Ashland293
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Not a ton of asphalt. But very varied surfaces.Camino de Santiago French route, how much of the walking surface is asphalt/concrete or other surface?
Reason for question is footwear, I’m bring trail runner, great tread won’t wear, but they are very noisy walking on hard surface and the clicking drive me nuts.
So I want to bring a second pair of running shoes.
I ran the numbers on this based in the Brierley guidebook. I’ve attached a pdf. The answer is the 66% is on a path or track, 27% is on a quiet road and 7% is on a main road.Camino de Santiago French route, how much of the walking surface is asphalt/concrete or other surface?
Reason for question is footwear, I’m bring trail runner, great tread won’t wear, but they are very noisy walking on hard surface and the clicking drive me nuts.
So I want to bring a second pair of running shoes.
I ran the numbers on this based in the Brierley guidebook. I’ve attached a pdf. The answer is the 66% is on a path or track, 27% is on a quiet road and 7% is on a main road.
Hi AshlandCamino de Santiago French route, how much of the walking surface is asphalt/concrete or other surface?
Reason for question is footwear, I’m bring trail runner, great tread won’t wear, but they are very noisy walking on hard surface and the clicking drive me nuts.
So I want to bring a second pair of running shoes.
I suggest people use whatever works for them. I found "trail runners" (Merrell Moabs or Hoka One Ones in my case) worked better than hiking boots for me, and many on this forum who have walked multiple long Caminos have reported the same. The Camino is not the same as a long distance run nor is it the same as a long distance wilderness hike like the AT or PCT. It is its own thing.Hi Ashland
My advice would be not to use running shoes they are not designed for long distance walking. I say this as an experienced distance runner (14.17 for 5K and 29.58 for 10K) and a Level 4 distance running coach). I have also been on the Camino 4 times completing it 3 times and once coming home ill. I use La Sportiva walking boots and Teva trekking sandals. The terrain is widely varied and the boots give support on rough ground and the sandals are good for the evening and lighter days. Running shoes are good for a maximum of 500 miles and the support will have gone long before this on the Camino. Hope this helps.
Buen Camino
Vince
Very true Walkerooni. The descent into Molinaseca never makes it into the promo videos! That one certainly came as a 'surprise' for me!Exactly right, Robo. However “natural path” should not necessarily be assumed to be a nice forested path. It may be many km of vertical rock or round shifting boulders on a tough downhill, or deep mud underfoot. All great compared to cobbles or asphalt in my opinion. I remember chatting with people who commented how the movie “The Way” romanticized the walk, as they never showed what they were walking on!
Most likely. Mine is from 2015.Interesting. I have different numbers in my Brierly guide.
He must update the figures each time he rewrites the guide.
But the overall % is similar.
I call my Moab's walking or hiking shoes but beyond this quibbling they worked well for me on a 350 mile trek from Barcelona to Pamplona. They still have life in them even with months of pre-camino use and two years use post-camino. I bought them a half size larger but I'm considering getting my next pair a full size larger. And my sizing & buying was done after soon after a few hours hiking with older boots.I found "trail runners" (Merrell Moabs or Hoka One Ones in my case) worked better than hiking boots for me, and many on this forum who have walked multiple long Caminos have reported the same.
I found the Way to be very aggressive. I had a trail runner and they broke down half way through. On my second Way I wore a ankle hiking boot, and although they were heavy, they met the need.Camino de Santiago French route, how much of the walking surface is asphalt/concrete or other surface?
Reason for question is footwear, I’m bring trail runner, great tread won’t wear, but they are very noisy walking on hard surface and the clicking drive me nuts.
So I want to bring a second pair of running shoes.
Running shoes are ideal for walking the Camino, I have done it multiple times in standard training shoes and would not consider anything else. You're right about durability though. The Saucony's I used to wear needed replacing before I got to the end. My current New Balance BFF will go the distance.....until one day they inevitably change the recipe on the plastic and I have to find a new BFF.Hi Ashland
My advice would be not to use running shoes they are not designed for long distance walking. I say this as an experienced distance runner (14.17 for 5K and 29.58 for 10K) and a Level 4 distance running coach). I have also been on the Camino 4 times completing it 3 times and once coming home ill. I use La Sportiva walking boots and Teva trekking sandals. The terrain is widely varied and the boots give support on rough ground and the sandals are good for the evening and lighter days. Running shoes are good for a maximum of 500 miles and the support will have gone long before this on the Camino. Hope this helps.
Buen Camino
Vince
I think almost every meter in Galicia is on crushed rock (hormigón), which he calls gravel, and which he includes in his "natural paths" category. IMHO, gravel is a very different kettle of fish than a "natural path." It is much more like pavement, because it produces the same kind of repetitive foot strike that is such a trigger of tendonitis. Others may be lucky and have bodies that are not sensitive to long distance hard surface walking, so I apologize if I appear like a whiner every time I point this out.If I add up all the natural path distances it comes out to 538.1 kms. (69% of the distance).
- Natural paths. Including gravel 'senda'.
- Secondary roads
- Main roads.
So about 240 kms of asphalt/concrete.
Unless, of course, they are the most comfortable fit for the design of your feet.My advice would be not to use running shoes they are not designed for long distance walking.
This is what works for me too. When you buy hiking shoes a full size larger (wide cut Merrell Moabs in my case), there is enough room in the shoe to accommodate extra padding under the shoe's inset (or orthotic in my case). This extra cushioning makes the pounding on pavement less irritating to the feet and it softens the impact of loose rock trails. I need a flat insert cushion so that my custom-made orthotics ride flat. I used to use Dr. Scholz Air Pillow inserts but have recently switched to a thicker flat memory foam insert that works much better. Here's the one on Amazon that works well for me. Note that you can trim it to fit your shoe.What works for me -- one pair of lightweight hiking mid-rise boots or trailrunners. Be sure your shoes have a good (newish) hiking depth soles. I buy my Camino shoes a full size bigger than what I wear for shorter hikes, On my 2021 Camino, I grabbed a somewhat older pair and had to add a second layer of insert so that the gravel did not hurt my feet so much. Thank heavens my shoes were big enough to accommodate two layers of inserts.
I respectfully disagree.Hi Ashland
My advice would be not to use running shoes they are not designed for long distance walking. I say this as an experienced distance runner (14.17 for 5K and 29.58 for 10K) and a Level 4 distance running coach). I have also been on the Camino 4 times completing it 3 times and once coming home ill. I use La Sportiva walking boots and Teva trekking sandals. The terrain is widely varied and the boots give support on rough ground and the sandals are good for the evening and lighter days. Running shoes are good for a maximum of 500 miles and the support will have gone long before this on the Camino. Hope this helps.
Buen Camino
Vince
I respectfully disagree.
I LOVE wearing trail runners and have done so for every one of my Caminos.
But this is one of the most discussed topics on any Camion forum.
Boots, in my opinion, are over-kill UNLESS you are a person who has grown up wearing them.
Flexible soles and light weight, combined with quick drying properties make trail runners my favorite Camino shoe.
But you have yet to try New Balance on the SL-2 shoe last.I would agree @Anniesantiago .
Though I have walked 2,000 kms on Camino so far wearing lightweight boots.
I am desperate to cut the weight on my feet and wear trail runners, but have yet to find anything that is even close to the comfort of my boots.
I've bought three pairs of trail runners so far and still searching
I have Hokka, Altra and La Sportiva so far.
I don't really think it's about the brand or shoe style, but all about the fit.
If I 'had' to choose one of these three, so far it would be the Hokka.
But still not as comfortable as my boots.
I'll wear them on my next Camino though, as the reduced weight is necessary for my bad knees.
...
But you have yet to try New Balance on the SL-2 shoe last.
I'm tellin' you - it's da bomb!
Is that a wide fit model?But you have yet to try New Balance on the SL-2 shoe last.
I'm tellin' you - it's da bomb!
Rick M, BFF?Running shoes are ideal for walking the Camino, I have done it multiple times in standard training shoes and would not consider anything else. You're right about durability though. The Saucony's I used to wear needed replacing before I got to the end. My current New Balance BFF will go the distance.....until one day they inevitably change the recipe on the plastic and I have to find a new BFF.
That said, I don't recommend them - I don't recommend anything. I wear them because they allow me to walk every day without blisters, plantar fasciitis, or any of the other critical injuries that pilgrims face. Every pilgrim needs to find a shoe, boot, sandal, or paper bag that works for them. They are all good choices, as long as the pilgrim is comfortable. There is nothing about the trail itself that demands "sturdy" footwear, the Camino is a walk in the park. A really long walk in the park.
BFF = Best Friend ForeverRick M, BFF?
I thought that was the model, which model new balance did you prefer for walking?BFF = Best Friend Forever
I find myself "dating" shoes, since finding just the right one is a constant struggle for me. I have to walk multiple days back to back before for I KNOW that a shoe is ready to be my partner on Camino. Then we are in a committed relationship, and it becomes my BFF. Bliss, I buy many pairs. Then a year or two later, the manufacturer "dumps" me by producing a new and improved version of the shoe - same model number - but with a mark 5, or type C, or whatever update and a new look. It's a new shoe. I generally find that it's not quite right for me, the bloom is off the rose, and I'm back in the shoe dating game again, looking for my new BFF. I bought six pairs of my current BFF last summer before it got improved and the relationship soured. I have two and a half pairs left....just enough to get me through my spring Camino. Then I'm back on the street again, with a hungry eye (and uncomfortable feet), looking for The One, my new BFF.
And yes, I have a half dozen pairs of shoes in the closet that I garden, shop, have a drink, or go to a show in. We were close for a while, and I like them, but they just don't quite make me feel like I can walk pain free for a month in them. We're just friends.
I understand that situation exactly. I usually buy 2 when I find THE ONE, now 'the one' is so elusive, I think I need to buy 4.BFF = Best Friend Forever
I find myself "dating" shoes, since finding just the right one is a constant struggle for me. I have to walk multiple days back to back before for I KNOW that a shoe is ready to be my partner on Camino. Then we are in a committed relationship, and it becomes my BFF. Bliss, I buy many pairs. Then a year or two later, the manufacturer "dumps" me by producing a new and improved version of the shoe - same model number - but with a mark 5, or type C, or whatever update and a new look. It's a new shoe. I generally find that it's not quite right for me, the bloom is off the rose, and I'm back in the shoe dating game again, looking for my new BFF. I bought six pairs of my current BFF last summer before it got improved and the relationship soured. I have two and a half pairs left....just enough to get me through my spring Camino. Then I'm back on the street again, with a hungry eye (and uncomfortable feet), looking for The One, my new BFF.
And yes, I have a half dozen pairs of shoes in the closet that I garden, shop, have a drink, or go to a show in. We were close for a while, and I like them, but they just don't quite make me feel like I can walk pain free for a month in them. We're just friends.
Yes, it has a wide, deep toe box with a narrower heel.Is that a wide fit model?
I always buy two shoesI understand that situation exactly. I usually buy 2 when I find THE ONE, now 'the one' is so elusive, I think I need to buy 4.
Ah, but the first post in the thread was about choosing shoes suitable for the terrain.Seems like most people have ignored the thread title.
I hear you, I’ve tried Homs not a fan. Most of my sneakers are New Balance,Not everyone appreciates my sense of humor. My current shoe is a New Balance 840v4, no longer available in my size and width. This does not matter, because you do not have my feet! The 860 and 880 are close, but no cigar. The 990 was totally wrong on the arches. The 1520 is the most comfortable shoe I ever tried on, but I can't walk more than a kilometer in it without discomfort in the hips due to the stiffer sole changing my gate.
Really, you do need to try for yourself. Half of the population will find a Nike they like (heel cups wrong for me) or an Addidas (toe box wrong shape) that they can try on, fit, and be happy with. I'm just not that lucky, maybe you are. I'm sure the people touting Altra's and Hoka's and whatever love them, and they work great for them on many Caminos. I wish they fit me, but they don't. Maybe they will fit you.
Big fingers, switch from New Balance to Hoka was not a fan. Back to NB, have 990 and 860v11, love the 990 but can do long distance plus they are very heavy. But I do like the 860v11, just concerned with them wearing down half way thru the Camino.I hear you, I’ve tried Homs not a fan. Most of my sneakers are New Balance,
I have not put enough miles on the 860 to give you any real evidence. The 840 does go the distance (just!) but that is no guarantee for its cousin. When I was wearing Saucony, I replaced them near the end, but before finishing. What a relief. Two thoughts: (A) Take two pairs, the 860 is a very light shoe. Use one for your "clean evening wear" and the other for your "dirty trail" wear. When (if?) the dirty one wears out, toss it, switch over, and buy some crocs for the evening. Option B is to buy new shoes in Leon. If you wear a common size, you can just pick up a fresh pair there. Either way, your concern is quite valid. I also am curious about the 860's durability, just for the record. The shoes you take should be tested once at home to make sure there are no defects (it happens), but otherwise brand new out of the box when you start out on Camino.Big fingers, switch from New Balance to Hoka was not a fan. Back to NB, have 990 and 860v11, love the 990 but can do long distance plus they are very heavy. But I do like the 860v11, just concerned with them wearing down half way thru the Camino.
I walked a LOT in dress shoes without blisters. But three days in the city of Cardiff, got really bad blisters, so I tossed them in a charity bin and switched to some a pilgrim had abandoned in Villamayor. What were they? I don't know how to distinguish among tennis shoes, running shoes, etc. But that sort of thing. Those treated me well for thousands of kilometers on foot and bicycle.Camino de Santiago French route, how much of the walking surface is asphalt/concrete or other surface?
Reason for question is footwear, I’m bring trail runner, great tread won’t wear, but they are very noisy walking on hard surface and the clicking drive me nuts.
So I want to bring a second pair of running shoes.
Hi Robo -How many more pairs do I have to buy?
It's like kissing Frogs
Not yet........Hi Robo -
Have you now settled on the new shoes that you’re taking on the VDLP?
Buen Camino!
Best of luck Robo … that perfect pair of shoes is out there waiting for you … the Camino provides!Not yet........
I can't find anything as comfortable as my old Salomon boots
It's a toss up between Hoke and Altra. Both have their good points.
Alas! no one seems to mention that the nice open sandals are not much fun when slipping thru the cow shiteWhen you get home, the sound you'll remember is the crunch crunch crunch of walking on limestone chip gravel. You'll also remember the clicking but that will be from the metal tips of walking poles on concrete - its a very distinctive sound.
Yes you will walk on some concrete and tarmac, and sometimes there is a choice, in which case I usually take a path over the road even if it is slightly longer.
But you will walk on a lot of gravel. I found it fine for my feet, far better than concrete or cobbles.
I do ensure I have plenty of cushioning, and I dont care if my shoes wear out completely. They have always lasted the whole Camino though.
All feet are different, I wore running shoes for my first two and they were fine, and sandals on my last Camino. Im now a sandal convert, I had no problems with stones, was able to use my orthotics, had plenty of cushioning, saved on washing socks, and had cooler feet overall.
Fortunately I havent had that experience either in sandals or running shoes..Alas! no one seems to mention that the nice open sandals are not much fun when slipping thru the cow shite
Buen camino
Samarkand.
Thank you. I’m researching now best options. Did you use the trekking sandals for any legs? We are walking Jun-July and I was hoping trekking Sandals will help our feet breatheHi Ashland
My advice would be not to use running shoes they are not designed for long distance walking. I say this as an experienced distance runner (14.17 for 5K and 29.58 for 10K) and a Level 4 distance running coach). I have also been on the Camino 4 times completing it 3 times and once coming home ill. I use La Sportiva walking boots and Teva trekking sandals. The terrain is widely varied and the boots give support on rough ground and the sandals are good for the evening and lighter days. Running shoes are good for a maximum of 500 miles and the support will have gone long before this on the Camino. Hope this helps.
Buen Camino
Vince
I use trekking sandals for all legs of my Caminos.Thank you. I’m researching now best options. Did you use the trekking sandals for any legs? We are walking Jun-July and I was hoping trekking Sandals will help our feet breathe
I suppose it comes down to that above. Each one of us is different physically and on top of those real differences, we each have become used to different styles of shoes. Look at the people that wear high heels all day everyday, leaves me speechless, even if they are seating down most of the day.......That said, I don't recommend them - I don't recommend anything. I wear them because they allow me to walk every day without blisters, plantar fasciitis, or any of the other critical injuries that pilgrims face. Every pilgrim needs to find a shoe, boot, sandal, or paper bag that works for them. They are all good choices, as long as the pilgrim is comfortable. There is nothing about the trail itself that demands "sturdy" footwear, the Camino is a walk in the park. A really long walk in the park.
Seems like a perfect question. Gathering info about the type of surface and from there, the OP decides what will work better.Camino de Santiago French route, how much of the walking surface is asphalt/concrete or other surface?
I've only used trekking sandals when going to beaches with difficult access as opposed to parking the car 50 meters from the shoreland, I have a pair of Keens, that almost look like a full shoe with holes everywhere but you can trip a little without destroying your toes.I use trekking sandals for all legs of my Caminos.
The more that you plan, the less the adventure. Of course, some adventure will still remain but consider planning less and seeing what unfoldsThere's so many things to consider when planning this adventure. Part of me wishes the start day is tomorrow and the other part wonders if 8 months is enough to have everything ready.
While I'm on the Camino I wear socks. My sandals are open toe - freedom for my toes is the main appeal for me.Do you use this sandals for the full Camino without socks I'm guessing? They closed toe type or the more open type?
Thanks for letting me know, I don't think I can deal with dirt between the toes, I'll do some trail walking around here with socks, see how it feels. I love the option of shoes and sandals if it works out.While I'm on the Camino I wear socks. My sandals are open toe - freedom for my toes is the main appeal for me.
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