Gaiters?

[Lihaseso]

Hi! I am walking the Northern route in May and I’m wondering if I should bring gaiters to keep inside of boot dry. Also where can I find small? For women? So far the ankle part just doesn’t close tight enough. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get lucky and have a month of blue skies!! Hahaha!!

 

[J Willhaus]

I don't think you will need them this time of year.

 

[Rick M]

I took gaiters on my first Camino, and found they were not really very helpful when walking on improved trails. Excellent for deep snow, but not in Spain in the spring time.

 

[Lihaseso]

I don't think you will need them this time of year.

Really? Even up along the coast? That would be so sweet if I could avoid rain but…

 

[J Willhaus]

I have never seen a pilgrim in Spain with gaiters even in winter.

 

[J Willhaus]

I also don't think you need boots this time of year, but that is a choice only you can make. Many people wear trailrunners, nongortex, especially in summer. Some people wear hiking sandals even.

 

[trecile]

Many people wear trailrunners, nongortex, especially in summer. Some people wear hiking sandals even.

I wore hiking sandals the last time I was on the Norte, and will do so again this year for my May/June Norte/Primitivo Camino. I bring a pair of waterproof socks that pair well with my sandals for really wet days.

 

[J Willhaus]

Winter I wear a gortex, midheight boot. Spring, summer, I wear a nongortex trail runner. Croc sandals for evenings.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I've never worn gaiters.
No need.

 

[RJM]

I'm sure some do, but I've never seen a pilgrim wearing gaiters.

 

[henrythedog]

I'm sure some do, but I've never seen a pilgrim wearing gaiters.

They’re certainly not necessary; but in late Autumn through to early spring - I do. Partly it’s habit; as it’s my usual UK walking attire; but also it helps keep my calves warmer. I’m fairly certain that my historic plantar fasciitis was partially exacerbated by stiffness in the calf and Achilles.

 

[Bradypus]

They’re certainly not necessary; but in late Autumn through to early spring - I do. Partly it’s habit; as it’s my usual UK walking attire; but also it helps keep my calves warmer. I’m fairly certain that my historic plantar fasciitis was partially exacerbated by stiffness in the calf and Achilles.

It could be a good look. Distinguished...

 

[DoughnutANZ]

They’re certainly not necessary; but in late Autumn through to early spring - I do. Partly it’s habit; as it’s my usual UK walking attire; but also it helps keep my calves warmer. I’m fairly certain that my historic plantar fasciitis was partially exacerbated by stiffness in the calf and Achilles.

This should help me recognise you on the way.

 

[henrythedog]

It could be a good look. Distinguished...
View attachment 143980

I’ll not share a photograph so as to not disturb those of a nervous disposition; as described elsewhere they’re accompanied by a venerable pair of Ron Hill tracksters sufficiently snug that you could probably deduce my religion. Sorry.

 

[JerryStroebele]

I carry very light Zpack knee high gaiters to keep the rain out of my (waterproof) boots in the fall. I did not need them on the Camino Frances last year. I would not walk the del Norte again -- in the fall -- without them. I have not walked the del Norte in the Spring. Buen Camino

 

[Jan Runkel]

Hi! I am walking the Northern route in May and I’m wondering if I should bring gaiters to keep inside of boot dry. Also where can I find small? For women? So far the ankle part just doesn’t close tight enough. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get lucky and have a month of blue skies!! Hahaha!!

I wear Dirty Girl brand gaiters every day to keep rocks etc out of my shoes. They kept my shoes a little drier in the rain, but not their primary purpose.

 

[Lihaseso]

I wear Dirty Girl brand gaiters every day to keep rocks etc out of my shoes. They kept my shoes a little drier in the rain, but not their primary purpose.

Ok. Thanks. I was concerned about rain seeping into my boots. I’ll check those out.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

If concerned about rain getting into the boots, wear a poncho, like the locals, instead of a rain jacket / pants. A poncho is also more airy than a rain suit.

 

[kiwi-couple]

My husband wore short gaiters on our Camino Frances, I didn't. He was never troubled with small stones or grit in his boots but I was. Next time I'll definitely have some - possibly Dirty Girl gaiters.

 

[sebastian606]

My husband wore short gaiters on our Camino Frances, I didn't. He was never troubled with small stones or grit in his boots but I was. Next time I'll definitely have some - possibly Dirty Girl gaiters.

I used Dirty Girl gaiters with my Altra Olympus and they helped to keep sand, dirt, and little pebbles out of my shoes.

 

[Chizuru]

Dirty Girls are great. As others have said, they are to keep those little grains of dirt out of your shoes, not to stop the rain, but on damp tracks, they are fantastic as this is when you get lots of fine grains of sand flicking up the back of your legs and into the back of your footwear.

 

[J Willhaus]

I used to have a pair if dirty girl gaiters for US hikes, but never felt the need for a pair on the Camino.

 

[Tom Cartwright]

I wear Dirty Girl brand gaiters every day to keep rocks etc out of my shoes. They kept my shoes a little drier in the rain, but not their primary purpose.

me too..for stones they are great...my stride kicks them up.

 

[lianelau]

FYI Dirty Girl gaiters are short, they should be used with trail runners to avoid sand, pebbles, rocks, etc. They are best used in this way. They have a current model that is just for the Camino. Tall gaiters for rain/snow are usually only best for winter.