Boots or shoes on the primitivo

[Wandalina]

Hi lovely forum members I'm planning the primitivo for September and I'm wondering about footwear. I did Porto to Santiago last year in my Meindel trekking shoes but anticipate the terrain is rougher on the primitivo. I'm generally quite steady on my feet but I'm well aware a twisted ankle can happen anywhere. Any advice would be as always much appreciated....You lads have always helped me so much in the past

 

[Mr Magoo]

I did the Primitivo in September a couple of years ago. I wore light mid high boots (Keen), which were comfortable. However hiking shoes, preferably NOT waterproof/breathable lined would have been more comfortable on the hot days, and I noticed most people had these, or running shoes. You can always take waterproof/breathable socks (e.g. Sealskinz) if worried about the wet. I'm used to mountain hiking in Norway so thought the hilly bit in Asturias wasnt difficult underfoot.The path once you get into Galicia ,whenever youre not on roads, is newly surfaced with stone chippings, so like walking in a park. Whatever footwear I choose for a hike, I will walk in for 50 miles in the weeks beforehand, like most people advise.

 

[Miss Diesel]

Hi lovely forum members I'm planning the primitivo for September and I'm wondering about footwear. I did Porto to Santiago last year in my Meindel trekking shoes but anticipate the terrain is rougher on the primitivo. I'm generally quite steady on my feet but I'm well aware a twisted ankle can happen anywhere. Any advice would be as always much appreciated....You lads have always helped me so much in the past

Just did from Oviedo to Lugo. I wore walking shoes but light weight boots may be better as can be quite muddy. Also you need to be used to walking on hills and mountains as this is a hill walkers Csmino

 

[Felice]

I walked the Primitivo in running shoes, in May. It had been really wet the week before, had already dried out mainly when I started. My shoes were absolutely perfect. There was one short very muddy stretch, which the guidebook mentioned. Lots of people were walking along the road which ran parallel about 300m apart. Glad I didn't as the mud was manageable and the tree lined track was beautiful. Most of the route is on quality paths - senda throughout Galicia, natural in Asturias.

And yes, it is hilly! By about the 3rd or 4th day, I found myself muttering 'give us this day our daily hill' as I toiled upwards. Fortunately, I generally stayed in the valley between hills, so I climbed the hill freshly rested rather than towards the end of the day.

The worst part of the route is the slog into Lugo, especially on a hot afternoon.

 

[Tia Valeria]

We wore lightweight low cut leather boots on the Primitivo, they come to just above the ankle bone. Interestingly last week in the UK, when it was very hot, my feet were cooler in my boots than in my walking shoes (mixed suede and man made fibres).
The boots are easy to keep laced tight enough to avoid toes bumping forward in the toe box when going downhill, something I cannot do with the shoes

 

[john newman]

Altra Lone Peak 4 trail runners.
No problems on the Primitivo this June.

 

[jennysa]

The first time I walked the Primitivo, I wore New Balance trainers that were very comfortable but the mud was quite horrific. This time in May there was very little mud. My friend wore Addidas trainers the whole way and thought that they were wonderful . I had Addidas gortex trail shoes which gave me blisters so I abandoned them and walked the rest of the way in my Keen sandals. Due to time constraints, we took the bus from Castro Verde to Lugo so we could have one full day in Lugo otherwise we would have arrived in the afternoon.

 

[Jo Jo]

I have a similar question, but rather than create a new thread, I'll ask it here: Do I need trail runners on the Primitivo? I know shoes are personal, so I'll try to describe when I would like trail runners.

My wife and I have walked three times to Santiago. The only place I thought I really needed trail runners on the CF was the day before and after Roncevalles. Dirt paths, loose gravel, slick rocks, all make me want trail runners (over shoes designed for asphalt/concrete) for increased traction. On the CP, the only day I really wanted them was the 17km day over the mountain after Ponte do Lima, again for the same types of walking surfaces. Am I going to encounter similar walking surfaces on the Camino Primitivo? (planning to leave early September 2019, if that makes a difference). Not trying to ignite boots v. trail shoes controversey. Even in the highest, toughest mountains of America I do not use boots (again, personal preference). Just looking for information on the walking surfaces. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

[brambles]

We wore lightweight low cut leather boots on the Primitivo, they come to just above the ankle bone. Interestingly last week in the UK, when it was very hot, my feet were cooler in my boots than in my walking shoes (mixed suede and man made fibres).
The boots are easy to keep laced tight enough to avoid toes bumping forward in the toe box when going downhill, something I cannot do with the shoes

What brand did you use? I am looking at Lowas possibly for my next Camino. I felt that trail runners were not 'enough' for me on the CF this summer

 

[Tia Valeria]

What brand did you use? I am looking at Lowas possibly for my next Camino. I felt that trail runners were not 'enough' for me on the CF this summer

Our favourite brand is Hi-Tec. Current model is called Ravine but if they still do the AltitudeWP style then they are good too. Good fit for us and also not sweaty and really do not let in water.

We did carry a tiny tin of wax type reproofer by Renopur and a small sponge. Reproofed them a couple of times over the 5 weeks just as maintenance care. Terry just carried a well impregnated sponge and that worked for him. Primed it before he left home and kept it in a ziplock type bag. Not a must have but useful - our only 'just in case'.

 

[Br. Dick Tandy ofm]

I did the Primitivo in September a couple of years ago. I wore light mid high boots (Keen), which were comfortable. However hiking shoes, preferably NOT waterproof/breathable lined would have been more comfortable on the hot days, and I noticed most people had these, or running shoes. You can always take waterproof/breathable socks (e.g. Sealskinz) if worried about the wet. I'm used to mountain hiking in Norway so thought the hilly bit in Asturias wasnt difficult underfoot.The path once you get into Galicia ,whenever youre not on roads, is newly surfaced with stone chippings, so like walking in a park. Whatever footwear I choose for a hike, I will walk in for 50 miles in the weeks beforehand, like most people advise.

I just returned from Walking the Camino Primitivo last week. I agree with Mr. Magoo lightweight hiking boots. I walked with Oboz ( like Merrell's, but better constructed ) Yes waterproof socks ( I don't have). We had two rainy days and two hot days from the mid to upper 80's. I end up with blisters on the last rainy day. The Camino Primitivo is mostly mountainous. when I discovered what goes down, goes back up, goes back down.

Buen Camino

 

[Obilix]

Taken yesterday at the municipal albergue in Grandas de Salime. I guess the answer is: take your pick!