done the Camino in Bondis. What is it about the fabric that you don't think will hold up? I walked in very lightweight trail runners with no problem.

I did a quick search myself, and apparently our resident shoe guru @davebugg wears Bondis on the trail

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/changing-from-boots-to-trail-runners-socks.59549/#post-710507

 

[blueskywa]

Search the forum, I'm sure that I've read of members that have done the Camino in Bondis. What is it about the fabric that you don't think will hold up? I walked in very lightweight trail runners with no problem.

The material is very light weight, and looks like it would easily tear if snagged. On my first Camino my Zambalans did tear around the ankle area and across the foot in a couple of places where they were snagged and they were made from hardier material. I did notice someone in this thread commented on the Bondi 6 and I'm awaiting a reply but will search the forum.
Also, the sole is so comfortably spongy it looks to be excellent only on roads. I'll be interested to see any other comments and would appreciate any feedback.

 

[Walton]

Having done both the CF and then the Portuguese, which has a fair bit of road and a lot of cobblestone walking, I'm inclined to think that there should be a separate thread for the Portuguese.

I wore Asics Gel for both (One pair for each Camine) - no blisters on the CF but a blister on the Portuguese. I think maybe the Portuguese because of the cobblestones, requires a shoe with a more rigid sole.

The other issue is coping with sun heat arising from the path especially cobblestones and roads. In warm weather, hot pathways, cause the soles of some shoes to eventually become hot, which causes foot perspiration which causes the skin to soften which leads to unwanted blisters.

But in saying that the Asics were great except I would like a little more padding under the toes. Wool insoles have helped in this regard.

Even now, put a little boot polish on them and they are good to go out in and you'd never know each pair has done an 800 Km+ Camino.

 

[josephmcclain]

Hello Joseph, Are you going to walk, or have you walked, the Camino in your Bondi 6?

I walked the Francés in Clifton HOKAS. I now have a pair of Bondi I love even better than the Cliftons. And I also splurged for the HOKA hiking shoes. I think I will wear the hiking shoes and carry the Bondis for evenings and maybe to change out occasionally

 

[Sebenaler]

Loved my Altra TIMPs, but they don’t have a rock plate. Found no need one for one 95% of the CF route - even then, the rocky Roman roads were bearable.

I walked in the Timps all last summer. They got wet even with dew. How are they in the rain or on wet rocks?

 

[Sebenaler]

I walked in the Timps all last summer. They got wet even with dew. How are they in the rain or on wet rocks?

N

Loved my Altra TIMPs, but they don’t have a rock plate. Found no need one for one 95% of the CF route - even then, the rocky Roman roads were bearable.

 

[mminalaska]

I haven't yet been to a store to try on some Altras to replace the 3.0 lone peak for this year's camino,, but I saw that you or someone said the Timps had more cushioning. So I was going to look into it. Unfortunately, it looks like the Timps have been discontinued.

Look for the Timp 1.5 then. I like their fit even better than the original Timp

 

[Vacajoe]

I wore Darn Tough wool socks, so I didn’t mind my feet getting wet when it rained. Though the TIMPs are not waterproof, they completely dried overnight even in cold unheated albuergues.

 

[cbacino]

What type of Trail Runners with rigid soles do you recommend. I did my last Caminos with boots, looking for something lighter next time. Thinking of the Camino Del Norte and it seems there is a lot of asphalt walking on that one.

I've used New Balance 481 on the Appalachian Trail, Via Francigena, and Norte-Primitivo. Cheap, $50, but also used Superfeet insoles in them. Work just fine.

 

[JP]

I found a pair of Hooka One Speedgoat 3, really comfy so I bought those. Looked at the La Sportiva, they were comfortable also but they looked to delicate to survive a 900 KM walk. Thanks for all the help!

 

[Opa Theo]

What type of Trail Runners with rigid soles do you recommend. I did my last Caminos with boots, looking for something lighter next time. Thinking of the Camino Del Norte and it seems there is a lot of asphalt walking on that one.

I practiced with 3 different pairs of trail runners. The Altra Lone peak 3.5 The heel is level with the rest of the foot. They proved miserable on paved surfaces but were great on rough trail surfaces. The pair I took on the Camino were a discontinued Vasque trail runner. They had a heel lift and were superior on paved surfaces. 2 considerations: When trying shoes on loosen the laces and slide your foot so the toes touch the front of the shoe. There should be a space behind your heel as wide as your thumb. This is to ensure when the shoes are laced your toes will not rub against the front of the shoe. For me I had to buy shoes one full size larger than my day to day shoes. Try thin compressions socks favored by runners. They help prevent blisters and dry fast. Also favor Brooks Ghost shoes.
You'll be glad you converted to trail runners. I wear them every day I can.
Ted

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Hello Chris, what type of Hokas do you walk in? I'm recovering from PF (heel) and have specially made very firm (hard) insoles which are comfortable with the Bondi 6 but I'm sure they wouldn't be sturdy enough for a Camino because of the fabric material. They are like marshmallows!!! Cheers

Hi, Loretta. .

The Hoka One One Bondi 6 are absolutely sturdy enough for a Camino. Heck, I've not only worn them from SJPdP to SdC, but I use them now as my primary backpacking trail shoe on multi-day hikes in the Cascades on all sorts of wilderness trails.

I have written about the Bondi 5 and 6, both of which are similar in construction but with some small improvements to the compound which makes up the cushioning.

To this point, I have over 1200 miles on the Bondi's. If there are specific questions that I can answer, feel free to send me a private message. You can post it on this thread, but I might miss it.