My size 13 foot felt great and blister free in my size 14 Merrel trail runner shoes, and size 14 keen sandals (which I switched back and forth, trying to decide which I liked best- it was a tie). Merino wool socks- first time user and loved them. I rubbed Vaseline on feet every morning. More than 2 of anything is probably too many. Wish I had started at 220 pounds instead of 235 - but ended up at 220 feeling great. Discover the joy of drinking a 'clara' . It's half beer, half carbonated lemon juice - great thirst quencher and only 2% alcohol. Also, café con leche every morning, and vino tinto with dinner. Albergues with disposable paper sheet on mattress and disposable paper pillow cover - never used my inflatable pillow. Used sleeping bag liner (1/2 pound vs 2 pound sleeping bag) and rarely used house supplied blanket. 10 euro "pelegrino menu" dinner always filled me up. I used 2 hiking poles, great for going up or down hills. Banana every morning- no foot or leg cramps for 6 weeks. Walking down hills- I sat back a bit and took short choppy steps- you feel it in your thighs at first, but easy on knees, more stable, and actually quicker. Going again in Sept. '19 at age 69. Just do it!