believer12345
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Primitivo
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I agree with your upping up on the size of shoe, as your feet will swell quite a bit during the Camino. I wear a size 11.5 in a dress/casual shoe, 12 in a running shoe and 12.5 for the Caminos and this has worked well for me. Have used North Face and Solomon and those work for me but, as you probably already have seen in these treads, the choice of a particular brand is a somewhat personal decision. Suggest that you go to a store (e.g. REI if available) and try in different brands to see what suits you. Make sure you put a number of miles on the shoes before going on the Camino - better to get the pains/blisters behind you before doing a Camino rather than having to deal with them on the Camino. Also, you should consider to what extent the shoes are water proof/repellent, and you don't need hiking boots, as a hiking shoe is all you really need.Hello everyone, I will be walking my first Camino in April. I’m still getting organized, one issue I’m trying to figure out is getting a good pair of shoes. My foot size is 14.5, ( US I usually wear size 16 US for any physical activity. Any good shoe recommend for the Camino?
No. Blindly buying a bigger size can create the very problem you want to solve.Hello everyone, I will be walking my first Camino in April. I’m still getting organized, one issue I’m trying to figure out is getting a good pair of shoes. My foot size is 14.5, ( US I usually wear size 16 US for any physical activity. Any good shoe recommend for the Camino?
Great list davebugg.No. Blindly buying a bigger size can create the very problem you want to solve.
The only way to determine the size you need for a proper fit is to go thru the steps to assure that your feet are size-matched to that specific brand and model of footwear.
As to the type of footwear, get the lightest footwear for the type of trekking you are doing in the climate you will be in. You will be lifting the weight of the shoe on your feet hundreds of thousands of times. Any reduction in weight on the foot will save you energy, and reduce overly fatigued lower leg structures that can increase injury risks such as sprains and shin splints.
Below is a copy of what I recently posted on a different thread:
——-
I never recommend automatically going a size larger. Only a proper fitting can determine if, or by how much to increase a shoe size or width.
Shoes are created on various moulds and ‘lasts’. Manufacturers have leeway to state what their version of a size 9 is, for example.
A leather shoe for work will fit differently to a trail runner for sport. A size 9 in a work shoe could be the effective equivalent to a size 7 trail runner.
Then we have the fact that there can be serious size differences between each outdoor footwear manufacturers trail runner (or boot or hiking shoe). That’s why a wide width New Balance shoe will feel roomier than an Asics or Asolo.
So to get a good fit, each shoe buying expedition benefits from the tips below.
As you go looking for shoe, here are some tips which I have posted before that may help you.
- When you go to the store, do so toward the end of the day.... you will have been up on your feet, so that will help with getting the correct fit. Additionally, you will need to wear the same backpack with the same gear you will be carrying... you want this additional weight on you as this will put the same downward pressure on the foot that you will be having while on Camino.
- Wear the exact same sock(s) you will be wearing while you are walking on the Camino. And if you have a special insole or orthotic, bring it with you.
- At the store, the measuring that will be done on your feet is only to get you in the ballpark for the correct shoe size.
- Start by standing up; never measure while sitting. You want the full weight of your body, with the pack on, to put the same pressure on your feet to spread them out as will happen while walking. That alone will increase the volume and size of your feet.
- Make sure those 'Camino' socks are on your feet; if you wear socks with liners while walking, do the same thing at the store.
- While standing, have someone near to you that you can use to steady yourself. With the measuring device on the ground, step onto the instrument and center all of your weight onto the foot being measured. Do the same for the other foot.
- Start with that size, but be aware that both the width and the length need to feel like there is adequate room for your feet. Ideally, like Goldilocks, everything will be just right. But, don't count on it. Be picky.
- If you have special insoles or orthotics, put them into any shoe you try on as they will take up space inside the shoe.
- When you find what you think will fit you well, you will need to see if your toes have enough clearance. Toes should not be able to be forced to the front of the shoe and touch the shoe. Not even a little. If they do, long walking and downhill grades on the trail or path or road will traumatize the bed of the nail, and that is when toenails can blacken and fall off.
- With your shoes tied securely, but not too tight, walk around the store with your pack on. Go up stairs and down stairs, scuff the shoes to the floor so that your feet are forced to do any movement they will do and see if your toes so much as butterfly kiss the front of the shoe. Kick the front of the shoe into a post or stair or wall or someone's shin.... does that make any of your toes touch the front of the shoe? That goes for all the little piggies.
- Next, pay attention to the width of the shoe. It shouldn't feel snug on the sides and there should be no rubbing or pressure points at all. They will not go away with "break in". They will create soreness, pain, and blistering. Even if it seems to be tolerable, it is like water torture; as your feet are continually exposed to those pressure points your feet will break down against them bit by bit, and bruising, blisters, and soreness will follow.
- You may need to go up from only 1/2 size to 2+ sizes in length, and go with a much wider width to avoid those things I mentioned above.
- Ignore measuring devices, the size labels on the shoe boxes, and the sizes of your other shoes; your only concern is how this new pair of footwear fits and feel.
Hi,Hello everyone, I will be walking my first Camino in April. I’m still getting organized, one issue I’m trying to figure out is getting a good pair of shoes. My foot size is 14.5, ( US I usually wear size 16 US for any physical activity. Any good shoe recommend for the Camino?
Your feet sound as though they're as huge as my own !!Hello everyone, I will be walking my first Camino in April. I’m still getting organized, one issue I’m trying to figure out is getting a good pair of shoes. My foot size is 14.5, ( US I usually wear size 16 US for any physical activity. Any good shoe recommend for the Camino?
Dave's advice is always worth heeding, as it's systematically good -- but I do have to say that your own experience of US sizes 11-13 simply does not translate upwards into the 14½-16+ area, not through any fault of your own, but simply because of being somewhat unaware of the realities of living in bodies this tall and with such big feet.Davebugg has the single, best answer you are likely to find.
Thank you for this, it’s very informative!No. Blindly buying a bigger size can create the very problem you want to solve.
The only way to determine the size you need for a proper fit is to go thru the steps to assure that your feet are size-matched to that specific brand and model of footwear.
As to the type of footwear, get the lightest footwear for the type of trekking you are doing in the climate you will be in. You will be lifting the weight of the shoe on your feet hundreds of thousands of times. Any reduction in weight on the foot will save you energy, and reduce overly fatigued lower leg structures that can increase injury risks such as sprains and shin splints.
Below is a copy of what I recently posted on a different thread:
——-
I never recommend automatically going a size larger. Only a proper fitting can determine if, or by how much to increase a shoe size or width.
Shoes are created on various moulds and ‘lasts’. Manufacturers have leeway to state what their version of a size 9 is, for example.
A leather shoe for work will fit differently to a trail runner for sport. A size 9 in a work shoe could be the effective equivalent to a size 7 trail runner.
Then we have the fact that there can be serious size differences between each outdoor footwear manufacturers trail runner (or boot or hiking shoe). That’s why a wide width New Balance shoe will feel roomier than an Asics or Asolo.
So to get a good fit, each shoe buying expedition benefits from the tips below.
As you go looking for shoe, here are some tips which I have posted before that may help you.
- When you go to the store, do so toward the end of the day.... you will have been up on your feet, so that will help with getting the correct fit. Additionally, you will need to wear the same backpack with the same gear you will be carrying... you want this additional weight on you as this will put the same downward pressure on the foot that you will be having while on Camino.
- Wear the exact same sock(s) you will be wearing while you are walking on the Camino. And if you have a special insole or orthotic, bring it with you.
- At the store, the measuring that will be done on your feet is only to get you in the ballpark for the correct shoe size.
- Start by standing up; never measure while sitting. You want the full weight of your body, with the pack on, to put the same pressure on your feet to spread them out as will happen while walking. That alone will increase the volume and size of your feet.
- Make sure those 'Camino' socks are on your feet; if you wear socks with liners while walking, do the same thing at the store.
- While standing, have someone near to you that you can use to steady yourself. With the measuring device on the ground, step onto the instrument and center all of your weight onto the foot being measured. Do the same for the other foot.
- Start with that size, but be aware that both the width and the length need to feel like there is adequate room for your feet. Ideally, like Goldilocks, everything will be just right. But, don't count on it. Be picky.
- If you have special insoles or orthotics, put them into any shoe you try on as they will take up space inside the shoe.
- When you find what you think will fit you well, you will need to see if your toes have enough clearance. Toes should not be able to be forced to the front of the shoe and touch the shoe. Not even a little. If they do, long walking and downhill grades on the trail or path or road will traumatize the bed of the nail, and that is when toenails can blacken and fall off.
- With your shoes tied securely, but not too tight, walk around the store with your pack on. Go up stairs and down stairs, scuff the shoes to the floor so that your feet are forced to do any movement they will do and see if your toes so much as butterfly kiss the front of the shoe. Kick the front of the shoe into a post or stair or wall or someone's shin.... does that make any of your toes touch the front of the shoe? That goes for all the little piggies.
- Next, pay attention to the width of the shoe. It shouldn't feel snug on the sides and there should be no rubbing or pressure points at all. They will not go away with "break in". They will create soreness, pain, and blistering. Even if it seems to be tolerable, it is like water torture; as your feet are continually exposed to those pressure points your feet will break down against them bit by bit, and bruising, blisters, and soreness will follow.
- You may need to go up from only 1/2 size to 2+ sizes in length, and go with a much wider width to avoid those things I mentioned above.
- Ignore measuring devices, the size labels on the shoe boxes, and the sizes of your other shoes; your only concern is how this new pair of footwear fits and feel.
My husband and I both love our La Sportevas. Depends on your foot shape, I’d go with a hiking store person they usually have sound advice. I upped my size by a half and still lost 3 toenails from our Oct,2021 Primitiveo, whoopsHello everyone, I will be walking my first Camino in April. I’m still getting organized, one issue I’m trying to figure out is getting a good pair of shoes. My foot size is 14.5, ( US I usually wear size 16 US for any physical activity. Any good shoe recommend for the Camino?
Hey @believer12345. Ive done 3 Caminos and always wear boots rather than shoes to protect my ankles and wear a boot a size bigger. I have always used a German brand called menial. absolute class.. but its about what's comfy for you. have a rad of my blog from my Caminos. you may like itHello everyone, I will be walking my first Camino in April. I’m still getting organized, one issue I’m trying to figure out is getting a good pair of shoes. My foot size is 14.5, ( US I usually wear size 16 US for any physical activity. Any good shoe recommend for the Camino?
I have always used a German brand called menial. absolute class..
I do have 2 pairs of French Army surplus, that I have tried on a short walking holiday, in soggy England. I grabbed them as they were reduced to clear, £30 each! and a decent fit. At that sort of price I was prepared to risk an impulse purchase. Other shoes I have bought and then reassessed them and used them for less critical things, it is trial and error for what works for me. I am unsure about the French boots in warm weather but for day to day bashing about in cold and wet weather I find them excellent. It is all about what works for the individual person in specific circumstances, and what works for me may be terrible for someone else. With that caveat I use Hi-Tech walking shoes that I bought from the same supplier, a company called walktall.co.uk, also known as magnusshoes.com for womens outsize. I like their range of sizes and makers, I don't know if they ship internationally.Your feet sound as though they're as huge as my own !!
At this end of things, there are literally no one-size-fits-all solutions, and you will need to work things out for yourself -- and you will need to do that, and then verify it, pre-departure, given that these sorts of shoe sizes are exotic and rare in Spain.
I personally use French Army boots, though more lightweight sports shoes can be found in Europe at a pinch.
But I'd suggest something durable, and also making VERY sure they're correct for your hiking style, and that they are not harmful to the skin of your feet, and that they do not cramp your feet.
A pair of classic leather rambling shoes maybe, with thick rubber soles ? Dunno why, but that's the picture comes to my mind !!
Thank you once again @davebugg for your clear and factual advice. The research that I have read on this topic absolutely supports what Dave has said.anecdotal evidence and subjective opinion to the contrary, research has repeatedly shown that boots by themselves do not provide the level of stiffness and the shear rigidity needed to keep ankles free from injury.
They can, in fact, exacerbate the risk of injury.
Turga, that's the one. bad spelling from my fat fingersMeindl? Never heard of a German brand called Menial....
Well ...As to the long held idea that boots provide anklesupportprotection, long term studies and research have shown this to be not quite the case.
Don't necessarily need to be formally diagnosed, if the issues really exist is the thing.First, unless there are specific and diagnosed medical issues
You refer to abnormal musculoskeletal issues which I took pains to exempt. You are correct that a formal medical diagnosis is ancillary to their existence. Of course there are a variety of such problems that benefit from, and may require, heavier footwear including boots.Well ...
Don't necessarily need to be formally diagnosed, if the issues really exist is the thing.
And that can be anatomical rather than medical per se.
I have both anatomical and medical issues in my ankles.
First, I have a degree of malformation of the ankles, so that my toes point inwards not outwards. This creates a real and permanent risk of twisting or spraining my ankle (made worse by my size and the size of my feet), not even hiking just daily life ; and before I started wearing boots, that happened about once a month or so.
The support that a pair of tall boots provides is sufficient to prevent that from happening I'd guess about 90% of the time -- as they help my ankles to not twist too far if I mis-step for those reasons.
Second, I have arthrosis which is spreading out from the knees, and is certainly effecting the ankles. This makes them both weaker and more painful.
Again, the boots provide support, when the pain gets bad, as I can use the side straps on either boot to tighten them, and this allows me to continue walking even after I have twisted my ankle as above, as the support provided both helps keep my feet in a correct position, and even helps decrease pain from the twisted ankle.
So no, dave, I do not agree with you that boots cannot provide support, no matter what studies you might cite, and because they do, I wear my army boots every single day, and indeed I use no other footwear in any circumstances.
Sure. I just thought your brushstrokes were a tad too broad.My post was focused on those with normal lower leg and foot structures.
Noted; they were not meant to be. The intent was meant to address the broad brushstrokes of advice that, irrespective of a demonstrable need, an over ankle hiking boot provides the normal leg more ankle protection from injury than does a trail shoe or a running shoe.Sure. I just thought your brushstrokes were a tad too broad.
Your 16s are the correct size. Pilgrims make the mistake of wearing their normal size boots/shoes on the Camino, which causes a lot of foot problems. Your feet will expand as you walk the Camino day after day. Your regular shoe size may change after walking the Camino. Since I walk the Camino regularly, my regular shoe size has gone from a 9 1/2 to a 10 1/2 EE.Hello everyone, I will be walking my first Camino in April. I’m still getting organized, one issue I’m trying to figure out is getting a good pair of shoes. My foot size is 14.5, ( US I usually wear size 16 US for any physical activity. Any good shoe recommend for the Camino?
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