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From what you say, the only thing you should be thinking about is whether a particular shoe is comfortable for you, for a whole day of walking. People have walked the various Camino routes in all types and brands of footwear, so at this point maybe you should stop worrying about what others wear or what type of shoe you think is "suitable." You need, at a minimum, a pair of shoes that are comfortable on your feet..Has anyone walked the Camino in these?
Are you trying different sizes and different widths? Regular running shoes as well as trail shoes? Hiking sandals with or without socks? Hoka and New Balance have some well-padded running shoes.Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short.
For the CP I wore Salomon trail shoes but I saw several people wearing Hokas, which I hear are very comfortable.
For most people that's correct, but there are a few exceptions to that, where they do. And yeah, Dave and I have discussed that a couple of times ...I always used to wear boots, thinking they gave me extra support.
Then @davebugg , who knows about these things, said that was not true.
Good point!For most people that's correct, but there are a few exceptions to that, where they do. And yeah, Dave and I have discussed that a couple of times ...
I am in that situation -- which is why I do not recommend the sorts of boots I wear myself to others, outside of certain particular conditions.
Really, the overriding factors are :
1) Your own feet and your personal needs and tastes
2) Terrain
3) Weather and Season
4) Length of the hike <<------- this is where boots versus shoes is most pertinent, though wet weather and rainy season too (maybe).
I love my Keen sandals, and the wide toe box is great for we wide footed people. I had trouble finding the Keen sandal I wanted locally, so I asked the shop owner if the men's and women's sandals were 'the same'. He said the men's version is wider around the ankle / heel area and usually when women try it, the sandals are too loose at that point. But to give it a go. So I tried the men's version in the right length size for my feet. It was just as he said. No matter how tight I pulled the elasticised 'laces', it was still way too loose around that area. Would not have been comfortable to wear, even with a stylish sock and sandal combo. That's just my experience with my feet.I don't know if you are male or female - it is the same sandal
for some unknown reason they make the 'female' ones with ghastly pink or purple lines - why do they do that?
Lowa Renegade GTX Fabulous pair of shoes.I am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
Not sure if that was for me ... but, if so, thank you. I did not buy the ill fitting men's version and later was able to find the women's sandals in the correct size for me, so no need for a workaround in my case.If you still have the shoe that is too wide test it out again with two pairs of socks. Besides occupying the extra width the second pair will add cushioning. You may need to stop more often though to air out your feet.
Great but no thanks are necessaryNot sure if that was for me ... but, if so, thank you. I did not buy the ill fitting men's version and later was able to find the women's sandals in the correct size for me, so no need for a workaround in my case.
Thank you so much for responding to me. I'm very grateful and I apologize for all the detail. It's been a frustrating process. I don't worry about what other people wear. I am having great difficulty with all footwear since I started training.From what you say, the only thing you should be thinking about is whether a particular shoe is comfortable for you, for a whole day of walking. People have walked the various Camino routes in all types and brands of footwear, so at this point maybe you should stop worrying about what others wear or what type of shoe you think is "suitable." You need, at a minimum, a pair of shoes that are comfortable on your feet..
What do you wear for the 4-5 miles you walk each day now? Are they not comfortable?
Are you trying different sizes and different widths? Regular running shoes as well as trail shoes? Hiking sandals with or without socks? Hoka and New Balance have some well-padded running shoes.
I sure hope you find something that works. Good luck!
Thank you. I will try them!Lowa Renegade GTX Fabulous pair of shoes.
I strongly recommend Topo trail shoes as well as running shoes. Great support, nice toe box. Buy directly from their website www.topoatletic.com and you will have 30 days to actually try the shoes!! If they work wonderful, if not you can return for refund. A rare offer among shoe brands.I am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
In the USA I would visit a Redwing outlet. They specialize in work shoes for corporate customers. Their emphasis is on proper fit and safety requirements. Their selection is limited so you likely won't find what you want there. But at least purchse some socks for their trouble. You will exit the store knowing your correct size.I am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
I've just returned from walking the very short Camino Ingles, but with long days wearing Altras and orthotics...no issues. I agree with other posters that the cobblestones on the Portugues are a different consideration and would not have chosen Altras.( walked in 2018 & 2022) I've recently discovered Topo's ...which have the same toe box as Altras, come in zero drop, and are far superior with cushion.I am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
Wear sandals! Just completed Fatima to Santiago de CompostelaI am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
Try a different lacing pattern or a combination of them on shoes that you already own to see if the lacing eliminates or reduces the problems you have with each. This website shows a dozen patterns to help with specific problems. There is at least one pattern shown for tightening a shoe loose in the heel. Another worked perfectly for me after I had to add extra padding under my insole.I have tried a lot of variations on sizes and widths. I have very narrow ankles and heels, with a pronating ankle.
What shoes do you normally walk in for your 4-5 miles a day?I am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
I, too, have narrow heels. I had a hard time finding shoes till I finally came across La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Trail Running Shoes. So that my toes are comfortable, I buy a half size larger than my normal shoes. I still have to wear thick socks with them and with that they work great and don't slide on my heels. Don't know if these will work for you but I wanted to let you know they do work for my narrow heels.I have tried a lot of variations on sizes and widths. I have very narrow ankles and heels, with a pronating ankle.
I don't see how this type of work shoe would be appropriate for walking the Camino.In the USA I would visit a Redwing outlet. They specialize in work shoes for corporate customers.
Clearly they're not just work boots, and from what I can see of their "Heritage" boots/shoes, they look wonderful !!I don't see how this type of work shoe would be appropriate for walking the Camino.
When I am not wearing my zamberlan boots, I wear La sportiva spire, they have good support and the soles are made of Vibram which are good for traction. They are comfortable for me. Have you tried switching your socks? I always need a good shoe sock combination. I hope you find your shoe…Buen CaminoI am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
I had similar problems and in the end, bought a shoe-stretch online. I was able to stretch my shoes ever so slightly, where I needed them to be stretched. It was pretty simple, but I'd just do a very little bit at a time, so as not to over-do it. I'd put the shoe stretcher in, heat the spot for a minute or so with a hair dryer, and let it sit with the stretcher in it, overnight. Then I'd test the shoes the next morning, and keep doing that until I got it just right. At the recommendation of an Orthotics specialist, I also had metatarsal pads in both shoes. In the end, my New Balance trail shoes turned out to be great shoes for my feet - just not "off the rack".I am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
Just finished Fatima to SdC wearing sandals, no blisters and not washing socks every dayI am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
I'm female, and had trouble finding wide enough boots, until I realized that men's boots in general are sized with greater width than women's. Once I tried Keen men's Targhee III boots (which are also waterproof, a great benefit) I never looked back. It's really important to let your toes splay as you walk. And also important to get shoes that fit your personal feet; pay less attention to what size you think you are and keep trying on shoes until you find ones that are comfortable for you.I am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
Thank you all so much for responding. I'm very grateful.From what you say, the only thing you should be thinking about is whether a particular shoe is comfortable for you, for a whole day of walking. People have walked the various Camino routes in all types and brands of footwear, so at this point maybe you should stop worrying about what others wear or what type of shoe you think is "suitable." You need, at a minimum, a pair of shoes that are comfortable on your feet..
What do you wear for the 4-5 miles you walk each day now? Are they not comfortable?
Are you trying different sizes and different widths? Regular running shoes as well as trail shoes? Hiking sandals with or without socks? Hoka and New Balance have some well-padded running shoes.
I sure hope you find something that works. Good luck!
Have you been assessed by a podiatrist or other specialist in feet and orthotics?(I have a pronating foot..arch has fallen
You have referred several times to orthotics but I think you are talking about off-the-shelf inner soles or supports. Strictly speaking "orthotics" are inserts that are custom made for your feet, from a mold or 3-D scanner. I am very dependent on mine for comfortable walking.One made some good shoe suggestions, handed me orthotic insoles, but they haven't worked.
You say you cannot even walk the 4-5 miles that you used to do, because your feet are uncomfortable. This suggests to me that your feet have been injured, and will take some time to heal. You can't expect the new insoles to instantly fix the problem. You need a better assessment of your foot problems, you might need some healing time, and then perhaps custom orthotics, before you can find the right shoes.One made some good shoe suggestions, handed me orthotic insoles, but they haven't worked.
I have Darn Tough socks and they are quite nice, although rather scratchy and hot in summer.Socks: Darn Tough. I used to use synthetics, but they wore out.
Thank you Chrissy. I will give these a try.I have Darn Tough socks and they are quite nice, although rather scratchy and hot in summer.
I learned about Wigwam socks from the website of an Alaskan adventurer, and have been wearing them on all of my Caminos since 2015 with good results. They are synthetic, thick and cushy on the bottoms. They last for several caminos and I can still wear them at home on my local trails and no holes.
I have been assessed by two podiatrists. And I had some X-rays taken yesterday. There are no injuries. Just a fallen arch and a weak ankle. Custom Orthotics are not covered by my healthcare. But I will still go ahead with them. However, the podiatrist said they would not be ready or worn in before my scheduled trip. Wondering if any folks out there would recommend a pedorthist in New York?Have you been assessed by a podiatrist or other specialist in feet and orthotics?
You have referred several times to orthotics but I think you are talking about off-the-shelf inner soles or supports. Strictly speaking "orthotics" are inserts that are custom made for your feet, from a mold or 3-D scanner. I am verfy dependent on mine for comfortable walking.
Orthotics require a visit to a pediatrist or pedorthist, they take a week or two to have made, and they are quite expensive. However, mine last me several years.
Given your troubles, it seems to me that consulting with a podiatrist is essential, but you say that you have done that. I am surprised that they haven't suggested custom orthotics.
Thankfully, I have no injuries. Just the wrong shoes. I had X-rays taken yesterday.You say you cannot even walk the 4-5 miles that you used to do, because your feet are uncomfortable. This suggests to me that your feet have been injured, and will take some time to heal. You can't expect the new insoles to instantly fix the problem. You need a better assessment of your foot problems, you might need some healing time, and then perhaps custom orthotics, before you can find the right shoes.
Case in point :2) Terrain
Solomon makes a mid, wide boot that is waterproof.There are many different Hokas. Beware.
I use Stinson ATR and found them great. Just bought another 3 pairs.
But all the other Hokas I found too lacking in support / cushioning.
It's all very personal as we know.
Hokas might be great, but which one will suit you?
Sadly I haven't found the staff in hiking stores to be that knowledgeable about footwear.
At least here in Sydney
I used to wear Salomon boots. Loved them!
But they are now made in a narrower fitting, using less cushioning.
So I had to move on sadly........
S
Solomon makes a mid, wide boot that is waterproof.
Ditto La Sportiva Raptor GTX WIDE. Buen Camino
I wore Merrells on first Camino. Whilst comfy to walk in I got Tendinitis in feet. I swore I’m going for way more cushioning next Camino. So next Camino, I wore hoka speedgoats for cushioning. Much better but a bit less support. I think I can improve my choice. Next time I will get a shoe with good cushioning and better structure. I am thinking that I will go with la Sportiva (wide fitting). Their shoes are narrow but some styles come in wide which suit my feet.(ultra raptor wide) I walk in them now at home all the while thinking about Camino. It’s such an obsession for me, always thinking if the best Camino gear. Shoes, light clothing etc. Good luck!I am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
Look for "wide".Yes, I used to wear them, but they are a narrower fit these days. (Gtx mid)
I wore Merrells the first two caminos and had a lot of foot problems. After some years, I finally found that La Sportiva (Ultra Raptor) are supportive and work great for my narrow heels. I had expensive custom orthotics but they weren't very cushiony. On 2022 camino, I had become friends with our airbnb host in A Coruña and I was telling her my feet got tired and sore really quickly and she told me about an orthopedic pharmacy where she had gotten custom-made orthotics and recommended that I try them. I took her advice. The orthotics ended up costing 100 euros and I hesitated about the cost but they have been worth every penny. I went back in 2023 and got a second pair. This was the pharmacy in A Coruña: Farmacia Ortopedia Peñalver https://goo.gl/maps/rdy4g4HsDfvRJ8DFAI wore Merrells on first Camino. Whilst comfy to walk in I got Tendinitis in feet. I swore I’m going for way more cushioning next Camino. So next Camino, I wore hoka speedgoats for cushioning. Much better but a bit less support. I think I can improve my choice. Next time I will get a shoe with good cushioning and better structure. I am thinking that I will go with la Sportiva (wide fitting). Their shoes are narrow but some styles come in wide which suit my feet. I walk in them now at home all the while thinking about Camino. It’s such an obsession for me, always thinking if the best Camino gear. Shoes, light clothing etc. Good luck!
Same here, I love my Lowa Renegades but they are quite narrow and I have bunions. I normally wear a size 40 in normal footwear or even 39 but my Lowas are 41.5 as feet swell when walking the Camino distances. I also loosen the cord at the front of the foot and tighten the bit that supports the ankle. They are quite firm but wear a good quality Merino wool sock with support in the usual pinch points and ones for the time of year. Socks make a huge difference to shoe comfort. I have not had any foot problems and I’ve done many Caminos. As everyone says, try several but take walking socks to try with your choice and good luck choosing.Lowa Renegade GTX Fabulous pair of shoes.
I wore Hoka Mafate Speed 4s and found them to be wonderful. 800+ km on the Camino Francés without a single blister or other problem.There are many different Hokas. Beware.
I use Stinson ATR and found them great. Just bought another 3 pairs.
But all the other Hokas I found too lacking in support / cushioning.
It's all very personal as we know.
Hokas might be great, but which one will suit you?
Sadly I haven't found the staff in hiking stores to be that knowledgeable about footwear.
At least here in Sydney
I used to wear Salomon boots. Loved them!
But they are now made in a narrower fitting, using less cushioning.
So I had to move on sadly........
I'm so sorry you are having this issue. I spent a lot of time trying out shoes before I left and never found any that were great. I settled on a Saucony pair that had a name like Pellegrino because it sounded like pilgrim and I took that as a good sign. On day one walking over the Pyrenees, I stepped in mud and my shoes never recovered. I left them in a hostel and walked in flip flops. Not recommend, but at least no blisters. Point is, do you best, but there are lots of places to buy shoes along the way if needed, so don't stress.I am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
Wear the Comfy shoes you walk in every day! Buen Camino!I am due to walk my first Camino in September. A lifelong dream. I'm walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto. However, I'm having a night mare time finding comfortable shoes. I know the choice depends on what works for my feet. But I have tried 8 different shoes and none are comfortable. I am now even having trouble with sneakers. I am a relatively fit person and walk at least 4-5 miles per day. As part of my training I am trying to increase a couple of times per week to 10 miles. But each of my shoe choices are not holding up. I'm starting to loose hope that I will not be able to take this trip.
I have tried combining orthotics with trail running shoes and MERRELS also. But they are all so uncomfortable.
Every shoe I try is either too narrow, too wide or too short. Not supportive enough or too hard. I've tried all of the popular choices and none are working for me. Right now I am trying out the ASICS GT 2000 11 TR. Has anyone walked the Camino in these? I'm also thinking of ordering SPORTIVA to try. Does anyone have any insight into how they fit or a comfortable but supportive style?
Before the NB’s try on the new Brooks Cascadia 17, this series of trail runner is one of the best for Camino, big stack, rugged, strong toecap, rockplate. After my altras gave me tendonitis n switched to Brooks, completed my Camino and now a dozen pairs later just upgraded to 17 and starting Frances is 3 weeks.Thank you so much for responding to me. I'm very grateful and I apologize for all the detail. It's been a frustrating process. I don't worry about what other people wear. I am having great difficulty with all footwear since I started training.
I used to wear Nike sneakers as active wear. However, their sneakers don't seem to fit me properly any longer. So, I've been hunting for new sneakers also over the past 3 weeks. I've worn out my old sneakers.
I have tried a lot of variations on sizes and widths. I have very narrow ankles and heels, with a pronating ankle.
The HOKAs (including Speedgoat) are too narrow on the inner sole and the wider size is too wide on the heel!
The Altras don't give enough support and tried them with orthotics - but caused foot pain.
Asics are fitting good in the heel, with the support I need. However, I have to go up a half size as they are not long enough, and they are too wide in the toe box causing me to slip and slide around.
I had to go up a half size on Merrell Moab 3, for the same reason. However, they are very hard on my feet. And there is not enough arch support.
I've also tried Salomans and oboz.
When I try to use insoles/orthotics in all styles of the above brands the shoes don't fit correctly any longer in the heel.
I bought a pair of orthofeet sandals to relieve the pain from trying out all the above. And they are super comfortable. Are there any shoe or trail runners comparable to that brand, which could support long distance walking?
I will try New Balance and see if they work.
with a strong arch and supportive heel, wide toe box and breathable material on top
I have purchased the Carbon Z which are so light weight and foldable (but expensive). The only downside is they can’t be carried on a plane as they could be a weapon. I plan on putting my pack in a suitcase and leaving it at a luggage locker in Porto.Some thoughts on top of all the previous posts.
Trekking poles will take some weight off your feet, ankles and hips.
Merino socks come in a number of weights.
I wear lightweight Merino socks which have been cool enough for temps in high 30s Celsius.
The different weights have different proportions of wool and synthetic.
Wishing you well.
I have tried Altras (not enough arch support)
I have orthotics and these la sportiva ultra raptor wide work with them. I’ve been wearing the boot version for years and excited to use the shoe version when I go to the 88 temple pilgrimage in Japan in October!I also have wide feet (E/F) but with narrow heels. Having tried on in shops several pairs of Merrells (Moab Speed 4, Siren 4 and then in Decathlon Crosslander 3) and found my heels slopping around in the shoes, I ordered the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX wide fitting from Alpinetrek.
I'm delighted to say (after a 10 1/2 mile "shakedown" hike along part of the South Downs Way), that the La Sportivas seem to do the trick for me. Definitely a style worth trying if you are in the narrow heel/wide foot club.
I don't have orthotics so can't comment on their compatibility with orthotics, but the soles seemed to provide good cushioning on the bits of tarmac I walked on, and I've not got any foot pain or blisters. (I wore Bridgedale trekker socks - I'm a Bridgedale fan having not got any blisters wearing their socks with my Meindl Burma Lady Pro boots while doing the Hadrian's Wall Trail a few years ago).
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