Shoes, Socks, and Inserts
For my camino, I purchased a pair of New Balance 766 running shoes.
I usually wear size 6, but I purchased a 7EE (REALLY wide).
With those, I began wearing a pair of Wigwam inner socks and SmartWool Adrenylene outer socks.
I started training by walking 2 to 5 miles per day with no problems and they felt really comfortable. No blisters.
Yesterday, we went to the New Balance store to buy Joe's shoes, and the New Balance 766 were on SALE! So you know what? I bought another pair! Hahaha! They didn't have the size I purchased before, so this time I bought a size 7.5 D. Guess what.... they fit TOO! So I'll wear these for training and save the ones that are a bit wider for the Camino, when my feet will be expected to swell.
I guess my point here is, don't listen to the salesperson who says they don't have your size.. try variations of size & width. These fit just as nicely as the other pair.
Secondly... we purchased some inner soles called Motion Control. These things ROCK! They give more support in the instep and center of the foot. I actually can feel my toe bones spread nicely as I walk so my toes don't rub together. It's amazing. Before I got them, I did get a wee hotspot on the pad walking on a 4 mile downhile grade. But with these Motion Controls, no hot spot. They seem to keep your foot in place, plus the shock absorbtion is absolutely amazing! You just take out the regular insole and put in the new one. I'm going to carry the regular insole to exchange out occasionally but I'm in love with Motion Control. They're not cheap, but I think they're going to be worth their weight in gold.
Anyway.. so that's my vote. NewBalance shoes are awesome. No breaking in.. none.. just wear them out of the store and onto the Camino.
Someone asked how many socks?
I'm taking 2 pair of Smartwools - one to wear and one to wash. I think you can wear these several days OVER your liners with no problem.
I'm taking 3 pair of liners simply so I don't have to wash one pair every single night.
Honestly, try the Motion Controls.
Happy Feet!
Oh, by the way, I saw these funny socks at REI with all the toes in them.
We took them out of the package and tried them on. Interesting, but although their purpose is to prevent blisters, I was concerned about circulation. So we voted against them.
I can't stress enough to TRY OUT YOUR EQUIPMENT.
I've gone through 3 sleeping bags and 2 packs before deciding.
On training, I read that 5 to 7 miles thrice a week will give you pretty good training for a 20 km per day hike. So I'm trying to do at least that.