Runners vs.hiking boots.

[Dawn of a new Day]

i normally wear hiking boots, however this year I am combining a trip to egypt and a Camino. How is the terrain on the Camino Madrid. ? Are leather walking shoes good, or would you use breathable runners? I am taking a backpack and suitcase.
Grateful if someone can recommend a place for left luggage in Madrid.

 

[Dawn of a new Day]

i normally wear hiking boots, however this year I am combining a trip to egypt and a Camino. How is the terrain on the Camino Madrid. ? Are leather walking shoes good, or would you use breathable runners? I am taking a backpack and suitcase.
Grateful if someone can recommend a place for left luggage in Madrid.

I will be hiking around August 25- mid October. (Possibly)

 

[hotelmedicis]

Lightweight, breathable running shoes would be my choice along with a pair of waterproof socks (Sealskinz or Gore cycling socks) for those days of heavy rain. Worked perfectly for me on the CF in April and May. Many people wearing those heavy leather hiking boots sent them home and bought Teva sandals after suffering blisters and leg problems due to the inappropriate footwear for walking on asphalt and packed dirt roads.

 

[DavidJ1215]

.....Many people wearing those heavy leather hiking boots sent them home and bought Teva sandals after suffering blisters and leg problems due to the inappropriate footwear for walking on asphalt and packed dirt roads.

It is an individual choice - your feet are different to my feet - your weight is different to my weight etc etc - I wore hiking boots for the Camino Frances from St Jean this May and onwards to Finisterre - combined with suitable socks I never experienced a single blister or had other issues - good quality hiking boots are not heavy - leather is soft and they are waterproof (mine were) - so choose what you know works for you.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

What are your feet most comfortable in? Ask your feet.

 

[AlwynWellington]

For hiking (aka tramping locally) in the valleys and hills in my region I would first think of hiking boots. But would also consider runnung shoes.

For walking trips such as in France and Iberia lighter weight running shoes would be my only consideration.

And I strongly take note of the advice of @DavidJ1215

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)

 

[PilgrimPillar]

Hoka runners and fully damped sandals. Insert soles pro made by orthopedist to switch between pairs...

 

[Turga]

It is an individual choice - your feet are different to my feet - your weight is differnet to my weight etc etc - I wore hiking boots for the Camino Francis from St Jean this May and onwards to Finisterre - combined with suitable socks I never experienced a single blister or had other issues - good quality hiking boots are not heavy - leather is soft and they are waterproof (mine were) - so choose what you know works for you.

I agree. I started out with hiking shoes but when I began doing longer walks (25 km. +) with a backpack loaded to 9 kilos, I found out that I needed the extra support of boots. I live in the center of a city, so I do a lot of walking on paved roads. I believe in boots but some that have a sole that is not too stiff.

 

[intrepidtraveler]

In 2015 I walked the Camino Madrid. Trail runners and sandals were more than adequate for me for the terrain. I am a mid-sixties recreational walker, not a highly trained athlete if that gives you some idea of how difficult this route is. There is one day of going over a mountain which was nowhere as difficult as it was described to be. Most of this route is on paths and dirt roads, little if any asphalt. Whatever you take, test it out at home for a period of time to make sure your feet are happy.

 

[Dawn of a new Day]

Thanks everyone. After walking At home with walking shoes, I decided there was not enough cushion, or the ankle support. The hiking boots were my choice. Now to start walking!

 

[Anniesantiago]

This is the age old question on the Camino.

If you are USED to wearing boots and have well-broken in boots, or if you have weak ankles, wear boots.

For me, boots are overkill.
The Camino is a long walk, not a mountain climbing expedition.
Trail runners have worked just fine for me all these years.

It's just a matter of preference.

Whatever shoe you wear, be sure it has enough of a deep, wide toebox that you can wiggle your toes freely.
And you'll want padding around that ankle.
Also take into consideration the fact that most people's feet will swell, meaning you need to buy boots/shoes larger than you generally wear.
This is GENERALLY (not always) so people don't throw apples at me.

Personally, I have seen more discarded boots along the Camino than any other item, except maybe sleeping pads.
I've also escorted many pilgrims to shoe shops to turn in their boots for trail runners.
So I vote for trail runners.