BOOTS

[Urban Trekker]

I don't think my boots are going to get me to Santiago. The French way is a boot killer. I'm currently in Rabanal del Camino. Anyone know where one can get good boots down the way.
Buen Camino

Happy Trails

 

[nidarosa]

The nearest place would probably be Astorga, one day back ... the next one I know for sure is Peregrinoteca in Sarria, but others might know better. Good luck and take care (and lots of photographs) on the way down to Molinaseca!

 

[Castilian]

I can't tell about a specific shop but I'm sure you'll find them in Ponferrada that it's big enough (more than 65000 inhabitants) as to have both shoe shops and shops specialized in sports equipment.

 

[mspath]

If you do go back to Astorga this is a great store.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Ponferrada new town across the river has several sporting goods stores.

 

[domigee]

I don't know if your boots will last until then but there is a good sports shop in Arzua. It isn't on the main road but on a side street (on the right) level with the little square ....I am sorry I don't recall the name of the street but they had a very good choice of walking boots. I bought some there when mine gave way.

 

[mspath]

I don't know if your boots will last until then but there is a good sports shop in Arzua. It isn't on the main road but on a side street (on the right)
level with the little square ....I am sorry I don't recall the name of the street but they had a very good choice of walking boots. I bought some there when mine gave way.

Perhaps your store in Arzua is Sport Moda Deportes. See more info here.

 

[domigee]

Perhaps your store in Azura is Sport Moda Deportes. See more info here.

Brilliant, mspath, as ever

 

[t2andreo]

There is a Decathlon store in Ponferrada. This small city is just in front of you, right after Molinasca. It is a short taxi ride from Molinaseca.

If you are in Ponferrada, the store is on the West side of the river. I would estimate it is a good 3-4 km from the municipal Albergue in Ponferrada. I recommend taking a taxi, at about one euro per kilometer from the Albergue to the store.

Decathlon typically carry Salmon, Merrill, and their house brand, Quechua. Their brand, while perhaps not the best in terms of durability, DOES offer excellent value for money. I would recommend them, assuming you tried them on with the socks you intend to wear with them, and walked around the large store for a while. The key, for any hiking boot or shoe, is FIT not size. Wear what works, not just based on numbers.

Remember, your hiking boot / shoe size may be one to two sizes larger than your street shoe size. If you are now having toe problem (blisters or nail loss) your present boots / shoe are too small / short. Also, the size you ultimately buy may be different simply because the boots / shoes were built over a different "last" or metric sizing will vary slightly from UK or US sizing standards. Wear what fits!

If you buy new boots, I strongly advise wearing a microfiber liner sock with a heavy, cushioning, wool sock over it. Also, consider lubricating your feet with petroleum jelly, or equivalent moisturizer, at least until you break the boots in.

I hope this helps.

 

[kmrice]

Remember, your hiking boot / shoe size may be one to two sizes larger than your street shoe size.

Your feet have probably swollen to their Camino size by now; if you buy after an hour or two walk, getting boots that fit pretty well may be fine. Before one starts a Camino, it is important to be sure to get boots that seem too big rather than boots that seem to fit. Not the same when you have been on the Camino for a few weeks.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Before one starts a Camino, it is important to be sure to get boots that seem too big rather than boots that seem to fit. Not the same when you have been on the Camino for a few weeks.

While that may be quite true for some or most pilgrims, it is not true for me (and some or most pilgrims). I have generalized edema from blood pressure and circulation, and my legs swell a bit. My feet don't. Potential pilgrims need to know their own feet before buying boots and leaving to walk a half-marathon a day for a month. Self-discovery is an important part of preparation, and reading about others should come second.

 

[kmrice]

While that may be quite true for some or most pilgrims, it is not true for me (and some or most pilgrims). I have generalized edema from blood pressure and circulation, and my legs swell a bit. My feet don't. Potential pilgrims need to know their own feet before buying boots and leaving to walk a half-marathon a day for a month. Self-discovery is an important part of preparation, and reading about others should come second.

Good point. My point was not to overdue it on getting larger boots if you have been walking a long time already and your feet, to the extent that they are going to swell, will have already done so.

 

[MTtoCamino]

My boots were superglued & duct taped by the time I reached Finnesterre. With holes in the soles. I personally was not smart enough to ask this question of the forum. So I hope those walking or about to, take note of this thread!