- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 2022
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Have you looked at Topo Athletic? They have several max cushion shoes with a 5mm drop. Wider toe box than Hoka also.Unfortunately, I have a lot of foot problems, and the only shoes that I can wear comfortably lately are Hokas.
They are comfortable to me because of the huge amount of padding and the 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. I haven't found
I have used altras with good results. They have the type of drop you are looking for and a wide toe box.Unfortunately, I have a lot of foot problems, and the only shoes that I can wear comfortably lately are Hokas.
They are comfortable to me because of the huge amount of padding and the 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. I haven't found any other shoes that duplicate this. I wonder if anybody here can suggest some brands or specific shoes?
My problem with the Hokas is that they tend to wear out quickly. I think this is actually intentional, instead of a design flaw. It's because they use thin, lightweight materials to keep the weight down. This is a sacrifice that serious runners might willing to make, as opposed to hikers and people looking for day-to-day wear.
A shoe that shows significant wear on the uppers in just a few months of light use that costs in the $150 plus range seems like not a good buy to me.
My foot problems are plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma.
I did see that there were some recent threads about people looking for hoka alternatives, but I think my question is more specific. Thanks!
I came across Topoc trail runners and I love them.Unfortunately, I have a lot of foot problems, and the only shoes that I can wear comfortably lately are Hokas.
They are comfortable to me because of the huge amount of padding and the 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. I haven't found any other shoes that duplicate this. I wonder if anybody here can suggest some brands or specific shoes?
My problem with the Hokas is that they tend to wear out quickly. I think this is actually intentional, instead of a design flaw. It's because they use thin, lightweight materials to keep the weight down. This is a sacrifice that serious runners might willing to make, as opposed to hikers and people looking for day-to-day wear.
A shoe that shows significant wear on the uppers in just a few months of light use that costs in the $150 plus range seems like not a good buy to me.
My foot problems are plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma.
I did see that there were some recent threads about people looking for hoka alternatives, but I think my question is more specific. Thanks!
I have Hoka Speedgoats and I love them. My last camino I was thinking of switching to them because I liked them so much. Then I said to myself, are you an idiot. You have walked over 7,000 k and haven't had a hint of a blister in the last 5. If I knew when I got my first blisters how to walk and how to take care of them I probably would have had only 1 or 2 instead of the 5 I have had. I said you will ALWAYS where your Brooks Cascadias. They are the best. I think they are really durable also as I always buy a new pair for my upcoming camino but I train in the pair I used in my last Camino. I will walk about 825k this fall and those new Brooks are in my closet ready to go.Brooks Cascadia I feel are a good alternative to the Hoka shoe. 10mm heel drop and very stable... Worth considering...
I love Altras and have worn them on my last four caminos. But they are not great in terms of heel cushioning. I have had some trouble with a neuroma (better after surgery for that and another structural problem) and plantar fasciitis (probably the result of wearing a surgical boot for months). I am thinking of trying Hokas or one of the suggested alternatives for my next hike.I have used altras with good results. They have the type of drop you are looking for and a wide toe box.
I used Brooks Caldera on the CF this spring and another 100 km on the Portuguese! 900 km in total and there is still a little bit of tread. The textile at the heel has worn out. Loved the shoes, loads of cushion, roomy toebox, very stabile.Unfortunately, I have a lot of foot problems, and the only shoes that I can wear comfortably lately are Hokas.
They are comfortable to me because of the huge amount of padding and the 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. I haven't found any other shoes that duplicate this. I wonder if anybody here can suggest some brands or specific shoes?
My problem with the Hokas is that they tend to wear out quickly. I think this is actually intentional, instead of a design flaw. It's because they use thin, lightweight materials to keep the weight down. This is a sacrifice that serious runners might willing to make, as opposed to hikers and people looking for day-to-day wear.
A shoe that shows significant wear on the uppers in just a few months of light use that costs in the $150 plus range seems like not a good buy to me.
My foot problems are plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma.
I did see that there were some recent threads about people looking for hoka alternatives, but I think my question is more specific. Thanks!
I wore a pair of Brooks Cascadia, for the whole of the French route and the same pair on the Portuguese route. Over a 1000 km in total. They are retired now as the upper has worn through. But here is the thing… comfort throughout and not a single blister. I would only wear Cascadia.Unfortunately, I have a lot of foot problems, and the only shoes that I can wear comfortably lately are Hokas.
They are comfortable to me because of the huge amount of padding and the 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. I haven't found any other shoes that duplicate this. I wonder if anybody here can suggest some brands or specific shoes?
My problem with the Hokas is that they tend to wear out quickly. I think this is actually intentional, instead of a design flaw. It's because they use thin, lightweight materials to keep the weight down. This is a sacrifice that serious runners might willing to make, as opposed to hikers and people looking for day-to-day wear.
A shoe that shows significant wear on the uppers in just a few months of light use that costs in the $150 plus range seems like not a good buy to me.
My foot problems are plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma.
I did see that there were some recent threads about people looking for hoka alternatives, but I think my question is more specific. Thanks!
I like Brooks, used them also for running!I wore a pair of Brooks Cascadia, for the whole of the French route and the same pair on the Portuguese route. Over a 1000 km in total. They are retired now as the upper has worn through. But here is the thing… comfort throughout and not a single blister. I would only wear Cascadia.
I love my Hoka, thus I do think it gets a short livewalking… I was told that The North Face belong to the same Group as Hoka, and the have similar models, I do not know much detalesUnfortunately, I have a lot of foot problems, and the only shoes that I can wear comfortably lately are Hokas.
They are comfortable to me because of the huge amount of padding and the 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. I haven't found any other shoes that duplicate this. I wonder if anybody here can suggest some brands or specific shoes?
My problem with the Hokas is that they tend to wear out quickly. I think this is actually intentional, instead of a design flaw. It's because they use thin, lightweight materials to keep the weight down. This is a sacrifice that serious runners might willing to make, as opposed to hikers and people looking for day-to-day wear.
A shoe that shows significant wear on the uppers in just a few months of light use that costs in the $150 plus range seems like not a good buy to me.
My foot problems are plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma.
I did see that there were some recent threads about people looking for hoka alternatives, but I think my question is more specific. Thanks!
Altra7's with orthotics or Superfeet?Unfortunately, I have a lot of foot problems, and the only shoes that I can wear comfortably lately are Hokas.
They are comfortable to me because of the huge amount of padding and the 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. I haven't found any other shoes that duplicate this. I wonder if anybody here can suggest some brands or specific shoes?
My problem with the Hokas is that they tend to wear out quickly. I think this is actually intentional, instead of a design flaw. It's because they use thin, lightweight materials to keep the weight down. This is a sacrifice that serious runners might willing to make, as opposed to hikers and people looking for day-to-day wear.
A shoe that shows significant wear on the uppers in just a few months of light use that costs in the $150 plus range seems like not a good buy to me.
My foot problems are plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma.
I did see that there were some recent threads about people looking for hoka alternatives, but I think my question is more specific. Thanks!
I actually wear custom orthotics. Alas, I wish it was that simple for me. Will look at altra 7….Orthodics
Sorry about the name, it's actually Altra Lone Peak 7.I actually wear custom orthotics. Alas, I wish it was that simple for me. Will look at altra 7….
Also, forgot to say, I also used Superfeet insoles, which seemed to support my feet exceptionally well. Would certainly help if prone to plantar fasciitis.I like Brooks, used them also for running!
I also have PF plus arthritis in my ankles. I love my Hokas and wear them for work here at home.Thanks all, I’ll explore all the recommendations.
I thought the lone peaks are a zero drop shoe?Sorry about the name, it's actually Altra Lone Peak 7.
My old Lone Peak 4s are. Very comfy but my physio reckons they were the cause of my damaged Achilles.Any. Wore them mainly on long flat parts of the CF and Merrells for the tougher bits (though I think they gave me the blister). I think anyone who manages blister free is very luckyI thought the lone peaks are a zero drop shoe?
Love the Brooks caldera. Used last 4 Caminos. Great cushion. So comfortable.I used Brooks Caldera on the CF this spring and another 100 km on the Portuguese! 900 km in total and there is still a little bit of tread. The textile at the heel has worn out. Loved the shoes, loads of cushion, roomy toebox, very stabile.
If you are doing the full Camino Frances you are walking 800km. Even my relatively new Salomon military boots looked tired after that distance. The soles were also worn flat at my first contact point. You might need to temper your footwear expectations in terms of how long they will last.Unfortunately, I have a lot of foot problems, and the only shoes that I can wear comfortably lately are Hokas. ( I already where a custom orthotics).
They are comfortable to me because of the huge amount of padding and the 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. I haven't found any other shoes that duplicate this. I wonder if anybody here can suggest some brands or specific shoes?
My problem with the Hokas is that they tend to wear out quickly. I think this is actually intentional, instead of a design flaw. It's because they use thin, lightweight materials to keep the weight down. This is a sacrifice that serious runners might willing to make, as opposed to hikers and people looking for day-to-day wear.
A shoe that shows significant wear on the uppers in just a few months of light use that costs in the $150 plus range seems like not a good buy to me.
. My foot problems are plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma.
I did see that there were some recent threads about people looking for hoka alternatives, but I think my question is more specific. Thanks!
I agree.If you are doing the full Camino Frances you are walking 800km. Even my relatively new Salomon military boots looked tired after that distance. The soles were also worn flat at my first contact point. You might need to temper your footwear expectations in terms of how long they wiI got a full 800 km out of a pair of Hokus
Good information, thank you. Nice to hear from someone who has similar problems.@Stephan the Painter I have walked in Hoka Bondis, Altra Olympus, and Altra Lone Peaks. The Lone Peaks do NOT have the same level of cushioning that the other models have. However, they have lasted the longest.
I now where the Altra Lone Peaks with a pair of orthotics inside. I have gone through many variations of orthotics including popular off the shelf brands, custom cushioned and custom plates from a podiatrist. None seemed to solve my foot problems plantars and a slight nueroma in a toe. I tried arch pads, wraps, metatarsal pads etc. I decided to try the Good Feet insoles (kindof expensive). However, they worked for me. I walk around barefoot on tile all the time now and have no issues.
My New Balance More shoes do not maintain their super cushioning for more than 400 km (and I've mentioned this on the forum several timesAnd I don’t see people regularly complaining about other brands wearing out quickly.
I'd highly recommend Topo Ultraventure 3, which should fit your needsHave you looked at Topo Athletic? They have several max cushion shoes with a 5mm drop. Wider toe box than Hoka also.
I strongly disagree - I'm on my fourth pair of Topos, and they've all hold up for a long times/many miles.Just wanted to say Topo sucks.
They are the new shoe company headed by Tony Post, the barefoot running huckster who made all kinds of false health claims about barefoot running and had to walk them back.
My pair of Topos died after like 2-3 months of just wearing them to work. I ask for a refund or another pair. They offer me 20% off a new pair. I email Tony Post himself. He offers 30% off.
The shoes are trash, but the company is truly trash.
Thank you for sharing this. I've been using Ultraboost for years and find that when I do my walking, I find that they're not comfortable after 8/9 kms. Have you by any chance tried ultraboosts? I wonder how they compare to Nimbus 24?I have worn nothing but Hokas for last 10 years for both running and walking. However I recently discovered the Asics Gel Nimbus 24 and wore them on Sarria to Santiago Camino last month. They were fantastic. Felt more cushioned than even Hoka Bondi and so far show very little wear. Slightly higher heel to toe drop but very comfortable. Comes in wide sizes as well which I need. Also put Superfeet Green orthotics in. No foot pain, nor blisters. Might want to give them a try.
I walked the Camino Francis in 2022 in Altra Lonepeak 6’s. I had plantar faciatas in 2018 and was worried about all the pavement on the CF so I put in Dr Scholls gel heel pads from the drugstore. They also give a few millimeters heel height. No foot problems on the walk St Jean to Santiago.I love Altras and have worn them on my last four caminos. But they are not great in terms of heel cushioning. I have had some trouble with a neuroma (better after surgery for that and another structural problem) and plantar fasciitis (probably the result of wearing a surgical boot for months). I am thinking of trying Hokas or one of the suggested alternatives for my next hike.
The V4 is the current model. It has a plastic line positioned right on the widest point of the foot, different from the V3. This feels like an inflexible seam and renders the shoe unsuitable for me. I happily went through 5 pairs of the NB More V3, but must now find a new model.I need more toe box room than most, was tempted to try New Balance more trail V3, nervous about 4mm drop.
I have worn Brooke's Ghost GTX for my last 3 Caminos. 1 new pair for each.Unfortunately, I have a lot of foot problems, and the only shoes that I can wear comfortably lately are Hokas. ( I already wear custom orthotics).
They are comfortable to me because of the huge amount of padding and the 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. I haven't found any other shoes that duplicate this. I wonder if anybody here can suggest some brands or specific shoes?
My problem with the Hokas is that they tend to wear out quickly. I think this is actually intentional, instead of a design flaw. It's because they use thin, lightweight materials to keep the weight down. This is a sacrifice that serious runners might willing to make, as opposed to hikers and people looking for day-to-day wear.
A shoe that shows significant wear on the uppers in just a few months of light use that costs in the $150 plus range seems like not a good buy to me.
. My foot problems are plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma.
I did see that there were some recent threads about people looking for hoka alternatives, but I think my question is more specific. Thanks!
Thanks, I’ll take a look.Check out this test of 3 most capable trail running shoes at the moment. Brooks Cascadia 16/17 is a winner!
I'll have to try on the Cascadia 17 before October walk, I walked in the 16 and no issues. I wonder if the toe box is as roomy on the 17?Check out this test of 3 most capable trail running shoes at the moment. Brooks Cascadia 16/17 is a winner!
Thanks for the thorough review. They sound very interesting. I’m sure the Vibram soles are much sturdier than the Hokas. New balance is a local company, actually. (Although I’m sure most of their shoes are made overseas now, anyway) I’ve tried a few of their shoes on, but never those. They have some outlet stores in the region, and if I get lucky they’ll have some there. I’ve been ordering and sending back a half a dozen pairs of shoes since I posted this thread!I also suffer from plantar fasciitis, and I've had a similar experience with Hokas, in that the cushioning was great for my plantar fasciitis, but they wore out very quickly.
About a month ago, I purchased a pair of New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail V3 trail runners to replace my Hokas.
Thanks so much, it was indeed a great adventure! We have recorded a podcast episode about the Caminho Real 23, which should drop within a few days. I hope you enjoy it!Thanks for the thorough review. They sound very interesting. I’m sure the Vibram soles are much sturdier than the Hokas. New balance is a local company, actually. (Although I’m sure most of their shoes are made overseas now, anyway) I’ve tried a few of their shoes on, but never those. They have some outlet stores in the region, and if I get lucky they’ll have some there. I’ve been ordering and sending back a half a dozen pairs of shoes since I posted this thread!
I’ve been following your adventures on Instagram and also recently listened to several of your wonderfully conversational podcasts. It sounded like a wonderful trip.
I did listen to your latest podcast about your walk on the Camino Real! It was wonderful and informative, and sounds like a terrific and beautiful walk. I can’t imagine my feet could cope in their current condition, but maybe in the futureThanks so much, it was indeed a great adventure! We have recorded a podcast episode about the Caminho Real 23, which should drop within a few days. I hope you enjoy it!
Hi Stephan,I did listen to your latest podcast about your walk on the Camino Real! It was wonderful and informative, and sounds like a terrific and beautiful walk. I can’t imagine my feet could cope in their current condition, but maybe in the future
Just a follow up question about those new balance x More’s:
Does the New Balance More shoe have the stiff sole and extra padding in the front like the hokas?
I couldn’t find any of those specific shoes locally but ended up trying on a pair of the New balance 860s which the New Balance webchat told me might work for me. Thy had a lot of padding on the heel, but they didn’t have very much padding or stiffness in the front, and unfortunately, I have problems with my toes as well. The Hokas seem to diminish my pain.
I can order the More’s and they’ll even give me a free return if I don’t like them, but it’s still a lot of work if I find it won’t work for me. This would help me decide.
Unfortunately, I think if these don’t work, I’ll just live with the planned obsolescence from Hoka. I am amazed that no one is making more economical knockoffs given their popularity. At least that I could find.
Hi Stephan,
I'm glad you enjoyed the podcast episode! Hmm, well the uppers of the New Balance shoes have "Toe protect" written on them up near the toes, so they do seem to have some kind of feature there. I'm not sure exactly what you need.
I compared them now, just feeling around the toe area with my hands, and to me the Hokas feel like they have a stiffer sole. The New Balance feel softer. The uppers of the two shoes feel similar around the toe area.
Yes.Does the New Balance More shoe have the stiff sole and extra padding in the front like the hokas?
The same is true of the NB Mores. I don't see at so much as a "design flaw" as a deliberate decision to provide cushioning at the cost of durability. My feet need that, whereas younger or different foot don't. I have tried several other NB models and they are quite different and don't meet my needs.My problem with the Hokas is that they tend to wear out quickly. I think this is actually intentional, instead of a design flaw.
I need wide shoes as well. It does cut out a lot of models. I agree with you about it being a decision to provide cushioning at the cost of durability. Although I wonder if there aren't other more durable materials that could provide the same amount of cushioning? But I'm not a shoe designer/engineer, so it's hard to say.I also have problematic feet - mainly metatarsalgia. My feet are quite wide, so I have trouble getting much selection in a Women's size 8 or Men's size 6.5 or 7.
Yes.
The same is true of the NB Mores. I don't see at so much as a "design flaw" as a deliberate decision to provide cushioning at the cost of durability.
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