Boot Dilemma

[revrenjen]

As I get ready for my first Camino, starting in May, I have a dilemma. As with all my El Camino dilemmas, I am turning the the sages of this forum.

Everyone says that you need to have well-broken in boots. I have a pair of Merrells I bought last spring and used for day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park last summer. No blisters despite some pretty rigorous day-long hikes of 7 to 9 miles. Also no blisters when I wore them last fall for training walks of 8 to 9 miles.

BUT--I wear a size 5 1/2 shoe and these are only size 6, and the other standard bit of advice is that you should have boots that are at least 1 size, maybe a size and a half larger.

As my departure dates gets closer my anxiety is growing along with my excitement and I'm starting to obsess about things. Do I dump the Merrells and get some new boots and start breaking them in ASAP? Or do I stick with a pair of boots that have served me well so far? (BTW, I have never had a problem with my feet swelling. But then, I've never walked 10 or 15 miles a day for weeks and weeks.)

Help!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Footwear needs to fit. The number associated with them is not a good guide. If they fit and are worked in, use them. However, don't add another layer of socks (another consistent bit of advice) unless you are sure they still fit.

 

[nellpilgrim]

Hi,
I'd stick with your worn in boots and be prepared to change to thinner socks if needed. My left foot swelled but my right didn't :shock: so from Burgos on I just wore different thinner socks on the puffy foot and it worked well enough. Sometimes even the most 'perfect' boots can 'turn rogue' on the Camino but even if the worst happens you can get always get boots at Decathlon outlets etc along the way. By the time we got to Logrono my walking partner had to abandon her expensive, and carefully broken in, Brasher boots and buy an alternative pair of light ultra 'cheap' boots... but then she practically skipped all the way to Santiago :lol:
Nell

 

[Anniesantiago]

Well, EVERYbody doesn't say you need well broken in boots.

I, for one, say all you need is a good pair of walking or trail shoes.
I prefer New Balance, but any shoe that fits well over your two pair of socks will be fine.
Unless you have weak ankles, there is no place on the Camino, in my opinion, that warrants hiking boots.

So there is another option for you

 

[Kitsambler]

Really, Annie? Did you ever walk the section between Le Puy and Conques on a rainy day? Between the steep and the stones and the slick, the several of us were very glad to have sturdy (albeit not heavyweight) boots.

I think the best advice is to get to know your own feet through some thorough testing beforehand. You might be happy with lighter-weight shoes of the trail-running sort. You might discover your knees require more ankle support (don't laugh!). You might discover your arches are higher or lower than anticipated. You may discover you prefer dry foot powder to wet gel. You might like one sock or develop a fondness for a liner sock or two. None of us know your feet, and it took us quite a while to get to know our own.

So get out there and give one combination a try! If you have some sort of shoes already, begin there, and see if you need "more shoe" or "less shoe".

 

[lynnejohn]

You know, we have had so many opinions on this that I'm sure it is difficult for new members to make any sense of it.
My sense of it is:
1. Shop for boots in a store where sales staff know what they're talking about.
2. Take your socks that you will wear on the camino.
3. Walk around the store including the incline and rocky surface.
4. Take them home, and walk around your house in them for a couple of days. This will not only help you evaluate their fit, but also how picky it is to lace and unlace them.
5. Do they feel good? No hot spots? Buy them.

Hot spots, and areas that are too tight and areas that rub during this trial will not get "broken in".

All of the above applies to trail shoes, by the way. Breaking shoes/boots in is a myth. Bad fit is bad fit forever.

Go with the one that feels perfect from the beginning.

My $0.02

lynne

 

[AJ]

In 2009 I had a brilliant pair of Asolo boots which fitted perfectly - until about day 4 when my feet had swelled.

In 2010 I bought the same boots one size larger and had no problems.

 

[lynnejohn]

Point taken.

A corollary to my post:

Live and learn.

lynne

 

[PilgrimChris]

Revrenjen

I feel Lynne's advice to 'live and learn' is what ultimately will sustain you.

I have walked (as so many here have) 1000's of kilometers over the years and nothing beats experience when determining what is best for your feet. A caveat to that is walk, walk and walk some more as often as you can. This will toughen up your feet, ankles and calves - especially your feet.

However please don't get too hung up on this as it will put a dampner on your journey before you even begin. Take all the advice offered and be prepared for blisters, aches and pains anyway. You may suffer very little or you may suffer more, but the journey will sustain you long after any discomfort you may or may not have along the way.

A truism in life is that all good things have a price and is a price worth paying.

A thought to sustain you - millions have waked the camino before you and each has suffered in some way. Yet the camino grows and you wont be alone

I set out myself end of April/beginning of May so we may both be suffering/rejoicing together!

Chris

 

[Sagalouts]

Hi revrenjen
if it ain't broke don't fix it.
like you I worried about boots constantly you can not move in my bedroom for the piles of shoes trainers boots walking sandals, I have discarded boots on the camino so much they can be used as way markers, the first time I reverted to the the battered Merrells I carried as spares they never let me down,last year I walked in comfy new balance trainers for 2000 km till they bit the dust.I have seen people left bleeding at the wayside with their broken in fancy expensive footwear and their expensive layers of socks feet vasalene coated.I wear what's comfy tried and trusted, and carry a pair of lightweight backups. although I do wear 1 size larger but they can differ so much.

Ian

 

[Anniesantiago]

I walked several rainy days, on very slippery and muddy trails.
My New Balance trail shoes had very nice soles that grabbed the ground sufficiently.
My ankles never gave me a problem - my shins did in 2006 - but that was because I walked two stages in one day very FAST because of bedbugs. I doubt boots would have made a difference since that walking was on flat ground.

 

[LTfit]

I would go with a pair 1 to 1 1/2 sizes larger due to potential swelling. I speak from experience - last summer I started off with a pair of Merrill low-cut hiking shoes 1 size larger than normal (+ one pair of hiking socks). By the time I reached León I sent them home and bought a new larger pair. Now back at home they are too large for short walks but will take them again this summer on the VdlP.

I too have hiked in the Rockies but the wear and tear your feet experience on the Camino is WAY different.

Good luck deciding.

 

[Caminando]

Re: Re:Boot Dilemma

Revrenjen

Take all the advice offered and be prepared for blisters, aches and pains anyway. You may suffer very little or you may suffer more, but the journey will sustain you long after any discomfort you may or may not have along the way.

A truism in life is that all good things have a price and is a price worth paying.

A thought to sustain you - millions have waked the camino before you and each has suffered in some way. Yet the camino grows and you wont be alone

I set out myself end of April/beginning of May so we may both be suffering/rejoicing together!

Chris

Chris, your post is all about suffering and the OP wants as far as possible to avoid suffering, wise woman that she is. You mention suffering three times, in among the blisters, aches and pains. And....you conflate suffering and rejoicing. Oh Chris.

I remember, in San Juan de Ortega in 1990, a wonderful moment of revelation initiated by the priest there, now sadly deceased and a loss to us all, where a Spanish pilg spoke of his suffering because of his utterly terrible shoes. We sorry pilgs gave advice, but then came the fundamental rejection. He thought he should suffer, and his blisters were bloody, and so he went home. Camino abandoned.

The love of suffering is not healthy, not wise. The god you love gave you a body, not to torture, but to care for.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hi revrenjen
if it ain't broke don't fix it.I wear what's comfy tried and trusted, and carry a pair of lightweight backups. Ian

Ian - as an answer to the question which was asked this is perfect advice in my opinion. If the boot, shoe, sandal works for you and you've tried them out - don't change!

 

[+@^^]

as Wild Bill Hickock said - "dont take a knife to a gunfight"

 

[nalod]

Hello I am looking for help. I am starting the Camino Frances on 7th April this year and have allowed myself 31 days to May 7th. I have different boots but the ones I use for my Walking in the West of Ireland is a pair of Meindl Burma Pro. Has anyone else used them on the camino at this time of year, are they too heavy. I find it very hard to get a comfortable pair of boots ,high instep and one foot half size bigger than the other. Any help Please.

 

[mikevasey]

Hi Nalod,

I thought about walking the CF with a pair Of Meindl Tibet(similar to the Burma), what scared me off was the weight, 830-870g on each foot just seemed too much. You might have stronger knees and ankles than me, i got a lot of strains and tears in my muscles in my twenties playing footer, and the camino has a way of reminding me of them, so i always try to find lightweight mids if i can. This really doesnt help you, but i just wanted to point out to you that heavy weight boots on this type of walk will usually bring out any weaknesses in your legs.

I looked at a boot manufacturer in the uk, Altberg, http://www.altberg.co.uk in the end i didnt go with them because i found something elsewhere, you could have a look at them, even with this short time they may be able to help you, they are quite a friendly bunch and may answer any questions by e-mail.

Mike

 

[Arn]

You can't change your feet...but, when your feet hurt...change your boots!

Now, without sounding to glib...it's too late to make the change when you're already on Camino...so here's a few thoughts:

1. If you are a veteran hiker...this is just another hike...stick with what you know.

2. If this is a first hike...seek out a qualified store that sells hiking equipment and go with what they know. You can always go back and make their life miserable.

3. Walk at least 50 miles in the shoes you decide or are told are the best for you. If they are still solid and you feel good...go for it! If not return it for a refund!

4. Once you're on the Camino...all bets are off. Luck wins every time...even the best boots and the most experienced hiker will admit they can't predict all possibilities. On any given day you will get blisters...deal with it!

Buen 'Ouch" Camino

Arn

 

[nalod]

Thank you Mike and Arn, will walk a bit more in the burmas and decide later this week.

 

[+@^^]

frequently advice is sought and given with great kindness
.
in the case of footwear, a few things to consider before weighing in and putting your money down:
what route
what season
what distance
how many days
.
and consider the different components of a boot / shoe:
sole - tread
rigidity
inner - removable
arch support
to goretex or not to goretex
breathable
toebox - wide or tight
tongue - padding, and gussetted
lacing system
ankel support
weight
brand
reliability
"look and feel"
cost
.
tick these off and then make your own selection

 

[vjpulver]

I took pictures of many of the abandoned boots I found along the Camino when I walked the French route from Roncesvalles to Santiago in Spring 2009. I have about 40 photos of perfectly serviceable, leather boots left behind by pilgrims who decided their heavy hiking boots were not the best choice. I also met many experienced hikers who elected to ship their leather boots home and purchased lighter shoes along the way.

I had originally planned dto wear leather hiking boots (I am retired military so I have an affinity for my combat boots and they are very comfortable). I was disuaded (mostly because of the wieght issues) and walked in ankle high Solomans (sp?). My feet were (mostly) happy.

FYI: there was one unusual pilgrim I met who made the entire walk in a pair of Crocs! He never got any blisters.

"Ginn"
In Sunny SC

 

[+@^^]

@Ginn - ah yes
should have mentioned....
ignore all my advice for selecting footware
if you own a pair of Salomons
.
the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX has been described by critics as follows: [quote]Possibly the best hiking boots ever made. Salomon’s Cosmic 4D GTX sets a new standard in lightweight performance, comfort and style with a versatile function for all manner of walking activities from casual walks to hardcore hiking.[/quote]
.
not that im trying to influence your decision

 

[mikevasey]

hi,

the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX has been described by critics as follows:

Possibly the best hiking boots ever made.

Anyone on here tried them? Been looking for at all kinds of footwear for next years camino (cadiz, malaga or even maybe almeria via mulhacen), inov8 roclites sounded promising, but felt flimsy, Meindl Matrei possible but hard to find to try on, and so on and so on. Kinda heard about these, but didnt register at the time. Grateful for for any comments on them.

Mike

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Closeout on the 3D Salomon running shoe -- about half the weight of the 4D GTX:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,188 ... r-Men.html

NOT WATER-RESISTANT like the boots: http://www.ldmountaincentre.com/product ... shipto=226

 

[revrenjen]

Thanks for all collective, if occasionally contradictory, wisdom about whether to keep my boots or get new ones. I realized that basically I wasn't really happy with my current boots, and if I wasn't happy now, I wouldn't get any happier. New boots in my future, ASAP. Thanks again--

Rene

 

[mikevasey]

Closeout on the 3D Salomon running shoe -- about half the weight of the 4D GTX

NOT WATER-RESISTANT like the boots

Thanks falcon, i would love to go with something like the 3D, just my ankles give me cause for concern. I might have to look at separate ankle support more closely, i havent to this point.

Water resistance isnt a problem for me, I looked at the OTB Bushmaster 6, which is well ventilated, i would keep a pair of sealskins for those (hopefully rare) wet days.

Mike

 

[Caminando]

Really, Annie? Did you ever walk the section between Le Puy and Conques on a rainy day? Between the steep and the stones and the slick, the several of us were very glad to have sturdy (albeit not heavyweight) boots.

Well said Kit! This is a section which is beautiful in fair weather but you are right to point out the real deal here. The boot compromise issue is a difficult one. I've walked this section 4 times and agree with you on boot choice.

 

[Caminando]

hi,

the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX has been described by critics as follows:

Possibly the best hiking boots ever made.

Anyone on here tried them? Been looking for at all kinds of footwear for next years camino (cadiz, malaga or even maybe almeria via mulhacen), inov8 roclites sounded promising, but felt flimsy, Meindl Matrei possible but hard to find to try on, and so on and so on. Kinda heard about these, but didnt register at the time. Grateful for for any comments on them.

Mike

Hi M
Can I suggest that you don't go so much on the commercial and advertising side of walking and associated equipment, but rather avoid brand names, commercialism or expensive publicity and go for what feels right on your feet? It may be that this will ensure a better walk? Quien sabè?

Please go for the footwear that feels right on the feet, and dont be fooled by brand names.

By this I mean that many can be hypnotised by brand names and commercialism, which may have no relation to practicality. Inov8 roclites against Meindels may seem attractive to some, but really, what's so innovative about all this 'stuff' ? Is there a real gain for a walking pilgrim?

 

[Kitsambler]

I have to agree with Caminado on that one: just because it does well for others doesn't mean you'll have the same results. Here's a case in point. The most popular hiking boot sold at REI here in Seattle (and they're a major supplier, so they sell quite a lot of boots) is the Asolo. I tried for an hour (foolish me) to get those darned boots to fit me; I just could not get my heel to seat properly in the boot. Turns out I put so much pressure on the bootlaces that I raised a blister on my tying fingers. Finally I came to my senses and the next-shift salesclerk came to my rescue. I have a wide heel; it will never properly seat in a narrow-heeled Asolo. The Vasque boot does have a wide heel and my pair of Vasques now has over 500 miles on them over the past 3 years.

Good luck on finding something comfortable!

 

[mikevasey]

Can I suggest that you don't go so much on the commercial and advertising side of walking and associated equipment, but rather avoid brand names, commercialism or expensive publicity and go for what feels right on your feet? It may be that this will ensure a better walk? Quien sabè?

Please go for the footwear that feels right on the feet, and dont be fooled by brand names.

Hi,

Thanks for your concern. I have reason for going for brand names,they usually provide a functionality with it as well(or should). Which is what i want.

I have walked the west higland way in boots that didnt have a brand, each foot had clusters of blood blisters on them by the end. I had boots made specially by a local cobbler for the del norte, i wasnt intrested in brands, this was my own bias at the time. I suffered for it, by Gijon i had to chuck them away and go into sports shop and go for a a pair of north face, they worked perfectly.

If all this rampant consumerism seems too much for you, then i agree with you, but it does have its uses, and it is knowing when and where it can be of use to you.



mike

 

[Caminando]

Oui chef :wink:

 

[+@^^]

@mikevasey
jury still hanging out at the bar
but....
im presently test-driving the 4D Salomons
and im impressed
full review L8R

 

[Seven]

I too don't like to favour one brand over the next, knowing full well that what works best for me could be very different for the next guy, but the Salomon Quest 4D is my boot of choice. I've worn them for over a year and a half now and have a new pair "broken in" and ready for my Camino.

My ankles are shot, both of my jobs require me to be on my feel all day, and the Salomon's are great - my feet are never left feeling tired. Now I have to decide if carrying a pair of Salomon trail runners as my "back-up" pair is a good idea. They're heavy and bulky, as far as extra footwear goes, but if I opt to go shoes instead of boots on any day, I still need something with good support.

My feet are sensitive, you know, like a princess, and even cobblestoned streets can cause fatigue.

I guess to make a short story long what I'm trying to say is go with what works best for you, 2 socks, three socks, sock liners, crocs, whatever.

(But if you've "practiced" in them for 50 miles, and they still don't work, you've gone too far. 5 miles in your home should at least give you the basics.)

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I carried an extra pair of boots once, and never used them. You should probably leave behind anything with the word "extra" attached to it, boots included. No one wants to get caught needing to buy a new pair of boots in Spain, but it is a rare event. I suggest that you save the weight.

 

[CaminoGen]

I'm starting to panic . I bought Merrell boots and I was breaking them in slowly, first in the house then on my daily walks to and from work (6km each way). After a week one side started cutting into my heel. Now, with 18 days to go until I start, I have been running around town trying to find a walking shoe. Tomorrow, I'm making a call to find a store that carries the New Balance Trail running with Gore-Tex to see if it fits. I'm seriously considering cutting my feet off and installing wheels :?

 

[JohnnieWalker]

I'm starting to panic . I bought Merrell boots and I was breaking them in slowly, first in the house then on my daily walks to and from work (6km each way). After a week one side started cutting into my heel. Now, with 18 days to go until I start, I have been running around town trying to find a walking shoe. Tomorrow, I'm making a call to find a store that carries the New Balance Trail running with Gore-Tex to see if it fits. I'm seriously considering cutting my feet off and installing wheels :?

Hi - I sympathise. Have you tried out the merrels over longer distances or tried wearing them all day? Also a friend of mine has recently had huge success with these:

http://www.boots.com/en/Sorbothane-Medi ... M_1143159/

Best wishes

John

 

[dougfitz]

I'm starting to panic . I bought Merrell boots and I was breaking them in slowly, first in the house then on my daily walks to and from work (6km each way). After a week one side started cutting into my heel. Now, with 18 days to go until I start, I have been running around town trying to find a walking shoe. Tomorrow, I'm making a call to find a store that carries the New Balance Trail running with Gore-Tex to see if it fits. I'm seriously considering cutting my feet off and installing wheels :?

I hope your search is successful.

Even if you don't take the Merrell boots this time, they may still be a worthwhile investment. I had something similar happen to me last year, but I was fortunate enough to have an older pair of boots worn in. They were somewhat heavier than I would have liked for the Camino, and had a very unforgiving sole which is great off the beaten track but no so good on pavement. Since my Camino, I have continued to wear-in the boots that I didn't take, and they are no longer giving me any problems. If this succeeds, they will be a more natural choice for my next pilgrimage.

 

[Ted Daly]

As I get ready for my first Camino, starting in May, I have a dilemma. As with all my El Camino dilemmas, I am turning the the sages of this forum.

Everyone says that you need to have well-broken in boots. I have a pair of Merrells I bought last spring and used for day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park last summer. No blisters despite some pretty rigorous day-long hikes of 7 to 9 miles. Also no blisters when I wore them last fall for training walks of 8 to 9 miles.

BUT--I wear a size 5 1/2 shoe and these are only size 6, and the other standard bit of advice is that you should have boots that are at least 1 size, maybe a size and a half larger.

As my departure dates gets closer my anxiety is growing along with my excitement and I'm starting to obsess about things. Do I dump the Merrells and get some new boots and start breaking them in ASAP? Or do I stick with a pair of boots that have served me well so far? (BTW, I have never had a problem with my feet swelling. But then, I've never walked 10 or 15 miles a day for weeks and weeks.)

Help!

Can you please tell me what you ended up doing? Boots or trail shoes? Thaanks

 

[Ted Daly]

Revrenjen

I feel Lynne's advice to 'live and learn' is what ultimately will sustain you.

I have walked (as so many here have) 1000's of kilometers over the years and nothing beats experience when determining what is best for your feet. A caveat to that is walk, walk and walk some more as often as you can. This will toughen up your feet, ankles and calves - especially your feet.

However please don't get too hung up on this as it will put a dampner on your journey before you even begin. Take all the advice offered and be prepared for blisters, aches and pains anyway. You may suffer very little or you may suffer more, but the journey will sustain you long after any discomfort you may or may not have along the way.

A truism in life is that all good things have a price and is a price worth paying.

A thought to sustain you - millions have waked the camino before you and each has suffered in some way. Yet the camino grows and you wont be alone

I set out myself end of April/beginning of May so we may both be suffering/rejoicing together!

Chris

I plan on starting the same time this year. Having read your post, I get it. I am curious though given that you walked at the same time, will trail shoes suffice or will I encounter snow perhaps in some sections? Thanks.

 

[jdpiguet]

Can you please tell me what you ended up doing? Boots or trail shoes? Thaanks

The original post is from 2011.
The poster have not be seen on the forum since years...

I doubt you will get an answer!

Buen Camino, Jacques-D.

 

[GreatDane]

...You might discover your knees require more ankle support (don't laugh!).....

I blew out my left knee in mid June '14 before my mid-Sept '14 camino. My orthopedic surgeon had my knee heal with support rather than surgery due to the timing. He also asked what the trail conditions were going to be and what I'd be wearing on my feet. He approved of my mid-height boots plus the use of SuperFeet because good support and alignment of my feet was important to my knee health.