Are boots a must on Norte?

[peregrinacheena]

Just got back from Camino Frances, thinking of walking Norte, heard that it has much more uphill and downhill sections, are boots a must? I had hiking shoes for frances and it worked out well, not sure if more ankle support is necessary on norte. Are the hills mostly asphalt?

 

[Anniesantiago]

My vote is not to wear boots on the Norte.
There is much road walking, and boot soles are too stiff.
Get some good trail shoes or walking shoes, something with a flexible sole and something that will dry overnight. Plus it's nice to take off your shoes and walk in the sand on those beach stretches

Have fun and Buen Camino!

 

[PeterBarry]

I just completed the hilly section of the norte recently and I wore boots.
I dont think they were necessary. I wore them for the descents and shoes would have been OK.
Some of the descents are on roads into villages and towns and they are quite steep.
In one case the town even has an elevator to take you down.
Shoes will suffice and will be lighter and easier to get off and to dry f they get wet.

Peter

 

[daesdaemar]

Besides being comfortable, well broken-in, and blister-proof, I consider water-proof to be a must. Otherwise, it's what you're confortable walking in.

 

[Maddoc55]

It would depend when you go and the state of the weather. Some of the ascents and descents would require proper waterproof boots with adequately cleated soils and walking poles in the wet. It also depends on the state of your ankles . As an experience walker I always wear boots seen too many 'amateurs' end up in my casualty in the Pennines with ankle injuires and worse. You pays your money and takes your choice. Support and stability over weight.

 

[harmonica]

Hi Peregrinacheena,
After just completing the CmnoNorte to Villaviciosa, then the Primitivo to Oviedo, Santiago, Finisterre, I would strongly advise against hiking boots. I started with boots, but then had to buy a pair of trail running shoes in Bibao due to the blisters caused by stiff soles and road walking. So many other pilgrims I encountered had similiar issues. If trail shoes worked well for you on the Frances, I would definitely stick with those for the Norte. You might have to be more careful about puddles, go slower on the slopes, and get a little wet and muddy, but in my humble opinion these are small trade-offs for the comfort of shoes on the long road-walking segments (even on the Primitvo). But of course, got with what is broken in and will be comfortable.
buen camino!