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I was thinking of doing that. I have a few days to try it out before I start the Camino. I’ll give it a shot!I had a pair of Merrell shoes that had a spot like that on each side. Just below the small toes. I took a pocket knife and carefully cut a small slit in the shoes at that exact spot. Enough to allow movement. Did the job. No more painful rubbing.
Thanks for the suggestion. I have a pair of Tevas with me I could try.You might want to also consider hiking sandals. I have walked my last few Caminos exclusively in sandals.
I would not expect the shoe to ever "break in", so I think you need new ones that are comfortable from the start. There is a well known store in Pamplona called Caminoteca, and also a Decathlon.I’m not sure if I should push through or try to buy new shoes. Since I seem to have such trouble finding comfortable hiking shoes I’m thinking about wearing running shoes instead.
Thanks very much for the store names. I have a couple of good options now so hopefully I won’t have to shell out more money for new shoes but if I do I’ll know where to go. Again, thanks!I would not expect the shoe to ever "break in", so I think you need new ones that are comfortable from the start. There is a well known store in Pamplona called Caminoteca, and also a Decathlon.
Many people wear running shoes. I use Brooks Ghost 13 because they come in a women's wide and are the most comfortable footwear I have found - for my feet.
And there is nothing to lose in cutting a hole in the side of your shoe, and testing that. You have the Tevas as backup.
Yes.Since I seem to have such trouble finding comfortable hiking shoes I’m thinking about wearing running shoes instead. Any thoughts?
I think Merrell might do a wider fitting model. Meindl certainly do.I had a pair of Merrell shoes that had a spot like that on each side. Just below the small toes. I took a pocket knife and carefully cut a small slit in the shoes at that exact spot. Enough to allow movement. Did the job. No more painful rubbing.
Do you not find that grit, stones, twigs, etc, get caught in the sandal? That happens to me when I walk in sandals, and I find it a right pain. And that's using several models and several brands.You might want to also consider hiking sandals. I have walked my last few Caminos exclusively in sandals.
Except for letting water in if it rains. Wet feet rub, very uncomfortable!And there is nothing to lose in cutting a hole in the side of your shoe, and testing that.
I'm another who does all my caminos now in sandals. I wear Echo Off-Roads - a size larger than normal - and I only occasionally get a stone which shakes out quite easily (they are open sandals). Having the sandals a bit longer than normal possibly helps to protect the front of my toes, my longest toe is a little way back from the front of the sole. I almost never get sticks in them.Do you not find that grit, stones, twigs, etc, get caught in the sandal? That happens to me when I walk in sandals, and I find it a right pain. And that's using several models and several brands.
Amen.I'm another who does all my caminos now in sandals. I wear Echo Off-Roads - a size larger than normal - and I only occasionally get a stone which shakes out quite easily (they are open sandals). Having the sandals a bit longer than normal possibly helps to protect the front of my toes, my longest toe is a little way back from the front of the sole. I almost never get sticks in them.
The only time I'd consider going back to shoes would be on a winter camino. Although I have quite happily worn my sandals in snow, with waterproof socks.
Each to their own, of course, but there is absolutely no way I would recommend using sandals unless you are happy with their downside also - forever emptying grit out of them, slipping around in them when wet, skin exposed to hot sun, potential damage, etc.I second hiking sandals.
I agree completely and love that you wear Brooks. I have only ever worn Brooks Cascadias. I go one size up and order the wide shoe. Between Camino walking and training it has to be close to 10,000K and I have had about 5 small blisters and none on my last 3 caminos.I would not expect the shoe to ever "break in", so I think you need new ones that are comfortable from the start. There is a well known store in Pamplona called Caminoteca, and also a Decathlon.
Many people wear running shoes. I use Brooks Ghost 13 because they come in a women's wide and are the most comfortable footwear I have found - for my feet.
And there is nothing to lose in cutting a hole in the side of your shoe, and testing that. You have the Tevas as backup.
I assume you have had numerous pairs of shoes! I have just started my 4th pair, finding that the underfoot padding isn't adequate for hard walking after about 1000 km.Between Camino walking and training it has to be close to 10,000K
I think it is clear that the sandal fans ARE saying that they are happy in spite of that suggested downside! So it seems worth trying, especially with hard-to-fit feet.Each to their own, of course, but there is absolutely no way I would recommend using sandals unless you are happy with their downside also
Yes I do and you are correct about the under padding. After a camino it is pretty close to being shot. I usually go to the grocery store and get another pair. I always start with a new pair for the camino. I just wear them for about a week before I go. I then will use the old pair to train with for the next camino. Since I walk much less in training this method works pretty well for me. I have never had a problem in training with a pair that has already been on a camino.I assume you have had numerous pairs of shoes! I have just started my 4th pair, finding that the underfoot padding isn't adequate for hard walking after about 1000 km.
All the Camino I walked, was with hiking boots. I never had real big blisters, always with smart wool socks, lunch time removed my boots and socks, but I always found them hot. I usually walked beginning of September. For the first time, this September, I took the decision to walk on a kind of a cloudDoing the Camino Fances was a spontaneous decision so I didn’t have time to break in shoes. I bought a pair I got them a half size big and they fit well overall but are are now causing pain (I have a slight tailor bunion). There is hard plastic on that part of the shoe so I’m not sure it will ever break in. I’m not sure if I should push through or try to buy new shoes. Since I seem to have such trouble finding comfortable hiking shoes I’m thinking about wearing running shoes instead. Any thoughts? Also can anyone recommend a gear store for hiking shoes in Pamplona? Thanks for your help and opinions!
Not really. I have done that with walking shoes for the Camino and have done it with running shoes that I train at home in. The small cut doesn't let in any noticeable amount of moisture, and besides if it rains steadily your feet and shoes going to get wet no matter what.Except for letting water in if it rains. Wet feet rub, very uncomfortable!
It's just the toe box that needed a wee bit more room to free the outer edge of my feet a bit. Worked great. After I cut the slit I burned the edges with a lighter so there would be no fraying. At the end of the Camino the shoes were worn out anyway and into the trash bin they went. I probably had a total of 1000 km's on them. Not bad mileage out of a hiking shoe mass produced with glued on soles and made of synthetics.I think Merrell might do a wider fitting model. Meindl certainly do.
I am a convert to Oboz. I have a pair of low Sawtooths that I have walked two Caminos in. Probably close to 1800 km's on them total. I think they could actually handle another Frances, but I would wear a newer pair.I tried on four pair and I was fitted with Oboz and they’re great I actually wear a cotton ankle high socks with no problems at all in two months of training. They are somewhat heavy but it is what it is. I did not on the recommendation of several people by waterproof.shoes
Recent acquaintance Elizabeth who had five years ago done Frances Camino & bought Altas that she bought because as having problems. With tendinitis that developed on her walk they are ultra light hiking shoes extremely breathable I will buy them as a replacement if I run into problems over in spain - they felt like they were 1/2 the weight of my Oboz which I am swearing by at this point
You might try going up a full size or maybe even 1 1/2 sizes up. Both my wife and I have done this on our walks which have totaled over 1,000 miles each with an additional 2,000 miles or more in training walks over the years. The folks at REI have told me that this is too much, but I've responded that walking 15 - 20 miles a day for weeks on end is much different than going for a weekend hike for which a 1/2 size up is probably ok.If it feels strange in the shop, you can use thicker socks. Also, I have found that stiffer shoes are better suited for long walks than more flexible shoes like say Merrell Moab Ventilators (which I like very much but just not for Caminos). But that's just a personal preference.Doing the Camino Fances was a spontaneous decision so I didn’t have time to break in shoes. I bought a pair I got them a half size big and they fit well overall but are are now causing pain (I have a slight tailor bunion). There is hard plastic on that part of the shoe so I’m not sure it will ever break in. I’m not sure if I should push through or try to buy new shoes. Since I seem to have such trouble finding comfortable hiking shoes I’m thinking about wearing running shoes instead. Any thoughts? Also can anyone recommend a gear store for hiking shoes in Pamplona? Thanks for your help and opinions!
Thanks for this idea. I actually have very narrow feet. It’s just that one spot that is an issue. I checked and I think with an exacto knife I can stop away the hard rubber that seems to be the issue, the I’ll cut slits if I still need more room. I’ll try burning the edges - I also thought I might try duck taping them.It's just the toe box that needed a wee bit more room to free the outer edge of my feet a bit. Worked great. After I cut the slit I burned the edges with a lighter so there would be no fraying. At the end of the Camino the shoes were worn out anyway and into the trash bin they went. I probably had a total of 1000 km's on them. Not bad mileage out of a hiking shoe mass produced with glued on soles and made of synthetics.
I actually have very narrow feet and if I go much bigger I’ll be swimming in them. If I can make these ones work by cutting the problem area I’ll be very happy! They are good stuff shoes with grippy soles.You might try going up a full size or maybe even 1 1/2 sizes up. Both my wife and I have done this on our walks which have totaled over 1,000 miles each with an additional 2,000 miles or more in training walks over the years. The folks at REI have told me that this is too much, but I've responded that walking 15 - 20 miles a day for weeks on end is much different than going for a weekend hike for which a 1/2 size up is probably ok.If it feels strange in the shop, you can use thicker socks. Also, I have found that stiffer shoes are better suited for long walks than more flexible shoes like say Merrell Moab Ventilators (which I like very much but just not for Caminos). But that's just a personal preference.
Obj - it happens to me all the time! And then there is my terrible spelling (especially place names). And grammar. You may not have realised yet, but if you look at the small print under your post you can see you can edit it, at least for a while.*Resoled ( predictive text, bah)
Me too, with my super-wide fracture-scarred forefoot. My Sawtooths are superb. Though they are unlikely to be availsble in Spain for the OP.I am a convert to Oboz
No, I probably had more trouble with small stones in my shoes rather than my sandals. Sandals were a great success for the Camino - wouldnt go back to shoes for a warm weather Camino.Do you not find that grit, stones, twigs, etc, get caught in the sandal? That happens to me when I walk in sandals, and I find it a right pain. And that's using several models and several brands.
My husband wore Ecco, and loved them too. I wore a German brand which allowed me to use my orthotics.I'm another who does all my caminos now in sandals. I wear Echo Off-Roads - a size larger than normal - and I only occasionally get a stone which shakes out quite easily (they are open sandals). Having the sandals a bit longer than normal possibly helps to protect the front of my toes, my longest toe is a little way back from the front of the sole. I almost never get sticks in them.
The only time I'd consider going back to shoes would be on a winter camino. Although I have quite happily worn my sandals in snow, with waterproof socks.
Boots!Since this thread has morphed into a general purpose discussion of footwear, I wish to ask for advice. What is recommended for walking the Camino Francés in November and early December? Would trail runners, including the Brooks Cascadia mentioned above, suffice, or would hiking boots, such as the Keen boots mentioned above, be preferred? I think hiking boots for winter and trail runners or sandals for summer, but what about the shoulder seasons? Many of you have walked in late fall and early spring. I would love to read your comments. Thank you.
I have over six months of walking combined on multiple Camino routes, between the months of June-November. I can only say what kind of footwear I found best for me and that is the low quarter hiking shoe variety. Lot's of brands of them and I have found I like the Oboz. Not saying the other brands are not good. The Camino, especially say the Frances and Portugues are not technical at all. You walk on improved/semi-improved surfaces for much if not most of it. I like a shoe that is a cross between a running shoe and a hiking boot. The low quarter hiking shoes seem to fill that niche. You get the support and stability of hiking boots while reducing the weight considerably almost to the lightness of a trail runner.Since this thread has morphed into a general purpose discussion of footwear, I wish to ask for advice. What is recommended for walking the Camino Francés in November and early December? Would trail runners, including the Brooks Cascadia mentioned above, suffice, or would hiking boots, such as the Keen boots mentioned above, be preferred? I think hiking boots for winter and trail runners or sandals for summer, but what about the shoulder seasons? Many of you have walked in late fall and early spring. I would love to read your comments. Thank you.
Its around a million steps and most people go to a lot of trouble reducing the weight of their backpack. Reducing the weight of your shoes is even more important, in my opinion. Each extra gram for a shoe equates to lifting an extra metric tonne over the complete distance of the Camino Frances.Since this thread has morphed into a general purpose discussion of footwear, I wish to ask for advice. What is recommended for walking the Camino Francés in November and early December? Would trail runners, including the Brooks Cascadia mentioned above, suffice, or would hiking boots, such as the Keen boots mentioned above, be preferred? I think hiking boots for winter and trail runners or sandals for summer, but what about the shoulder seasons? Many of you have walked in late fall and early spring. I would love to read your comments. Thank you.
Bob91,Since this thread has morphed into a general purpose discussion of footwear, I wish to ask for advice. What is recommended for walking the Camino Francés in November and early December? Would trail runners, including the Brooks Cascadia mentioned above, suffice, or would hiking boots, such as the Keen boots mentioned above, be preferred? I think hiking boots for winter and trail runners or sandals for summer, but what about the shoulder seasons? Many of you have walked in late fall and early spring. I would love to read your comments. Thank you.
In 2018 I walked 700km in my Keen’s hiking sandals after ditching my $200+ Scarpa hiking shoes (blisters). They were very good but didn’t offer as much support as a shoe.Doing the Camino Fances was a spontaneous decision so I didn’t have time to break in shoes. I bought a pair I got them a half size big and they fit well overall but are are now causing pain (I have a slight tailor bunion). There is hard plastic on that part of the shoe so I’m not sure it will ever break in. I’m not sure if I should push through or try to buy new shoes. Since I seem to have such trouble finding comfortable hiking shoes I’m thinking about wearing running shoes instead. Any thoughts? Also can anyone recommend a gear store for hiking shoes in Pamplona? Thanks for your help and opinions!
Have you tried Hoka hiking sandals? They avoid all of the sandal problems you and others have mentioned and are both comfortable and sturdy.I really like Teva and Keen sandals and use them often at home for "this, that and the other". I dislike the small pebbles that can collect on trails and become a nuscience. In my opinion they are a bit too robust and heavy on the camino if I would only be using them for evening shoes.
If cutting a slit in the shoes solves the problem, glue a waterproof patch over it.Except for letting water in if it rains. Wet feet rub, very uncomfortable!
No, but I have walked the Le Puy route in Hoka One One's and loved them. I have no issues with blisters and other foot issues, so prefer having my feet covered on any long hike.Have you tried Hoka hiking sandals? They avoid all of the sandal problems you and others have mentioned and are both comfortable and sturdy.
Thank you, Roland49. Your opinion is valuable. During the past 50 years I've tried a wide variety of boots. I fully appreciate the value of full leather, above the ankle, boots for protection from snow and slush. But I'm torn between such boots and lighter, fabric type boots.Boots!
I've walked in summer and was happy with my full-leather-boots adviced to me by my local moutaineering-shop. Had seen many messy feet of people walking in trailrunners and such.
In spring or fall GoreTex-boots should be fine.
Is Caminoteca still there? (Just down from the Cathedral) When we passed through in 2014 he had a few shoes, a (much needed) fleece pullover, and other things. If the shoes there don't work, Pamplona is big, he probably knows where is a sporting goods store.Doing the Camino Fances was a spontaneous decision so I didn’t have time to break in shoes. I bought a pair I got them a half size big and they fit well overall but are are now causing pain (I have a slight tailor bunion). There is hard plastic on that part of the shoe so I’m not sure it will ever break in. I’m not sure if I should push through or try to buy new shoes. Since I seem to have such trouble finding comfortable hiking shoes I’m thinking about wearing running shoes instead. Any thoughts? Also can anyone recommend a gear store for hiking shoes in Pamplona? Thanks for your help and opinions!
Thank you, RJM. I wholeheartedly agree with your comments. Many years ago I switched from heavier boots to lighter, low-cut boots with both fabric and leather. One benefit is that they seemed to dry faster when soaked. Lately I've been trying trail runners in the neighborhood (while trying to rehabilitate a problematic Achilles tendon), thinking they are lighter and faster drying. My older hiking boots no longer fit well. I'm researching my options and will include Oboz in my search.I have over six months of walking combined on multiple Camino routes, between the months of June-November. I can only say what kind of footwear I found best for me and that is the low quarter hiking shoe variety. Lot's of brands of them and I have found I like the Oboz. Not saying the other brands are not good. The Camino, especially say the Frances and Portugues are not technical at all. You walk on improved/semi-improved surfaces for much if not most of it. I like a shoe that is a cross between a running shoe and a hiking boot. The low quarter hiking shoes seem to fill that niche. You get the support and stability of hiking boots while reducing the weight considerably almost to the lightness of a trail runner.
Some people walk in sandals, others regular running shoes and some wear heavy hiking boots you would see on the north face of Everest. Keep in mind when you get advice in here, who is giving you the advice. Are they the same age and condition as you? Do they walk as fast and have as heavy a pack, or even walk with a pack at all? Are they walking the same distances? A lot of factors come into play. This forum is a very tiny percentage of Camino walkers and based on what I can tell, are not a microcosm of the overall demographics of pilgrims. For one thing there are very few young pilgrims on here it seems. You are getting advice from an older group of pilgrims. That advice may or may not apply to you.
Thank you, Doughnut NZ. Your comment sure gave me pause. A ton is an awful lot, whether metric, long, or short. I never thought about it like that. It may be time to reevaluate the gear I've accumulated over the years. (Insert a frowny face.)Its around a million steps and most people go to a lot of trouble reducing the weight of their backpack. Reducing the weight of your shoes is even more important, in my opinion. Each extra gram for a shoe equates to lifting an extra metric tonne over the complete distance of the Camino Frances.
Thank you, mspath. I always read, reread, and reread again all of your comments! I've also reviewed your other postings and especially appreciate your reflections on cold weather pilgrimages in your "Camino Gazetteer". You have done many camino walks in autumn and winter. I was struck by your comments regarding these being your preferred seasons. I live in the New Orleans area, and my wife wants me home for hurricane season. Thus, my window of opportunity is late October (after the wedding anniversary) through June. I hope and pray my Achilles rehab is successful so I can book for this autumn! I originally posted my question because I was unsure about trail runners in late autumn. It seems I might be better off saving them for a camino in May and using a more robust hiking shoe with GoreTex in autumn.Bob91,
For late autumn/winter I carried simple sandals for relaxing and wore Decathlon Gore-tex lined hiking boots. Each pair easily lasted 2 caminos walking from SJPdP to Santiago plus either out to Finisterre/Muxia or down to the Portuguese border at Valenca do Mino. Thus the boots easily covered 2000 km before the sole showed wear. They probably would be ok for 3000 km but for safety sake new boots were purchased every 2 years.
Not necessarily, @Bob91.It seems I might be better off saving them for a camino in May and using a more robust hiking shoe with GoreTex in autumn.
My situation, with a variation. Not a classic bunion but a huge knob of an arthritic big toe joint after a fracture. But the effect's the same. No closed shoes comfortably fit anymore, even Meindels made for bunion feet. Keens are the least problematic, and I have a pair of Oboz Sawtooths right now that are promising.My bunion gets very angry when I walk more than 8 miles or wear shoes for more than 4 hours.
As an adult I know which shoe brand and size fits. I would never continue to wear a brand or size that presents problems. Beginning a hundred plus mile hike with a pack is not the time to experiment with something new.Doing the Camino Fances was a spontaneous decision so I didn’t have time to break in shoes. I bought a pair I got them a half size big and they fit well overall but are are now causing pain (I have a slight tailor bunion). There is hard plastic on that part of the shoe so I’m not sure it will ever break in. I’m not sure if I should push through or try to buy new shoes. Since I seem to have such trouble finding comfortable hiking shoes I’m thinking about wearing running shoes instead. Any thoughts? Also can anyone recommend a gear store for hiking shoes in Pamplona? Thanks for your help and opinions!
Thank you, VNwalking, for the suggestion. I wore similar shoes many years ago when on multi-day canoe trips. They worked beautifully. However, it was summer and I did limited walking. My concern with walking the Camino in late autumn is the cold rain. When you wore them in early March, did you wear socks?I wore keen water shoes (basically a glorified sandal, but closed with mesh) in early March, and they did really well. I wouldn't wear boots on the camino again - they're overkill. In lighter shoes, the wet goes right through - no harm done. Goretex makes for hot wet feet, and blisters.
Yes. Cotton or thin wool, on top of cheep knee-length sheer socks.When you wore them in early March, did you wear socks?
Did your socks get extra dirty if/when you encounter rain with mud coming next?Yes. Cotton or thin wool, on top of cheep knee-length sheer socks.
Didn't wet socks in a cold rain make your feet cold?Yes. Cotton or thin wool, on top of cheep knee-length sheer socks.
wool socks retain your feet's warmth wet or dry.Didn't wet socks in a cold rain make your feet cold?
Bob
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