gerardcarey
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CFx2, CPx1
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When training spend some time walking tippy toe and don't dodge those surfaces that require using toe pressure. So much of the Camino is on cobble stone type surfaces so the toes get a real work so toughen them up.Considering the probability that footware is the most important piece of equipment a pilgrim takes, I would submit a video demonstrating the use of the perhaps not-so-well known 'Heel lock' lacing technique.
It utilises the two top sets of eyelets.
As the name suggests its purpose is to lock the heel into the back of the shoe thereby preventing the foot from moving about, and the toes from banging into the front of the shoe.
I find it works like a charm independent of the lacing technique used on the lower eyelets.
NB
If you don't have the extra offset eyelet at the very top, just use it on the top two sets of eyelets you do have.
My preferred lower lacing system is the Lydiard /Ladder /Bar lacing technique. Its purpose is to decrease the amount of pressure exerted on the top of the foot.
Regards Gerard
A great tidbit of advise I'd personally not seen before. I bring Compeed on my caminos and love it for treating hot spots. It's kind of thick and has great sticking power...might it work under the tongue for the purpose you describe?Ian Fiegan's lacing website is a mine of info. Lots of different styles, yes, heel lock is great, lace lock is another name, and if your shoe is still too loose, stick a cut-to-shape piece of felt under the tongue. This stops slipping as do felt heel pads. No felt? (it's available as 'chiropodists' felt in the better UK chemists in various thicknesses). Try panty liners. Replace if damp.
When training spend some time walking tippy toe and don't dodge those surfaces that require using toe pressure. So much of the Camino is on cobble stone type surfaces so the toes get a real work so toughen them up.
Thank you for posting the link. This is indeed the video I have recommended for the last 7 or 8 years. It contains many pearls of wisdom such as the double overhand knot, missing some eyelets, as well as the heel lock technique. It is well worth study.I've only walked two Camino's thus far but both were blister free thanks in large measure to this lacing technique:. https://www.outdoors.org/articles/amc-outdoors/know-this-hiking-boot-lacing-technique-the-heel-lock
What a good idea that is!I bring Compeed on my caminos and love it for treating hot spots......might it work under the tongue for the purpose you describe?
It might but it would probably also make talking a bit difficult!A great tidbit of advise I'd personally not seen before. I bring Compeed on my caminos and love it for treating hot spots. It's kind of thick and has great sticking power...might it work under the tongue for the purpose you describe?
I've met a few for whom I would consider that a distinct improvement.It might but it would probably also make talking a bit difficult!
Proper lacing techniques combined with compeed may produce the desired results..."tongue tied".I've met a few for whom I would consider that a distinct improvement.
Hi Andrea,I've got a narrow heel, which means fitting and heel rubbing are almost always problems for me.
Andrea
I've used Compeed on my toes for hot spots and nothing oozed out, nor stuck to my socks...just saying.I think Compeed could ooze stickiness around the edges and ruin your socks, unless you cover them with tape. Engo patches are designed to eliminate some types of blisters by covering problem areas in your shoes or boots. https://goengo.com/
Thanks Gerard,Hi Andrea,
Did you see that suggestion from Camino Chrissy re using Compeed patches. One each side of the heel might give some relief.
Kind regards and Merry Christmas to you!
Gerard
Hi Theresa,I think Compeed could ooze stickiness around the edges and ruin your socks, unless you cover them with tape. Engo patches are designed to eliminate some types of blisters by covering problem areas in your shoes or boots. https://goengo.com/
Unwashed sheep's wool is a very bad idea. Get the same stuff sterilized, at la Pharmacia. Naturally occurring anthrax is a bacterium you don't want to take a chance with, and yes, Spain, among other countries, has had recent outbreaks. Treatment requires isolation and close watching. Very nasty wounds that don't heal.It took me many Caminos to finally figure out my best solution for avoiding black toe nails, back of heel blisters and the like. I tried the various lace techniques, the Vaseline over the socks, larger toe box etc. but in the end I found by upsizing my boots by one whole size worked for me. I always thought shoes should fit well and feet shouldn't swim around in them, only to discover that a certain amount of freedom is a good thing.
Also I discovered a great remedy for hot spots and best of all it is free. If starting from SJPdP or up in the mountains, look for barbed fencing and you are sure to find bits of sheep wool that you can pick up. The wool when placed over the tender toes/foot areas act as a natural cushion with amazing wicking properties to reduce moisture. Share some with you new camino friends and look like the wise pilgrim healer. Also save a little for placement in your ears for a quiet nights sleep :}
I think getting anthrax from sheep wool is probably pretty rare - you're more likely to get hit by a bicycle, imo. I spin wool 'in the grease' all the time and I've made it to nearly 70. The anthrax breakouts I've heard in Spain of have been bovine. Anyway, to each his/her own.Unwashed sheep's wool is a very bad idea. Get the same stuff sterilized, at la Pharmacia. Naturally occurring anthrax is a bacterium you don't want to take a chance with, and yes, Spain, among other countries, has had recent outbreaks. Treatment requires isolation and close watching. Very nasty wounds that don't heal.
Pigs sheep and farmers and vets.I think getting anthrax from sheep wool is probably pretty rare - you're more likely to get hit by a bicycle, imo. I spin wool 'in the grease' all the time and I've made it to nearly 70. The anthrax breakouts I've heard in Spain of have been bovine. Anyway, to each his/her own.
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