3 shoes too much?

[Cmoreau]

How many shoes an you bring. I was just going to bring my Ecco sandals and Merrill hiking shoes but then I bought a much needed pair of expensive Aric's, runners that are solo comfortable. What pair do I not take or can I take all 3. I can wear the hikers and carry the other 2 mostly?. Any ideas. I leave tomorrow!!!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I would either bring 2 or 4 shoes, certainly not 3

In all seriousness bring 1 pair for walking on the trail, another that will takf'ke you to the shower and around town, that's it, that's all.

 

[NualaOC]

Hi, I normally take walking shoes, light sandals for the evening and very basic flip flops for the shower. I debated bringing running shoes on my first Camino, but decided against it as they added extra weight. I didn't regret this - especially as my feet swell in the heat and my much loved Asics wouldn't have been as comfortable as they are at home.

I suspect you were happy with the Eccos and Merrills until you bought your new shoes - so maybe you're thinking of bringing them 'just in case'? It's up to you, but IMO it's often a good idea to leave the 'just in case' items at home.

Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Take everything you are willing to carry. Donation boxes are filled with abandoned extra footwear! If you find you are carrying too much, are you willing to throw away one pair of the shoes? If not, leave them behind.

 

[Mark Lee]

I wore my Merrells everyday to walk in, and had a pair of Teva sandals for wearing around the albergue, etc. They could have easily done double-duty as shower shoes, but instead I bought the cheapest pair of rubber flip-flop sandals I could find to do that. They weighed nothing. Rode in an outer pocket on my pack and if they blew-out or I lost them, no big deal as they only cost two dollars. Upon reaching Santiago they went into a trash bin, having served their duty well.
I wouldn't bring two pairs of walking shoes. No need.

 

[AZgirl]

I wore my Merrells everyday to walk in, and had a pair of Teva sandals for wearing around the albergue, etc. They could have easily done double-duty as shower shoes, but instead I bought the cheapest pair of rubber flip-flop sandals I could find to do that. They weighed nothing. Rode in an outer pocket on my pack and if they blew-out or I lost them, no big deal as they only cost two dollars. Upon reaching Santiago they went into a trash bin, having served their duty well.
I wouldn't bring two pairs of walking shoes. No need.

I agree. While I could wear my tevas in the shower, I didn't like walking around in them afterwards while wet. Since you mentioned the new runners were expensive, I would leave them home. I have found to only take what you will use, and be prepared to be willing to leave any "just in case" items in the donation box.

 

[Cmoreau]

The merrells are very strong and a hiking boot. The other is a super comfortable running shoe. I will be hotter but will have a solid strong footing with the merills. do I leave the runners behind or the hiking boots

 

[naplesdon]

Hiking boots during the day and bare feet at night. It's not a fashion show.

 

[AZgirl]

Either one would work. I did my first camino in a pair in a pair of adidas road runners. They were nice and light, cool. My problem was I felt the sole was too thin, and at times I could feel rocks etc under my feet. I now prefer a trail runner one that has a thicker/sturdier sole. Have you done a few longs walks in both?

 

[Robo]

IMHO..... The hiking shoes...........plus something to wear when you stop hiking! That's it Second pair should be something you can comfortably walk around town in. Your feet need a break from the hiking shoes.

 

[Mark Lee]

The merrells are very strong and a hiking boot. The other is a super comfortable running shoe. I will be hotter but will have a solid strong footing with the merills. do I leave the runners behind or the hiking boots

On both Caminos the Merrells I wore were of the shoe variety, and non-waterproof. They are marketed as a hiking shoe, but somewhat resemble a trail runner. Running shoes are more than adequate on the Camino, especially in hot weather, and even better of they have a trail sole. If those Merrells you have are of the heavy, waterproof boot variety, leave them at home. Besides, quite a bit of the walking you do will be on improved surfaces like blacktop and concrete.

 

[Robo]

On both Caminos the Merrells I wore were of the shoe variety, and non-waterproof. They are marketed as a hiking shoe, but somewhat resemble a trail runner. Running shoes are more than adequate on the Camino, especially in hot weather, and even better of they have a trail sole. If those Merrells you have are of the heavy, waterproof boot variety, leave them at home. Besides, quite a bit of the walking you do will be on improved surfaces like blacktop and concrete.

Opinions on footwear are as varied as back packs And everything else Camino related!

If I had not worn boots on my Camino I would have twisted my ankle on at least two occasions....and the overall lack of support and cushioning would have seen me in a lot more pain.

Shoes would be OK on the last 100 kms. No problem. But IMHO not all the way from St Jean. Don't think I saw anyone walking 'long' that just wore shoes ..... maybe the odd day here and there for a break.

The 'improved' surfaces like black top and concrete were for me the worst surfaces to walk on. The lack of cushioning really takes a toll on the legs and joints. Everyone I saw walking would try to walk on any surface other than those, even if it was a 3 inch wide strip of grass next to the road

 

[Kanga]

Ah, we are all different. I'd leave the hiking shoes behind. But if you can't decide take all three pairs and post a pair to Ivar once you have worked out what suits you.

 

[BethC]

I would either bring 2 or 4 shoes, certainly not 3

In all seriousness bring 1 pair for walking on the trail, another that will takf'ke you to the shower and around town, that's it, that's all.

That's so funny:0))

 

[Mark Lee]

Opinions on footwear are as varied as back packs And everything else Camino related!

If I had not worn boots on my Camino I would have twisted my ankle on at least two occasions....and the overall lack of support and cushioning would have seen me in a lot more pain.

Shoes would be OK on the last 100 kms. No problem. But IMHO not all the way from St Jean. Don't think I saw anyone walking 'long' that just wore shoes ..... maybe the odd day here and there for a break.

The 'improved' surfaces like black top and concrete were for me the worst surfaces to walk on. The lack of cushioning really takes a toll on the legs and joints. Everyone I saw walking would try to walk on any surface other than those, even if it was a 3 inch wide strip of grass next to the road

These are the two models of Merrell shoes I wore on my Caminos (SJPdP to SDC). Neither of the waterproof variety. The one on the left are the Moabs and on the right the Yokotas. Walked anywhere from 15-32 kilometers a day depending on my mood. Had almost no blisters (just a couple on the tips of the small toes), no shin splints, no ankle twists, etc. Did have sore knees, but I attribute that to being in my 50's. Glad I brought my 500 mg aspirin tablets with me.
I did put in better, aftermarket insoles in the shoes prior to walking the Caminos, but kept the original insoles in my pack as backups.

 

[Robo]

Ah, we are all different. I'd leave the hiking shoes behind. But if you can't decide take all three pairs and post a pair to Ivar once you have worked out what suits you.

We are all victims of our own experiences unfortunately (Unless we have tried every type of footwear in every condition)

 

[Miekemcm]

I walked most on sandals! Good strong walking sandals. When I felt soreness in my feet I changed into a pair of light running shoes. For me this was a perfect solution as I get blisters very easily and in the hot weather I would have been suffering. Many people though that I was mad to walk in sandals (many of them with bad blisters), but I was delighted with them. For the evening and the shower I had a pair of flip flops.

 

[Urban Trekker]

How many shoes an you bring. I was just going to bring my Ecco sandals and Merrill hiking shoes but then I bought a much needed pair of expensive Aric's, runners that are solo comfortable. What pair do I not take or can I take all 3. I can wear the hikers and carry the other 2 mostly?. Any ideas. I leave tomorrow!!!

I wear my trekking shoes and carry Crocks for evening walking and showers. That's it.

 

[Lachance]

I'm aiming for early spring. Are runners with mesh tops warm enough for St Jean to Roncesvalles if there's snow?

 

[Kanga]

My first two Caminos I walked in boots. The next few in runners. This year for the Norte I took runners and sandals. I wore the runners for a few days then walked the rest of the route in sandals. Next year I won't be taking anything but sandals. And yes, I've walked the Le Puy and Frances in early spring in mesh top runners. My feet did get cold in snow, but I preferred that to wearing boots. Now I have sealskinz (waterproof) socks to wear with my sandals on the odd occasion it is really cold and wet. They work for me.

 

[mikevasey]

I'm aiming for early spring. Are runners with mesh tops warm enough for St Jean to Roncesvalles if there's snow?

You could take a pair of waterproof socks, when I walked in November 2010 a guy was walking in sandals and the brand sealskinz socks, they were waterproof and had insulation qualities.

Oops Kanga beat me to it

 

[Kanga]

The sealskinz socks are expensive so better to try before you buy. Be warned, they are bulky; fine in sandals, not sure how they'd be in shoes.

 

[Volker_]

Hi there,

I'll take my hiking boots + very light running shoes for the evenings + flipflops for showers / albuerges.
I considered taking outdoor sandals but I think they may be too open for late September and early October weather in Galicia.
But basically and in warmer climate I'd only take the hiking boots + the outdoor sandals.

Best wishes,
Volker

 

[Lachance]

Thanks Kanga and Mike. I only want to take 1 day pair and much prefer runners so this advice is a big help.

 

[Johnny English]

I have a lady friend who has great difficulty deciding what shoes to wear. Is yours a similar problem?? A nice pair of heels for the evenings perhaps? )

 

[Anniesantiago]

I would never take 3 pair of shoes.
Wear the runners and choose 1 pair of sandals.
No heels - you'll never wear them.
And those Spanish women wearing heels on cobblestone have had a lifetime of experience.
It's a good way to break an ankle if you're not used to the stones, imo.

 

[shubertj]

These are the two models of Merrell shoes I wore on my Caminos (SJPdP to SDC). Neither of the waterproof variety. The one on the left are the Moabs and on the right the Yokotas. Walked anywhere from 15-32 kilometers a day depending on my mood. Had almost no blisters (just a couple on the tips of the small toes), no shin splints, no ankle twists, etc. Did have sore knees, but I attribute that to being in my 50's. Glad I brought my 500 mg aspirin tablets with me.
I did put in better, aftermarket insoles in the shoes prior to walking the Caminos, but kept the original insoles in my pack as backups.
View attachment 19956View attachment 19957

I'm on my 3rd pair of Moabs and although shoes are like religion everyone needs to find what works for them. But I will say you will see more pairs of moabs on the camino then others. Just finished 550 miles of the Camino Frances and Invieno at 67. No blisters or other foot problems I wear a size 11 shoe but 13 hiking.
My second pair I carried was the lightest flip-flops I could find.

 

[Debra Garcia]

How many shoes an you bring. I was just going to bring my Ecco sandals and Merrill hiking shoes but then I bought a much needed pair of expensive Aric's, runners that are solo comfortable. What pair do I not take or can I take all 3. I can wear the hikers and carry the other 2 mostly?. Any ideas. I leave tomorrow!!!

We used Altras trail runners for the walk and flip flops for at night. There were sections that were very rocky where hiking boots would have been good but not sure they would have been the worth the extra weight to carry

 

[Marbe2]

I bring a pair of Vasquez Trail shoes and a pair of steady 7oz. plastic slippers/ lounging/bathroom shoes. If we eat where we are staying, I often wear them to supper too! The decision is really yours and how much you want to carry.