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Hi Jeffv,
How early in April are you walking? If later in the month, would you consider walking in your sandals?
If leaving earlier when weather may still be iffy, or if you really want a shoe, your feet, podiatrist and trial and error are really the only experts. There are many excellent brands, like Merrel, NB, I walk in Salomon or Hoka One One. I need lots of cushioning, so even the Salomon these days are a struggle after a few days.
Depending on the place you buy your shoes from, you may be able to buy a pair and try ot on for a few days.
In early April, weather still possibly being iffy, I would not think twice about Gortex. For walking in sandals, look into waterproof socks ypu can put on if ot rains or gets cold.
Happy shopping.
You could have a look at the Salomom X Ultra shoes, nice and comfortable but still a moderate amount of torsional resistance with a Gor-tex waterproof membrane and pretty rugged outsoles. They also have a speed lace if you want to shave off a few seconds of lacing time
I've used Merrell Moabs on three Caminos.
Initially I bought one full size larger than was comfortable due to receiving advice that this would better accommodate my feet when they swelled in the heat.
Number one best piece of advice I ever received re going on Camino. I've never had a blister.
My second purchase was for only a half size larger but in a larger width. That worked fine too. They just felt a little less clodhopperish.
I replace the inner soles with some offering more arch support and comfort.
Regards and buen blister free Camino
Gerard
You've had some good advice here. I used the Merrill's as well, and they worked OK. Lots of pilgrims wear them....as long as it FITS! A gortex shoe is a good idea in early April. A lousy idea in July. Consider your socks as well. I had to play with sock composition and weight until I got the right fit. In general, start with a medium to heavy weight merino/synthetic blend, and try a few different ones. Yeah, they are ridiculously expensive if you are used to standard cotton athletic socks sold by the bag. They are worth every penny. Some like layered socks as well. Play with it, and your feet will tell you the truth!
Congratulations on taking your first Camino, and taking your shoe selection seriously. Nothing matters more than a shoe that fits and you are comfortable in.
Buen Camino
Hello everyone.
I am very new here and I have already enjoyed and been helped by everyone's input. I am leaving from ST Jean in April
I have some of my gear but I need to buy my shoes so I can get them broken in for the Frances.
I am going to get some hiking sandals (I'm looking at the Keens). For my main shoe I am leaning towards the Merrell Moab 2. They seemed to be the most comfortable out of the gate. I am open to suggestions from the experts though. I want a shoe not a boot with great support. I am 6'2 200lbs
With non wide feet
Thank you!
I posted this a while back.
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It is advisable to do these things when shopping for trekking or backpacking footwear:
1. Wear the same socks which you will be walking in. If you are going to be using double socks, or liner socks underneath your trekking socks, be sure to wear those combinations when try on footwear.
2. Bring your backpack loaded with the same amount of weight that you will be carrying. (I actually like to add 5 lbs --2.25 kg-- above my expected load). When you are trying on the footwear, put on the
backpack.
3. If you use a third party insole or an orthotic for your other athletic, walking, or backpacking footwear, and you want to use them for your new shoes, be sure to bring them along and, if possible, take the factory insole out and switch with the one you brought.
4. When you are trying to get a feel for the shoes/boots, walk around the store, walk up stairs, take as long as you need.
5. With the shoe laces properly tied to minimize your foot from sliding, try to jam your feet in the shoe so that you can feel if your toes touch the front of the shoe. Toes touching the front of the shoe is a BIG no-no. Forget about what size you normally wear, you are shopping for a trekking shoe in the size that you need!!!!! That can mean a shoe size one or more sizes larger than you normally wear.
6. Pay attention to the width of the shoe.... you do not want a shoe that is snug at the widest part of your foot. This, again, is why it is important to wear your backpack and to have the same socks on when trying out shoes. If you are needing a wide width shoe, it is a sad fact that some of the better trail shoe and running shoe manufacturers don't make wide width shoes. So if the store that you are shopping in doesn't carry what you need and want, go to another store. Period.
7. When you get your new shoes home, do not wear them outside until you are convinced that your purchase is what you want. Some stores --- very, very few --- will let you wear them anywhere during the STORE'S warranty period, and either refund the purchase or exchange them should you find the shoes unsatisfactory..... even if they are well used and blemished to heck and back.
Join REI, and buy your shoes there. You can actually wear the shoes for a while, including outside, and you have up to a year to return them.
You'll need to utilise a "Lock heel" lacing technique.Thank you. I am concerned about going up a size with descents. But this is something to consider. I am certainly listening since you've completed 3 Caminos with them.
I wore my shoes just once before my Camino this year. They are New Balance trail runners.Personal choice, as shoes are a personal thing as everyone's foot is different. As a distance runner I won't buy a shoe that has to be "broken-in". It needs to feel good the first time I put in on and go out for 6 miles. I have worn trail runners in Spain, France, Switzerland, Croatia etc. I find gortex un-necesary, it makes my feet sweat and if/when it rains they will get wet and take longer to dry out. I have a wide forefoot so I won't suggest any shoes. Just my thoughts.
Good luck on finding a good fit!
Yes, very good advice. I had actually been wearing an identical pair of shoes to train in prior to my Camino. In addition to at least one 15 mile walk, I suggest that you should walk at least 10 miles for 3 or more consecutive days. Sometimes you can have no problems after one long walk, but the real test is doing it day after day.The only thing I really push is take whatever shoe you plan on using for at least a 15 mile walk, you will discover usually sooner than later if they tear up your feet. I thought Merrills would be just right but I found they did not work for me. REI return.
Walking is the only way to verify how a shoe will work out. I am also not a fan of goretex.
Good luck!
Keith
I wore Keen Trail walkers from REI. I second working with them because of their exchange policy. I noticed many blisters on the outside heel of many Pilgrims, including minor blisters on my feet in the same location. Your feet slide forward on the down hill portions of the Camino, pay attention to how the heel fits. Surgical tape may help for hot spots. With all that said, take care of your feet but don’t obsess. Buen Camino.
Very good advice. I am adding a bit more, I found that you need to not only need a good shoe that works but you should also try:I posted this a while back.
-----------
It is advisable to do these things when shopping for trekking or backpacking footwear:
1. Wear the same socks which you will be walking in. If you are going to be using double socks, or liner socks underneath your trekking socks, be sure to wear those combinations when try on footwear.
2. Bring your backpack loaded with the same amount of weight that you will be carrying. (I actually like to add 5 lbs --2.25 kg-- above my expected load). When you are trying on the footwear, put on the
backpack.
3. If you use a third party insole or an orthotic for your other athletic, walking, or backpacking footwear, and you want to use them for your new shoes, be sure to bring them along and, if possible, take the factory insole out and switch with the one you brought.
4. When you are trying to get a feel for the shoes/boots, walk around the store, walk up stairs, take as long as you need.
5. With the shoe laces properly tied to minimize your foot from sliding, try to jam your feet in the shoe so that you can feel if your toes touch the front of the shoe. Toes touching the front of the shoe is a BIG no-no. Forget about what size you normally wear, you are shopping for a trekking shoe in the size that you need!!!!! That can mean a shoe size one or more sizes larger than you normally wear.
6. Pay attention to the width of the shoe.... you do not want a shoe that is snug at the widest part of your foot. This, again, is why it is important to wear your backpack and to have the same socks on when trying out shoes. If you are needing a wide width shoe, it is a sad fact that some of the better trail shoe and running shoe manufacturers don't make wide width shoes. So if the store that you are shopping in doesn't carry what you need and want, go to another store. Period.
7. When you get your new shoes home, do not wear them outside until you are convinced that your purchase is what you want. Some stores --- very, very few --- will let you wear them anywhere during the STORE'S warranty period, and either refund the purchase or exchange them should you find the shoes unsatisfactory..... even if they are well used and blemished to heck and back.
I have the Salomon Ultra X shoes and they are great, but I was so glad I wore the lightest Salomon boots instead. Definitely feel that the sturdier, thicker soles protected my feet and were a dream to walk in. The terrain on the Camino is quite a hard surface, even the bits that aren't tarmac. However, I realise shoe preference is a very individual thing. I didn't get any blisters, so quite lucky.Hello everyone.
I am very new here and I have already enjoyed and been helped by everyone's input. I am leaving from ST Jean in April
I have some of my gear but I need to buy my shoes so I can get them broken in for the Frances.
I am going to get some hiking sandals (I'm looking at the Keens). For my main shoe I am leaning towards the Merrell Moab 2. They seemed to be the most comfortable out of the gate. I am open to suggestions from the experts though. I want a shoe not a boot with great support. I am 6'2 200lbs
With non wide feet
Thank you!
Hello everyone.
I am very new here and I have already enjoyed and been helped by everyone's input. I am leaving from ST Jean in April
I have some of my gear but I need to buy my shoes so I can get them broken in for the Frances.
I am going to get some hiking sandals (I'm looking at the Keens). For my main shoe I am leaning towards the Merrell Moab 2. They seemed to be the most comfortable out of the gate. I am open to suggestions from the experts though. I want a shoe not a boot with great support. I am 6'2 200lbs
With non wide feet
Thank you!
Hello everyone.
I am very new here and I have already enjoyed and been helped by everyone's input. I am leaving from ST Jean in April
I have some of my gear but I need to buy my shoes so I can get them broken in for the Frances.
I am going to get some hiking sandals (I'm looking at the Keens). For my main shoe I am leaning towards the Merrell Moab 2. They seemed to be the most comfortable out of the gate. I am open to suggestions from the experts though. I want a shoe not a boot with great support. I am 6'2 200lbs
With non wide feet
Thank you!
I agree, everyone is very helpful. I am on a budget but I will spare no expense on my shoes, socks and pack. I am looking for a blister free Camino.
Gortex is the way I am going for sure. I expect to catch a fair amount of rain on my trip.
I will have sandals too, for some air during the sunny days.
Thank you!
Someone introduced me to Gehwol foot cream to avoid blisters on my last jaunt. Worked a treat, no blisters!
I am so bummed when they didn't work for me as they have great Vibram soles. The Keen I wore by the time I arrived in Finnesterre I had superglued & duct taped them they had no lining or sole left they actually had holes in the soles. I laugh because I returned them to REI back then the return policy was more like 3months. I bought them just prior to leaving they were about 1.5 months old. I explained that I walked 35 days in them & felt they should at least have sole left. No problem they said & gave me a new pair. Good valueI have a pair of Merrell that I bought in 2013 and have done the Wainwright coast to coast in England, The Caminos from SJPDP and Lisbon and numerous other walks and the are still going. I will probably wear the same shoes next year for the Madrid Camino.
I have experienced some blisters early in the walks but they soon disappeared.
And what did you buy?Hello everyone.
I am very new here and I have already enjoyed and been helped by everyone's input. I am leaving from ST Jean in April
I have some of my gear but I need to buy my shoes so I can get them broken in for the Frances.
I am going to get some hiking sandals (I'm looking at the Keens). For my main shoe I am leaning towards the Merrell Moab 2. They seemed to be the most comfortable out of the gate. I am open to suggestions from the experts though. I want a shoe not a boot with great support. I am 6'2 200lbs
With non wide feet
Thank you!
And what did you buy?
Can completely understand. I’m confused too and I know what shoes I like.I still have not purchased yet. To be honest, this thread has slowed me down a bit, LOL!!
But it's good info and I think everyone has helped. I've just been doing a bit more research. I might be headed out to try on some more tomorrow.
Sounds great. What an adventure! Buen camino, peregrino.Haha.. too funny. Although I am weary about going that much bigger. I've never really had that much swelling in my feet.
Australia is far but I am coming all the way from Arizona which will be the longest distance I have ever travelled. I have never been to Europe so this is a big deal for me. the Camino is the catalyst for this but I am going to travel around Europe for awhile and get lost a little and enjoy as much as possible. I going to be there for 103 days total. The shoes are gonna get a real workout.
Haha.. too funny. Although I am weary about going that much bigger. I've never really had that much swelling in my feet.
Australia is far but I am coming all the way from Arizona which will be the longest distance I have ever travelled. I have never been to Europe so this is a big deal for me. the Camino is the catalyst for this but I am going to travel around Europe for awhile and get lost a little and enjoy as much as possible. I going to be there for 103 days total. The shoes are gonna get a real workout.
Haha.. too funny. Although I am weary about going that much bigger. I've never really had that much swelling in my feet.
Australia is far but I am coming all the way from Arizona which will be the longest distance I have ever travelled. I have never been to Europe so this is a big deal for me. the Camino is the catalyst for this but I am going to travel around Europe for awhile and get lost a little and enjoy as much as possible. I going to be there for 103 days total. The shoes are gonna get a real workout.
As a side note, I'm not sure that you can visit Europe for 103 days in a row legally....I may be wrong but make sure there is not a 90 day limit to a tourist visa for the Schengen area which is what the EU calls itself for visa purposes. Oh, and don't miss Paris!
Yes! Be very careful about this.
Read up on Schengen zone rules. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_Schengen_Area
You are limited to 90 days in any 180 day period in the Schengen Zone.
I couldn´t get comfortable with my new Moab's and bought the new HOKAs. I can only say that I have now walked maybe 500 KM and they are simply fantastic. I bow down every night to them. They are comfortable, light and I have no blisters even though I am pone to them. I know a lot of people swear by their Moab's. I just couldn´t get them to work and left them behind.Hello everyone.
I am very new here and I have already enjoyed and been helped by everyone's input. I am leaving from ST Jean in April
I have some of my gear but I need to buy my shoes so I can get them broken in for the Frances.
I am going to get some hiking sandals (I'm looking at the Keens). For my main shoe I am leaning towards the Merrell Moab 2. They seemed to be the most comfortable out of the gate. I am open to suggestions from the experts though. I want a shoe not a boot with great support. I am 6'2 200lbs
With non wide feet
Thank you!
I did the Canimo del Norte in April/May I use Moab non Gortex it dries very fast, I prefer non waterproof shoesHello everyone.
I am very new here and I have already enjoyed and been helped by everyone's input. I am leaving from ST Jean in April
I have some of my gear but I need to buy my shoes so I can get them broken in for the Frances.
I am going to get some hiking sandals (I'm looking at the Keens). For my main shoe I am leaning towards the Merrell Moab 2. They seemed to be the most comfortable out of the gate. I am open to suggestions from the experts though. I want a shoe not a boot with great support. I am 6'2 200lbs
With non wide feet
Thank you!
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