BrianLCrabtree
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2023 Podiensis, Olvidado, Invierno
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You should be able to walk the Camino in one pair. I wear Merrill low cut shoes with vibram soles. They are pretty worn by the end.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
Yes, one pair, just. 1000km more or less is what my camino shoes have given me for my 5 caminos so that's probably about the norm. Maybe walking wears them out less than running. There are Decathlons and other shops that sell quality equipment (e.g. big brands) in any big or medium sized city in Spain (definitely one in Bilbao). Shoes are comparatively cheap in Spain too.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
I would probably send a pair ahead to the halfway point to change out my shoes.Anybody do more than Spain? My current thinking is to start in Vezelay, so I would be only halfway when I get to Spain. That would somewhere around 1,800 km, in round numbers. Still think a single pair would do it, or be on the safe side and search for a new pair in SJPP?
I have always worn hiking shoes/boots. You want something with a firm sole. You will be walking over some rough terrain at times & trails with small stones. One thing I would recommend you take are insole replacements. Switch them out halfway.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
If it was me, i would send some ahead. There might be people, that used their runners for that amount, but that will be the rare exception. The more sturdy variants of shoe might be more likely to be good for that distance, but I, again personally, would rather deal with the extra logistics than with heavier footwear.Anybody do more than Spain? My current thinking is to start in Vezelay, so I would be only halfway when I get to Spain. That would somewhere around 1,800 km, in round numbers. Still think a single pair would do it, or be on the safe side and search for a new pair in SJPP?
I wore Keen Targhee II waterproof hiking boots the whole way. I trained in them for a couple of months before the Camino as well. They were easy to break in. They had a wide toe box and an ankle guard to help downhill hiking. I was grateful for not getting blisters. Highly recommend them.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
I have done 3 Caminos (one really short one in Portugal). I use one pair of Merrell shoes(new for each walk) and a pair of Birkenstocks (hanging around at the Albergues, taking in the town/city, etc). I do train with the new pair, maybe a 200 miles worth. For me this breaks in the shoe really well. The first walk from Rouncevilles, one shoe did start unstitching but that was almost at the end of the walk. However no problem in the other two walks. I was lucky regarding blisters - had none. I wore appropriate socks and didn't get crazy with two pairs at one time, moleskin, etc. The only thing that I did forget was an extra pair of shoelaces.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
Hi. I have done 2 Camino Frances and also Camino da Costa in the same pair of boots as well as walking at home. they are La Sportiva TRK GTX. They are not cheap but they have lasted me for 9 years heavy use and I am just replacing them this year. They are sturdy and supportive but also light and have good Gortex. I would not advise tackling the Camino in running shoes as some of the terrain I feel needs good ankle support. However if you choose to use them you can probably get away with one pair. I am an athletics coach and in my heyday a 14.17 5k and sub 30 minute 10k runner. The absolute maximum I recommend for training shoes is 500 miles or 800k so you could just about make it. Also you don't want to be carrying an extra pair because of space and weight. I took only the boots for walking during the day and a pair of Teva trekking sandals for the evenings. You can use the sandals to walk comfortably on days where the terrain allows. hope this helps.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
Keens for me, too.New boots every year, I need the ankle support. I could probably do several Caminos in the same boot but I prefer to break-in a new pair each time. I have used lots of different brands. My latest favorite is Keen.
Keens for me, tooNew boots every year, I need the ankle support. I could probably do several Caminos in the same boot but I prefer to break-in a new pair each time. I have used lots of different brands. My latest favorite is Keen.
Never had shoe issues. I've done several different Camino routes with Keens. Once they stopped making boots with wide boxes I moved on to Oboz which has done the Portuguese and the Madrid.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
You are in a good position time wise to try on and select the most important piece of equipment (shoes) that will carry you on the Camino. Spare no money here, although the most expensive isn’t necessarily the best for you, but listen to your feet. There is no one shoe that serves everyone...you will decide. Once you do that, use those shoes/boots often...I came across dozens of tossed away boots and blister horror stories along the Camino...three things stood out...poor conditioning, too much equipment and ill fitting shoes. I used my Ecco boots and with a light coating of Vaseline, silk liner and wool socks, had no blisters on 2 Caminos. For me, all my foot ware, hiking and casual, are this one brand after trying many over years of walking/hiking. On the last Camino, I did buy a pair of Ecco sneakers to use after a long day’s hike to give my feet a rest...otherwise, it’s just one pair of boots which will last more than 800 km. Buen Camino.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
I was thinking I'd wear one pair from Le Puy to SJPP and have another pre-worn-in pair waiting for me there. That may be overkill, but I'm thinking having a new pair along with new socks and such might be a nice treat after a month of hiking.I would probably send a pair ahead to the halfway point to change out my shoes.
Ha...you wouldn’t get into my 7 1/2 bootsI usually go through one pair of Keens boots on each Camino. I prefer the bigger toe box as I normally have issues with the toenails. I've tried shoes, but found the lack of support causes issues with my knees (patella in particular). A few years ago I went through two pairs of Keens, but not by choice. I had learned that while I wear size 12 shoes for everything, by wearing size 13 I avoid blistering at the heel and the dreaded black toenails. I was really happy with my boots. One morning at the Santo Domingo de la Calzada albergue, I was a little late in starting and grabbed the Keens from the boot room and went on my way (there might have been a half dozen pilgrims left in the albergue).
When stopping in Granon for a coffee, a pilgrim approached me and pointed to my Keens mentioning if I had the correct boots and that a pilgrim back at the Santo Domingo albergue mentioned that a pair of Keens were there, but not his. I said that not too many people have size 13 Keens and I'm pretty sure they are mine. I took the boots off and noticed the label was french/english typical of boots sold in Canada.
I carried on, but had a nagging thought in my head that something wasn't right. At the next town I decided to wait at the bar and watch any straggler pilgrims who might be wearing Keens. A couple of hours went by and eventually a lone pilgrim wandered through, saw me and my boots and said, "there are my boots!". I told him to take the boots and I would get a taxi back to Santo Domingo. He said not to bother as he had waited there until stores opened and bought a pair of shoes. He said he liked the shoes better as the boots gave him blisters. I offered him a hundred euros, but he refused saying that the opportunity to write his family back home about honesty amongst pilgrims and the reputation of Canadians being what it is, was worth the cost of the shoes. I bought him coffee and we went on our way.
He was right about the blisters however as by the time I got to Belarado, I had the worst heel blisters ever! Shows to go, that even if you have the same size and manufacturer of show/boot the fit is so different even amongst models. Anyway we managed to see each other a few more times along the way, and I was able to buy him dinner in Boadilla del Camino. And throughout my camino I had to endure hearing from other pilgrims an amazing tale about a pair of boots and to watch out for Canadians with large feet.
Good man!I usually go through one pair of Keens boots on each Camino. I prefer the bigger toe box as I normally have issues with the toenails. I've tried shoes, but found the lack of support causes issues with my knees (patella in particular). A few years ago I went through two pairs of Keens, but not by choice. I had learned that while I wear size 12 shoes for everything, by wearing size 13 I avoid blistering at the heel and the dreaded black toenails. I was really happy with my boots. One morning at the Santo Domingo de la Calzada albergue, I was a little late in starting and grabbed the Keens from the boot room and went on my way (there might have been a half dozen pilgrims left in the albergue).
When stopping in Granon for a coffee, a pilgrim approached me and pointed to my Keens mentioning if I had the correct boots and that a pilgrim back at the Santo Domingo albergue mentioned that a pair of Keens were there, but not his. I said that not too many people have size 13 Keens and I'm pretty sure they are mine. I took the boots off and noticed the label was french/english typical of boots sold in Canada.
I carried on, but had a nagging thought in my head that something wasn't right. At the next town I decided to wait at the bar and watch any straggler pilgrims who might be wearing Keens. A couple of hours went by and eventually a lone pilgrim wandered through, saw me and my boots and said, "there are my boots!". I told him to take the boots and I would get a taxi back to Santo Domingo. He said not to bother as he had waited there until stores opened and bought a pair of shoes. He said he liked the shoes better as the boots gave him blisters. I offered him a hundred euros, but he refused saying that the opportunity to write his family back home about honesty amongst pilgrims and the reputation of Canadians being what it is, was worth the cost of the shoes. I bought him coffee and we went on our way.
He was right about the blisters however as by the time I got to Belarado, I had the worst heel blisters ever! Shows to go, that even if you have the same size and manufacturer of show/boot the fit is so different even amongst models. Anyway we managed to see each other a few more times along the way, and I was able to buy him dinner in Boadilla del Camino. And throughout my camino I had to endure hearing from other pilgrims an amazing tale about a pair of boots and to watch out for Canadians with large feet.
I buy ONE pair that lasts me all season - walking the Francis as well one other route usually.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
I also hike with Merrell Moab GoreTex low riders. 2 trips on the Francis and 1 beginning on the Via Francigena breaking them in the year before. I learnt a painful lesson wearing the standard width Merrell's on the Francis in 2008 that resulted in several blisters and hot spots. Be sure to select a shoe 1/2 size larger in length and also width. Merrells do offer a wide fit and they have a reinforced sole for sharp rocky surfaces. I could walk both directions comfortably. Their good for break-in, weekly training and 2 camino's and still more to go!! Winewalker3I wore high top Patagonia hiking boots for our first two caminos. I considered wearing them the third time, but they were showing wear on the soles and heels. So I bought a pair of Merrell Moab Gore Tex high tops, which are very similar to the Patagonia. Did fine on our third camino and I'll wear them during our upcoming Camino this fall. After each daily hike, I slip into PR Recovery Sandals. The waffle texture massages tired feet. Sturdy enough to wear around town and inside each evening. Bob
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Anybody do more than Spain? My current thinking is to start in Vezelay, so I would be only halfway when I get to Spain. That would somewhere around 1,800 km, in round numbers. Still think a single pair would do it, or be on the safe side and search for a new pair in SJPP?
HiTec, $59 at Big Five in the USA. SJPDP to Santiago. Upon arrival to Santiago, noticed slight tear at toe but still good enough for another week of sightseeing and the flight home. When I got home repaired with shoe glue (the white residue in the picture). I should throw them away but too many good memories.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
Indeed. My worn-out boots end up in my cottage as working boots.One point I will observe about “how long footwear lasts” is that I’ve never worn through a sole of any boot, but I *do* turn my very used boots into “casual commuting with public transit” and “tromping around the woods or the garden” work boots once I have developed significant wear on the tread that alters the angle for my heel strike and toe-life-off.
Wearing shoes that have too pronounced an angle of wear can alter your gait and cause subtle injury when you are doing 15,000-30,000 steps every day for days on end.
So, depending on how hard you walk, you might need to hang up your boots at the end of a camino while still finding them useful for less demanding purposes.
I walk primarily in a very broken in pair of Hoka Ones. Halfway through the walk, I change to a very good walking sandal. Once in Santiago, I leave my Hokas behind after a traditional photo op on the steps of the cathedral with my shoes showing on the pillar.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
I believe in the 300-500 mile life expectancy and was planning on walking 900 miles over 3 months. I broke in new boots and two pairs of trail running shoes. I shipped one pair of shoes ahead to be held at post office in a large city ahead on my path (since they only hold a package for so long I had to forward it ahead once or twice until it —and I—reached halfway). I alternated shoes and boots depending on weather and terrain, and at the approximately 400 mile point got rid of trail shoes and replaced with the new (broken in) ones i’d shipped ahead). If I’d just been doing the Frances I’d have just alternated the trail shoes and boots, or if weather wasn’t so wet just had two pairs of trail shoes and alternated. I like having the option of changing out wet footwear and since I walked in rain, snow and cold wet shoes/boots didn’t necessarily dry overnight. I have hard to fit feet so the option of just buying shoes on the way, let alone a brand I like, was nonexistent. If for some reason I bought new shoes I’d try to only wear them a few miles at first, switching out with the old ones each day. Just my 2 centsDid you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
Having just looked up your distances it looks like Vezelay to SdC is a two shoe distance with the life expectancy we both seem to give shoes. If I were you I’d break in two pairs and alternate them the entire distance. But I’m partial to taking good care of my feet and not the type to cut my toothbrush in half to save packing weight.Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
Just seeing your thread now. Here is an idea: you might negotiate with the pilgrim office in SJPdP to see if they would keep a pair of your trusted shoes that you could post there, for pickup when you reach there from Vezelay. You coulld then hang on to the second pair for a day or so, till Pamplona, and post them to Santiago - if Either Ivar or Michael are still holding packages. Correos used to hold packages for a month. Not like here in Ireland. Blink, and your parcel has gone back to sender!Did you walk your entire Camino in the same pair of shoes? I generally get about 500 km or so from a pair of running shoes. Should I expect the same from the shoes I use on the Camino? If you bought new shoes along the way, did you have problems with a break-in period? I'm planning for 2023, hoping to start from Vezelay and connecting from Saint Palais or SJPdP to Irun and the Camino del Norte. Thanks for comments.
Brian
This is an excellent first principle.In most cases, I believe the basic rule should be "One Camino, One Shoe".
This is not true of proper leather hiking/army boots.After 780km there will be little left of any sole (that is comfortable walking 780km straight with). Structural integrity will also become an issue and any special function will also not be special anymore. Outer material wear and damage will also become an issue. AND THEY ARE GOING TO STINK FOREVER AFTER.
This is an excellent point, beyond that statement.If you are carrying any backpack, except not more than 2-3 kg and without sending some of your stuff ahead, a normal running shoe will not last the entire Camino, will not be supportive enough of you (haha) and the sole is not dense enough to soak up rocks/stones.
The "full Camino" as a foot pilgrim is technically from your home Parish altar and back again via Santiago, which I'm in the midst of attempting for the first time (though sadly I'm no longer capable physically of all of it on one go), but that's just me quibbling as a "purist" ...the entire 780km
Your post is providing excellent starting footwear insight.(PS: you don't have to get super-fit)
Good insight. Though the wrong socks, or overly tender skin from not enough pre-Camino hiking, can also lead to similar ...Most of the people who complain about blisters, have horrible experiences, lot's of pain and go on and on and on about breaking in shoes, just picked the wrong shoes for their specific feet. And MOST if not all of these were just not aware of that they didn't have "nomral" feet. They were just not aware of that they had special considerations to take. (Like ME, which is now why I wear WIDE hiking shoes).
Indeed. Though plastic kit is itself dodgy a priori ...Finisterre.....where I DID NOT BURN THEM OR ANY OF MY OTHER PLASTIC GEAR (which I find is utterly idiotic thing to do).
I hiked from Vézelay to Santiago in September/October last year wearing a new pair of Spanish Chiruca Almanzor Boots (GoreTex and Vibram soles) and they held out to the end and now serve in the garden!Anybody do more than Spain? My current thinking is to start in Vezelay, so I would be only halfway when I get to Spain. That would somewhere around 1,800 km, in round numbers. Still think a single pair would do it, or be on the safe side and search for a new pair in SJPP?
Bramani. Bramante mostly famous for cathedrals.Vitale Bramante
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