Footwear on a May CP

[Ali Mac]

Hi all

So I walked the CF last summer from SJPDP in Vasque boots and had quite a few issues with my feet. I'm backpacker and thus had broken them in and didn't get any blisters, but had some other issues. I have INCREDIBLY high arches so the balls of my feet were in agony the whole time. In addition I walked during a pretty nasty heat wave so I suffered warm water immersion foot from my feet being so sweaty in my boots all the time.

That all in mind, I'm doing the CP from Lisbon starting the May 11 and am wondering what shoes to wear. How wet will it be? I brought trail runners that would be great for the CF but I'm not sure about the CP because of all the cobblestones/increased rain.

Any suggestions for the goofy footed teen over here?

Cheers
Ali

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Nevermind the brand, consult a good podiatrist and get proper orthotics to fit any trail runner. The lighter the better. I have flat feet with plantar fasciitis, so what I loke may not be good for you, so consult a podiatrist.

 

[amorfati1]

Hi all

So I walked the CF last summer from SJPDP in Vasque boots and had quite a few issues with my feet. I'm backpacker and thus had broken them in and didn't get any blisters, but had some other issues. I have INCREDIBLY high arches so the balls of my feet were in agony the whole time. In addition I walked during a pretty nasty heat wave so I suffered warm water immersion foot from my feet being so sweaty in my boots all the time.

That all in mind, I'm doing the CP from Lisbon starting the May 11 and am wondering what shoes to wear. How wet will it be? I brought trail runners that would be great for the CF but I'm not sure about the CP because of all the cobblestones/increased rain.

Any suggestions for the goofy footed teen over here?

Cheers
Ali

Teen no longer, but VERY high arched as well. - thus knowing those issues too. what helped me were ARIAT shoes (up to ankle) WITH Montrail insoles (sometimes exchanged w/ silicon insoles).
the rain I encountered was up north - after Barcelos and certainly in Galicia. but w/ these shoes i NEVER had wet feet. also wore merino wool sock and sockliner (aka a thiner sock). and no blisters at all.
the first two weeks it was warm (some called it hot) - and again - not wet/sweaty feet in those shoes.
regardless what footwear you'll choose: treat your feet well w/ massages morning and evening, etc. Be fearless: Pamper !

Wishing you a marvelous time on a blessed camino.
Bom Caminho!

 

[mralisn]

Hi Ali,

With only a few weeks left before you start your walk, I can see how a decision would need to be made soon. This will allow for proper fitting and working in the shoe. I like the idea above about consulting a pediatrist and even having special inserts for your shoes especially with your high arch. If you have the time, it would be nice to go to your local outdoor store and spend a good amount of time trying what you might think would work for you. What might work for me (Keen Voyaguer) on the Camino might not come even close to what you want. However, spending the time in the store walking around first is great. From there, only walking around your house in your new shoes just in case after a few days you need to exchange for a different pair.

I'm figuring this really doesn't help. However, at least I can wish you the best on your journey.

 

[Ali Mac]

Thanks for you replies. I neglected to mention that if I do wear boots again they would be the same ones I did the CF with. I also don't have the money or time to see a pediatrist unfortunately.

 

[Shakespearshakes]

Nevermind the brand, consult a good podiatrist and get proper orthotics to fit any trail runner. The lighter the better. I have flat feet with plantar fasciitis, so what I loke may not be good for you, so consult a podiatrist.

This is the best advice you will recieve if you have such problems then a specalist is the only one who can heelp you

 

[jmcarp]

Whether or not you wear the same boots, go to your local REI and get a knowledgeable shoe person to show you the available options for over-the-counter inserts for whatever shoe or boot you will be wearing. Most of them a pretty darn good, and they have options for arch height. Be sure that the arch location on the insert matches YOUR arch -- don't go only by the marked size range. I've used both SuperFeet and Sole brands, and prefer the latter, but get what feels best to you. Expect to spend anywhere from about $45 to $60, which is much less than you'd pay for custom orthodics from a podiatrist. If you're an REI member (isn't everyone in Portland required to join?), try them out for a few days, and if they don't feel right, return or exchange them using REI's incredible return policy.

Buen Camino,
Jim

 

[Older Guy]

My suggestion is that most orthotics are trial and error and you don't have much time for errors.

You really need to know what it is about your feet that you are trying to take care of with orthotics. If you are sure that your only problem is high arch then get a high arch orthotic. If you are not positive, then go to a place that makes customer orthotics. When I was growing up I wore customer made steel & leather orthotics in my shoes until my flat feet developed a healthy arch. There are still lots of customer orthotic shoe companies. Good luck.

 

[gerardcarey]

When asking hiking suppliers about readily available orthotics they sat me down and presented me with many different styles and arch heights to try.
That was surprising and very helpful.
Might be worth a try!
Regards
Gerard