September 2023 Camino del Norte, starting to plan

[rnfermandez]

Hello! We are starting to plan for Camino de Norte, Gijón to Santiago de Compostela starting beginning of September 2023. I will be doing the Camino with my daughter, and we have been dreaming about this for 7 years. We are hoping to get some mother-daughter quality time, when we can experience contact with nature (and we are ocean/water views fans), personal and spiritual growth and accomplishment of a physical challenge.

We want to have our bags transported by a service. We first want to figure which would be the best type of shoes for that route at that time of the year, so we can train during the next year using the type of shoes that we are planning to bring. We have heard that the North could be hilly in some areas, and cool and rainy, but are wondering most specifically about those 345 km that we will be doing. Any wisdom and advice w.r.t. terrain in that area and weather at that time of the year would be greatly appreciated, as well as any advice about shoes and socks that you have worn or would wear for that Camino.

 

[trecile]

You can use the Spanish post office, Correos for pack transport.

Rucksack transfer on the Camino de Santiago

Correos transfers your rucksack, suitcase or luggage along the Camino de Santiago stage by stage

www.elcaminoconcorreos.com

As far as shoes go, that's a very personal decision. Fortunately you have plenty of time to try out different footwear.

There are those who wouldn't wear anything but boots, while many prefer trail running shoes.

I've done the Norte and several other Caminos exclusively in hiking sandals.

 

[WalkingPlaylist]

Good luck! My Dad and I are planning the Norte at the same time. We have been delayed twice due to travel restrictions but this is our third Camino together. It's a wonderful experience to share. Shoes are personal but hiking the Frances in boots and having our feet torn apart, try lots of options to see what you like. For the Portugese we did a combo of boots and sandals - I love the Ecco brand. For the Norte we are actually planning on trail runners which are more gentle on the feet but have great cushion. The paths on all Caminos are hard rocks, dirt, or pavement so you need something with great support and cushion. I'll probably also bring the sandals again. Happy Planning and hope to see you there.

 

[rnfermandez]

Good luck! My Dad and I are planning the Norte at the same time. We have been delayed twice due to travel restrictions but this is our third Camino together. It's a wonderful experience to share. Shoes are personal but hiking the Frances in boots and having our feet torn apart, try lots of options to see what you like. For the Portugese we did a combo of boots and sandals - I love the Ecco brand. For the Norte we are actually planning on trail runners which are more gentle on the feet but have great cushion. The paths on all Caminos are hard rocks, dirt, or pavement so you need something with great support and cushion. I'll probably also bring the sandals again. Happy Planning and hope to see you there.

Wonderful! So we might see you! Thanks for your wisdom. Yes, after some research I've decided to start trying out a trail runner. Bringing good sandals too as a backup or to switch into when feet are wet or tired my be a really good idea.

 

[lt56ny]

I walked in 2018 and have walked every camino in Brooks Cascadia Trail runners. Terrain wise unless your Podiatrist or Orthopedic told you you need to use boots, they are not necessary at all. They will be hotter and heavier and you will sweat more. I use a smart wool sock with a very thin synthetic sock underneath to absorb sweat. If you can keep a newspaper you find in a bar to have handy in case your trail runners get really wet. Many albergues will have newspaper also. When you arrive take out the insole and crumple up the newspaper and stuff your shoes with it. If you can repeat again before you go to sleep. I guarantee your shoes will be dry in the morning.

 

[trecile]

Bringing good sandals too as a backup or to switch into when feet are wet or tired my be a really good idea.

I know a couple of people whose Caminos were saved because they had good sandals to switch to.

 

[Sandra Wolf]

Yes sandals have saved us on the Primitivo and the Frances when walking long stretches on roads and concrete footpaths. We have Merrell hiking boots for ankel support and orthotic inserts and Teva sandals for the long hard road stretches. At the end of a long day coming into a town its great to switch to sandals on the harder surfaces. I will be on the Norte starting September 2022.