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Sadly, Raichle is no longer around.
How big is TOO big when It comes to shoe sizes? Im headed for my first Camino this year and I’m having a bit of a dilemma....based on what I’ve read and been advised, one should wear a pair of shoes a size larger than normal to accommodate for swelling. I ordered a pair of La Sportiva that are SO comfy but...I ordered them just half a size larger and I’m concerned that they’re too large...my big toe is at least half an inch to the end of the toe bed... Is that too much?! I’m a regular hiker and have never worn shoes larger than my regular size so this feels weird. But then I also don’t walk 20+kms on my hikes!
- Next, pay attention to the width of the shoe. It shouldn't feel snug on the sides and there should be no rubbing or pressure points at all. They will not go away with "break in".
... unless they're good proper leather. But even then, too many of them simultaneously really does just mean they're too small. The most important things to completely avoid are no wiggle room at all for the toes, and pressure at the widest point of the foot or at the heel.
I learned on my first Camino to buy my shoes 1 1/2 size larger than normal. There is a lot of uphill followed by down hill. The thing to remember is that your feet will swell more than normal and that they pound into the toe of your footwear. I broke two toes that way.Hi!
How big is TOO big when It comes to shoe sizes? Im headed for my first Camino this year and I’m having a bit of a dilemma....based on what I’ve read and been advised, one should wear a pair of shoes a size larger than normal to accommodate for swelling. I ordered a pair of La Sportiva that are SO comfy but...I ordered them just half a size larger and I’m concerned that they’re too large...my big toe is at least half an inch to the end of the toe bed... Is that too much?! I’m a regular hiker and have never worn shoes larger than my regular size so this feels weird. But then I also don’t walk 20+kms on my hikes!
Make sure that the "several" kilometers is about 15 or more each day.Then walk several kilometers several days in a row over varying terrain. Then adjust if necessary.
Take those & a decent pair of trainers. Swap them depending on weatherHi!
How big is TOO big when It comes to shoe sizes? Im headed for my first Camino this year and I’m having a bit of a dilemma....based on what I’ve read and been advised, one should wear a pair of shoes a size larger than normal to accommodate for swelling. I ordered a pair of La Sportiva that are SO comfy but...I ordered them just half a size larger and I’m concerned that they’re too large...my big toe is at least half an inch to the end of the toe bed... Is that too much?! I’m a regular hiker and have never worn shoes larger than my regular size so this feels weird. But then I also don’t walk 20+kms on my hikes!
That is such awesome advice! Thanks so very much.Hi, Jacki. I disagree with the information given to 'go up X amount of a shoe size'. The proper sizing is whatever it takes to keep your toes from even kissing the front of the shoe as you are walking downhill with a backpack. By necessity, that size may be larger by anything from 1/2 size to 1 size to 2 sizes +.
The most important factors for sizing shoes is to reproduce, as closely as possible, all of the factors that contribute to the weighting and wear on the foot to account for foot length, and to some extent width. Below is what I have posted before as a guide to help with sizing a shoe for fit and comfort.
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The most important theme for achieving a proper fit is: You do not choose a shoe based on measurements, you buy a shoe based on its Fit N Feel regardless of instrument measurements.
- When you go to the store, do so toward the end of the day.... you will have been up on your feet, so that will help with getting the correct fit. Additionally, you will need to wear the same backpack with the same gear you will be carrying... you want this additional weight on you as this will put the same downward pressure on the foot that you will be having while on Camino.
- Wear the exact same sock(s) you will be wearing while you are walking on the Camino. And if you have a special insole or orthotic, bring it with you.
- At the store, the measuring that will be done on your feet is only to get you in the ballpark for the correct shoe size.
- Start by standing up; never measure while sitting. You want the full weight of your body, with the pack on, to put the same pressure on your feet to spread them out as will happen while walking. That alone will increase the volume and size of your feet.
- Make sure those 'Camino' socks are on your feet; if you wear socks with liners while walking, do the same thing at the store.
- While standing, have someone near to you that you can use to steady yourself. With the measuring device on the ground, step onto the instrument and center all of your weight onto the foot being measured. Do the same for the other foot.
- Start with that size, but be aware that both the width and the length need to feel like there is adequate room for your feet. Ideally, like Goldilocks, everything will be just right. But, don't count on it. Be picky.
- If you have special insoles or orthotics, put them into any shoe you try on as they will take up space inside the shoe.
- When you find what you think will fit you well, you will need to see if your toes have enough clearance. Toes should not be able to be forced to the front of the shoe and touch the shoe. Not even a little. If they do, long walking and downhill grades on the trail or path or road will traumatize the bed of the nail, and that is when toenails can blacken and fall off.
- With your shoes tied securely, but not too tight, walk around the store with your pack on. Go up stairs and down stairs, scuff the shoes to the floor so that your feet are forced to do any movement they will do and see if your toes so much as butterfly kiss the front of the shoe. Kick the front of the shoe into a post or stair or wall or someone's shin.... does that make any of your toes touch the front of the shoe? That goes for all the little piggies.
- Next, pay attention to the width of the shoe. It shouldn't feel snug on the sides and there should be no rubbing or pressure points at all. They will not go away with "break in". They will create soreness, pain, and blistering. Even if it seems to be tolerable, it is like water torture; as your feet are continually exposed to those pressure points your feet will break down against them bit by bit, and bruising, blisters, and soreness will follow.
- You may need to go up a size to a size and a half in length, and go with a wider width to avoid those things I mentioned above. The notion that one avoids blisters by wearing snug footwear has been shown to do just the opposite.
Gortex ISN’T recommended? Uh oh....I thought that would be preferable.My partner and I wore walking shoes (Salomon X Ultra 3) a size larger then our usual size and we didn't experience any blisters. This is recommended by most sport shoe specialist I have come across in New Zealand. The reason is that the larger size accommodates swelling as you noted which is common with long distance runing or walking. Our shoes did not have Gortex, which I personally wouldn't recommend.
I would have thought so, too. What I've read a lot from people with more experience than I is that feet still get wet in Goretex shoes, either because it isn't good enough in keeping out the water from outside or it isn't good enough in wicking out water from the inside. At the same time, they take longer to dry. Better, they say, to have non-waterproof but quicker drying shoes.Gortex ISN’T recommended? Uh oh....I thought that would be preferable.
Or sandals, which dry even quicker!Better, they say, to have non-waterproof but quicker drying shoes.
Yes, but sadly not the same IMHO.Raichle is still around and manufacturing boots. . . but not as RaichleMammut bought the brand and absorbed it and rebadged it, but they still use the same processes and equipment and employees.
So if you liked Raichle, don't despair
Yes, but sadly not the same IMHO.
Most shops will let you take a pair home and wear them for a couple of days around the house. As long as you don’t go outside they will accept them if you need to return them (check this with the shop beforehand). Wearing them for a full day or so going up and down the stairs frequently will give you a good idea whether or not they are the correct size. Doing this made me go up a size in Salomon ultra Pro 3d’s to get the width in the toe box and I subsequently walked with no blisters at all.
I have never heard of a shop where I live doing this? Maybe they do, I've just never thought to ask. It would be great if they did, as I will be purchasing new boots in the next couple of weeks (giving myself plenty time to break them in before my April camino), and have been worrying about the boots not being right for my feet. I obviously won't know this til I wear them, but won't have another €150-€200 to buy another pair if I make the wrong decision. I might ask in the outdoor specialist shop if they might let me take them home for a few days. Thinking of getting Solomon boots, but will see what feels good on the day. I currently have cheap Karrimor boots that cost less than €50, that I've never had a bother with, but I don't think they'd be good enough for the Camino.....
The custom made aspect may also be coloring my opinionThat's not an unreasonable opinion. Sometimes internal changes can be implemented which just make a difference, even if subtle, to what we are familiar with.
As far as I know, the same foot lasts, manufacturing and assembly machinery, and personnel were making the boots. However, as with all the footwear manufacturers - from those producing running shoes to those producing mountaineering boots - materials and their usage do change.
Differences in compounds used in outer soles and mid soles, replacing stitching with effective adhesives, going from full hide leathers to split leathers and pre-stretched leathers, or even replacing some areas that had leathers with fabrics. Switching to different styles or types of insoles, the addition or subtraction of stabilizing structures. . . . All of these things have changed over the last ten years, and have been evolving over the last 40 years.
Sadly, even if Raichle had not been absorbed by Mammut's corporate umbrella and rebadged under their brand, I suspect that a Raichle of today would have boot and shoe products that would feel and act different than the Raichle of old.
The above is one of the reasons that, if I find a shoe or boot I am loving on my feet, I purchase multiple pairs.
T
The custom made aspect may also be coloring my opinion
In America, it is common practice for shoe shops to allow an at-home trial. REI and a few other stores that also have an online presence, also allow a 1 year return/exchange even if worn outdoors and used regularly.
Why are you concerned that your current boots are not sufficient for a Camino? It might be that you do not need to spend additional money for footwear.
I'm in Ireland, and I would be doubtful I would get a a 1 year trial here. I'd imagine that the huge population of America means there is a lot more competition between suppliers, so they attract customers by offers like this. To be honest, my current boots are well worn so need replacing anyway. They have served me well on short weekend hikes (15km or so), and I've never got blisters from them, but would usually be hill-walking on grass/bogland, and have found that when I walk on gravel tracks/forest roads with them, which a fair proportion of the Camino appears to be, the soles of my feet get sore and I can feel the stones slightly pushing into my feet. I can handle this once a week on my long hike but I'd imagine it would become a serious issue doing it day after day for weeks on end.
I have always assumed this is because the boots were cheap and have quite a thin sole.
I currently wear trainers when I go on my daily walk of approx 40mins on pavement, and boots on my longer 15k hike on the weekends. Planning to up this to 1hr daily walk Mon-Fri/ 15k Sat & 15k Sun once I get my new boots
Do people think this is adequate training? Would also appreciate recommendations for a boot with a good thick cushioned sole?
Will be starting the Camino on 3rd April 2020 from either Pamplona or St Jean Pied De Port, depending on the weather in the Pyranees at that time
After reading the info and valuable opinions given here, I returned the boots for a smaller pair that Im going to keep for scrambling the mountains here. MEC has a guarantee that they will accept returns if you’re unsatisfied even after you’ve worn them outside several times. The hunt for Camino shoes goes on.....non waterproof, cushioning (for the cobblestones), supportive and just a little bigger to accommodate swelling....gets a little overwhelming trying to make the right decision!I have never heard of a shop where I live doing this? Maybe they do, I've just never thought to ask. It would be great if they did, as I will be purchasing new boots in the next couple of weeks (giving myself plenty time to break them in before my April camino), and have been worrying about the boots not being right for my feet. I obviously won't know this til I wear them, but won't have another €150-€200 to buy another pair if I make the wrong decision. I might ask in the outdoor specialist shop if they might let me take them home for a few days. Thinking of getting Solomon boots, but will see what feels good on the day. I currently have cheap Karrimor boots that cost less than €50, that I've never had a bother with, but I don't think they'd be good enough for the Camino.....
You do not want oversized shoes; your feet will slop around and get blisters. Make sure they are wide enough and no pinching with the socks you plan to wear.Hi!
How big is TOO big when It comes to shoe sizes? Im headed for my first Camino this year and I’m having a bit of a dilemma....based on what I’ve read and been advised, one should wear a pair of shoes a size larger than normal to accommodate for swelling. I ordered a pair of La Sportiva that are SO comfy but...I ordered them just half a size larger and I’m concerned that they’re too large...my big toe is at least half an inch to the end of the toe bed... Is that too much?! I’m a regular hiker and have never worn shoes larger than my regular size so this feels weird. But then I also don’t walk 20+kms on my hikes!
Hi!
How big is TOO big when It comes to shoe sizes? Im headed for my first Camino this year and I’m having a bit of a dilemma....based on what I’ve read and been advised, one should wear a pair of shoes a size larger than normal to accommodate for swelling. I ordered a pair of La Sportiva that are SO comfy but...I ordered them just half a size larger and I’m concerned that they’re too large...my big toe is at least half an inch to the end of the toe bed... Is that too much?! I’m a regular hiker and have never worn shoes larger than my regular size so this feels weird. But then I also don’t walk 20+kms on my hikes!
Gortex ISN’T recommended? Uh oh....I thought that would be preferable.
On the subject of Lacing... The Topo Athletic Shoe/Trainers website has a very clear and helpful section in how to tie/adjust your laces depending on your foot shape/gait .... I wasnt aware and the information and pictures are VERY helpfulJacki,
One other thing, regardless of the size you choose, ask someone to show you how to tie them. Years ago I had a custom pair of Raichle boots made, when I picked them up, they spent 20 minutes explaining how to tie them, time well spent. Sadly, Raichle is no longer around.
Feet do tend to swell a little on a long multi-day walk, but often it's width as much as length. A larger size wil give you a fraction of extra width as well as length of course. What is very important is that the larger size doesn't then make your heel too loose in the shoe because that's a recipe for blisters.Hi!
How big is TOO big when It comes to shoe sizes? Im headed for my first Camino this year and I’m having a bit of a dilemma....based on what I’ve read and been advised, one should wear a pair of shoes a size larger than normal to accommodate for swelling. I ordered a pair of La Sportiva that are SO comfy but...I ordered them just half a size larger and I’m concerned that they’re too large...my big toe is at least half an inch to the end of the toe bed... Is that too much?! I’m a regular hiker and have never worn shoes larger than my regular size so this feels weird. But then I also don’t walk 20+kms on my hikes!
Thank you for posting this. This is one of the most detailed posts that I've ever read about shoe fitting.Hi, Jacki. I disagree with the information given to 'go up X amount of a shoe size'. The proper sizing is whatever it takes to keep your toes from even kissing the front of the shoe as you are walking downhill with a backpack. By necessity, that size may be larger by anything from 1/2 size to 1 size to 2 sizes +.
The most important factors for sizing shoes is to reproduce, as closely as possible, all of the factors that contribute to the weighting and wear on the foot to account for foot length, and to some extent width. Below is what I have posted before as a guide to help with sizing a shoe for fit and comfort.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The most important theme for achieving a proper fit is: You do not choose a shoe based on measurements, you buy a shoe based on its Fit N Feel regardless of instrument measurements.
- When you go to the store, do so toward the end of the day.... you will have been up on your feet, so that will help with getting the correct fit. Additionally, you will need to wear the same backpack with the same gear you will be carrying... you want this additional weight on you as this will put the same downward pressure on the foot that you will be having while on Camino.
- Wear the exact same sock(s) you will be wearing while you are walking on the Camino. And if you have a special insole or orthotic, bring it with you.
- At the store, the measuring that will be done on your feet is only to get you in the ballpark for the correct shoe size.
- Start by standing up; never measure while sitting. You want the full weight of your body, with the pack on, to put the same pressure on your feet to spread them out as will happen while walking. That alone will increase the volume and size of your feet.
- Make sure those 'Camino' socks are on your feet; if you wear socks with liners while walking, do the same thing at the store.
- While standing, have someone near to you that you can use to steady yourself. With the measuring device on the ground, step onto the instrument and center all of your weight onto the foot being measured. Do the same for the other foot.
- Start with that size, but be aware that both the width and the length need to feel like there is adequate room for your feet. Ideally, like Goldilocks, everything will be just right. But, don't count on it. Be picky.
- If you have special insoles or orthotics, put them into any shoe you try on as they will take up space inside the shoe.
- When you find what you think will fit you well, you will need to see if your toes have enough clearance. Toes should not be able to be forced to the front of the shoe and touch the shoe. Not even a little. If they do, long walking and downhill grades on the trail or path or road will traumatize the bed of the nail, and that is when toenails can blacken and fall off.
- With your shoes tied securely, but not too tight, walk around the store with your pack on. Go up stairs and down stairs, scuff the shoes to the floor so that your feet are forced to do any movement they will do and see if your toes so much as butterfly kiss the front of the shoe. Kick the front of the shoe into a post or stair or wall or someone's shin.... does that make any of your toes touch the front of the shoe? That goes for all the little piggies.
- Next, pay attention to the width of the shoe. It shouldn't feel snug on the sides and there should be no rubbing or pressure points at all. They will not go away with "break in". They will create soreness, pain, and blistering. Even if it seems to be tolerable, it is like water torture; as your feet are continually exposed to those pressure points your feet will break down against them bit by bit, and bruising, blisters, and soreness will follow.
- You may need to go up a size to a size and a half in length, and go with a wider width to avoid those things I mentioned above. The notion that one avoids blisters by wearing snug footwear has been shown to do just the opposite.
Excellent points! Thank you!That is such awesome advice! Thanks so very much.
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