Do They Fit? Tick List?

[LesBrass]

In my search to find the perfect shoes, 2 pairs of Topo Terraventures arrived today. I ordered 2 sizes and I'm glad I did because I think 'my size' would have been too small. Tomorrow (my email tells me) the Altras and the Inov8's will arrive.

So my questions is... how do you know? It sounds daft but I have bought so many pairs now, and they felt great at home but a few kilometres on the trail and they are clearly not right. So what should I do?

I've had this pair on now for about 5 hours and they feel very comfortable. I have tried to make a 'steep slope' on my stairs and they feel ok on this... and it feels like I can wiggle my toes happily. I've got my walking socks on. I've compared them to the old ones that I have discarded... I've compared insoles!

But... what am I missing? What else can I do to feel more confident that I'm not making another expensive mistake? Any clues? What do you do?

All ideas welcome! Thanks

 

[alaskadiver]

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!

 

[LesBrass]

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!

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?

 

[C clearly]

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 foot, for comparison.

Perhaps if you could find a running track with artificial surface, you could even walk for 2 hours at a good pace.

 

[LesBrass]

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.

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!

 

[CdnDreamer]

I feel your pain. I also have "duck feet" and it is really hard to find a pair of shoes. What has helped me to stop getting blisters on my wider foot was to put a Band-Aid on my little toe and a special Band-Aid designed for blisters on the ball of my foot. The Band-Aid was thick and lifted my foot up a bit. For me, that seemed to have changed the pressure points on my foot and stopped the blisters. If only I had thought to bring enough Band-Aids for the whole Camino. You may want to experiment with different insoles as well. I bought Keens because they were the widest shoe I could find, in a size larger than I normally take. And I took a pair of Keen sandals and wore them for about the last hour each day to let me feet cool off. And when you find the shoe that works - buy an extra pair or two and buy a pair the next size up as well in case your feet grow again!

 

[LesBrass]

Thanks @CdnDreamer ... yes a good tip... I do tape my feet and it does help. I also discovered corn pads and little gel pads on the VdlP which were good sometimes too. I use the fabric kind of surgical tape but ran out last year... I used a band-aid... which slipped off and when I took off my sock it has rubbed a little spot on my foot raw

I also have a supply of the little gel covers and tubes... they are good too... sometimes

I have some Keen Waterfronts and I like them but I discovered Teva's and I live in them all the time. They will come with me and like you I swap them over if I get a chance (tarmac and the like). It def. helps! I cant walk all the time in my Teva's though, the stones just drive me nuts but they will be coming on the Rota with me!

I know my feet grow as the walk progresses and I get hot and oddly when it's cold I can really feel them get narrower... so I have three different socks depending on the temperature.

The things we have to go through eh ... thanks for the ideas!

 

[Rick M]

Fellow duck foot, I know what you mean. This is a hard problem. I bought SIX pairs of my favorite runners a while back, fearing they will go out of production. It took me years to find a runner that was perfect, but also the right sock to go with it. When I found a pair of Gortex shoes that fit me, I had the same problem as you initially. The shoe fit well, but it was still uncomfortable after a short distance. I had to go to a completely different sock to make it work. With my go-to sock, the Gortex shoe was useless. With a different sock, it changed everything. If the shoe fits, start playing with sock combos!

 

[sharon w]

My husband has wide feet and he found Lowa boots and Oboz have been wide and comfortable. His first boots were Katmandhu and they lasted for 4,000km of Camino walking.

 

[HedaP]

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.

 

[Robo]

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 had the same problem replacing my Salomon X Ultra Mids this year. Tried loads of pairs. Then found a discontinued model that was the same fit as my old pair...... Might buy another pair to store away!

So annoying when they change the designs/fit!

 

[alaskadiver]

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?

Good grief! You poor thing. I choose to hike in wide sized boots because my feet swell in the heat and also because I have what is called a Morton's Foot. My second toe is a little longer than my big toe. This causes the toes to squish and create a Morton's Neuroma. Which, for the first time in over 20 years, happened to me on the Camino Primitivo. My shoes, even though they were a wide size, became too tight after my feet swelled in the heat of Spain. Not something I could test here in Alaska
I've gone back to wearing Vasque boots with my custom made orthotics and in a wide size, 1/2 size larger than normal. I don't ever get blisters. Never really have. I sometimes would get mild blisters on the back of my ankles or on a toe. Sometimes I get hot spots but those get fixed with blister pads. I found that Darn Tough socks worked the best for me because they don't move around like the other wool socks on the market. I used Glide on my feet in Spain but I don't know how effective that was. It certainly didn't hurt. My main problem is plantar fasciitis and the occasional Achilles tendonitis in one ankle from a previous injury.

In the end, what I found was buying shoes that were a little bigger (so that my toes didn't bump the front on downhills), using my tried and true mid-weight backpacking boots for lateral stability, and custom made orthotics are the best I can do. Oh, and of course my Darn Tough socks. After about 4 miles with a pack my neuroma starts to hurt a little but I just tough it out. In the end, the best thing is to walk a lot and get your feet conditioned to the activity. Some people will always get blisters. Sometime that's just the way it is and you just have to minimize the size and seriousness of the blister.

Don't give up. Keep looking for that right footwear. Maybe go to a podiatrist, or whatever they are called in Europe, and have them analyze your feet. You might discover anatomical issues that are the cause of your problems and then be able to address them.

 

[Diamond5]

One thing you might try is to create a saved search on ebay for your old model Salomons X Ultra's. Eventually a pair will pop up for you.

I live in flip flops and my favorite pair of all time went through the same issue. New version doesn't fit anymore and my old ones are on their last leg. So, I created and subscribed to an eBay search last week, now I get newly posted auctions in an email each day. So far two of the exact color/style have shown up, although not the right size yet. Pretty confident I'll find a pair in the next week or two.

Guessing there's a better market for used Salomons than a pair of used flip flops.

Only takes a minute or two to set up...might be worth a shot!

 

[Hiawatha]

I had similar trouble buying shoes in Australia . Our returns policies are Draconian , you wear it you own it , no correspondence entered into !
Once worn out of the shop there is no recourse , so I wore other shoes and shopped in the late afternoon after walking some 14 km in training and having been on my feet all day , a total of some 22 km . My feet were well and truly spread and swollen . It's then that I tried the shoes I wanted on , to my surprise one size larger was just too small , two sizes just OK , I really needed a half size larger but they are not available a third size larger was but by that stage the shoes looked as if they belonged on a clown and would have posed a serious trip hazard .
I made a small stretcher from a piece of pine , a simple wooden block with rounded ends that I forced into the toe area sideways and left in immediately after using the shoe . Because the material was both warm and damp from wear after training it stretched reasonably well and provided the relief my left little toe needed .
This works with synthetic materials as well as leather , if it were not for this I wouldn't have been able to continue to wear the Merrell Moabs I bought , as it was they carried me reasonably comfortably all the way from St Jean to Finisterra .

 

[JMac56]

Loved my Altra Lone Peak 3.0 trail running shoes on this year's Caminos (and yes, I do carry all my gear). With gel inserts, toe socks and elastic laces they are so comfortable. Buen Camino.

 

[Martyduc]

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?

 

[Martyduc]

damn but i understand !!!! and unfortunately i have no answers for you ,,,,

 

[Turga]

I too have wide feet and little toes that are ‘lying down’ making the problem even worse, so I need extra-extra wide footwear. Finding the right footwear was a long and costly quest but I finally settled on boots and shoes from the German manufacturer Meindl that produces a line of footwear called “Comfort Fit”. These are extra wide in the front part while still having a very good heel-grip.

Like you I have tried a lot of different things for blister prevention and the only thing that has really worked for me is using “Hikers Wool” (or lanoline-wool) every time I walk long distances. This wool can be used under the feet, on the heels as well as around toes, it will totally eliminate friction and will stick to the inside of your socks (while still being easily removable) and thus will stay in place even for a long day’s walking. With a little practice, it only takes a minute to apply it.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

You may want to consider a custom fitted and made boot. This one isn't convenient to you but one bootmaker in the US state of New Hampshire, Peter Limmer and Sons, is famous for their boots. They are heavy and expensive and the wait time to get a pair is long. The boots however may outlive you. You may want to do an internet search for custom boots to find someone nearby you.

 

[LesBrass]

@alaskadiver I feel your pain too... I have a long second toes too and a neuroma (on my left foot) which I've just learned to live with too To add to my woes I have scoliosis, although it doesn't impact too much on my feet... I did have orthics made by my podiastrist and guess what.... I got blisters with them I decided that when I'm walking my back always feels great so I wear the orthics in my everyday shoes but manage without when hiking... doc seemed happy with that

What I am learning from this and other forums is that there are a lot of people with less than average feet... finding the right shoe seems to be the holy grail of long distance walkers!

thanks for the ideas... I'll keep searching

 

[LesBrass]

Good people, thanks for all the ideas... and for making me feel less of a wide footed freak

I do love my Drymax socks but I will have a play with different combinations... I always take a super thin sock and a thicker wool sock to give me options but I do also tend to always stick with the drymax so I can certainly experiment.

I'll also get some hikers wool... I've never used it but anything that adds to the anti-blister arsenal is worth trying!

I received another pair of test shoes today... Inov-8 Trailtalons. I looked at them from the box and thought "no way they are far too narrow" and I was going to send them back without trying them... I'm glad I didnt because they feel very comfortable... So I will keep testing them for a week too!

I took out and compared all the insoles from all my boots and it's surprising how they vary. But it's clear it's not just the insoles as I have a higher arch and so if the shoe is cut tight in the upper then this will also impact on how my little toes fit... i feel as though I am learning more each day... and i'm grateful for your comments and suggestions!

I'll keep you posted!

p.s. The Topo's were fine in the supermarket... I 've had them on all day but I am a little worried that they are comfy because they are just a tiny bit too big? So I will play with socks and lacing now too

Thanks!!

 

[Turga]

Keep on truckin'

 

[Turga]

If you want to try Hiker’s Wool (and I recommend it) here is some advice: The original Hiker’s Wool, as far as I know, can only be purchased in New Zealand. That means long delivery times and fairly high prices. But there may be alternatives. I found out that in my country you can get Lanoline Wool, which is essentially the same as Hiker’s wool, in web shops that specializes in “natural baby-care”. Also I heard that you may be able to get it in shops that deals in products for ballet dancers (they use it in the ballet shoes).

The main thing is that it is wool where the natural content of lanoline is not washed out.

Good luck…

 

[mcopeland]

Lamb's Wool on Amazon.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

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!

Hi Colleen , that will work my wife did the same.
She got problems after about one hour walking.
So she went indoor shopping and that worked, found here perfect shoes no more problems since .

Wish you well,Peter.

 

[C clearly]

I am a little worried that they are comfy because they are just a tiny bit too big?

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 have gotten blisters on the bottom of my feet in the past only when I wear soft socks that seem to allow micro-slippage or when the inner sole is extremely soft and cushy.

 

[AlwynWellington]

Equipment, especially shoes, alsways generates a lot of interest.

This year I have tried two pairs of new shoes and two pair of sandals.

My tuppence worth is a suggestion you try New Balance running shoes. I have wide feet and prefer shoes that breathe. Some of my training has me walking through streams. And, for me, it feels absoluetly wonderful to have wet feet, knowing the natural heat will quickly evapoarte the moisture through the open weave uppers.

My particular model is the 860. And the latest version is relatively voluminous in the toe space with flexible uppers that allow the shoe to (for me at least) mould easily to my foot shape.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)

PS: I have no commercial interest except as a customer.

 

[GreatDane]

I need extra wide footwear plus high volume, plus high instep. I've tried men's too and same problem of the heel area being too large. Measure me on a Brannock device and I am a US7. In Keens I wear a US9. My camino boots (AKA clown shoes) are US10 mids. They give me the width, extra length and volume where I need it. Changed the boot laces to a longer set to accomodate my high instep and lace for no movement in the heel. And try a bunch of different sock combos. After 30 years of toe blisters due to sport socks with tennis shoes or silk liner plus wool hiking socks for hiking I've settled on wearing only WrightSocks while hiking or on the camino. 100% no blisters or hot spots.

Your mileage may vary....

 

[HedaP]

As for hikers wool with lanolan you could try the free version. Not recommended for any open blisters but suspect that given this is hanging in the sun and the wind and the rain it would be as germ free as any wool in a plastic bag and contain a lot more lanolin. But I am no expert so take don’t take my advice.

 

[Hiawatha]

Nice one Heda . Natural no cost solution at the source .
Otherwise Lanolin rich sheep's wool is available at many craft shops that supply raw material for spinners and weavers . Tell them that ' Rumplestiltskin ' sent you and they may even give you a handful for free .

 

[LesBrass]

@HedaP

I did wonder if i could go searching for something like this ... but then my husband reminded me I'm living in the Perigord and we're surrounded by cows and ducks

 

[LesBrass]

So my experiment is over! I have chosen the Lone Peak 3.5... but I am glad I ordered 2 sizes because I am going up a size from the Lone Peak 3.0 (which I wore on the VdlP).

For anyone with a wide foot who likes a light trail runner I can say that the Inov-8 is a lovely lovely shoe. I felt so comfortable in this shoe but for me it was just a touch too narrow... my feet are very wide so if yours are a shade smaller I'd give this shoe a 5*. I could wear the boxes if they were comfortable, so looks arent part of my criteria but the Inov-8 is also a very nice looking shoe... I had the Trail Talons.

I also really liked the Topo - but the smaller size was a tad too narrow and the larger size was a tad too long. I loved the width and wanted this to work but it was just too big, even with various socks... and I've made this mistake before so I trusted my gut.

The new Lone Peak 3.5 has a very different feel to the 3.0 and I had to go up a size. I usually wear a 41/42 ladies shoe and these are a 45! My husband takes a 45 and his toes were pushed up hard against the end and he could't really get his foot in... so Altra your sizing is all wrong! But I ordered 2 sizes and the larger size is good. They have changed the way the upper is made and it effects how your foot sits. My freaky feet also have a high instep and my foot fills all of the shoe without the need for the bottom 4 lace holes... but I was still comfortable. I think it removes some of the looseness I had in the 3.0... there is no slopping from side to side which I think this caused my neuroma on the VdlP (with the slight sideways movement of my foot, or my foot would just go over to one side of the shoe). This shoe feels more gripped and secure? The shoe also feels like it has more cushioning and it not so hard under foot? And I think, to the best of my knowledge my little toe is not being squashed. They are narrower for sure... but I think my little toe is happy?

I went for a 22km walk 2 days ago and it was 27c... rought terrain and I walking in my old Lone Peaks... my toes and feet were sore when I got home and I tested all the shoes. It was the new larger Lone Peak 3.5 that felt most comfortable... and I think felt more comfortable on my little toes which is my blister zone.

So... aside from going on a long walk in the shode there is little more I can do to test it. I'm sending back the other pairs and going for another 20km on wednesday in the Altra's... I just hope that I've made the right choice!

I've ordered a couple of new pairs of ultra thin double layer running socks (to add to my collection), and I've ordered some sheeps wool... I have a combnation of gel toes and taping already. We leave next Sunday for the Rota Vicentina so there's no room for error! And then I'm home for a few days before going back for the CP from Porto... please little Lone Peaks... be the shoe for me!

p.s. this is the insole of my Salomon, the Lone Peak 3.0 and my foot!! You can see why my husband calls me Sponge Bob Square Feet!

 

[Turga]

Hope it works out well for you.
Buen Camino!

 

[C clearly]

The new Lone Peak 3.5 has a very different feel to the 3.0 and I had to go up a size.

Maybe this is a case where you are lucky with the change, and some other person is complaining about the change!

This shoe feels more gripped and secure?

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.

Let us know how the drama unfolds on your Wednesday walk!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Well.... after trying out 7 different pairs of trail shoes and trail running shoes, and switching out each pair with at least 4 different types of third-party insoles, I ended up with the pair that I wore. I hesitate to mention the brand and model, becuase that is not the point of my post. The point is, it can take time, when you have foot issues, to dial in the right combination of footwear to assure the best performance for you that is possible. And that took me several months. And even though I have a lot of experience in wilderness backpacking, the process takes time for some.

The trail shoes I used for my thru-hikes of the PCT and the Colorado Trail, did not feel comfortable as I prepared for the Camino. My right foot suddenly seemed to develop a 'Prima Donna' air, and decided to get very picky. What was good on my left foot, suddenly didn't feel good on my right foot.

The pair of trail shoes I settled on required a different insole in my right shoe than in my left, and I ended up modifying that insole by adding a specific thickness of metatarsal pad to its bottom. Arrrrgh.

Adding a size up in length is more about keeping your toes from impacting the front of the shoe/boot, than it is about swelling. Swelling is more of a function of width rather than length of the foot. So, if your shoe fits just right with the type of sock that you wear, that same shoe can create discomfort as you walk several kilometers and hours with the weight of your pack increasing the load on your feet.

Also, sore feet, unless there is some pathology going on, can, for some folks, be a normal occurance for the first few days of walking. Just like other muscles which can get sore when newly worked in a different manner than what they are used to, feet can take some time to adjust to their new task, then after a few days will be OK. Blisters and things like tendonitis are a different issue.

 

[Joanne P]

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

 

[LesBrass]

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

Noooo! Dont be too hasty I 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!

 

[LesBrass]

@davebugg thanks for the advice. I had a search for insoles yesterday but I would have to buy online and I dont have time for this trip as we leave on Saturday... but I will try before next years walking.

I took the Altra Lone Peak 3.5 out today for 13km walk on varied terrain. They are good. I need to adjust the laces on my left shoe (it's smaller and so I know I can do this with the laces) but apart from this it was my only issue. The fit is different than the 3.0 and the sizing is very off but I am going to take these to Portugal... I have te Rota Vicentina first... then a few days home and back to Porto for CP to Santiago... fingers crossed these shoes will serve me well!

Gosh... I wish it was easier. My two walking buddies just picked the shoe they liked off the shelf and have been very happy... my husband was the same. I am so envious... but I think I have my shoe! Many thanks for all the good advice

p.s. guess where I walked today

 

[JMac56]

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.

 

[Joanne P]

Noooo! Dont be too hasty I 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!

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.
Thanks for the tip ... maybe I will bite the bullet and order some to try.

 

[Joanne P]

Thanks for that - I may still try them in that case.