Jeff Johnston
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Francis (2017)
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Father Patrick Brophy is here at Peaceable, the first volunteer of this year's edition of Camino Chaplaincy Meseta Division. He's just finished the Via de la Plata, and his Merrel Moab Ventilator Mids caused him lacing troubles, then caused blisters on top his feet, then fell to pieces in a bad way about a third of the way into his trip. He's keeping them for evidence purposes, as he expects to get a full refund when he gets home to New Zealand.
I have never used Merrell shoes, but I can say they are the most-abandoned brand of boots the Ditch Pigs Camino Cleanup Crew finds along our stretch of Camino... Evidence gathered over seven years.
Jeff, given your situation and what Reb says, perhaps another brand is in the offing?an alternative mid?
Wearing new subject hiking boots around house the last two days. Silk liners and Marino wool socks.
Seem to be tight on the bridge (??) of each foot - the top portion behind big toe. Tried loosening the laces in that area a bit and it was some help, but still feel it.
Also, a bit smaller in the toe box width than I remember in the store (I can feel the little toe and its neighbor touching (rubbing?)
I wear an 11W shoe so bought bought these in 11.5.
Is the difficulty in my lacing, the toe box width ands/or do I need another half size up (12 Men's)?
Hi Jeff,Wearing new subject hiking boots around house the last two days. Silk liners and Marino wool socks.
Seem to be tight on the bridge (??) of each foot - the top portion behind big toe. Tried loosening the laces in that area a bit and it was some help, but still feel it.
Also, a bit smaller in the toe box width than I remember in the store (I can feel the little toe and its neighbor touching (rubbing?)
I wear an 11W shoe so bought bought these in 11.5.
Is the difficulty in my lacing, the toe box width ands/or do I need another half size up (12 Men's)?
Looking at trail runners presently. Think I need to make another 400 mile R/T to my nearest REI. Cabelas had a fair selection, but more to try at REI.The point with shoes/boots is that there isn't something like a perfectly good boot/shoe as it depends your feet and their shape. I am happy with Lowa Renegade, others hate them. Also for a Sept/Oct Camino you could consider trail runners or similar. No matter what size and how many good reviews, the only way to find your ideal shoes is going to a shop with plenty of selection and try them on. Buen Camino, SY
Just remember that there is no way to truly test any shoe/boot prior to walking the Camino. Nothing can duplicate actually walking 500 miles in them. Just choose wisely and hope for the best (and carry extra insoles and a couple of varieties of socks).
I have always just gone with my own little pass or fail. If I can walk a couple of 10k's in them here at home with no blisters, overly sore feet, knees etc and they feel good on me, then I can walk the Camino in them.
'E' is not that wide. I need a 2E at least. Secondly not all manufacturers share or conform to a consistent width. But, you should be able to find a shoe that fits you. Here are some suggestions:My regular, normal shoe size is 11E.
So, looking at shoes/boots in 11.5E
Looked at New Balance trail runners (seem to get good reviews here) today. But, in their models Leadville V3, 910V2 and 610V5 they only have widths in D and 2E in my 11.5 size. So, had to pass, I guessed.
Walking in Sept/Oct '17
'E' is not that wide. I need a 2E at least. Secondly not all manufacturers share or conform to a consistent width. But, you should be able to find a shoe that fits you. Here are some suggestions:
Trail runners: Altra olympus 2.0, people are raving about its wider toe box, has vibram outsole..
Hoka one Mafate 4.0, wider toe box than other Hokas.
I just ordered these to try them out (memorial day sale 20% off at backcountry.com)
Lightweight boot: You have tried Merrell and Keen, Why not try Lowa renegade leather lined (no gtx), comes in wide. I have used this on two caminos with no issues whatsoever. It is a bit pricy but leather stretches and forms to your foot.
Campmor has the lowas at 20% off. Good luckThanks for the great suggestions. I shall look/try them!
Wearing new subject hiking boots around house the last two days. Silk liners and Marino wool socks.
Seem to be tight on the bridge (??) of each foot - the top portion behind big toe. Tried loosening the laces in that area a bit and it was some help, but still feel it.
Also, a bit smaller in the toe box width than I remember in the store (I can feel the little toe and its neighbor touching (rubbing?)
I wear an 11W shoe so bought bought these in 11.5.
Is the difficulty in my lacing, the toe box width ands/or do I need another half size up (12 Men's)?
Merrill makes this shoes in wide, give it a try but before you do, its this a gore-tex version? if it this you have more issues then I can discuss in a few lines, but if its not off to a good start then my question is why double socks? thin wool socks its plenty, loose the mid half and snug the heal using the loop under method, another problem it may be that is the wrong shoe for your feet. I just finished the camino del norte in one of those and I had similar issue after a long day of walk so was I constantly adjusting the laces for up and down hill great shoes.
zzotte
Also, trying single sock.No, not Gortex. Feeling better with the lacing changes. Also, trying a New Balance Leadville v3
Man, this boot/shoe thing is tough. I bought the Merrells based largely on positive reviews, but more so how they felt in store. Now, not so good wearing all day. Part of the problem was insufficient width for my feet (not really noticed in a 10 minute store walk. I wear an 11 and bought by these in 11.5.
Just ordered a pair of Keen Targhee, even though many reviews state they fell apart in short order. Ordered them in 11.5 also, but in wides. So we shall see how they feel for many days in house wearing.
Too bad there seems to be (like nearly everything) no boot/shoe that gets excellent marks in all areas.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?