Getting there!

[TinaPEI]

I feel like things are settling in well for me. I have my flights books, Orisson is booked, I now have a small camera to take with me, a backpack, small sleeping bag, a few Merino tops etc. No boots or shoes yet, but I am seriously considering wearing sandals. I normally live in sandals all summer long. I struggle with finding shoes that fit; I have really small feet (US size 5.5-6) but need a wide toe box (usually by a 7 to make room for my toes) because of bunions, but I have extremely small heels. I tried on as many Keens as I found close to my size, but they were just either too big, or not wide enough. I think I'll try some trail runners and men's keens to see if they are better, but I may be walking in sandals. Last summer I walked about 145 km in 10 days (in Florida, Walt Disney World - so it's totally different, but all pavement walking) and I didn't get a single blister. My friend tends to get blisters every trip, but not me. I like the kind that you can adjust in 3 different places, and I think that's what helps my feet, because I can adjust them, but still make them tight enough that they stay on my feet - I can't do flip flop style anything. So many things to consider!

Things to do:

- transportation to SJPdP
- finalize packing list
-buy more socks and undergarments
- decide/purchase footwear
-TRAIN (I wanted to get the shoes and walk in those, but seeing as we still have snow, there will be no walking in sandals if that's what I'm taking!)

Is there anything else I'm missing?

 

[Kanga]

@TinaPEI I walk in Ecco sandals, mens for width. They were great on the Norte and the Camino Frances. I take breathable (supposedly) waterproof socks in case it gets really cold and wet.

 

[Diane Kinney]

HI Tina,
I did my first Camino in Teva walking sandles, mostly out of necessity as my shoes were too small once my feet started to expand after walking. That walk was from Leon to Santiago and no issue with my feet. Second walk was Ponferrada to Santiago and alternated between the same sandles and properly fitted walking shoes.
My only caution on sandles is attend to any hot spots usually on top of foot or the side caused by strapes and/or Velcro. Use glide/petroleum jelly or anything that ensures no rubbing. Training in you shoes on various surfaces and terrains will alert you to any irritable spots.
Regarding underwear, I swear by ex-officio travel briefs. No twisting, riding, bunching or any other issue that cause problems. And always dry overnight so two pairs are all you need. I got them on Amazon. Based on your name I assume you are in Canada? If so, my second choice are microfibre underwear available at Marks Work Warehouse. They are seemless, fit well and also dry overnight. They do however slip from time to time.
Enjoy your preparation and Buen Camino.
Diane

 

[Waka]

I used Teva Lites for 5 days of my CF and covered some really rough terrain and they fine, the rest of the time I wore my Merrell shoes.

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

I feel like things are settling in well for me. I have my flights books, Orisson is booked, I now have a small camera to take with me, a backpack, small sleeping bag, a few Merino tops etc. No boots or shoes yet, but I am seriously considering wearing sandals. I normally live in sandals all summer long. I struggle with finding shoes that fit; I have really small feet (US size 5.5-6) but need a wide toe box (usually by a 7 to make room for my toes) because of bunions, but I have extremely small heels. I tried on as many Keens as I found close to my size, but they were just either too big, or not wide enough. I think I'll try some trail runners and men's keens to see if they are better, but I may be walking in sandals. Last summer I walked about 145 km in 10 days (in Florida, Walt Disney World - so it's totally different, but all pavement walking) and I didn't get a single blister. My friend tends to get blisters every trip, but not me. I like the kind that you can adjust in 3 different places, and I think that's what helps my feet, because I can adjust them, but still make them tight enough that they stay on my feet - I can't do flip flop style anything. So many things to consider!

Things to do:

- transportation to SJPdP
- finalize packing list
-buy more socks and undergarments
- decide/purchase footwear
-TRAIN (I wanted to get the shoes and walk in those, but seeing as we still have snow, there will be no walking in sandals if that's what I'm taking!)

Is there anything else I'm missing?

If you are still considering shoes, take a look at Oboz. I am trying a pair from REI because the salesperson said they have almost as wide a toe box as Keens but a more snug heel grip. Like Keens, they do run small.

 

[TinaPEI]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the helpful suggestions. I will keep looking for the right footwear, but I will make sure to have some kind of walking sandals even if I bring shoes.

 

[Mark Lee]

I've found that New Balance has wider toe boxes on their shoes, which is what I need. They make some good trail runners. I just bought a new pair.

 

[JKH]

I feel like things are settling in well for me. I have my flights books, Orisson is booked, I now have a small camera to take with me, a backpack, small sleeping bag, a few Merino tops etc. No boots or shoes yet, but I am seriously considering wearing sandals. I normally live in sandals all summer long. I struggle with finding shoes that fit; I have really small feet (US size 5.5-6) but need a wide toe box (usually by a 7 to make room for my toes) because of bunions, but I have extremely small heels. I tried on as many Keens as I found close to my size, but they were just either too big, or not wide enough. I think I'll try some trail runners and men's keens to see if they are better, but I may be walking in sandals. Last summer I walked about 145 km in 10 days (in Florida, Walt Disney World - so it's totally different, but all pavement walking) and I didn't get a single blister. My friend tends to get blisters every trip, but not me. I like the kind that you can adjust in 3 different places, and I think that's what helps my feet, because I can adjust them, but still make them tight enough that they stay on my feet - I can't do flip flop style anything. So many things to consider!

Things to do:

- transportation to SJPdP
- finalize packing list
-buy more socks and undergarments
- decide/purchase footwear
-TRAIN (I wanted to get the shoes and walk in those, but seeing as we still have snow, there will be no walking in sandals if that's what I'm taking!)

Is there anything else I'm missing?

Last September I walked the mornings in Merrell hiking shoes and used Merrell hiking sandals in the afternoon. I massaged my feet with pedi relax cream twice a day and changed my socks every 3 hours. I always wore my sandals on the descents. I also took ibuprofen before going to bed when needed and always inserted silicon ear plugs before going to sleep, slept like a baby. Walked from St. Jean to Finistere and had very few problems. Will be going back again this September and hope to make it to Muxia. Good luck.