Extra pair of boots?

[LynneR]

I will be walking from Burgos to Santiago in an estimated three weeks. I'm wondering if I should pack my old boots just in case, or if I need a change on certain days. I realize they will take more space and in my pack, not to mention they will make it heavier. Is it worth it? Do any of you have suggestions or past experiences that would help me with my decision?
Thank you again, pilgrims!
Lynne
(Beginning my walk on June 6)

 

[Kitsambler]

... just in case,... they will make it heavier.

I think you've answered your own question; good job on developing your pilgrim-packing instincts so well. Continue to listen to those wee voices in your head. In general, and esp on the CF, there is no need to take "just in case" items, and the priority is keeping weight down.

 

[CaminoJohn]

I don't use boots. The "trails" are generally dirt roads. I can think of two short stretches in that length that boots might be needed. Trail or multi purpose shoes work well! Have a blast!

 

[caminodeanna]

I wouldn't bring boots at all in June. If you gonna bring boots and need extra walking shoes, why not a pair of Keen sandals?

I think I will go with Keen sandals and Teva sandals (for the evenings). Eventually I will bring my runners but I am not sure. All of them are light

 

[kdespot]

The best thing I did was bringing a pair of Keen sandals. Two-thirds of the way through each day I changed from my Merrill walkers into the Keens, changing socks, too. SJPdP to Santiago without one blister. It was so well worth the extra weight.

 

[amocatnerak]

If you really desire an extra pair of boots you can find them almost anywhere along the trail. For example: hanging from trees, sitting on top of camino markers, hanging from camino signposts, etc. and all for free too!

 

[LynneR]

The best thing I did was bringing a pair of Keen sandals. Two-thirds of the way through each day I changed from my Merrill walkers into the Keens, changing socks, too. SJPdP to Santiago without one blister. It was so well worth the extra weight.

I agree about the sandals. I will bring my Tevas.
Will leave the second pair of boots at home!
Thanks!

 

[LynneR]

I wouldn't bring boots at all in June. If you gonna bring boots and need extra walking shoes, why not a pair of Keen sandals?

I think I will go with Keen sandals and Teva sandals (for the evenings). Eventually I will bring my runners but I am not sure. All of them are light

Interesting thought. I had very light-weight Salomons last time and I think they were too light. By the end of the day, I felt every pebble underfoot. I think I would need the boots more for the heavier and sturdier footbed. I will bring my Teva sandals though. That's a great thought!
Thanks!!

 

[Boog237]

I will be walking from Burgos to Santiago in an estimated three weeks. I'm wondering if I should pack my old boots just in case, or if I need a change on certain days. I realize they will take more space and in my pack, not to mention they will make it heavier. Is it worth it? Do any of you have suggestions or past experiences that would help me with my decision?
Thank you again, pilgrims!
Lynne
(Beginning my walk on June 6)

Hello - I wore my Asolo boots and Keens about 50:50 trading off during the day when I changed socks. No foot troubles at all.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Hi Lynne,

How's it going? One pair of boots is fine. Take them because they are all broken in and they will keep you dry on wet days. Keens are great but I just bought some Nikes as alternates. I have used them for training the last year. Very light, easy on the feet and the upper is fabric that is designed to dissipate moisture quickly. I am still looking for some flip-flops for shower time.

I may just be in Burgos around the time you start. Leaving SJPP on May 7.

 

[PaulCat]

I don't use boots. The "trails" are generally dirt roads. I can think of two short stretches in that length that boots might be needed. Trail or multi purpose shoes work well! Have a blast!

How bout some love for those who need a little ankle support from a boot?

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Interesting thought. I had very light-weight Salomons last time and I think they were too light. By the end of the day, I felt every pebble underfoot. I think I would need the boots more for the heavier and sturdier footbed. I will bring my Teva sandals though. That's a great thought!
Thanks!!

If you are interested in running type shoes, than trail runners would have the cushioning, sturdiness, motion control, tread and protection that would work better for you. The problem of feeling debris, like rocks, under foot is mediated by a rock plate that is embedded in the midsole. It is a thin thermoplastic or graphite sheet that keeps that type of impact from making your feet sore or bruised. You do not need boots to solve that problem.

 

[trecile]

Interesting thought. I had very light-weight Salomons last time and I think they were too light. By the end of the day, I felt every pebble underfoot. I think I would need the boots more for the heavier and sturdier footbed. I will bring my Teva sandals though. That's a great thought!
Thanks!!

If you want more cushioning look at Hoka and Altra Lone Peak trail runners.

 

[RJM]

"just in case".....three words that should never be used when deciding what to carry in a backpack to walk the Camino.
Short answer is don't carry extra boots. You won't need them.

 

[Forestgirl]

Don't bring extra anything, except socks and undies. Spain has stores for anything you may have forgotten to pack, but boots should be worn in and ready to keep your feet happy. Two pair will shorten your days and possibly your trip. Extra weight can harm your knees, ankles, and back after time.

 

[CaminoJohn]

How bout some love for those who need a little ankle support from a boot?

Oh! The OP didn't bring that up. Here are the two points that boots might be needed, but can easily be circumvented by staying on the little used paved roads adjacent. They have better views too!
Regio de Ambros to Molinaseca
Las Herrerias to La Faba

 

[caminodeanna]

How bout some love for those who need a little ankle support from a boot?

I got Saucony runners with my own fitted soles from the podriatist, great ankle support.

 

[Shalaw]

A friend of mine brought old boots and it proved to be a bad idea. Even though they were comfy, they were too broken in and didn’t offer any real support and she had a major foot problem and was laid up for three days and ultimately had to buy new ones and rent a bike so she could finish.

 

[november_moon]

How bout some love for those who need a little ankle support from a boot?

Next time around, I am bringing boots for this very reason. I used hiking shoes on the last 2 Caminos because so much of the path is flat, even paths, etc. and only a small percentage requires any technical hiking - I wanted lighter shoes. I spent way too many days with my ankle brace on due to stress on my ankles. With boots, I don't generally need the brace.

 

[Wandershot]

I also prefer lighter hikers like these Keen hikers- they are more like a trail runner. That said, you should wear what is comfortable for you. I also advocate for bringing sport sandals. I like wearing them in the evening to air out my feet and they can double for a walking shoe in a pinch

 

[LynneR]

Hi Lynne,

How's it going? One pair of boots is fine. Take them because they are all broken in and they will keep you dry on wet days. Keens are great but I just bought some Nikes as alternates. I have used them for training the last year. Very light, easy on the feet and the upper is fabric that is designed to dissipate moisture quickly. I am still looking for some flip-flops for shower time.

I may just be in Burgos around the time you start. Leaving SJPP on May 7.

I will arrive in Burgos on the 5th and will start my walk on the 6th. Maybe we will cross paths!
I'm excited but nervous about being on my own.
You leave in a few days, so good luck!!