Nick Pollock
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2016
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Hi AnnieNew Balance Trail Runners (1.5 sizes larger than I normally wear) with Motion Control inserts have worked for me on the Frances, the Portuguese, the Norte, the Aragones, and part of the VDLP. This year I'm wearing them on the Madrid route then on the Frances. Comfortable, lightweight, quick drying and no blisters.
If I run into problems, are there actually places to buy shoes along the Camino Frances?
Thank you c clearlyI am always concerned when I read the advice to buy 1.5 sizes larger than normal, as a general rule of thumb. I can't imagine fitting the shoe "just right" and then going 1.5 sizes larger. I would have too much movement. I go a half-size up. A full size would be too much unless I used an extra inner sole. Different shoes just fit differently and the number doesn't matter. And I suppose sometimes 1.5 sizes bigger might be okay.
I am always concerned when I read the advice to buy 1.5 sizes larger than normal, as a general rule of thumb. I can't imagine fitting the shoe "just right" and then going 1.5 sizes larger. I would have too much movement. I go a half-size up. A full size would be too much unless I used an extra inner sole. Different shoes just fit differently and the number doesn't matter. And I suppose sometimes 1.5 sizes bigger might be okay.
I am beginning to think also that just normal nike runners will do the trick.. I am over thinking the whole thing which confuses me. The hiking store said I would need the hiking shoe due to the fact I am carrying a 35 litre backpack. Without proper shoes you would feel every stone under your feet...
At the moment I do prefer trailrunshoes from Salomon. But I agree with Kanga that normal running shoes can be perfect too. My wife did thousends of camino kilometers and did a lot on them too, so do many others. It's just about personal preference.Your normal Nike runners will be fine. The advice from the hiking store that with a 35 litre backpack you will feel every stone is rubbish. Running shoes (ordinary ones, not barefoot ones) are made for pounding on concrete and bitumen roads and have plenty of padding on the soles. I have worn lightweight ASIC runners carrying my pack on the Frances, Arles, Le Puy and Tours routes and never had a problem with them.
Nick, hiking shoes, not boots, as boots will leave you with shin splints if they are done up to the top laces. Experience I picked up last yearTwo of us will be starting in Le Puy next July (2015) and continuing to Santiago in three stages - 250m, 250m & 500m, over three years - July each time; any advice regarding choice of footwear? hiking boots or shoes, lightweight - any particular recommendations? Thanks - Nick
Thanks AnnieAnnie. You can see photos of my runners on my blog or Google New Balance Leadville 1210.
Regarding 1.5 size. All I can say is "you'll see.'
The Motion Control inserts are quite thick and with wool socks, the shoes fit perfectly. Yes there is plenty of toe space. You will need it. You can also tighten the laces but you can never make the shoes larger.
I promise. It works.
Regarding glide product. I've used Vaseline but didn't like it because I want my feet DRY. Using all those public showers tends to make me a bit paranoid about foot fungus. I may try a glide product later. I've heard rave reviews.
My only issue on every Camino is my left small toe. It curls under its mate just enough when my feet swell to cause me to pinch it each step, no matter how wide the shoes. I resolve that by splitting a gel tube in half (opening it up) and taping it under the toe so as to lift it. Spacers did not work. The toe would go under the spacer.
Believe me, THE MOST IMPORTANT piecesof equipment are your shoes. Spare no expense. But unless you have boots you love, I still maintain boots are overkill on the Frances. This is not the PCT or the AT. It is a trek, rather than a mountain climbing hike.
I'm sorry to hear that you suffered from shin splints. I have worn boots on all my pilgrimage walks, and never suffered from shin splints (touch wood).Nick, hiking shoes, not boots, as boots will leave you with shin splints if they are done up to the top laces. Experience I picked up last year
@Anniesantiago, so true. I regularly wear shoes on short walks at home, but have never been able to bring myself to bring them as my primary footwear on the Camino.Those who love boots , LOVE their boots!
Likewise with shoes.
Hi Ozannie I tried tracking that particular New Balance trail shoe down in Australia. Was told they only brought the male version in, and that all stock was recalled for use by a govt dept. You can probably order on line if you are confident about size, but after all my shoes drama I would want to try them on. Hope this helpsHi Annie
Do u have a picture of your runners? I'm trying to get a better fit for Sep/oct. Given 1.5 sizes larger means ( eg normal 6.5 but camino in 8?). Are you getting much movement ? Wondering if you use the Vaseline /body glide treatment and double socks ?
You aren't getting blisters so it's like 'I'll have what she's having!'
Annie (there are a lot if us on this forum)
That's very kind of you Viv, to look into the availability of that new balance trail shoe.Hi Ozannie I tried tracking that particular New Balance trail shoe down in Australia. Was told they only brought the male version in, and that all stock was recalled for use by a govt dept. You can probably order on line if you are confident about size, but after all my shoes drama I would want to try them on. Hope this helps
I don't have experience with the particular shoe, but there are two things to watch for:My concern on the Camino is if one pair can hold up for 1000 km of daily walking?
Hi,
Just to add my twopennys worth, I think the best footwear is determined by the surface of the trails, I,m on Camino now and the first 3 weeks were over gravel/stones 20 to 40 mil, wearing Merrel Moabs, and I could feel every one, just not enough sole protection. Since reaching the French way the trail is generally smoother so perhaps a light shoe would be OK
Regards
George
My Asics last nearly 1000 km without any signs of wear whereas I've had Brooks that seem to lose their tread quite quickly. Even after 1000 km all I can see on the Asics are a few tiny crease marks in the sides indicating a bit of compression - the sole itself looks unchanged.I don't have experience with the particular shoe, but there are two things to watch for:
I would expect that you won't begin to notice these effects starting much before about 500km of use, and I have had shoes that have lasted three or four times longer than that before needing to be replaced.[/
- the outer layer of the sole will wear, especially at the heel, and might expose the softer compression layers;
- the compression layers will lose their elasticity, and won't recover as fully, reducing the impact protection they provide.
QUOTE]
Lightweight, good traction (wide heal as well), and at least a half size above what you would normally wear. I am still pondering the worth of Goretex for the rainy days. I can't help but feel they were the cause of my feet sweating and developing terrible blisters on the dry stretch of the Way. Not sure.Two of us will be starting in Le Puy next July (2015) and continuing to Santiago in three stages - 250m, 250m & 500m, over three years - July each time; any advice regarding choice of footwear? hiking boots or shoes, lightweight - any particular recommendations? Thanks - Nick
In 4 days in a pair of runners I bought a week ago after spending 4 months breaking in boots that have left me with aching feetThat's very kind of you Viv, to look into the availability of that new balance trail shoe.
I did some checking myself and found we don't get a big range here in Oz . Even though I regularly skulk around Kent st , Sydney seeing whether they have updated any gear and clothes (in my size). There always appears to be heaps in the tiny/chickadee sizes. (I'm talking trek trousers there! ), being pear shaped, have problems,
Anyway re the footwear, I'm thinking of going to a place that sells particular brands and try those on for fit. Having the extra allowance for swelling etc, I'm sure the socks and inserts etc, will help with the comfort and fit. Just trial and error and spending the time on my part. I am aware new balance have a wide fitting, ill question the shoe shop experts about width fittings too.
When I feel I know which ones , I'll see if my son can pick me up a pair when he goes to the US, in jun/July. I don't mind wasting the money if they are wrong. I can give them to someone.
If that doesn't work, I'll get the ones I think are best here....but maybe look into it in Spain along the way .
Thanks Viv, are you walking soon?
Buen camino
Annie
In 4 days in a pair of runners I bought a week ago after spending 4 months breaking in boots that have left me with aching feetmy reasoning at this point is I can always buy a new pair along the way. Unfortunately Australia is so far away you can't just change travel plans easily. So for better or worse I will start and see how far my feet take me. All the best with your plans and take whatever socks you intend to wear when trying on shoes (note I did not say boots - attempted humour)
Are you seriously suggesting that anyone do this? I suspect that if I found someone doing this to my boots, I would invite them in the most polite manner possible to restrain themselves from interfering with my stuff.... If you wander the lines of boots outside the albergues, many of them are more flexible. Simple test is bend them in your hands just after the toe box.
I used the same pair of Cascadias for my final two months of training, plus the Camino Frances, and they lasted just fine for me. After what was roughly 1000 km, the lugs were still in good shape, the materials hadn't started to fray. Their "stiffness" was broken down enough that I only use them around town and not on long walks, but the key thing is that I can still wear them comfortably and they don't look trashed.Boots are a disaster on my feet. It's gotten worse with age too.
I love hiking now in my Brooks Cascadia 9's trail runners. My feet love me again. But I haven't done any super long distances in them yet, since I made the switch from boots.
My concern on the Camino is if one pair can hold up for 1000 km of daily walking?
More effective perhaps if you lay the Australian accent on thick when you do it.. . . I would invite them in the most polite manner possible to restrain themselves from interfering with my stuff.
I only wear Goretex in early spring and late fall for that very reason. Once I moved to non-waterproofed shoes for late spring through mid-fall, my blisters almost complete disappeared. Sure, they get wet, but they dry quickly.Lightweight, good traction (wide heal as well), and at least a half size above what you would normally wear. I am still pondering the worth of Goretex for the rainy days. I can't help but feel they were the cause of my feet sweating and developing terrible blisters on the dry stretch of the Way. Not sure.
What is the different kind of walking ?This is probably one of the most discussed topic on the forum. There are boot people and shoe people. It all boils down to personal preference.
Those who love boots , LOVE their boots!
Likewise with shoes.
I will say that I have met MANY more blister footed pilgrims who are in heavy, hot boots, including a Washingon man I met two days ago who had worn his boots on the PCT. He never had a problem...until the Camino.
I try to tell people this is a different type of walking but some kids just have to touch the stove. Me included.
Do what feels right.
If your shoes hurt even a little at home, they will kill you after a day on The Way.
I used the same pair of Cascadias for my final two months of training, plus the Camino Frances, and they lasted just fine for me. After what was roughly 1000 km, the lugs were still in good shape, the materials hadn't started to fray. Their "stiffness" was broken down enough that I only use them around town and not on long walks, but the key thing is that I can still wear them comfortably and they don't look trashed.
Having said that, I think much depends on your walking mechanics. If you have good footfall and are selective in your placement, you'll get far more life than if you scuff with your heel on every step. I was also very good about rinsing out any significant mud or debris that accumulated in the fabric.
Are you seriously suggesting that anyone do this? I suspect that if I found someone doing this to my boots, I would invite them in the most polite manner possible to restrain themselves from interfering with my stuff.
There are religious wars fought among hard-core bushwalkers in parts of Australia over Dunlop Volleys. They were the issued sports shoe when I joined the Australian Army in the 1970s, and I was glad to see the end of mine. My only recent direct experience with them walking was a few years ago, when they were being worn by someone who had developed a massive blister on the side of her heel. She swore that the Volleys were not the problem - but if not, it wasn't clear what else might have been.There is a fellow who has hiked everywhere wearing Dunlop Volleys. I wouldn't know where to get a pair but the his hiking exploits highlight how boots aren't always the best answer
Danny Yee describes Dunlop Volley shoes
http://danny.oz.au/travel/dunlop_volley/
There is a fellow who has hiked everywhere wearing Dunlop Volleys. I wouldn't know where to get a pair but the his hiking exploits highlight how boots aren't always the best answer
Danny Yee describes Dunlop Volley shoes
http://danny.oz.au/travel/dunlop_volley/
Thanks for this, Kanga. I have a good pair of Montrails. What about rain? Mine are solid but a portion of the top are mesh (great for breathing). I leave at the end of May from Le Puy.Your normal Nike runners will be fine. The advice from the hiking store that with a 35 litre backpack you will feel every stone is rubbish. Running shoes (ordinary ones, not barefoot ones) are made for pounding on concrete and bitumen roads and have plenty of padding on the soles. I have worn lightweight ASIC runners carrying my pack on the Frances, Arles, Le Puy and Tours routes and never had a problem with them.
. The rain pours through my Asics and so does mud but I wash them and they pretty much walk dry so I don't worry. It is only when it's very cold as well that I find it a problem and then I wear warm woollen socks. By the end of May you should be right. If you do get cold it's likely to only be for a day or two, probably on the Albrac plateau. Heat in June July is usually more of an issue. No shoes are really waterproof anyway, in a heavy downpour water will get in somewhere. Goretex lined shoes take ages to dry when they do get wet and the leather shoes I took last time I regretted because I had wet shoes each morning. So I like mesh. I'd rethink if I was walking in winter.Thanks for this, Kanga. I have a good pair of Montrails. What about rain? Mine are solid but a portion of the top are mesh (great for breathing). I leave at the end of May from Le Puy.
That's very helpful, Kanga! Yes, the thing about the goretex is what others have told me. Do you bother with gators? I have some long ones and am loathe to bring them ... I could buy some short ones I guess.. The rain pours through my Asics and so does mud but I wash them and they pretty much walk dry so I don't worry. It is only when it's very cold as well that I find it a problem and then I wear warm woollen socks. By the end of May you should be right. If you do get cold it's likely to only be for a day or two, probably on the Albrac plateau. Heat in June July is usually more of an issue. No shoes are really waterproof anyway, in a heavy downpour water will get in somewhere. Goretex lined shoes take ages to dry when they do get wet and the leather shoes I took last time I regretted because I had wet shoes each morning. So I like mesh. I'd rethink if I was walking in winter.
Take something warm to put on at night - I take bed socks in lurid colours I bought at a $2 shop - it's a psychological comfort factor...
Kanga, me again, as I am getting very close to leaving... when you say warm for the night... I have some night clothes and a pair of tights - that should do, right? I will be taking my own "coolmax" for the night and use there covers/blankets. Would you take an umbrella? I think it might be good in the area where there is no shade and can be used for rain and privacy for bathroom breaks.That's very helpful, Kanga! Yes, the thing about the goretex is what others have told me. Do you bother with gators? I have some long ones and am loathe to bring them ... I could buy some short ones I guess.
Sabrina, sorry I did not see your request earlier, might be too late now! I take a light down sleeping bag liner which opens out flat and a cotton voile sarong - the sarong has multiple uses, as clothing, as a privacy screen, as a towel, and can be used to cover the bed like a sheet with the sleeping bag liner owned over me like a doona - on very hot nights I use it the other way round ie sleep on the doona, and under the sarong.Kanga, me again, as I am getting very close to leaving... when you say warm for the night... I have some night clothes and a pair of tights - that should do, right? I will be taking my own "coolmax" for the night and use there covers/blankets. Would you take an umbrella? I think it might be good in the area where there is no shade and can be used for rain and privacy for bathroom breaks.
I will have my main luggage transported but still want to be light and efficient. Thanks again and again for all your helpful tips! Hello from sunny Vancouver!
Hi Ozannie I tried tracking that particular New Balance trail shoe down in Australia. Was told they only brought the male version in, and that all stock was recalled for use by a govt dept. You can probably order on line if you are confident about size, but after all my shoes drama I would want to try them on. Hope this helps
My experience of government purchasing is that the item that meets the absolutely minimum requirements at the lowest possible cost is chosen. You might have more demanding requirements than some official who is purchasing for other people.Well if they're good enough for the Aussie *insert paramilitary-police-defence-department-here*, they're good enough for me!
Ah, you're probably right. Administrators, eh?My experience of government purchasing is that the item that meets the absolutely minimum requirements at the lowest possible cost is chosen. You might have more demanding requirements than some official who is purchasing for other people.
Hi HalWell if they're good enough for the Aussie *insert paramilitary-police-defence-department-here*, they're good enough for me!
On that note, do any women wear men's shoes/boots? I have wide feet and a large big toe, and always struggle with the chicks shoes that are foisted on me ion athletic stores.
My Asics last nearly 1000 km without any signs of wear whereas I've had Brooks that seem to lose their tread quite quickly. Even after 1000 km all I can see on the Asics are a few tiny crease marks in the sides indicating a bit of compression - the sole itself looks unchanged.
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