mustbjones
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Fall 2013
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
mustbjones said:How do I keep my boots soft and supple as I break them in for my Camino?
falcon269 said:Everyone has their reasons for selecting footwear!
I too have a flat foot. What specific insert did the trick for you?I have flat feet, and find these very satisfactory:
http://www.spenco.com/products/footcare ... T-Original
In my perpetual search for perfect boots I am currently in three pairs of Merrell and one Keen. My flat and wide feet still not completly comfortable. What next? Do I need a custme made boots!!!! Augh... how I envy people with 'easy' feet.
I have gone through three sets of New Balance, and my brother has worn out two pair. His soles de-laminated after returning home. Two of my pair "melted" in the rain. They lost structure after being soaked then dried. I stick with New Balance because they are comfortable, though. My current pair of Columbia boots have a sole chemistry that becomes extremely slippery with the right combination of water, tile, and floor cleanser. It can be like skating rather than walking! I have actually done splits to a knee on one tile floor. Stretching is important, but not a sudden over-stretch!!!if anyone has had experience with New Balance footwear on a Camino
I wore a pair of NB shoes for all of a winter competition walking season a few years ago, and had to replace them for the summer season. I went back to ASICS, which generally last for a whole year of competition. The fit was okay, but they didn't have the durability of the ASICS.New Balance has a VERY LONG history of producing quality, well-fitting running shoes.
In my perpetual search for perfect boots I am currently in three pairs of Merrell and one Keen. My flat and wide feet still not completly comfortable. What next? Do I need a custme made boots!!!! Augh... how I envy people with 'easy' feet.
@Jnlee99 I see you have posted elsewhere about footwear fit as well. If you had the footwear properly fitted in the first place, it might be time to consider visiting a podiatrist and getting specialist advice, possibly getting a custom insert made that can be used in a normal boot or shoe. I know several people who have done this, and it has made a significant difference to their walking comfort.In my perpetual search for perfect boots I am currently in three pairs of Merrell and one Keen. My flat and wide feet still not completly comfortable. What next? Do I need a custme made boots!!!! Augh... how I envy people with 'easy' feet.
In my perpetual search for perfect boots I am currently in three pairs of Merrell and one Keen. Augh... how I envy people with 'easy' feet.
Thanks @wawpdx I will try skipping the first holes.You have my sympathy. I understand completely, although I have never bought a second pair from the same company.
I agree that it might be time to investigate custom made insoles. When you do decide to go that route be sure to allow plenty of time to get used to them and get them adjusted if needed. The search for the right boot will still continue but at least you will have addressed some of the problem. I've had custom insoles from the beginning, still not "easy" feet, but I know it is better than it would have been without them.
The worst thing you can do, IMHO, is to buy your boots at a "problem" foot store instead of sticking with hiking stores that have many options. I forget if that was my second pair or my third pair.
It might be helpful to look at the posts with lacing and tying advice. I recently took the laces completely out of the first set of holes in my Keens and it made a nice difference in toe room.
I agree with you, I walked last September and I used Nordic Walking Shoes, I had them for quite a while and and had some use but I trained in them before I left and used good walking Toe Socks - they were extremely comfortable and really great to walk in and did not even consider getting a new pair. Only ONE blister on the sole of my foot, as soon as I noticed it I put a Compede on and just forgot it. Everyone has different problems but worth considering.I know footwear comes under the "everybody has a different opinion" category, but I have to admit to being a little surprised at how many people on the trail were using heavy duty hiking boots which seemed a lot like bringing an ice axe to Florida. The vast majority of the trail is not really what I would call "hiking"--it's a walking trail and a pair of lightweight, comfortable walking shoes would be infinitely more comfortable than genuine hiking boots. Leather boots tend to be a lot heavier, require a lot more breaking in, and for most people, it just seems like unnecessary overkill. Perhaps if you're charging through deep snow in the depths of winter or something (and maybe you're planning to do that!), but if you have to ask how to keep your boots soft and supple, it makes me think you've got the wrong kind of shoes on your feet.
However, despite my opinion on the matter (and I don't really have a good answer to your actual question), you certainly won't be alone with heavier hiking boots. =)
-- Ryan
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?