Hiking boots

Jo Jo 1

Jo Jo

Time of past OR future Camino

2012
2013
(2017)

• Oct 30, 2017

• #1

Good day.
Can anyone give advice on the best hiking boots for wet slippery muddy winter walking on the Camino Frances. I walked several Caminos during summer and found my hirtex boots perfect except they are not watertight and loose their grip in heavy mud. Has anyone got got any suggestions as to the best boots for next years walk. Thank you Jo Jo.

 

Scott Sweeney

Veteran Member

• Oct 30, 2017

• #2

Avoid a harder outer sole. Most all soles are made from rubber but some have carbon added to them to make them harder, harder will be more slick. The lug pattern should be deeper for long walking. There should be a brake pattern on the heel to help prevent slipping when going down hill. Once you find the boot that you like learn how to lace your boots for both uphill and downhills.

Enjoy your walk.

 

Magnara

Maggie Ramsay

Time of past OR future Camino

Santiago de Compostela (2005) Via Francigena (2010) Le Puy to St Jean (2014)

• Oct 30, 2017

• #3

Aah, this will get a lot of replies! We all have strongly-held opinions on equipment and are only to willing to give them. However it is true that different brands tend to suit different feet, (eg the last in Keen boots is good for wide feet) but whatever the brand it is hard to beat Vibram as a material for the sole, it gives a great grip and has the ability to bend to take you szfely through rough terrain that Scott suggests.

 

Peter Fransiscus

Be a Rainbow in someone else's cloud.

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

All that we are is the result of what we have thought.

• Oct 31, 2017

• #4

Hi Jo Jo , boots are in my opinion so personal.
When I say you should walk with boot so and so some one else like a different boot.

You should try one and walk with them in a shoppingmall .
They stay clean , when they don't feel good you can change them .

Wish you well,Peter.

 

D

Deleted member 56069

Guest

• Nov 4, 2017

• #5

Another option is to take a pair of 'Cat Tracks' these slip on over your boot when you hit especially bad ice or mud. Like having studded tires for your car.
I use these for winter walking where we get a lot of ice on side walks and trails.
The ones pictures are more for ice than mud, but I have seen others with more agressive metal shapes that would work better in muddy conditions.