Mr_Ross_Duncan
Via Gebennensis, Portuguese, Via Francigena, GR65,
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Via Gebennensis, Portuguese, Via Francigena, GR65,
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This is an interesting question. I know I have crossed the line in the past and worn out a pair Keen Targhee boots while on the Camino. I don't have a clear answer, but the factors that I think go to this would indicate that 1100 km will be a stretch, and I wouldn't be using them too much beforehand beyond making sure that they work for the longer walk you are planning.We've settled on our new boots for our -soleupcoming CF/Invierno in August.
Merrell's for him, Salomon's for her.
We've been out on one short but very steep training walk to check them out.
One of the topics of conversation we had on this training walk yesterday was when we thought our new shoes would be considered ready to go and broken in.
The fine balance between worn in and wearing out.
20klm, 40klm, 200klm?.
There may not be any correct answer to this, just between us we speculated wildly on different lengths, but we wondered what the general group consensus would be.
Our latest walk is a planned Camino Frances to Ponferrada before switching to the Invierno and walking through to Finisterre, so around 1100klm.
We're keen on having the shoes worn in by the time we leave but not worn out so much that they have lost much of their mojo before we finish.
So in summary.
Like your feet.
Don't wear out your footwear before you go
I love the La Sportiva GTX Ultra Raptors, too. They fit my narrow heels so well. But I found La Sportiva puts out a redesign every couple of years. I did buy two pair of the first model I used and then could no longer get it and both pairs were slick on the bottom by then. So, I reluctantly bought the Ultra Raptor II. To my relief they are just as good, maybe even a little better. Because these will no doubt change in a couple of years, I plan to buy another pair as soon as I get my next REI 20% off coupon.I use the same brand and last of shoe now all the time and keep extra new pairs in the closet in case they quit making them. For me it is La Sportiva Bushido II in the summer and La Sportiva mid height GTX Raptors for winter Caminos. I also use there same shoes year round for walking, hiking, and snowshoeing as weather predicts. I walk to work in them and keep a pair of dressier shoes under my desk.
I find that I never need a break in period and I change them out when the lugs wear smoother on the bottom and provide little traction. I always wear a brand new pair on my Caminos.
My husband does the same with his trail runners which are a wide version of the New Balance Fresh Foam More trail shoes. He tends to break down the outside aspect of the left foot. Probably how he walks. He always has a new pair in the closet.
Usually we have to get some weird colors every year, but if it is the same shoe we are no slave to fashion...
Hi Luka, what brand shoe do you wear? I cannot tell even though the pictures are very nice.I bought the exact same shoes
This is so true. We hear quite a few complaints that newer models of a brand with the same "name" are often different.I bought ahead, as designs, materials, and sizing seems to frequently change.
Mine lost most of the heel lugs around 500 km and the rear ankle cushion is separating after about 700 km but they are still VERY COMFORTABLE. Yes, I bought a new pair for this September's Camino. Buen CaminoLa Sportiva mid height GTX Raptors for winter Caminos. I also use there same shoes year round for walking, hiking, and snowshoeing as weather predicts.
Hi Luka, what brand shoe do you wear? I cannot tell even though the pictures are very nice.
This is a great approach. I may do it myself from now on.Tricky one. Here's my take on it.
Most modern hiking footwear does not really need 'breaking in'.
Not like the old leather hiking boots I used 40-50 years ago!
For me, it's a question of breaking in my feet.
Just to make sure the footwear and my sock choice works OK.
Once everything seems OK, I tend to put them aside.
Some modern footwear, due to 'innovation', weight saving and most likely cost saving, is not that robust.
Whilst I love my Hoka Stinsons, they are a lightweight construction, so I used one pair training and a new pair for my Camino.
The lining started to fail at about 500 kms.......
I read somewhere that the expected life of these shoes is only 500-800 kms.
Mine made it to 1,200 with the aid of duct tape.
When I got home last month, I ordered 4 more pairs (they were on 50% discount)
That should see me OK for 4 more Caminos.......
I bought ahead, as designs, materials, and sizing seems to frequently change.
And I don't want to go through the whole evaluation and selection process again!
So in summary.
Like your feet.
Don't wear out your footwear before you go
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