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Shoe question

andywild

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
CF april 18.. CP sep 18.. CF april 2020
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
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
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
Just google..."walking boots, velcro" and see what comes up. It's magic!
 
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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

Have you considered doing the Camino on a sofa? IKEA does some quite small roll-away ones that should fit into most albergues.
 
I was surprised at how many discouraging comments I received on a post instead of encouragement and motivation
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.
 
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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)
Please read more of @andywild 's posts. The only person he mocks is himself.
 
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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

Check the kids shoe section.

You know how they have “husky” sizes for kids with that issue. Maybe, there’s a “Bigfoot” section in kids for shoes. I am certain there will be a boot with velcro for you.
 
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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)
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
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
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
 
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'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...
And as an added extra I could sign autographs for children as one of the teletubbies 😀
 
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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

I know you well enough, through the forum, to understand your 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 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!
 
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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!
Wow, thanks for taking the time to write all that (incredibly wise) advice..
I do actually try and get a bit healthy before I go.. unfortunately not to the levels you suggest but definitely a bit..
I actually tried to join a gym a few years back but they gave me a medical examination on the induction and told me that I wasn't allowed in as my blood pressure made me a liability (true story).
I have to have yearly medicals for my job and the last one a couple of months ago didn't show anything too worrying so in my grease soaked mind I consider myself good to go..
I love the car analogy..
My car has a small coolant leak so I carry a large bottle of water to keep it topped up. Unfortunately it appears that I mixed the bottles up a few months back and have been running my car on lemon and lime juice since July. (Another true story... Imagine being me).
Whilst I have a VERY gung-ho approach to life I do actually make sure I have the good medical/life insurance when I walk.. it may not save me but at least it won't leave my loved ones having to deal with my mess.. unfortunately do to my medical history the only company willing to insure me is one that offers insurance to zoos while transporting sick/elderly elephants.. it's expensive but I do get a sack of peanuts with each policy.. (ok i may have made up that last bit).
Whilst the velcro thing was flippant I'm glad to see that yet again my ramblings has elicited some useful advice for others to take onboard.. (I take no credit for this.. it's all you) 🙂♥️♥️
 
All joking aside, either take better care of yourself before attempting a Camino, or carry a current and valid ICE contact card in a waterproof baggie with your national passport (EU ID Card) and pilgrim credencial. This is so whoever finds you unconscious, or worse, will know who to contact and where to send you and your stuff...

For what it is worth, I developed such a sheet, making a 2 x 2 panel table using US letter sized paper. You can easily use A4. Fold into quarters. Trim to fit.

My version contains my name. DOB, blood type, religion (including the request to call a priest if I am seriously ill), my nationality and passport number, all current medical conditions and prescription medications. I also list a point of contact with a friend in Spain who speaks fluent Spanish, as well as family contacts back at home. this is always immediately next to my national passport.

If they find me unconscious or worse, they will find this important piece of paper. It can help treatment start early and with more effect. I also have a second copy of this in my rucksack with my other travel papers, and a printed copy of my planned Camino itinerary.

NOTE: Realizing that I had a serious "senior moment," I just added this edit to explain further that the resulting four-panels after you fold the document into quarters, is so I can produce the document content in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. I set up the tables to have lined borders outlining / surrounding each of the four panels. Once I did the translations (you can use using Google Translate or Microsoft Translate), I folded it so the side with the language of the current country I am in shows first.

Hope this helps.
 
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The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
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

Davie this sounds like a life changing invention! Could I request that the can is styled VERY differently from this one thoughEasy_Cheese.JPG
I always carry this and would hate to get the two mixed up when applying shoes in a darkened albergue..
Keep up the good work
Andy
 
It isn't just velcro shoes or getting out of breath going to the microwave ... it is about Camino and if I remember correctly everyone seems to say that your Camino is your Camino

Or am I wrong?

So, therefore .... errrmmm ... it can be done this way???? (no velcro shoes needed and also a handy basket for snacks) ...

images (600 x 494).jpg
 
David is totally correct. I am just interested in preventing illness or premature death when and where it can be prevented.

My adamant wording is only because I care about ALL of my Camino friends and colleagues, even those I have not met personally.

Hope this explains.
 
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€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
to add to other comments of this post regarding Andy's humor, may I respectfully point out that it is in the "not so serious" section.
Yes, this Forum is about getting advice, asking questions and all that, however some of us like to take a bit of the edge off and be silly. Humor, to some extend unfortunately, comes at the expense of making fun of....something\somebody. And it is just as a part of 'living with other humans' -not everything is 'directed at you personally', but if you choose to perceive it as such.....
Couple of other Forums that I've been active one have a 'disclaimer' of a sort when it comes to sections akin to this one. the said disclaimers in short say that one better have a reasonably thick skin before venturing into this section. short of direct personal attacks - nobody will apologize for any 'general' posts they wrote that may deem offensive to others and in return expect the same if someone's post feels offensive to them. Another words - abandon Hope all ye who dares to enter here and if you do not - then please pass on by
 
1) Get out and walk as much as you can before going. Not nly will this build stamina but perhaps keep you from injury like mine.
2) Do not be concerned about hiking boots. If you can walk around your town with a good, comfortable pair of running / walking shoes, that is about all you will do on the CF. This will save a bit of weight too.
 
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
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 suggestion
 
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Hello again. Here are the type of pain free shoes I wore. P.s I ignored all the different forums etc and bought my normal shoe size
 

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