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I have walked in shoes (thats me in shoes in the picture), but now walk in sandals, never knocked my toes, and very seldom had a stone (on a once every few days basis, it isnt an issue). No blisters, my orthotics fit, feet dont get so hot - they dont have a down side. They are a German brand.Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
Granted I have never done a cold weather cold weather Camino, but I have walked in heavy rain, and sandals are great for this. I didn't have them for my first all sandal Camino, but I now carry waterproof socks for really wet days.Just one question to all the sandal wearers: it seems good in Summer but do you also wear them when it’s raining heavily or even snowing?
Yes, no problem in heavy rain.Just one question to all the sandal wearers: it seems good in Summer but do you also wear them when it’s raining heavily or even snowing?
You can definitely go w sandals but I’d bring 2 pair. I saw some people without socks but with socks worked better for me. One pair of standard sandals and one pair with a closed toe, like a water sandal, for rougher terrain.Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
My opinion is yes. I spent loads of time going to REI trying on proper hiking sneakers and they got ruined on day one! I ended up hiking most of the Camino in reef flip flops. Totally not recommended and do able.Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
There are so many variables at play it essentially comes down to how much protection and support you require for the trail conditions, your personal preferences, etc. I appreciate the superior ventilation of my Tevas and enjoy wearing them on paved surfaces and indoors, but on trail hikes they pick up pea sized stones that are difficult to dislodge without taking them off, slowing progress, so I usually use hiking shoes or trail runners and boots for more severe situations. You might give your sandals a trial run before you embark.Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
Wow, snow, impressive @Kanga ! But I suppose the waterproof socks make the difference? I’ve never tried them or even seen them sold in shops here.Yes, I'm also in the sandalista club (see avatar picture). Like Trecile, when necessary I wear waterproof sock when it is cold or wet (not usually when it is warm and wet). I've even worn the sandals in snow, and they were fine. In water or mud, I wade through, and wash the sandals at the end of the day.
I use Teva hiking sandals for 85% of my summer hiking , but you still need walking shoes for those rocky loose places . You can still wear your sandals in the showerHi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
I don't know why. My hiking sandals are quite secure on my feet. Sure, shoes may work better on parts of the trail, but not enough to warrant carrying the extra weight.but you still need walking shoes for those rocky loose places .
Yes, the waterproof socks are really warm. They have a second use as foot warmers on cold nights!Wow, snow, impressive @Kanga ! But I suppose the waterproof socks make the difference? I’ve never tried them or even seen them sold in shops here.
To go back to the OP, I don’t think they’ll be necessary on the CF in September
I’ll have to look into this!Yes, the waterproof socks are really warm. They have a second use as foot warmers on cold nights!
There are so many variables at play it essentially comes down to how much protection and support you require for the trail conditions, your personal preferences, etc. I appreciate the superior ventilation of my Tevas and enjoy wearing them on paved surfaces and indoors, but on trail hikes they pick up pea sized stones that are difficult to dislodge without taking them off, slowing progress, so I usually use hiking shoes or trail runners and boots for more severe situations. You might give your sandals a trial run before you embark.
About Crocs for showers - regular Crocs can be extremely slippery on smooth wet surfaces, especially as the soles wear smooth. Kitchen Crocks grip well but they are considerably heavier, and their grip degrades as the soles harden with age. You might consider either carrying lightweight shower sandals or using hiking sandals for showering (removing mud and grit first).
Yes, the waterproof socks are really warm. They have a second use as foot warmers on cold nights!
I wore sandals with no issue all the way down to Molineseca. The only time I had isues with my toes I was wearing shoes on the previous CaminoI don't know why. My hiking sandals are quite secure on my feet. Sure, shoes may work better on parts of the trail, but not enough to warrant carrying the extra weight.
Yes, it is the Ecco's I was wearing on the Portuguese. I've worn them on ten or so previous Caminos with no problem, but the steep (wet) stone sets were a problem - maybe my sandals were a bit worn.@Kanga
Did you ever decide upon your new choice of sandals?
Was it the Ecco ones you found slippery underfoot?
Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
Ah yes, i forgot. I have to consider my rather pronounced orthotics which are essential for me for walking longer distances. Maybe they will not fit in my current Keen Whispers. Will have to check that!another sandalista herethey’re on my feet now ... and they are so comfortable I where little else ... except for gardening clogs at home ... the closed toe on the Keen Arroyo II and the deep sole make all the difference in dealing with stones and pebbles ... easily cleaned / washed and dried and great for orthotic insoles such as SuperFeet ...
I Love it! Camino Chic!!This is literally the only one I have of my feet, in socks and sandals, its one of the reject pics. I think this was leaving Arzua in the rain raining, looks weird with 2 tone socks.
Only on the Camino!
Here's my sox 'n sandals pic from a muddy day on the Norte. Later on this same day I found a foot washing spigot near the beach and gave them a quick rinse.
View attachment 120790
I ordered a half size up and they feel great. I just have to get past their , ahem, ugliness now, and an inbuilt girly aversion to socks with sandals! I will try them out on the weekend, but in the meantime, please post photos of all you beautiful ladies (and gents) in your socks and sandals not giving a damn about the fashion police!
I did most of the Camino Frances in sandals as my feet swelled daily so my running shoes were too tight. As others have said here wearing socks good idea, also open toe to get small pebbles out. Poles are a must for some areas where it is very rock and roll. I also went through two pairs of sandals on the trip.Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
I’ve done serious backpacking with Keen Newport Waterproof sandals. The Caminos are much less demanding.Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
I've met pilgrims wearing sandals. Met one with bare feet. I actually had dress shoes, and no blisters until afterward in Cardiff (three days on pavement).I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
Why do you need Crocs in the shower?Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
They always do speak up, even when not invited.it can be helpful for the Sandal Club to speak up when invited to!
Some hiking sandals have straps that hold water after showering, possibly that can be a factor, but not sure.Why do you need Crocs in the shower?
Hiking sandals are great to change into after the long part of the day to allow the feet to dry out and relax the last 5-10kms of the day, with or without socks and they are fine in the evening, no crocs req.
I used Keen sandals, and flip flops for shower. Then found a really light slip on for evenings along the way.Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
The only other day is the descent to Molineseca. Ive done it in sandals and shoes.Okay sandal club, is there anywhere once I have passed the descent into Uterga where sandals are a hassle? I haven’t worn my trail runners since that day and I’m rapidly getting tired of carrying them. I know about El Acebo but I’m thinking I may just take the road. Trail runners or sandals, my feet don’t like those rocky descent.
I remember switching to sandals when walking from Canterbury to Dover, in the rain, because the mud was so deep I feared it would get into my boots…. I then had to wash my feet - sandals included- in the sink on the ferryHere's my sox 'n sandals pic from a muddy day on the Norte. Later on this same day I found a foot washing spigot near the beach and gave them a quick rinse.
View attachment 120790
I’ve walked across Roberts Ridge in NZ in. blizzard. Crossed the rivers- I went straight through the water with a pair of sticks and out the other side as if nothing had happened. My friends all had boots and I had a couple of birthdays waiting for them . At the end of the walk I was the only member of the team to not have a mark on the feet. Keens Arroyo II sandals - they have a protected toe and heel. If I was going day after day in snow - I’d go for a shoe - but it’s pretty amazing where sandals go comfortably. Ask a LegionnaireJust one question to all the sandal wearers: it seems good in Summer but do you also wear them when it’s raining heavily or even snowing?
At the airport after CF 2013 and on Ingegärdsleden 2020.Thank you all. My Keen Whispers arrived yesterday, and…….. I think I’m in love!
I ordered a half size up and they feel great. I just have to get past their , ahem, ugliness now, and an inbuilt girly aversion to socks with sandals! I will try them out on the weekend, but in the meantime, please post photos of all you beautiful ladies (and gents) in your socks and sandals not giving a damn about the fashion police!
What is the brand on the right Lady B with those lovely blue socks ?At the airport after CF 2013 and on Ingegärdsleden 2020.
Those are Teva Tirras. I have a narrow foot, and they were too wide for me, but I don't know if they would fit a wide foot.What is the brand on the right Lady B with those lovely blue socks ?
Are they a wide fit?
Hi @trecile. Can you tell us what kind of sandals you’re wearing here?Here's my sox 'n sandals pic from a muddy day on the Norte. Later on this same day I found a foot washing spigot near the beach and gave them a quick rinse.
View attachment 120790
Those are a pair of women's Merrell sandals which have sadly been discontinued.Hi @trecile. Can you tell us what kind of sandals you’re wearing here?
I'm loving this thread and am strongly considering joining the "sandalista" club as I think they would provide a good solution for my increasingly problematic hammer toes (casualties from many years spent wearing high heeled shoes during my paid working life).
So a quick question to the club, and in particular those who favour the open toe sandal: Do you size up, as many of us typically would do for conventional trail footwear?
Usually not necessary, as @chinacat said, if the straps are adjustable and long enough they should adjust to fit any swelling, and if you choose open toe sandals you won't have the problem of your toes hitting the end of the shoes.So a quick question to the club, and in particular those who favour the open toe sandal: Do you size up, as many of us typically would do for conventional trail footwear?
Teva Tirra, they are wide for being a woman’s sandal and good options for adjustments. It’s the only sandal I use now this color is the worst though as the material in the fabric is thinner than usual and the D-loops turns sideways. I prefer the more sturdy fabric or the leather version.What is the brand on the right Lady B with those lovely blue socks ?
Are they a wide fit?
What suggestions would you have for walking in a cold, rainy environment (north of England) in sandals? Waterproof socks?Another sandalista here. I have walked in (and eventually worn through the soles) three different Keens styles - Newport, Venice and Whisper.
All worked fine, but Newport is my favourite due to them fitting my wide feet best. The Whispers had the least traction and the sole wore significantly faster than the other two. But they still worked!
I have not walked in snow, but have had day after day of rain and mud. I’d happily choose sandals (always with socks) any day (whilst recognising that other people have their own favourite combo - because general sensibilities suggest sandals are not a good option, it can be helpful for the Sandal Club to speak up when invited to!)
What suggestions would you have for walking in a cold, rainy environment (north of England) in sandals? Waterproof socks?I wear Tevas (old, light models without much padding ect.) plus wool socks. It is totally possible to only walk in sandals. But you should know what you're doing (weather risks, difficult terrain, how strong are your ankles...? ect), so go for some training hikes before you decide
I've walked/hiked in sandals+socks combination april-november (worst weather was about 1-2°C and snowy rain) and also in terrain that is not exactly sandal friendly (loose rocks, trail sections that required climbing ladders and similar (not on the Camino), with a big backpack and my wooden staff, too. I got some funny looks there from other hikers, that's for sure! But for me it works.
Longest trip was a 1800+km Camino and the boots I brought as backup were in my backpack almost the entire time - I wore them a few times to not feel stupid for bringing them and in the end sent them home.
Worst part is the fashion police. Muddy, wet sandals + socks... You get funny comments and looks sometimes!
What suggestions would you have for walking in a cold, rainy environment (north of England) in sandals? Waterproof socks?5 Caminos in Chacos (toe loop). In the rain, and down to 40°F. A couple times in the 30s for a morning start I donned a pair of Injinji toe socks.
I carry a pair of boots as backup. I’ve put the boots on a couple time during bad weather, or to give the dogs a change, but back to the Chacos within an hour.
Mostly the boots are for the plane ride.
The Chacos double as my shower shoes.
I also wear the après hike but with my toe socks. The skin around my heels chap, so I apply some lotion and put in the toe socks to help the moisturizer to soak in.
5 Caminos, West Highland Way in Chacos. No blisters, no stubbed toes, no ankle problems. Your mileage may vary.
What suggestions would you have for walking in a cold, rainy environment (north of England) in sandals? Waterproof socks?
My advice would be exactly the same as @good_old_shoesWhat suggestions would you have for walking in a cold, rainy environment (north of England) in sandals? Waterproof socks?
I have walked the Camino 90% in my Teva but still have walking shoe for mud or rough gravel . While on the Aragonnes route I kicked a rough stair set and broke a toe, third toe , taped it to the other toe and kept on going .I am also a sandalista… and I have walked in Luna and Xero sandals, which are both in the category of barefoot Footwear.
And I love it! Lightweight and easy to flip eventual pebbles out.
What brand of sandals?I'm another "sandalista." I've walked my last few Caminos, including the more "rugged" San Salvador exclusively in open toe hiking sandals.
Like @BeatriceKarjalainen I find it easy to remove the occasional small stone without having to take off the sandals, and injuring my toes has never been a problem.
I walked my first two Caminos in trail runners, and wanted to only bring sandals for my third Camino (the Norte), but I chickened out, and brought trail runners again.
One day I had to walk through ankle deep mud, so of course my trail runners were a mess. I washed them well, stuffed them with newspaper and put them in the sun to dry (it was July). In the morning they were still damp, so I put on my sandals, and never wore the trail runners again. I eventually mailed them to Ivar in Santiago.
Sandals are the best for walking in mud and rain!
If you are unsure, you can do as I did, and bring your trail runners, and if you find that you don't need them at all you can donate them or mail them to Santiago.
I have worn Merrells in the past. Unfortunately, the style that I like has been discontinued. There are plenty of good brands of hiking sandals, like Keen, Teva, Chaco, Ecco, etc. You need to find what works best for your feet.What brand of sandals?
ThanksI have worn Merrells in the past. Unfortunately, the style that I like has been discontinued. There are plenty of good brands of hiking sandals, like Keen, Teva, Chaco, Ecco, etc. You need to find what works best for your feet.
I wore Keens Newport H2 last year from Gibraltar to Muxía, abt 900+ miles. I wouldn’t even consider trail runners again.Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
I wore tevas about 90% of the time on my last Camino , it was better for my feetI wore Keens Newport H2 last year from Gibraltar to Muxía, abt 900+ miles. I wouldn’t even consider trail runners again.
Yay, ECCO fan! I live in Coimbra, Portugal and this, my first winter, I stepped outside apartment, looked at the glistening wet pavement, looked down at my ECCOs and thought, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained!" Actually, I think I was paralyzed with fear, as I had just had a right hip beautifully replaced in USA and, at 79, well, ya ' know ...but way hey, heck! Writing now in March 2024, I have had some shimmy-shimmy moments, will admit, but never once (knock on wood) fallen. Two pairs of ECCOs (they DO take a minute to dry,Yes, it is the Ecco's I was wearing on the Portuguese. I've worn them on ten or so previous Caminos with no problem, but the steep (wet) stone sets were a problem - maybe my sandals were a bit worn.
I have not found a replacement, nothing is as comfortable. This time I'm taking a pair of Hoka One One's specifically to wear in Portugal, in the towns, and my reliable Ecco sandals once I cross over into Spain and for walking the Primitivo. I wore them on the Primitivo the first time I walked it, and they were fine (despite lots of mud and slush).
In 2022, I walked from Gibraltar to Muxía in Keens Newport H2 sandals. No sweaty feet.Hi, I’m hoping to do the CF in early September, from SJPdP and hopefully onto Finisterre.
I was meant to do the Camino in 2020, my flight was all booked, but then we all know what happened!
I’m back looking at my gear now, and reading more about hiking sandals.I’m just wondering whether I could get away with just taking hiking sandals such as Keen Whispers, or whether I should take trail runners as well?
I will be taking crocs for evening/showers.
Thanks in anticipation.
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