Footwear in the Pyrenees

[Camino25]

Hi
I'm starting my first camino next week and am watching the weather in the Pyrenees! I was wondering if a proper walking boots are required there at the moment or would a walking shoe suffice? Any other info regarding gear would be appreciated!

 

[CaminoGen]

If you plan in using your walking shoes for the remainder of the walk, use them. There is no need for technical footwear for the road up to Roncesvalles since the walking is done along roads most of the way.

 

[Camino25]

Thank you for your reply. I gather from previous posts that there is some snow in the Pyrenees at the moment...does anyone have an update on this?

 

[peregrina2013]

I'll see you on the Camino. I am starting next week on June 9th from SJPP. Can't wait!

 

[Camino25]

Really looking forward to it...a little apprehensive about the weather crossing Pyrenees at the moment though!

 

[peregrina2013]

I hear you! I just posted a few minutes before you did to hear if someone had an update about the weather. I haven't seen anything in the last few days. It could change quite a bit in just a week but Pamplona is still only around 14 during the day, down to 4 or so at night, as far as I could tell from the weather network.

 

[Camino25]

It seems very changeable so gonna have to pack for all types of weather!! Just worried about footwear if there's lots of snow!

 

[joovenation]

I just did it today along with two others. We had our arms locked the entire way. Severe severe wind/hail/rain. Scary thing is that there is no way of predicting when the next gush of wind will hit you. And I'm sure you'll have your camping bag, which will make it impossible to gain control when that wind hits you.

You have to absolutely absolutely have to have a solid boots, thick raincoat, waterproof everything especial from waist below (my entire body and my foot was wet wet. And this made it very very difficult. I didn't have the proper gear - fleece... Waterproof jacket... Waterproof pant... Etc).

You think going up the steep mountain will be tough? How about going down? I thought my knees were about to give away. Very slippery (mudd, long grass, and constant water flows from pouring rain) and from all that walking, you legs are already so tired...

I wouldn't have survived without the two other pilgrims. We locked our arms... Shared our last piece of chocolate... And most importantly we worked well together.

If you are alone: DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT

if you have partners without proper gears: DON'T.

if you have partners with awesome gears: PRAY AND THINK REAL HARD.

I'm not encouraging or discouraging. Just sharing what I went through and my opinion.

 

[joovenation]

Btw no snow on the actual road today. But very very cold. And when your feet get wet (trust me they will get wet after a few kms walk) it is unbearable! I'd much rather prefer snow over pouring rain because your entire body will get wet. And the rain comes in all direction! And they hurt because of the crazy wind.

 

[Camino25]

Thanks for your reply... On my way to repack after your message!!! Proper walking boots are a definite now! Did you walk all the way to Roncesvalles? Have you heard what the next section towards Pamplona is like at the moment?

 

[peregrina2013]

Wow...I'm hoping that the wind dies down. You were very lucky to have fellow pilgrims in this unpredictable weather and supporting each other. After reading the last 2 weeks of post, I had to go find a few other pieces of gear to keep me warm especially in rainy weather so I may need to add rain pants too. Back to packing and praying!

 

[whariwharangi]

The only reason for boots would be for walking on rough terrain or through snow or mud. You would want the additional ankle support for carrying a heavy pack.

Apparently the snow is gone from the route surface at least. Most of the route is either on paved or metalled road surface. Conditions may be wet or muddy today but tomorrow ... who knows?

Same same for weather ... in the mountains weather is variable ... calm and sunny this morning does not mean calm and sunny this afternoon and vice versa.

Finally, there are 3 mountain passes on this camino and Route Napoleon is not the highest pass. The only thing different about Route Napoleon is the distances involved.

Worst that happens is your shoes get wet. If you wear boots and they get wet .. it takes longer to dry.

The main thing is that you wear footwear that is broken in and fits right. Doesn't matter if that is boots or shoes.

 

[russellg99]

We went from SJPdP to Roncesvalles via Valcarlos on May 20th and 21st of this year. We had rain both days. The second half of the section between Valcarlos and Roncesvalles is a long, steep uphill, mostly on dirt and grass and some small rocks. I had no problems with grip or stability in my running shoes, even in the rain, and without walking sticks. The main problem I had was cold water getting in my shoes towards the end.

If you think you'll be in the rain, I'd say worry less about the type of shoe or the sole it has, and more about water getting in. Or just let your feet get wet -- it's temporary, and your feet and legs will probably stay warm enough from all the hiking that it won't really be a problem if you can change shoes and socks once you get to Roncesvalles (mine were fine, anyway). Make sure you always have a complete set of dry clothing to change into at the end of the day though.

BTW, we split the long stage in two parts and stayed the night in Valcarlos, and were really glad we did. We had a bit of jetlag still, and anyway it's just a long, tiring uphill section that's a lot easier if you haven't already walked from SJPdP to Valcarlos the same day.

I just posted a summary of what worked and what didn't with our gear, so feel free to check that out on our blog at the link below.

Russell
http://www.farofflands.com/camino/

 

[scruffy1]

"Be kind to your kness, you going to miss them when they are gone" the man said. Boots boots boots. You are planning an 850 kilometer walk through mountains, mud, water, up down pavement and rocks. Sure you can do it in shoes even trekking sandals, you will also pay the price, not now but later we think we are indestructible until we are not. To quote the man again "trust me on this one".

 

[joovenation]

Well said.