Just finished the Camino Primitivo (Ovied0-Santiago) on 7 October 2015 and wanted to share my thoughts on the topic of taking great care of your feet during your journey.
Out of about 25 people who started the Camino with us on 25 September, only 1/2 finished. Of those who didn't finish, all but one retired either because of blisters or other foot issues. I'm sharing my experiences here so that you can make the best decisions for your feet and finish the amazingly beautiful Camino Primitivo.
For my trip I was really torn between leather hiking boots and low cut hiking shoes. In the end I opted for low cut hiking shoes and a pair of Merrell sandals for after walking and I'm very glad I did. I never even had a hint of a blister which I attribute to the shoes as well as a couple of other things I did.
Everyone I met on the Camino that wore hiking boots - even ones that were well broken in - had blisters or other foot issues. Hiking boots are really too much for this Camino in my opinion - unless you absolutely need the extra ankle support. If that is the case make sure you have your boots well broken in and follow the advice I give below for avoiding blisters.
I too was originally concerned for my ankles with the low cut shoes, but in the end I learned to walk carefully over the rocky parts of the trails and did just fine. (FYI, i have sprained my left ankle seriously 2 times dating back about 20 years). I was also concerned that my feet would get wet in the hiking shoes. They most certainly did - it rained like crazy for 2 days straight - but it didn't make a difference at all in terms of blisters or warmth. Why?
The day before I left, I invested in 2 great pairs of merino wool hiking socks made by a company called IceBreaker. I also purchased a special cream called "Hirschtalg Creme" (in Austria) and applied that to my feet daily while on the Camino It's a more natural version of Vaseline that many people recommend on these forums. The high quality socks kept my feet warm and the cream kept them from rubbing on the sock or shoe during the 13 stages of the Camino Primitivo.
Based on this experience, here is how I would summarize my recommendations.
1. Do not skimp on shoes, socks or cream for your feet when you do the Camino Primitivo. Spend whatever it takes to make sure your feet are comfortable.
2. Only use hiking boots if you have moderate to severe ankle issues.
3. Hiking sandals will most likely not be enough - especially in the muddy and rock portions of the trail. I recommend a sturdy comfortable hiking or running shoe.
4. Get the highest quality merino wool hiking socks you can find - bring 2 pairs and wash one and wear one.
5. Bring some "Hirsctalg Creme" or vaseline and use this on your feet everyday.
6. If you feel any hint of a blister forming during the day stop immediately and apply more cream.
Hopefully this will help you finish the Camino with happy feet!
Mark
Out of about 25 people who started the Camino with us on 25 September, only 1/2 finished. Of those who didn't finish, all but one retired either because of blisters or other foot issues. I'm sharing my experiences here so that you can make the best decisions for your feet and finish the amazingly beautiful Camino Primitivo.
For my trip I was really torn between leather hiking boots and low cut hiking shoes. In the end I opted for low cut hiking shoes and a pair of Merrell sandals for after walking and I'm very glad I did. I never even had a hint of a blister which I attribute to the shoes as well as a couple of other things I did.
Everyone I met on the Camino that wore hiking boots - even ones that were well broken in - had blisters or other foot issues. Hiking boots are really too much for this Camino in my opinion - unless you absolutely need the extra ankle support. If that is the case make sure you have your boots well broken in and follow the advice I give below for avoiding blisters.
I too was originally concerned for my ankles with the low cut shoes, but in the end I learned to walk carefully over the rocky parts of the trails and did just fine. (FYI, i have sprained my left ankle seriously 2 times dating back about 20 years). I was also concerned that my feet would get wet in the hiking shoes. They most certainly did - it rained like crazy for 2 days straight - but it didn't make a difference at all in terms of blisters or warmth. Why?
The day before I left, I invested in 2 great pairs of merino wool hiking socks made by a company called IceBreaker. I also purchased a special cream called "Hirschtalg Creme" (in Austria) and applied that to my feet daily while on the Camino It's a more natural version of Vaseline that many people recommend on these forums. The high quality socks kept my feet warm and the cream kept them from rubbing on the sock or shoe during the 13 stages of the Camino Primitivo.
Based on this experience, here is how I would summarize my recommendations.
1. Do not skimp on shoes, socks or cream for your feet when you do the Camino Primitivo. Spend whatever it takes to make sure your feet are comfortable.
2. Only use hiking boots if you have moderate to severe ankle issues.
3. Hiking sandals will most likely not be enough - especially in the muddy and rock portions of the trail. I recommend a sturdy comfortable hiking or running shoe.
4. Get the highest quality merino wool hiking socks you can find - bring 2 pairs and wash one and wear one.
5. Bring some "Hirsctalg Creme" or vaseline and use this on your feet everyday.
6. If you feel any hint of a blister forming during the day stop immediately and apply more cream.
Hopefully this will help you finish the Camino with happy feet!
Mark