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Another shoes related question

S

sofronii

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2018
Hi all!
I have a pair of high cut leather boots. Are these appropriate to walk the Camino in May, or am I going to end up having to send them home by post and buying something lighter?
So confused! Please help!
 
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What are high cut leather boots? Can you post a photo of them?
 
We walked in March and April in Trail shoes...no need for high boots...but everyone has their preferences.
 
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
I saw an older German couple wear the heaviest pairs of high cut leather boots in August...it depends on what you are most comfortable in...if you are former military or work in heavy boots everyday then you won't even notice.
 
Everyone does have their own preference. But from casual observation I have noticed (no proof of this whatsoever) that people who walk in boots seem to have more blisters and foot problems. I am trying to convince my wife to let me walk my fourth camino this September. I have just ordered another pair of Brooks Cascadia trail sneakers. They have served me very, very well. In about 3,100k of walking I have had 2 small blisters. But what is important is to find a pair of whatever you think is best to fit well. Walk a lot in them before you go. Nothing is more important than your shoes and backpack.
 
Camino Ready, Backpacks, Boots etc
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
Several studies by the U.S. Army Research Institute have found that it takes up to 5.4 times as much energy to move at a given pace when weight is carried in the footwear as against the torso. One pound on your feet equals about five pounds on your back. To carry less weight, it is important to do careful consideration to footwear as well as what's inside the backpack.
 
Wow, that's a really interesting fact! This info should help all the newbies in making shoe decisions.
 
sofronii said:
Hi all!
I have a pair of high cut leather boots. Are these appropriate to walk the Camino in May, or am I going to end up having to send them home by post and buying something lighter?
So confused! Please help!
Click to expand...
I would strongly advise against wearing those heavy leather boots. Years ago as a much younger man I hiked 270 miles on Vermont's Long Trail, which is an up and down footpath tha can be quite rough in places. My boots were heavy leather logger boots that were "overkill" for my hike and I regretted their weight with every step I took. Lesson learned: lighter footwear means you are carrying less total pack weight and, particularly, you are not asking your feet, legs, and knees to lift and put down over and over again the weight of a heavy pair of boots. Go with lighter weight trail runners or shoes.
sofronii said:
Hi all!
I have a pair of high cut leather boots. Are these appropriate to walk the Camino in May, or am I going to end up having to send them home by post and buying something lighter?
So confused! Please help!
Click to expand...
 
Camino Preparation Guide
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Last year from SJPP to Santiago four people in my group couldn't stand their leather boots anymore due to pain and blisters. They bought Teva or Keen sandals and mailed the leather boots home. One German woman developed severe problems with her heels which was diagnosed at the hospital as being due to her heavy leather boots and their high angle shaft. She spent a week in Leon recovering.

I wore low-cut, non-waterproof Merrell Moab Ventilator trail shoes and found them to be very comfortable and never had a problem. A joy to walk in.

That said, some people swear by heavy leather alpine hiking boots despite the fact that almost all of the terrain on the CF is asphalt, concrete or hard packed dirt.
 
Reactions: RJM
I use my Keen high tops for my winter Camino they are waterproof for snow, rain and mud. Between may and October I use trail runners.
 
sofronii said:
Hi all!
I have a pair of high cut leather boots. Are these appropriate to walk the Camino in May, or am I going to end up having to send them home by post and buying something lighter?
So confused! Please help!
Click to expand...
Go lighter. You will find all along the way that people have abandoned.
 
Altus 24 Liters daypack (DENON 24 H30)
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I suspect that in high cut leather boots you would soon find yourself "over booted". I think they would prove too heavy, too stiff and too hot. I would suggest something light and flexible, I too like a boot rather than a shoe as I am used to the extra stability and have settled on Merrill MOACs.
Ultreïa
 
My opinion and 1€ will get you a cafe con leche on the Camino but, here it goes:

Depending on your feet, you need sturdy but light trail walkers, some use walking shoes. Personally, the first 4 days from SJPP and the last days from Sarria to Santiago would rule walking shoes out for me. I wore Keen Targhee Trail walkers.

I’d lose the high, heavy boots for the Camino and save them for the Appalachian Trail. Now, go enjoy your cafe con leche.

Buen Camino.
 
Camino Chris said:
"High cut leather" sounds like they would be heavy and definately overkill for a Camino. I have worn trail runners on three Caminos and they have served me well.
Click to expand...
Where can I source trail runners from? Thanks
 
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sofronii said:
Hi all!
I have a pair of high cut leather boots. Are these appropriate to walk the Camino in May, or am I going to end up having to send them home by post and buying something lighter?
So confused! Please help!
Click to expand...
Walked from Mid April across Pyrenees. Places where deep snow was melting, the trail was a quagmire. People in shoes had wet feet, mine were bone dry. Another time I walked in March. Alto de Perdon was referred to that year as mudslide mountain. Once again my feet were dry. Same when I reached the Meseta where farm machinery had turned the trail into a swamp. Thank heavens I was not wearing shoes, they would have disappeared into the mud. But in answer to your question, I dont know as I dont know anything about your boots. I use light weight Scarpa
 
Keen sandals are ideal! Reva not because they are open in the front. Yr toes should be protected and fewer stones will come inside .... So always choose Keen! Good to have in the albuerge, evenings and as a reserve on the trail.
 
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