Footwear conundrums (like all who have gone before me)

[AlongTheAway]

Hi everyone,

I am being bamboozled by the major footwear decision to be made for my Camino (from SJPDP 22 Sept 2016). I know I am not alone there!

I envy those of you in the USA who have access to the wonderful REI policy of try-and-return that I keep reading about. In Australia you are committed as soon as you wear the product outside, which makes it hard to decide when to hand over $150-250 each time!

I know no one can provide the magical answer... But I can't help wanting to ask!!

I have a long (size 10) foot, wide at the front and narrow heel. I have been to lots of outdoor stores, and spent time with a sales rep at Adventure Megastore (Sydney) trying shoes on, he was patient but not particularly attentive in advising me.

I bought a pair of Merrel Moab Ventilator trail shoes there (not waterproof) thinking I prefer the comfort and breathability, I've been wearing them on 5km-20km walks and they are comfy, though have noticed a red mark appearing on my heel on the longer walks (no pain yet, but potentially a problem).

I started doubting my waterproof decision and bought a pair of Columbia Helvatia Mid Waterproof boots which I've just worn around the house, deciding whether to return them. I've never worn boots before, but they seem ok.

My housemate just bought a pair of Ahnu Montara waterproof boots for her upcoming walk on the Inca Trail, I tried them on and was impressed with the comfort and lightness... So I'm tempted to get a pair!

What's a girl to do? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who wore any of the above on the Camino and if you'd wear them again?

Also, any other Sydney-siders here, can you recommend any stores with great customer service where they have spent time helping you?

Thank you, Buen Camino!
Donna

 

[C clearly]

You are walking in September-October when the weather is likely to be good. I would suggest that you focus 100% on getting the most comfortable shoe or boot that still feels supportive. Don't worry about waterproofness, since there are good arguments on both sides. Look for fit and comfort. If your store will accept returns of shoes that have not been worn outside, take a couple of pairs to a large mall or gymnasium where you can walk briskly indoors for an hour. Try one pair, then the other, then one of each, etc., with different socks, until your preference emerges. I find that Salomons often fit my foot well - wide forefoot and narrow heal.

 

[Elizabay]

Hi Donna

I support C clearly's comments. September/October (especially after mid-September when peregrino numbers fall) is probably the best time weather-wise to walk the Camino. So I wouldn't be concerned to get water-proof footwear.

Also, focus on comfort. On my first Camino, in April 2011, good quality, walking shoes/sneakers worked beautifully. They are light and easy to wear. Boots are heavier and not necessary at the time of year you are proposing to walk. (It is a different matter in winter.)

A couple of suggestions.

First, get as much walking as you can in the footwear you propose wearing before you leave for Spain. I got my boots four months before my walk in winter earlier this year. They were fine walking almost every day around Melbourne. But on the Camino, walking long distances every day, problems appeared. So, as well as shorter walks, try to get in the odd 20-30 km walk before you go to toughen your feet and test out the footwear.

Second, become expert in dealing with foot problems and collect the materials to deal with them before you leave for Spain. Not just fixing ampollas (blisters), but also tendonitis. Almost everyone I walked with earlier this year developed foot/leg problems and some even had to withdraw from the walk as a result. Infected blisters can be a serious threat to your general health.

I don't know the Sydney outdoor store scene at all. But in Melbourne Bogong Equipment has first class equipment suitable for the Camino and its staff are all knowledgable, offer expert advice and are interested in getting you properly set up. Perhaps you could phone or email them asking for recommendations re Sydney.

Enjoy your preparations. And buen Camino for later this year. Walking the Camino can be the experience of a lifetime.

Peter

 

[AlongTheAway]

You are walking in September-October when the weather is likely to be good. I would suggest that you focus 100% on getting the most comfortable shoe or boot that still feels supportive. Don't worry about waterproofness, since there are good arguments on both sides. Look for fit and comfort. If your store will accept returns of shoes that have not been worn outside, take a couple of pairs to a large mall or gymnasium where you can walk briskly indoors for an hour. Try one pair, then the other, then one of each, etc., with different socks, until your preference emerges. I find that Salomons often fit my foot well - wide forefoot and narrow heal.

Thank you so much C Clearly, I feel so much better with my first instinct to go for comfort as a priority, good to hear the weather/waterproof is worth being a secondary factor. The suggestion to take my shoes for a test inside a shopping mall is brilliant! What a good idea, the soles won't scuffed up but a few laps will bring up any issues.

I clicked on your blog link to see when you walked your Camino and was chuffed to find that I have already found and read your blog on my web meanderings

 

[AlongTheAway]

Hi Donna

I support C clearly's comments. September/October (especially after mid-September when peregrino numbers fall) is probably the best time weather-wise to walk the Camino. So I wouldn't be concerned to get water-proof footwear.

Also, focus on comfort. On my first Camino, in April 2011, good quality, walking shoes/sneakers worked beautifully. They are light and easy to wear. Boots are heavier and not necessary at the time of year you are proposing to walk. (It is a different matter in winter.)

A couple of suggestions.

First, get as much walking as you can in the footwear you propose wearing before you leave for Spain. I got my boots four months before my walk in winter earlier this year. They were fine walking almost every day around Melbourne. But on the Camino, walking long distances every day, problems appeared. So, as well as shorter walks, try to get in the odd 20-30 km walk before you go to toughen your feet and test out the footwear.

Second, become expert in dealing with foot problems and collect the materials to deal with them before you leave for Spain. Not just fixing ampollas (blisters), but also tendonitis. Almost everyone I walked with earlier this year developed foot/leg problems and some even had to withdraw from the walk as a result. Infected blisters can be a serious threat to your general health.

I don't know the Sydney outdoor store scene at all. But in Melbourne Bogong Equipment has first class equipment suitable for the Camino and its staff are all knowledgable, offer expert advice and are interested in getting you properly set up. Perhaps you could phone or email them asking for recommendations re Sydney.

Enjoy your preparations. And buen Camino for later this year. Walking the Camino can be the experience of a lifetime.

Peter

Thank you Peter, much appreciate your advice. Tendonitis is a worry, I have been thinking I should look into insoles, or seeing a specialist who can check my shoes/gait is ok. I was thinking of taking minimal blister products and buying as I need along the way... but your comment has made me realise I should probably go a bit better prepared, better safe than sorry

Thanks for the referral re: Bogong Equipment, I will look into them.

 

[gerardcarey]

My thinking was to ascertain brands proven in both comfort and durability, and available for testing in Oz. This eventually led me to the Merrell shop where recommendations from this forum suggested the Moab shoe, not waterproof, in one size larger than was comfortable in the shop. I first used this shoe and it served me well on the Camino Frances in Sep/Oct, hardly any rain.
But my feet don't like getting wet so for the second Camino I decided on the Moab mid boot, with their house waterproofing system (not Goretex). I also decided on a wide version this time but decreased the length to 1/2 size bigger than was comfortable in the shop.
I was also advised to get some good replacement insoles as general opinion seemed to be that the original ones would only be effective for 2 week at the most. Sure enough they were flat as a pancake as I approached Burgos.
So I immediately replaced them in my new boots with ,Montrail' innersoles. You pop them in the oven on 100degs for 2 minutes, immediately fit them in your footwear and lace them and walk around as they take the shape of your feet.
So the Moab mids then worked fine. They are the most comfortable shoes I own.
'Superfeet' insoles are also recommended. They are available at least in 'Paddy Palin' shops and you can try the various models on in store.
Good luck with your choices.
Regards
Gerard
PS
I buy online from the US.

 

[KinkyOne]

I find that Salomons often fit my foot well - wide forefoot and narrow heal.

Exactly what I thought when reading OP.
And I would also second your other suggestions!

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

I'm an Adelaide girl but have bought quite a bit of gear from Trek & Travel and always visit the store when I am in Sydney (no affiliation with the company just always had good service and great products from them). They have a footwear guide and also an 'Ask Arnie' on the their website where you can describe your problem and get a response within 24hrs. As long as you only wear the boots indoors there is also a 14 day returns policy.

Also when I shop for hiking footwear I take my balance/wobble board with me as this lets me test how the boots will feel in various directions. I get a lot of strange looks but this method does help me to determine how my feet move in the boots.

 

[Penny Kingma]

Hi everyone,

I am being bamboozled by the major footwear decision to be made for my Camino (from SJPDP 22 Sept 2016). I know I am not alone there!

I envy those of you in the USA who have access to the wonderful REI policy of try-and-return that I keep reading about. In Australia you are committed as soon as you wear the product outside, which makes it hard to decide when to hand over $150-250 each time!

I know no one can provide the magical answer... But I can't help wanting to ask!!

I have a long (size 10) foot, wide at the front and narrow heel. I have been to lots of outdoor stores, and spent time with a sales rep at Adventure Megastore (Sydney) trying shoes on, he was patient but not particularly attentive in advising me.

I bought a pair of Merrel Moab Ventilator trail shoes there (not waterproof) thinking I prefer the comfort and breathability, I've been wearing them on 5km-20km walks and they are comfy, though have noticed a red mark appearing on my heel on the longer walks (no pain yet, but potentially a problem).

I started doubting my waterproof decision and bought a pair of Columbia Helvatia Mid Waterproof boots which I've just worn around the house, deciding whether to return them. I've never worn boots before, but they seem ok.

My housemate just bought a pair of Ahnu Montara waterproof boots for her upcoming walk on the Inca Trail, I tried them on and was impressed with the comfort and lightness... So I'm tempted to get a pair!

What's a girl to do? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who wore any of the above on the Camino and if you'd wear them again?

Also, any other Sydney-siders here, can you recommend any stores with great customer service where they have spent time helping you?

Thank you, Buen Camino!
Donna

Donna

Have you looked at MEC
They also have a very good try and return if not fully satisfied policy.
Membership is $ 5.00 for life.
You can shop online if you can't get to a store.

Buen Camino

 

[Elizabay]

Donna

A local contact suggested you might also look at Mountain Equipment, with stores at 491 Kent Street and in Chatswood.

Cheers, Peter

 

[Wandershot]

You could probably mitigate the red mark on your heel by covering it with athletic tape or first aid tape before walking. My heels are my tender spot and the tape helps prevent blisters. I didn't use waterproof but I walked in August and only had a few days of light rain.

 

[AlongTheAway]

My thinking was to ascertain brands proven in both comfort and durability, and available for testing in Oz. This eventually led me to the Merrell shop where recommendations from this forum suggested the Moab shoe, not waterproof, in one size larger than was comfortable in the shop. I first used this shoe and it served me well on the Camino Frances in Sep/Oct, hardly any rain.
But my feet don't like getting wet so for the second Camino I decided on the Moab mid boot, with their house waterproofing system (not Goretex). I also decided on a wide version this time but decreased the length to 1/2 size bigger than was comfortable in the shop.
I was also advised to get some good replacement insoles as general opinion seemed to be that the original ones would only be effective for 2 week at the most. Sure enough they were flat as a pancake as I approached Burgos.
So I immediately replaced them in my new boots with ,Montrail' innersoles. You pop them in the oven on 100degs for 2 minutes, immediately fit them in your footwear and lace them and walk around as they take the shape of your feet.
So the Moab mids then worked fine. They are the most comfortable shoes I own.
'Superfeet' insoles are also recommended. They are available at least in 'Paddy Palin' shops and you can try the various models on in store.
Good luck with your choices.
Regards
Gerard
PS
I buy online from the US.

Thank you for the inner sole recommendation - I like the sound of the montrail ones, I will get some as I think if I stick with the Moab Ventilators I will need them. I'm paying attention to every little twinge and feeling in my feet on my morning walk every day and think the ventilators are 80% comfortable (lol - that's a technical estimation) I think a bit more arch support is needed.

I've never paid so much attention to my feet - I feel like I'm becoming some kind of 'foot whisperer' asking all the time 'how do you feel?', 'oh no what was that twinge? Are you ok?'...

 

[AlongTheAway]

I'm an Adelaide girl but have bought quite a bit of gear from Trek & Travel and always visit the store when I am in Sydney (no affiliation with the company just always had good service and great products from them). They have a footwear guide and also an 'Ask Arnie' on the their website where you can describe your problem and get a response within 24hrs. As long as you only wear the boots indoors there is also a 14 day returns policy.

Also when I shop for hiking footwear I take my balance/wobble board with me as this lets me test how the boots will feel in various directions. I get a lot of strange looks but this method does help me to determine how my feet move in the boots.

Thanks Wokabaut_Meri, I am on my way to Kent St now and will visit Trek and Travel.

I've been intrigued by the talk of the Hoka shoes and saw your review on another thread of the Tor Summit shoes - they sound great! Are you going to wear them on the Camino?

I've decided to return the Columbia Helvatias I bought and keep doing my training walks in my Ventilators while continuing to keep reading about alternatives... Just in case I later feel the ventilators aren't right. I'm going to try on some Hoka today though, just to see how they feel

Thanks everyone for your ideas and suggestions!

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Thanks Wokabaut_Meri, I am on my way to Kent St now and will visit Trek and Travel.

I've been intrigued by the talk of the Hoka shoes and saw your review on another thread of the Tor Summit shoes - they sound great! Are you going to wear them on the Camino?

I've decided to return the Columbia Helvatias I bought and keep doing my training walks in my Ventilators while continuing to keep reading about alternatives... Just in case I later feel the ventilators aren't right. I'm going to try on some Hoka today though, just to see how they feel

Thanks everyone for your ideas and suggestions!

Enjoy your newfound hobby of hiking footwear shopping warning - it's addictive!

For the red mark on your heel you may want to check out Engo patches. They are pricey and there are lots of alternatives (just search 'Engo' on this forum) but I have used them for years and had 3 that lasted me our entire 44 day Camino Francés.

You can also search 'Hoka' on this forum for lengthy discussions pro and con this footwear. I am trialling a pair of Hoka Tor Summit boots and have reported back on several threads how well they are working for me. Just waiting for some really heavy wet weather here as our summer is reluctant to break, and will then test their water performance.

I am looking at options for a Camino next year

 

[rajo mudo]

Hi everyone,

I am being bamboozled by the major footwear decision to be made for my Camino (from SJPDP 22 Sept 2016). I know I am not alone there!

I envy those of you in the USA who have access to the wonderful REI policy of try-and-return that I keep reading about. In Australia you are committed as soon as you wear the product outside, which makes it hard to decide when to hand over $150-250 each time!

I know no one can provide the magical answer... But I can't help wanting to ask!!

I have a long (size 10) foot, wide at the front and narrow heel. I have been to lots of outdoor stores, and spent time with a sales rep at Adventure Megastore (Sydney) trying shoes on, he was patient but not particularly attentive in advising me.

I bought a pair of Merrel Moab Ventilator trail shoes there (not waterproof) thinking I prefer the comfort and breathability, I've been wearing them on 5km-20km walks and they are comfy, though have noticed a red mark appearing on my heel on the longer walks (no pain yet, but potentially a problem).

I started doubting my waterproof decision and bought a pair of Columbia Helvatia Mid Waterproof boots which I've just worn around the house, deciding whether to return them. I've never worn boots before, but they seem ok.

My housemate just bought a pair of Ahnu Montara waterproof boots for her upcoming walk on the Inca Trail, I tried them on and was impressed with the comfort and lightness... So I'm tempted to get a pair!

What's a girl to do? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who wore any of the above on the Camino and if you'd wear them again?

Also, any other Sydney-siders here, can you recommend any stores with great customer service where they have spent time helping you?

Thank you, Buen Camino!
Donna

 

[Amy1989]

I am also walking from SJPP in September, and FINALLY chose a pair of hiking shoes. The brand is Oboz - I'd never heard of them, but a random customer at REI overhead me explaining my footwear needs and suggested them. I also have a wide front and narrow ankle, and they are great! I walked 7 miles in them today and loved them. I bought the Low Sawtooth BDry model. They are waterproof, but they do seem to breathe okay. They also have a non waterproof model is you prefer...and to be honest I'm considering looking into exchanging mine for them if the breathability is noticeably better.

Buen Camino! Maybe I'll see you on the trail