Camino in March - Can't Find Shoes!

[GeorgiaT]

Hey everyone!

I bought a pair of Merrel hiking boots, and they tore my feet apart, I have two huge blisters on the inside of my feet near both heels, I even wore the right socks and everything.

Now I dont know what shoes to wear, I thought these were the best! My mom and her bestfriend both wear them and they work perfect, we have been training for walking the camino everyday. We leave March 12th, and no shoes work for me.

I was thinking of maybe trying the 5 finger shoes, or a short ankle shoe?
Any help would be appreciated thankyou!

 

[colinPeter]

Hi Georgia,
Sorry to hear about your dilemma.
You may have already done this, but all I can suggest is that you try and locate a "dedicated" trekking store, get someone who knows what they are doing, to try and fit you properly.
My wife and I did this, I was fitted with Merrells and they were just brilliant, and even though they had womens Merrells, my wife was fitted Patagonia's, which were brilliant for her.
It took a fair amount of time to get fitted, the sales person should have you walking up and down slope ramps and questioning and informing you what you should be "feeling" for.
Good luck & buen Camino.
Col

 

[viajero]

I agree with the above. I hadn't really had any long distance hiking experience before my Camino. I went to a couple of stores where they gave some general advice, "try one of these" and pointed to a selection of boots. I really wanted someone to give me some solid advice. At the third store I had someone who talked to me for about 10 minutes about what type of walking (distance, terrain, etc), then had me take off my shoes and socks and looked at the shape of my foot. He noticed lots of things: my high instep, narrow heels, etc., and then picked out a boot and sock for me. He had me walk on the ramps/rocky ramp in the store. He told me to take them home and try them for a month. He was sure I would have no problems but said to come and return them if I did that it would be his fault and not mine. He said they shouldn't really require breaking-in. I wore them and walked A LOT before my camino and from day one I had no problems. Everyday of my Camino, I remembered this great salesman/hiking expert. ON this forum, everyone suggests which boots/shoes are the best. I had Vasque ion lightweight boots but I think it really depends on the shape of the foot, etc. Not every store has such great experts but if you could find someone like this I think it would solve your problem.

 

[dougfitz]

Georgia,
I am really sorry to hear about the injury you have sustained, and that there might be problems with the boots you have bought. That might be so, but it seems from your description that the blisters are significant, which indicates that you didn't realise how bad they might have become while you were walking.

It is always important to be sensitive to the little messages from your feet (ankles, knees, etc) when walking. My observation is that new walkers find this particularly difficult, perhaps because everything is so new and different that it is hard to know what needs attention, and what can be ignored for a while longer. It is always better to stop at the first sign of a hot spot and treat the area than to keep walking. Learning what those signs are is the difficult part if you are new.

You might also benefit from pre-taping the danger areas with a tape or dressing product like Fixomul or Medipore. These proprietary products are very similar highly conformable dressing tapes. That is, they will be relatively easy to shape to your foot, and they can reduce the friction between your sock and foot considerably.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

they tore my feet apart

Why?

Answer that question, and it will help you find the right footwear. Were the soles too stiff so your heel slipped up and down? Did your foot slosh around in side? Is your foot skin unaccustomed to repeated friction? Were they tight in spots?

Each problem has a different solution, and other responses have made excellent suggestions for some of them.

Five finger footwear has zero ankle support, but so do Crocs, sandals, and a lot of trail runners. Make sure your muscles and joints are OK with that. Some pilgrims have had good success with the near-barefoot solutions.

If you have boots with a sole that does not flex, you should know that the terrain on the Camino does not require such sturdy boots. I have walked thousands of kilometers in MBT boots that have soles that do not flex AT ALL. They worked for me, but they have some other major disadvantages. Low-cut boots with a flexible sole have worked well for a lot of hikers. New Balance has width sizing which may solve your problem.

Anyway, try to identify the specifics of what went on in the boots, add to your post, and wait for the suggestions to flow in!

 

[David]

How sad, so sorry for you. The 'best' boots aren't best for everyone, as you've found out .. though, you have specific blister areas that are quite unusual ... is there a fault inside these particular boots? Stitching faulty, etc?
One thing worth trying is to line the inside of the boot where your blisters rise with gaffer tape (duck tape) - if it is caused by friction at a certain point this should allow your foot to glide there rather than friction burn your skin on it - worth a go.

The other thing is that the boot area there may be too stiff for some reason - this sounds crazy, but it is what cobblers do ..... slide the boot onto a narrow flat surface so that the trouble area is over it and hit it really hard a few times with a heavy hammer .. this will make that area more malleable, less stiff.
Also - if it isn't the boots then it is your feet, if so it sounds like you are pronating, are you slightly knock-kneed? .. if you are pronating then the feet are leaning inwards as you walk .. extra weight such as a backpack can accentuate such a condition. You can buy insoles that are shaped and rigid - not the normal rubbery ones - these are specifically shaped to offset pronating, so your feet will be more upright and won't rub on the inner rear like that. You can find them in any specialist hiking shop. (For people with this problem they also tend to relieve knee and back ache problems - a bonus!)

These are just my thoughts - but worth investigating all of them I think.

In the meantime - don't do any training walks until you have healed your feet - drain, press flat, and cover, and keep clean. When you start again also try rubbing good skin cream - lots of it - onto your feet so they don't stick - and therefore burn

Do hope this helps - don't give up, all is well. You may find that your feet will be perfect next month and your blister-free compadres are the ones who get problems on the Camino :?

Incidentally - this may help other pilgrims so if you do get positive results please let us all know.

 

[lynnejohn]

Hi Georgia -

I'm sorry that your feet ended up so badly injured. Of course you know by now that everyone has their own "best boot", so you may have to try quite a few before you find one that is right for you.

I use the Keen Targhee mid boot for women.They are wide (if you foot is narrow they will likely not be right for you), flexible, light and have always been good to go right out of the box. They give your ankle a little more support than trail shoes. And they're not too expensive.

I hope things work out for you!

Buen blister-free camino!

 

[GeorgiaT]

Thankyou Everyone! For the great help! I will be going to Mountain Equipment Co. this afternoon to try some different ones, possibly the Keen hiking boots, and try those out for a some good walks and see if that helps!

Also, all the extra blister information has really helped! Thank you!!!!

 

[Abbeydore]

Thankyou Everyone! For the great help! I will be going to Mountain Equipment Co. this afternoon to try some different ones, possibly the Keen hiking boots, and try those out for a some good walks and see if that helps!

Also, all the extra blister information has really helped! Thank you!!!!

Hope you are taking these 'blister boots' too, as an expert will easily see whats going wrong for you, if it was Cotswold here they could probably fix it. You are probably going to have to use something to protect your heel while it repairs itself....good luck.
David

 

[annakappa]

Hi Georgia. I only now read you posting, so I guess in the meantime you have probably been to the store for new boots.
However, just in case you didn't, you could try putting get heel pads in your Merrells. My brother also brought for me a pair of "Super feet" insoles to put in the boots (I use Merrells). These insoles are stiff, not like the ones you find in the boots when you buy them. So I use both the "superfeet" and the gel heel pads, plus all the recommendations regarding foot care.Anne

 

[alipilgrim]

Hi Georgia,

As David mentioned above, there are hiking shoes/boots out there for every shape and size of foot possible. But that doesn't mean that because one shoe (or even manufacturer) works for one person that it will work for another. First, determine what type of foot you have: narrow/wide, is your heel narrow, do you have a high-arch or low, do you pronate or supinate, etc. Then do a lot of research online in reading about each individual shoe and see what might possibly fit your foot. It's quite amazing how much info is provided in the Specifications/Information section of the different shopping sites. I haven't bought from MEC but in the States REI (similar type of outdoor store) has a free return policy on everything, no matter if it's been worn or not. This is a great way to try shoes without wasting a lot of money. One caveat: I don't condone using shoes then returning just for the sake of it unless someone really bought them in error...

Good luck, allison

 

[Red1too3]

Hey everyone!

I bought a pair of Merrel hiking boots, and they tore my feet apart, I have two huge blisters on the inside of my feet near both heels, I even wore the right socks and everything.

I was thinking of maybe trying the 5 finger shoes, or a short ankle shoe?
Any help would be appreciated thankyou!

Georgia, I am in the same boat as you are, but attacked it a bit differently. I have bought different shoes, and take the backpack with me while training, so I can change shoes if one gets uncomfortable. REI allowed me to return the shoes that didn't work after two weeks of walking in them! I tried many things with each type of shoe, like change arch supports, in or out, of walking boots (Merrell) they ended being heavy and added to bulk aside from blisters, hiking shoes (Keen from REI) were ok, but the comfort I knew I needed just wasn't there, Teva sandles were great for interim to replace once in a while, and Nike walking/support sneakers. I found out my feet are just different enough that I need one shoe at size 9 and one at 9.5 (U.S. women size)! Once I bought the two separate sizes, which I could only find by ordering through Nike special order built to my specs,they are perfect. Everyone fits everything differently - I am finding that Nike sneakers and Teva sandles are going to be my two choices for shoes. My hiking boots and shoes are great, but not for me for upwards of 20 to 25 miles per day as we are going to walk. Hope this helps!

 

[Anniesantiago]

:::takes a moment to start the record player and put on the old '78::::
:::dancing in her New Balance Trainers while she sings:::

New Balance!
New Balance!
New Balance!

Trainers!
Trainers!
Trainers!

1 - 1.5 sizes larger than normal because your feet WILL swell
1 - 1.5 sizes larger than normal because your feet WILL swell
1 - 1.5 sizes larger than normal because your feet WILL swell

Deep toe box so the toes can spread
Deep toe box so the toes can spread
Deep toe box so the toes can spread

(spoken bit)
There is not one place on the Camino that warrants hiking boots unless you have weak ankles or unless you are absolutely used to wearing them.
It is a WALK, not a mountainous hike.

(singing again)
Even the bit up the Pyrenees is on pavement...pavement...pavement...
You need a flexible sole...flexible sole...flexible sole...

(spoken)
Warning! Don't wear hiking boots unless you're used to them.
They are stiff when they get wet and will rub your ankles raw too.
The worst blisters I saw on the Camino were people with boots.
They all cried, "Wish I'd worn trainers...trainers... trainers..."

LIGHTWEIGHT
FLEXIBLE
QUICK DRYING
MESH
TRAINERS
will make your feet sing instead of cry!
Halleleuia!
Halleleuia!
Halleleuuuuuuuu-IA!

:::Curtsies::::
::::takes the record off and slips it into its cover for next time::::
:lol: :lol: :lol:

In the end, everyone has their favorite, but here is my opinion and why:
http://caminosantiago2.blogspot.com/2011/06/gear-up-for-walking-camino-santiago.html

 

[Arn]

Annie,

Obviously you:

1. Really love your NB

2. Are a refugee from Nashville

or

3. Have too much time on your hands!

Great song BTW.

Arn

 

[bromeliad]

I second everything Annie said!

Apparently your boots are too heavy, that's why they are sliding around your feet and giving you blisters.

Get a lightweight, well ventilated, flexible pair of trainers/sneakers!
And make sure the last eyelets are tied firmly, keeping the shows snug around your heel.
This is what I do: Unthread the laces from the last set of eyelets, and tie them loosely; this will give ample wiggle room for your toes.
Then get A SECOND PAIR OF LACES (shorter), thread them through the last set of eyelets only, and tie them FIRMLY. This will prevent your heel form slipping around and giving you blisters.

As a second pair of footwear, I suggest you take a good pair of Teva sandals. Crocks are nice, but you won't hike very far in them. Should the need arise, you can do the entire Camino in your sandals with socks.

Good luck!

 

[lynnejohn]

Yesterday I emailed Keen because of the information that red1too3 provided regarding special order of different sizes from Nike.
I of course told them I have walked through 2 pairs of Targhee II mid boots and am loathe to buy them again because I now need two different sizes. I asked if there was a provision or special order category for folks who needed two sizes.
I received a response this morning offering me 25% off any Keen product. It's not overly generous but I sure appreciate the offer and the quick response. I will likely take them up on it and buy two pair.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

I agree with those who recommended a salesperson who is knowlegible and takes time to help you. Also that what works for one doesn't mean it will work for all. I do wonder if these boots bothered you from day one or just recently? I ran the Army ten miler two weeks before the Marine Corps marathon and for the first time got a blister on my medial ( inside) edge of the left foot arch. Complaining to my coach, he immediately grabbed the left shoe and ran his finger along the insole then pulled it out and pointed to a VERY tiny spot on the insole probably pricked by a stone ( or one of my cats)...he replaced the insoles with a new pair but I was skeptical, eve though the spot was in the location of my blister i insisted it had to be a seam or something. I was desperate now that my lucky shoes had failed me just before the marathon. He explained all it took was a small rough spot to grab my sock and it was no longer sliding on the shoe, instead my foot was sliding on the sock. Of course he reminded me he had taught me to inspect my insoles but I forgot. The shoes worked perfectly for the MCM and I will be checking my insoles every day on the Camino.

 

[dougfitz]

snip
Of course he reminded me he had taught me to inspect my insoles but I forgot.
snip

What a great tip.

I know that I take the time to carefully run my hands over my liner and hiking socks when I put them on to ensure that there were no wrinkles. There were occasional strange looks in the albergues at the sight of me rubbing my feet in the morning, but it was much better to check then than find out walking and have to stop and adjust one's socks once underway.

Regards,

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

In fairness to my coach i should also admit he has repeatedly tried to break me of lucky shoes, shorts, and bra to no avail...I'll be the one on the camino in my lucky shoes, socks, and pants, carrying my lucky pack, scarf, and frog...

 

[GeorgiaT]

Thankyou Again for the great replies!!!!!

 

[GeorgiaT]

Re: Camino in March - Can't Find Shoes! NEW QUESTION!!!!

Hello Everyone! I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION!!

Has anyone ever gone to Ireland then to St.Jean De La Port to start the Camino

I walk the camino starting March 12th, but I have 47 days till my return flight, I thought I would go to St. Pattys Day in Dublin before I start for 3 or 4 days,
but there is no reasonable flights into spain and then fair travel to start the camino.

It is only about 50$ from paris to dublin but some sights over a $1000 from dublin to bizartte, or anywhere close.

I am not good with flights or travelling of any sort, if anyone has ever done this before or knows some good cheap travel tips to get from Dublin to St.Jean, PLEASE HELP!

Thankyou,
Georgia

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

Georgia, if I weren't so rushed I'd look this up for you but have you thought about taking an easyjet flight to one of the English airports from where they fly to Biaritzz?

You might have to have an overnight stay in England but a cheap hotel might cost less than a direct flight. It would also break your journey.

Just a warning, crossing England by train is likely to expensive. It is probably not worth flying into somewhere like Liverppol and then taking a train to an English airport.

However if you want to consider it http://www.trainline.com are the cheapest reputable online providers of English train travel.

 

[GeorgiaT]

Thankyou very much! i will look into it