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What exactly is the problem after a few kilometers? You are hiking with a pack using running shoes. I know a lot of people like them but they were not designed for hiking with a pack. Have you tried actual hiking boots? Hard to say what your problem is. It may just be that you need to toughen up your feet and get them conditioned to walking long distances. Good luck!
After I've done the trial in the house, I take the shoes to an indoor mall and march around for an hour. (No window shopping, because it needs to be a more deliberate brisk walk. But don't trample the other shoppers!) I even do this with different shoes/sizes on each feet, for comparison.
Perhaps if you could find a running track with artificial surface, you could even walk for 2 hours at a good pace.
I have tried boots but they just didn't work for me. I used to love my Salomons X Ultra's and walked my first 3 camino in those... but then the new version of that shoe was narrower and I think my feet have also got wider too!
Hi Alaskadiver... reading back over this post I did assume quite lot didn't I? Sorry! With hindsight maybe I should have continued on my thread about wide fit shoes
The problem for me is that I have 3E wide feet. I have tried boots but they just didn't work for me. I used to love my Salomons X Ultra's and walked my first 3 camino in those... but then the new version of that shoe was narrower and I think my feet have also got wider too!
How do you test your shoes at home?
Hi Alaskadiver... reading back over this post I did assume quite lot didn't I? Sorry! With hindsight maybe I should have continued on my thread about wide fit shoes
The problem for me is that I have 3E wide feet. I have tried boots but they just didn't work for me. I used to love my Salomons X Ultra's and walked my first 3 camino in those... but then the new version of that shoe was narrower and I think my feet have also got wider too!
I have tried so many different shoes and boots but if they are not a specific wide fit then I am plagued with between toe blisters and it is always down to the shoes being too narrow... pushing toes together.
A man's shoe does give me extra width (men's standard fit is a D width) but the rest of my foot is a normal woman's foot and this is I think where a lot of my problems lie. I havent found a woman's walking shoe in a 3E so I buy mens but my foot can slip from the heel or just not feel right. I've tried sizing up but then there is too much movement... I've sized down and it's too small... this isn't helped by shoe manufacturers who seem unable to get their sizing right! I've tried double socks, ultra thin socks, wool socks, vaseline and softners and no vaseline and no softners, I have engo patches, talc and lacing techniques... I've given it all a good try
What I've discovered is that for me I need a wide fit shoe and so far in Europe (and France) my choice is very limited. Hence the test of 5 more pairs at home. I've been here before, I try at home and think I have the right shoe but I go for a 10k walk and BAM... usually I get a new blister in a new place... under the foot or on the heel.
I know this all sounds crazy... but honestly I have tried so much. I've driven 3 hours to visit a specialist supplier in Toulouse only to be told to wear heavy leather boots that I know would cripple me. I have educated myself about blisters, I've emailed so many companies, I've taken professional advice... but for 'duck feet' like me it's just not easy... hence... if anyone has any tips on how they test new shoes at home then I'm all ears
When I walked the VdlP last year other 'duck feet' folks suggested Altra Lone Peaks trail runners... they were great and I love the lightness of the shoe but there is a new model... and the fit has changed. ARGHHH! I am currently trying to sell 6 pairs of virtually new expensive walking shoes... this is crazy...I can't keep making the same mistakes... so anyone out there who can help out a fat footed pilgrim test a shoe at home... I'm listening
How do you test your shoes at home?
Hi Colleen , that will work my wife did the same.Oh that's a good idea! I'm shopping tomorrow so I can take these that I've had on all day... and allow some time to do plenty of walking around! thanks!
I wear your ex-favourite Salomons in both shoes and boots, and by any normal standards they are too big. However, I can lace them to hold my foot nicely, so it doesn't slip (boots might be better than shoes for holding the foot in place).I am a little worried that they are comfy because they are just a tiny bit too big?
Maybe this is a case where you are lucky with the change, and some other person is complaining about the change!The new Lone Peak 3.5 has a very different feel to the 3.0 and I had to go up a size.
That is how I can wear a shoe that is longer than I want. Since the shoe fits my foot like a glove in a "normal size", the next size up can be laced up to fit nicely too.This shoe feels more gripped and secure?
Quack quack. I too feel your pain. So much time and money wasted on an absolutely futile search for boots that would not eat me from the feet up. I’ve walked in both topo and altras. No problems with either. Sorry to hear that altra have changed their sizing. I’ve been wondering why I haven’t liked my newest pair as much as usual. I’ll be interested to hear the outcome of your search. Best of luck.
Damn, I'm doing my first Camino next year and I was going to try the Altra's for my wide feet. Looks like I might be wasting my time (and money) with the new model.
Back to the old faithful, albeit slightly weighty boots I guess .
Thank you both for the info re the new Altras
Good luck finding something suitable LesBrass, and Buen Camino
Damn, I'm doing my first Camino next year and I was going to try the Altra's for my wide feet. Looks like I might be wasting my time (and money) with the new model.
Back to the old faithful, albeit slightly weighty boots I guess .
Hi Joanne,
I recently tried on a pair of Altra Lone Peak 3.5 shoes and apart from a couple of minor differences I thought they were very similar in fit to the 3.0 model that I used on Camino this year. I ended up buying another pair of 3.0's because they were discounted but will most likely buy a new pair of 3.5's before I leave for Spain in 2018. I hope you find something that suits you. Buen Camino.
Wow, I am about the same size as you (41/42) - I know to go up a size, but I never would have thought to order the 45.Noooo! Dont be too hastyI went up a size and they are good to go! my usual every day shoe (EU) size is a 41/42... I am now wearing the Lone Peak 3.5 in a 45! Crazy sizing but they are good to go!
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