hiking boots needed size 4

[Mrs.DD]

Hi, I will be walking the Camino next May 2014. I was hoping someone could donate or sell very cheaply a pair of hiking boots.
I am size 4 or 37. I would so appreciate any help I can get.
After loosing my husband to cancer last year at the age of 40, I feel so totally lost. So I am going to try to find myself, so any donations, help or advice would be so appreciated.
Many thanx and I hope to hear form you soon.
BTW I live in London UK.
Angie

 

[MendiWalker]

Hi Mrs.DD

Welcome to the forum.
I´m sorry to hear your loss.

Hiking boots are a very personal thing. Using a pair of hiking boots that were used by someone else isn´t
very good as those boots have adapted that the original user´s feet. I recommend to invest in brand new pair
of boots and break them in before you start your Camino. Your feet will appreciate it a lot.

Buen Camino!

 

[Mrs.DD]

Thanx for the advice, which type would you recommend? It's just I thought I may be better off getting a quality pair 2nd hand rather than a cheap pair new. I really am on a limited budget. Hence me asking for anything that someone may no longer need?
Any advice would be great. Thanx for your reply.
Angie

 

[dalston999]

You will find lots of opinions and advice about different types of footwear that people use for the camino, but the key is knowing your OWN feet. If you have strong feet you could probably manage with a pair of good hiking shoes in May. I do not have strong feet and I invested in a paid of Scarpa boots. They fitted well, were supportive, hotter and heavier than some, but I never had any foot or leg problems.

If you know already what fits well and will suit you, you could look on eBay perhaps or advertise on a walking site. There are probably lots of people who make mistakes when buying footwear. Don't do the same!

If you want any other advice or information I am happy to help. I had never walked long distances before but now am addicted! It is wonderful, but preparation is key.

 

[karenfromcali]

Hi, I will be walking the Camino next May 2014. I was hoping someone could donate or sell very cheaply a pair of hiking boots.
I am size 4 or 37. I would so appreciate any help I can get.
After loosing my husband to cancer last year at the age of 40, I feel so totally lost. So I am going to try to find myself, so any donations, help or advice would be so appreciated.
Many thanx and I hope to hear form you soon.
BTW I live in London UK.
Angie

Hi Angie. I am so very sorry to hear about your husband. I have sent you a private message.
Karen

 

[Sixwheeler]

Hi Angie, Boots are most important and should be fitted professionally. As you live in London I'd suggest going to Cotswold Outdoors who have several stores (Google them); ask to speak to a boots specialist who will have been trained in fitting. Get your feet measured by them, explain what you need them for and make sure that you walk round the shop for a bit with a ballasted rucksack. Oh, and take the socks you will use - most important; if you have'nt addressed the socks issue they will advise on that too. Ask them nicely and get them to confirm that you can return them after a few days if they've only been worn indoors then take them home and wear about the house, keeping them on for a few hours - you'll soon know if they're ok.

By the way I have no relationship with Cotswold other than having used lots of their stores and always being impressed by their knowledge and professionalism.

Good Luck and ENJOY!

Ultreïa.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Hi Angie!
Firstly - the walking boots. You've had some great advice here - boots are probably the most important part of your camino. Try to get some good new ones if you possibly can - don't make false economies by using 'second hand'. Sixwheeler's advice is great, especially as you live in London. I've just bought some which cost me £110. I shuddered when I saw the cost! But I think they'll be perfect for my next [very short] camino next May. I bought one size larger than usual, to allow for warm feet which may swell slightly after a few miles - and I'll be wearing thick walking socks.

Secondly - the loss of your husband .... there is nothing anyone can say or do that will make you feel better: but the great feeling of loss will gradually get easier to live with as the months and years pass. You will never stop loving him - and he will be alive and WITH you, for as long as your memories last. He will be with you on your camino, and encouraging you with every step you take!
Feel free to drop me a personal e-mail if I can help you in any way [stephen@calig.co.uk].
May God comfort you, and give you peace of mind: every blessing to you, Angie.

Buen camino!

 

[lynnejohn]

I too am very sorry for your loss.
I have a question though. I take a size 37 and that equals size 7, in my experience. Not size 4. My 10 year old granddaughter wears size 3.
I do have a pair of Keen boots. Worn for about 3 km. I would be willing to ship them off to you to give them a try.
They are size 7.5.

 

[karenfromcali]

I too am very sorry for your loss.
I have a question though. I take a size 37 and that equals size 7, in my experience. Not size 4. My 10 year old granddaughter wears size 3.
I do have a pair of Keen boots. Worn for about 3 km. I would be willing to ship them off to you to give them a try.
They are size 7.5.

I believe uk size 4 or european size 37 is equivalent to a size 6 1/2 in the US. So allowing for swollen feet, thick socks it's possible they may work. That would be great if they did

 

[Mrs.DD]

Hi that is so so kind of you, I'm very new to this forum and I'm not sure if your living in the USA or UK maybe? I wouldn't want to put you out though your generosity is so much appreciated. Sorry it's taken a little while to get back to you.
I really would be grateful of your help as without donations this Camino will be nigh on impossible to turn in to reality for me. Once I have my equipment, basically boots is my main concern.
If you could let me know your location hopefully we can make arrangements to sort out postage.
Your kindness means so much to me. I'm a great believer in karma.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanx again Angie

 

[lynnejohn]

Angie - Yes this might work. As soon as I walked a bit in these I knew they were too small for me. I have since purchased 8.5 for all the reasons we've discussed here on the forum. So if you are normally 6.5, these might be perfect. They were my 3rd pair of Keens boots. I absolutely love them and haven't worn anything else. I'm in Canada and will send you a private conversation.

 

[Mrs.DD]

Hi, thanx so much for your advice. I totally understand that, just it is absolutely impossible for me to afford new. They may as well cost £1000. I really do appreciate your advice thanx again Angie x

 

[Mrs.DD]

Hi you will have to excuse me, I'm new to this forum and I've not found out how to read private messages yet. I'm really confused I'm UK size 4 European size 37, I, really am grateful for your help. I'm trying to find my private message still. Watch this space and hope to find and get back to you asap
Thanx so much for your kindness Angie xx

 

[Mrs.DD]

Hi I'm new to this forum and can't find private messages for the life of me.
Thanx so much for your reply
I really hope to find and get back to you asap

 

[lynnejohn]

Hi Angie -
If you go to the top of this page, you will see Mrs.DD, Inbox and Alerts. Click or hover over your name and there will be a list of functions. One will be "conversations" and there will be a red#1 beside it. Just click "conversations". This is where we can make arrangements in private instead of out here in the big wide forum

 

[Mrs.DD]

You will find lots of opinions and advice about different types of footwear that people use for the camino, but the key is knowing your OWN feet. If you have strong feet you could probably manage with a pair of good hiking shoes in May. I do not have strong feet and I invested in a paid of Scarpa boots. They fitted well, were supportive, hotter and heavier than some, but I never had any foot or leg problems.

If you know already what fits well and will suit you, you could look on eBay perhaps or advertise on a walking site. There are probably lots of people who make mistakes when buying footwear. Don't do the same!

If you want any other advice or information I am happy to help. I had never walked long distances before but now am addicted! It is wonderful, but preparation is key.

Hi thanx so much for your advice, well I would say my feet are in quite good shape as I'm normally in my Dr Martens or converse which I normally by from charity shops though I treated myself to my DMs New last November.
I have been kindly offered two pairs, which are different sizes. I will accept all that are offered. The ones that don't fit I will give to another pilgrim.
I'm a total believer in karma.
Thanx for your advice. What do you think of me bringing a tent just incase the refuges are full or I might stay more than one might in a town as it could save me money as I am time is not an issue? Please can you give me your opinion on this. Thanx again Angie

 

[Mrs.DD]

Hi Angie, Boots are most important and should be fitted professionally. As you live in London I'd suggest going to Cotswold Outdoors who have several stores (Google them); ask to speak to a boots specialist who will have been trained in fitting. Get your feet measured by them, explain what you need them for and make sure that you walk round the shop for a bit with a ballasted rucksack. Oh, and take the socks you will use - most important; if you have'nt addressed the socks issue they will advise on that too. Ask them nicely and get them to confirm that you can return them after a few days if they've only been worn indoors then take them home and wear about the house, keeping them on for a few hours - you'll soon know if they're ok.

By the way I have no relationship with Cotswold other than having used lots of their stores and always being impressed by their knowledge and professionalism.

Good Luck and ENJOY!

Ultreïa.

Hi firstly thanx so much for your advice but the bonus may as well cost £1000 as I really can't afford new. Though kindly I've been donated some boots. They are two different styles and sizes, the ones I will not use I will donate back to someone in my situation.
Thanx again for your advice as I can do with all the the advice I can get.
God bless, love and peace Angie

 

[mikevasey]

Hi Angie if you know you are walking a camino go to charity shops on a regular basis, i do this. In the past i have spent an arm and leg on buying kit for a winter camino, now i know from experience that sooner or later you will come across some very decent kit which has been donated as new or near as enougth. I got a moutainsmith 40 litre backpack recently which was almost new for £4.00, never heard of the make but when i tried it on it felt a bit special so i snapped it up. You just have to keep looking.
Buen Camino

Mike

 

[Mrs.DD]

Hi believe me I have tracked the charity shops, had no luck though I found a girl on eBay who was willing to sell me her backpack, socks and anything else she has to help me on my Camino. Though she hasn't responded to any of my emails messages or any other way I've tried to contact her? I'm hoping she will still reply.
Many thanx
God bless Angie x