Jeff Zimmerman
Cincigator
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances-April 2016
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Hi Jeff,I'll be walking the 500 mile Camino Frances in April/May. Flights are booked, accommodations booked, packing list stabilized, training well under way. I have one issue though that I need advice on. I'm extremely hard on boots. In my training walks, mostly on paved trails and sidewalks, I'm lucky to get 100 to 200 miles of wear on them before the sole is worn through to the cushioning layers. The wear is on the outside, rear corner of both heals. I've tried several different brands of boot and trail shoes, some with Vibram rubber soles, some with other material. I don't think I'll get anywhere near 500 miles out of any of them. So the question for the experienced pilgrims out there is, do you make it to Santiago with one pair of boots and if so, how? Did you buy replacements along the way?( I'm not keen on the idea of breaking in a new pair along the way.) I need to sort this out before I start my walk.
That's interesting Jeff.Thanks for the quick responses. I'm 6 ft, 180 lbs, size 12(US) shoe, 68 years old. I have no feet or joint issues after a lifetime of walking, hiking and marathon running, so I'm not going to change my mechanics now. My training walking pace is about 16 minutes per mile, so that may be contributing to the excessive wear, I won't be walking that fast on the Camino. I've tried Merrell, Oboz, Asolo and Lowa boots/shoes. I've even tried a few ducktape strips on the heel, but they only last a few miles before they tear/wear off. My next solution is to try a product called Sho-goo, sold at REI. Don't particularly want to pack it though.
Jeff
Given the range of equipment you used and the consistency of the effect, it's not a defect of the shoes/boots. Given the extraordinary impact on your soles, I suspect Shoe Goo will last about as long as a snowball thrown in a bonfire. Thus, you'll either need to buy new boots/shoes as you go, or you need to deal with whatever is the underlying mechanical issue at hand. I would still recommend talking to a professional, but you have to walk your own walk.Thanks for the quick responses. I'm 6 ft, 180 lbs, size 12(US) shoe, 68 years old. I have no feet or joint issues after a lifetime of walking, hiking and marathon running, so I'm not going to change my mechanics now. My training walking pace is about 16 minutes per mile, so that may be contributing to the excessive wear, I won't be walking that fast on the Camino. I've tried Merrell, Oboz, Asolo and Lowa boots/shoes. I've even tried a few ducktape strips on the heel, but they only last a few miles before they tear/wear off. My next solution is to try a product called Sho-goo, sold at REI. Don't particularly want to pack it though.
Jeff
Jeff,I'll be walking the 500 mile Camino Frances in April/May. Flights are booked, accommodations booked, packing list stabilized, training well under way. I have one issue though that I need advice on. I'm extremely hard on boots. In my training walks, mostly on paved trails and sidewalks, I'm lucky to get 100 to 200 miles of wear on them before the sole is worn through to the cushioning layers. The wear is on the outside, rear corner of both heals. I've tried several different brands of boot and trail shoes, some with Vibram rubber soles, some with other material. I don't think I'll get anywhere near 500 miles out of any of them. So the question for the experienced pilgrims out there is, do you make it to Santiago with one pair of boots and if so, how? Did you buy replacements along the way?( I'm not keen on the idea of breaking in a new pair along the way.) I need to sort this out before I start my walk.
If your issue of wear is common across the board, I would suggest that you talk to a physical therapist / physiotherapist or a podiatrist.
My next solution is to try a product called Sho-goo, sold at REI. Don't particularly want to pack it though.
you need to deal with whatever is the underlying mechanical issue at hand. I would still recommend talking to a professional, but you have to walk your own walk.
Jeff I agree your issue its not the boot (s) you need to see a specialist you are pronating and you are a heel stricker for sure so find out what it is, could be as simple as weak foot muscles so go have it checked.
Thanks for all the input. I'll probably see a "foot guy" and see if orthodics will help. One other consideration. Pavement is much more abrasive than dirt. Anyone have a guess as to what percentage of the Camino Frances is on road/sidewalk vs. dirt road/path/trail. Maybe I don't have to get 500 miles out of my boots.
Jeff
And add clack-clack to the tap-tap of trekking polesHi - any cobbler will put on steel or aluminium heel plates for you ...
Shoe Goo may help. The trick is to let the boot wear a little, then apply the Shoe Goo to build it back up. Doesn't take much. It will wear, perhaps about as fast as the original sole, but then you reapply. Try it as you train if you have time.My next solution is to try a product called Sho-goo, sold at REI.Jeff
Hi Jeff - like you I had never had an issue with my feet until 2013 when the Roman roads on the Via de la Plata caused a nerve problem. I went to a podiatrist who almost immediately diagnosed a problem with my step. So I would be taking a couple of pairs of recently worn shoes to the best local podiatrist - you really have nothing to loose and will possibly gain the extra miles you have lost from your walking shoes. (This was not the only problem but it did help with the other issues.) CheersThanks for the quick responses. I'm 6 ft, 180 lbs, size 12(US) shoe, 68 years old. I have no feet or joint issues after a lifetime of walking, hiking and marathon running, so I'm not going to change my mechanics now. My training walking pace is about 16 minutes per mile, so that may be contributing to the excessive wear, I won't be walking that fast on the Camino. I've tried Merrell, Oboz, Asolo and Lowa boots/shoes. I've even tried a few ducktape strips on the heel, but they only last a few miles before they tear/wear off. My next solution is to try a product called Sho-goo, sold at REI. Don't particularly want to pack it though.
Jeff
Seeking professional help is great advice. The problem I always have is knowing the right questions going in. Check out this website http://www.fixingyourfeet.com and his book. Great resource--and a nice guy. He has worked on my feet at ultra events.I'll be walking the 500 mile Camino Frances in April/May. Flights are booked, accommodations booked, packing list stabilized, training well under way. I have one issue though that I need advice on. I'm extremely hard on boots. In my training walks, mostly on paved trails and sidewalks, I'm lucky to get 100 to 200 miles of wear on them before the sole is worn through to the cushioning layers. The wear is on the outside, rear corner of both heals. I've tried several different brands of boot and trail shoes, some with Vibram rubber soles, some with other material. I don't think I'll get anywhere near 500 miles out of any of them. So the question for the experienced pilgrims out there is, do you make it to Santiago with one pair of boots and if so, how? Did you buy replacements along the way?( I'm not keen on the idea of breaking in a new pair along the way.) I need to sort this out before I start my walk.
Hi - any cobbler will put on steel or aluminium heel plates for you ... remember we used to have them added to our leather soled shoes?
Then you won't wear them out - but I agree with those above ... doesn't happen to others so a podiatrist visit is in order!
You may have supinated feet which causes your feet to roll to the outside (lateral) side when you walk. I would recommend that you see a podiatrist or try insoles like Superfeet. When using insoles for the first time only use for 1-2 hrs at a time and add more time each day until you can wear them comfortably all day. One pair of good hiking shoes should last you 500-1000 miles. Some have lasted even longer. The danger is that even though the soles aren't worn, the inside supporting part of the sole breaks down and no longer supports you feet.I'll be walking the 500 mile Camino Frances in April/May. Flights are booked, accommodations booked, packing list stabilized, training well under way. I have one issue though that I need advice on. I'm extremely hard on boots. In my training walks, mostly on paved trails and sidewalks, I'm lucky to get 100 to 200 miles of wear on them before the sole is worn through to the cushioning layers. The wear is on the outside, rear corner of both heals. I've tried several different brands of boot and trail shoes, some with Vibram rubber soles, some with other material. I don't think I'll get anywhere near 500 miles out of any of them. So the question for the experienced pilgrims out there is, do you make it to Santiago with one pair of boots and if so, how? Did you buy replacements along the way?( I'm not keen on the idea of breaking in a new pair along the way.) I need to sort this out before I start my walk.
Wife and I 20 minutes a mile at home definitely slower on the CF. We used Patagonia AC Drifters and walked about 380 miles.. At the end the soles looked as good as new. They have Vibram soles. With training total miles 500+ and good for many more.I'll be walking the 500 mile Camino Frances in April/May. Flights are booked, accommodations booked, packing list stabilized, training well under way. I have one issue though that I need advice on. I'm extremely hard on boots. In my training walks, mostly on paved trails and sidewalks, I'm lucky to get 100 to 200 miles of wear on them before the sole is worn through to the cushioning layers. The wear is on the outside, rear corner of both heals. I've tried several different brands of boot and trail shoes, some with Vibram rubber soles, some with other material. I don't think I'll get anywhere near 500 miles out of any of them. So the question for the experienced pilgrims out there is, do you make it to Santiago with one pair of boots and if so, how? Did you buy replacements along the way?( I'm not keen on the idea of breaking in a new pair along the way.) I need to sort this out before I start my walk.
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