Help for Portugues Newbie

[Loretta S]

My husband and I walked the Frances in 2017 and are desperately hoping to walk the Portuguese beginning mid October. It will be a last minute decision and not sure if we will start in Lisbon or Porto (depends on how much time we can get). A few questions:
1. I was going to walk in Hoka Bondi (for added cushions on the cobblestone). But, I’m wondering if I should consider the Hoka Waterproof Speedgoat 3. Slightly less cushion but waterproof. I’m worried that a mid- October start may mean lots more rain?? Thoughts??
2. What are major differences between Portuguese and Frances that might effect our packing and training.
3. We carried our packs for the Frances and intend to do so for the Portuguese. However, my husband has developed a bad back problem and may need to transport bags. Any comments on bag transport on the Portuguese? Is it available throughout the route? As easy as it seemed to be on the Frances?
Thanks in advance.

 

[RumAndChupacabras]

Hi @Loretta S!

I did the CP in 2016 from Porto. We used bag transport at times and all went very well, no matter where we were! I walk in Teva Sport sandals so, I can't really help you about boots but, I'm certain others will.
Bom Caminho to you and your hubby...the CP is beautiful, food is excellent and locals even better!

 

[John H.]

2. What are major differences between Portuguese and Frances that might effect our packing and training.

I can only speak about the Porto-SdC region (both Coastal and Central routes). It seemed to me that there was much more hard surface walking on the CP than the CF, especially the Coastal route. I love walking long distances daily but the CP Coastal was hard on the feet. For training, I would just walk long distances on concrete or pavement. Have fun. I'm jealous!

 

[auburnfive]

I found the coastal easier on the feet than the central, but had switched from a Merrell waterproof to Hokas, made a huge difference. No rain at all last year in late Sept/early Oct.
Bag transport ( Caminofacil) was perfect

 

[John H.]

Tried on a pair of Hokas last week based on a recommendation from this website. They seem excellent. Wish I had used them for my 2 CP trips. Next time.

 

[AndreaCT]

I wore Hoka's on the Central Route this past May and my normally cranky feet were very happy. It was like walking on marshmallows. I personally don't like waterproof shoes because I found that they are never completely waterproof, they are hotter and they take longer to dry. When my shoes did get wet in the rain, the mesh allowed them to dry quickly. Enjoy your walk!

 

[jimmyc]

I walked from Lisbon in 2016. I had only my old Merrells that I had worn on the C2C and the CF from SJPP. I had no problems with the cobble-stones.
If you have the time consider walking from Lisbon. There is so much more of Portugal to be seen before Porto.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I wore Hoka's on the Central Route this past May and my normally cranky feet were very happy. It was like walking on marshmallows. I personally don't like waterproof shoes because I found that they are never completely waterproof, they are hotter and they take longer to dry. When my shoes did get wet in the rain, the mesh allowed them to dry quickly. Enjoy your walk!

I agree completely. I loved wearing Hokas and many of us on the forum do not really care for waterproof shoes for the same reasons you commented on.

 

[JillGat]

I brought Hokas and my Chaco sandals on the Portugues and ended up wearing my Chacos most of the time. I would definitely avoid waterproof shoes. I have had foot problems in the past, however I did not have any trouble with the hard surfaces/cobblestones on the Portugues. It's a beautiful walk. I walked from Porto. I have heard that the walk from Lisboa is much more challenging, with fewer accommodations, etc.

 

[Morning Waters]

I wore Hokas One/one (which are not waterproof) and also took a pair of Keen sandals for walking around town at the end of day, but also used the sandals a time or two on the trail when I started getting hot spots on my feet that weren't getting relief with other foot care measures. I only had one day of drizzly misty rain requiring wearing my poncho as I walked in May. My Hokas got pretty damp but did not require me to stop and change socks or shoes and they dried out quickly.

 

[Loretta S]

I found the coastal easier on the feet than the central, but had switched from a Merrell waterproof to Hokas, made a huge difference. No rain at all last year in late Sept/early Oct.
Bag transport ( Caminofacil) was perfect

Do you remember which Hoka you wore? And, were you happy with it?

 

[Kerry C]

For bag transport we used Tui Trans all the way. It was excellent.

 

[Bill from Canada]

Do you remember which Hoka you wore? And, were you happy with it?

I wore a low cut trekking boot (Trexstar) for our Portuguese Camino in 2017 and my feet were tired by the end of the day - the cobblestone in Portugal is very hard on your feet - I was 68 at the time. I really wish I had my high top hiking boots. We only started in Porto so once we were in Spain, the walking was more variable.

 

[JillGat]

As I said, I was surprised, after reading other reviews, that the cobblestones and tarmac didnt cause me any problems. I specifically got the Hoka One Ones for their padding but preferred my sandals.

 

[auburnfive]

Do you remember which Hoka you wore? And, were you happy with it?

Sorry, I don’t remember the name, and had to toss them in Santiago as they were quite ripped. They were so ugly ( bright purple), but felt so light and cushiony!