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) |
---|
Just google..."walking boots, velcro" and see what comes up. It's magic!Hi, I'm going to walk the Frances in April and need advice regarding footwear.
For the last 18 months I've not walked further than from my sofa to the fridge. I've noticed that I get out of breath when trying to tie my shoelaces, (I also get little swimming 'dots' in my vision)... Does anyone know of any walking boots that use velcro instead of laces? I'd hate to be out of breath before I leave the albergue and look like an amateur.
Thank you
Hugs
Andy
Hi, I'm going to walk the Frances in April and need advice regarding footwear.
For the last 18 months I've not walked further than from my sofa to the fridge. I've noticed that I get out of breath when trying to tie my shoelaces, (I also get little swimming 'dots' in my vision)... Does anyone know of any walking boots that use velcro instead of laces? I'd hate to be out of breath before I leave the albergue and look like an amateur.
Thank you
Hugs
Andy
Really? I just skimmed through your thread on "Motivation for Training" and didn't see this. A lot of people took the time to write detailed suggestions for you.I was surprised at how many discouraging comments I received on a post instead of encouragement and motivation
Please read more of @andywild 's posts. The only person he mocks is himself.I don't find this humourous at all. This forum is supposed to be a helpful place, yet those of us that aren't in great condition but have goals get mocked, told to cut things short, etc, instead of real advice on how to prepare and reach our goals. (This is not directed at everyone, but I was surprised at how many discouraging comments I received on a post instead of encouragement and motivation)
Hi, I'm going to walk the Frances in April and need advice regarding footwear.
For the last 18 months I've not walked further than from my sofa to the fridge. I've noticed that I get out of breath when trying to tie my shoelaces, (I also get little swimming 'dots' in my vision)... Does anyone know of any walking boots that use velcro instead of laces? I'd hate to be out of breath before I leave the albergue and look like an amateur.
Thank you
Hugs
Andy
I apologise if you didn't find my post humorous. Although in my defense I am an unfit overweight pilgrim and offer as much advice and positivity to people who may be doubting themselves. I've walked two (or three?) Caminos and written day by day blogs from the perspective of someone not in the best condition to be doing so. This (I hope) has helped inspire/motivate/encourage people to do something that they were feeling unable to accomplish. I don't mock others, I mock myself and even though I do, I still show that people like me can achieve their goals despite living on a diet of kebabs and frozen pizza (although I don't recommend it) .I don't find this humourous at all. This forum is supposed to be a helpful place, yet those of us that aren't in great condition but have goals get mocked, told to cut things short, etc, instead of real advice on how to prepare and reach our goals. (This is not directed at everyone, but I was surprised at how many discouraging comments I received on a post instead of encouragement and motivation)
Is there room in that bush for two of us?
They actually look quite comfy !! Although three straps seems like an excessive amount of effort... I'll keep an eye out for a one strap versionI always use velcro walking boots. Check out:
hiking boots walking velcro strap trail trekking trainers shoe: Amazon.co.uk: Shoes & Bags
hiking boots walking velcro strap trail trekking trainers shoe: Amazon.co.uk: Shoes & Bagswww.amazon.co.uk
I'm warming to the idea of Camino bootees !! I wonder if there's a waterproof onsie that would compliment the look? Now that's a good packing list.. 1 pair of bootees and 2 onsies.. one on, one in the wash...By now, most of us regulars know what we're going to get when we open the forum page and see a post from Andywild
Waking up this morning a bit blearyeyed, I had a choice of posts to click on.....of course I chose Andys as I knew it would give me a smile......it did
Mind you, I've almost...almost myself been caught out with the humour vs serious posts .....but I'm learning....I think!!
Andy, did you know about those Velcro slippers/ bootees that have become so popular for the elderly like yourself and myself??
I was thinking of getting a pair...they seem so comfortable I might even walk my next Camino in them!
Best wishes
Annette
I apologise if you didn't find my post humorous. Although in my defense I am an unfit overweight pilgrim and offer as much advice and positivity to people who may be doubting themselves. I've walked two (or three?) Caminos and written day by day blogs from the perspective of someone not in the best condition to be doing so. This (I hope) has helped inspire/motivate/encourage people to do something that they were feeling unable to accomplish. I don't mock others, I mock myself and even though I do, I still show that people like me can achieve their goals despite living on a diet of kebabs and frozen pizza (although I don't recommend it) .
All the best
Buen camino
Andy
x
Wow, thanks for taking the time to write all that (incredibly wise) advice..I know you well enough, through the forum to understand you highly self-deprecating humor. We share that trait. However, your sense of humor is far more developed than mine. You are indeed the Great One as relates to self-deprecating humor.
However, and erring on the side of being heart-attack, dead serious, and ASSUMING for the moment that you are accurately describing your physical condition and attributes, I make the following valid and dead serious recommendations:
1. Get thee to a doctor, or several specialists, to get a FULL cardiac workup BEFORE attempting any Camino. Too many well-intended pilgrims end up having their remains repatriated, having not learned this lesson THE HARD WAY. It is wholly unnecessary.
N.B. I also schedule my dental, vision, and all specialists follow-up or routine examination appointments for the one or two months before I plan to go on Camino. For me this means I have a lot of doctor appointments in February and March. I treat the situation as if I was taking my car on a really long trip. If I would get the car checked from bumper to bumper, why would I not do the same for my most precious possession...ME?
2. Try to lose as much extra weight as you can before the Camino. I know this sounds trite coming from a fellow who cannot look at a food advert without gaining weight...but it is helpful...
3. Check, and regulate your blood pressure. Cardiac events are only the most obvious threat to a large-ish, out of condition pilgrim. Strokes also happen with alarming frequency. Sometimes the doctor will merely prescribe a daily child's strength aspirin. But let a doctor do the prescribing.
I find that losing about 15 pounds - 7 kilos is enough to convert my blood pressure from high to to normal. I presently take medications for this, but I am not at a higher risk. MY high blood pressure is strictly due to my excess weight. If I lose the weight, I can drop the meds...
If you TRULY need velcro fasteners on your footwear, do as Chrissy says above...google it. Try Hiking Boots with Velcro Closure, or "Hook & Loop Men's Boots." It works! You can go directly to Amazon, but the same rule holds true as for any other pilgrim and their footwear. Only buy AFTER you try it on and walk around the shoe shop.
Hope this helps...like someone who actually thought you were being serious...pfffft!
Don't worry Andy, I am currently working on an idea that will solve your problem for ever...
' SPRAY-ON SHOES '
Please keep this to yourself while I develop the idea over the winter months - I'll be in touch!
Davie
Hello Andy. My suggestion to you following plenty of experience is this. If you can disicpline yourself to walking everyday for a month before you go, at least 2.5 km(30 mins) you will be surprised how fit you will become. I actually walked 3 to 4km daily but that was a matter of choice. Secondly find a good pair of Merrels or solomon trail shoes( not boots) and pay an extra 50 or so euro in a store afterwards for custom insoles. Use these each day for that month. Last year I walked on 2 separate occasions both 2 week periods. The first time in a pair of broken in but ill fitting shoes and was destroyed with pain and blisters. (Still walked everyday over 25 kms) and the 2nd time I walked the same daily average with my older Merrels but with insoles and the fit was more snug. Honestly my feet werent even sore after walking 28 to 30 km daily. Buen Camino and will follow up with my shoe suggestionHi, I'm going to walk the Frances in April and need advice regarding footwear.
For the last 18 months I've not walked further than from my sofa to the fridge. I've noticed that I get out of breath when trying to tie my shoelaces, (I also get little swimming 'dots' in my vision)... Does anyone know of any walking boots that use velcro instead of laces? I'd hate to be out of breath before I leave the albergue and look like an amateur.
Thank you
Hugs
Andy
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?