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Thanks! Yes I actually have a little rubber ball that I'm taking as I find standing on that to massage my foot really helps. It sounds like the pharmacies have all the relevant things for pilgrim problemsI've had problems with plantar faciitis, too, including when I walked my camino. I found that with arch supports in my hiking boots, my Teva sandals and an ankle strap with arch bracing (I picked that up half-way along) it was very manageable. Most days it didn't bother me at all. Like you mentioned, being Australian I'm not familiar with Chaco, but as long as they have some support they should be fine when combined with your runners and orthotics which you'll be spending most of your time in.
Just do a bit of massage when you first take your shoes off after walking and periodically if you're sitting in the afternoon and start to feel your muscles tightening. I carried tape with me in case I needed to strap my foot but I didn't end up using it for that. I actually only picked up my arch supports when I got to Pamplona, too because I was in so much pain. That was really all it took though to make them fine again.
You're aware of the signs of it worsening, I imagine, and there are plenty of pharmacies along the way if you need anything extra.
Order you a pair of kuru. They have eliminated my pf.Leaving in a week (I will be walking from Leon in June after a month of other travel in Europe) and have to make a decision about the 'second' pair of shoes to take.
I have pretty bad plantar fasciitis in one foot and it is too late for any miracle cures, I just need to manage it. I switched from Merrel boots to New Balance trail runners with custom orthotics, and I am now getting worried about what to use end of the day that I could reasonably walk around town in. My foot is always worst after a day of walking of course. My trail runners may be wet and I gather it is good to let your feet 'breathe' a bit and of course I need something to wear to showers. I only want to bring one extra pair of shoes as I want my pack weight at around 5-6 kg before food and water.
Chaco is not a brand that is well known in Australia, but the Mega Z Cloud come up in online reviews and my local shoe shop actually has a pair in my size in stock. My only reservation is that they seem heavy, esp. compared to my other two options which are rubber birkenstocks (very light and comfy but little tread, so only good around the albergue, or my Merrel sandals, which I know I can't walk far in as they don't have enough arch support and cushioning).
That is a long ramble sorry...I don't want to get this wrong given the problem I have with my foot. Thanks!
Oofos flips for recoveryOrder you a pair of kuru. They have eliminated my pf.
I wore these same Birkenstocks for town and albergue wear on my last camino.These are the Birkenstocks I have (made out of EVA so very light.)
View attachment 55922
I don’t have plantar fasciitis, however, I’m a Chaco’s fan...they are a heavier sandal for sure. I used mine for over 700km on the Francés...they do have some arch support as I cannot do without something. Also, I toss them in the washing machine when they start smelling. They’re also on the pricey side. I love mine, but they are not for everyone. I’d suggest trying them out before you committed to taking them on camino. Bom CaminhoLeaving in a week (I will be walking from Leon in June after a month of other travel in Europe) and have to make a decision about the 'second' pair of shoes to take.
I have pretty bad plantar fasciitis in one foot and it is too late for any miracle cures, I just need to manage it. I switched from Merrel boots to New Balance trail runners with custom orthotics, and I am now getting worried about what to use end of the day that I could reasonably walk around town in. My foot is always worst after a day of walking of course. My trail runners may be wet and I gather it is good to let your feet 'breathe' a bit and of course I need something to wear to showers. I only want to bring one extra pair of shoes as I want my pack weight at around 5-6 kg before food and water.
Chaco is not a brand that is well known in Australia, but the Mega Z Cloud come up in online reviews and my local shoe shop actually has a pair in my size in stock. My only reservation is that they seem heavy, esp. compared to my other two options which are rubber birkenstocks (very light and comfy but little tread, so only good around the albergue, or my Merrel sandals, which I know I can't walk far in as they don't have enough arch support and cushioning).
That is a long ramble sorry...I don't want to get this wrong given the problem I have with my foot. Thanks!
Chaco’s are saved me! On my second Camino (Portugués 2017) I injured my plantar (I used to be a runner so I know the injury) puddle jumping (came down on round rock just beneath the surface of water). The weight of them were never an issue with me because they are a true rugged hiking sandal. After some rehab time (almost 2 weeks) I could walk 10-15km a day, sometimes 20, in my Chacos. When my foot would swell I could loosen or tighten the sandals as needed (or go from single to double sock. The quality of the all rubber arch support was what I needed. I finished the Portugués ONLY because I brought my Chacos!!! Buen Camino!Leaving in a week (I will be walking from Leon in June after a month of other travel in Europe) and have to make a decision about the 'second' pair of shoes to take.
I have pretty bad plantar fasciitis in one foot and it is too late for any miracle cures, I just need to manage it. I switched from Merrel boots to New Balance trail runners with custom orthotics, and I am now getting worried about what to use end of the day that I could reasonably walk around town in. My foot is always worst after a day of walking of course. My trail runners may be wet and I gather it is good to let your feet 'breathe' a bit and of course I need something to wear to showers. I only want to bring one extra pair of shoes as I want my pack weight at around 5-6 kg before food and water.
Chaco is not a brand that is well known in Australia, but the Mega Z Cloud come up in online reviews and my local shoe shop actually has a pair in my size in stock. My only reservation is that they seem heavy, esp. compared to my other two options which are rubber birkenstocks (very light and comfy but little tread, so only good around the albergue, or my Merrel sandals, which I know I can't walk far in as they don't have enough arch support and cushioning).
That is a long ramble sorry...I don't want to get this wrong given the problem I have with my foot. Thanks!
@alaskadiverHope those trail runners work out for you. My podiatrist told me that most certainly they were the worst thing I could wear for a long distance hike. Especially given that they were the cause of my plantar fasciitis on my first Camino. I’m now back to walking in real boots and have had no problems.
Sincerely hope you have no pain. I know how bad it can get.
I had cortisone shots in my feet 10 days before we left. You don’t need ultrasound and my podiatrist gave them to me. My first shots 2 years ago last until a few months ago! I got them prophylactically. They have made a difference. Along with my boots. Just tired feet on this Camino. Too much asphalt.My wife has PF and wears Teva Sandals after walking.
I know you are leaving very soon, but have you had cortisone shots into the PF?
They work.
Not sure where you are in OZ but we get them done at Auburn Imaging. They are really good there. Need a GP Referral. They are done under Ultrasound guidance by a doctor. Takes the 'edge off' the pain for about 4 weeks.
I love my Chacos but decided against taking them due to weight. I chose these instead...they have good arch support and support. I will use them for the end of the day and for showering. A little pricey but are well made and I expect them to hold up well. I tried them out this weekend in Moab and they were perfect for me.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/5581735011?tag=casaivar02-20
It's been helpful reading this thread on PF as I have been unsure how to best prepare for my first Camino, 18 July and Primitivo. Thanks for all the tips and its good to hear what has worked for people.
I have had PF for over a year and got some plantar orthotics, airplus, about 6 months ago which have been a great help. I wore them in all my shoes for about 6 weeks and now I am pain free and I have stopped wearing them and symptoms have not returned.
But I am wondering if it would be sensible to take a pair of these orthotics with me in case the symptoms return when I am on the Camino? I haven't bought my footwear yet as I live in a remote part of the world but will be back in UK mid June and will start getting my kit together. I think the Birkenstock Eva sandals will be perfect for me as I wear Birkenstock all the time and they suit feet well. But I think I will get light boots for walking during the day and have my Birkenstock for shower and evening time.
Does PF come and go or can you get rid of it for good? It's a fairly recent condition for me and I don't want to head off on Camino unprepared. I also have an overlapping toe on one foot and will need to get good toe spacers and boots that will be spacious enough. I have small gel ones i have worn for years but they can move around and i need something stronger that will stay in place for long distance walking.
All advice gratefully received as I have no access to podiatrists so relying a lot on the internet for information. This forum is a real blessing and i am grateful for your contributions.
@Zebo:I looked up the Birkenstock Eva's as well and they are only narrow fittings which is too small for me. A lot of the reviews said people were disappointed when they got them as more narrow than expected.
I'm packing for my third camino right now.
Thanks JillGat,First, sorry about your plantar faciitis. That is a diabolical condition. I've had it in the distant past, but now suffer more from forefoot pain. I'm packing for my third camino right now. I wouldn't leave home without my Chacos as I alternate walking between them and my trainers. I super-glued a pad just below my forefoot that simulates the orthotics I have in my shoes and it works great. I suppose it depends on your feet and how they fit. I don't know that I'd take Chacos just for wandering around at the end of the day. I depend on them on the trail, though. Best of luck!
Thanks for your reply and I will try on EVA's when I get to shops and glad to hear they are not all narrow. I wear Madrid ordinary Birkenstock all the time so it will be interesting to see the lighter ones.@Zebo:
I have a pair of Birkenstock EVA sandals, the Madrid model, and I can guarantee you that they are not a narrow fitting. I took them with me on my pilgrimage on the VdlP and was pleased with their lightness and the comfort which they give me in the evenings. My feet are wide, so that I am compelled to wear men's sizes in shoes and boots. I bought a new pair of Timberland boots today, which somehow gets me closer to my next walk than any other action. But my sandals are still in good shape and I shall be taking them with me for town and albergue wearing again this fall. However, I would not have bought them unless I had been able to try them on first. I wish you a good walk, whatever you choose to walk in.
Not sure if you’re stretching and massaging your calf on the problematic side but that can be a contributing factor for some people. It can cause a lack of motion in your heel putting additional stretch on the plantar fascia. 2¢Thanks! Yes I actually have a little rubber ball that I'm taking as I find standing on that to massage my foot really helps. It sounds like the pharmacies have all the relevant things for pilgrim problems
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