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That is the worst feature of trail runners and running shoes. They are light, but they provide little support or protection. I have found the New Balance ankle height walking/hiking boots to be sturdy enough without being ungodly heavy! The come in width sizing, too.I discovered that my Merrells have soles that are not stiff enough to prevent the gravel and cobbles on the roads and trails from really beating up the soles of my feet.
Hi Mooncat,I know this is an old topic that has been addressed before. But, it is worth hitting the dead horse again, with updated information. Please.
Last month, I wore Merrell Moab Ventilators (mid height, not waterproof so they breathe) on my Camino. They were the boots I had trained in and were comfortable. However, when you walk the Camino, you put a lot more hours on your feet than you ever would in training. And, I discovered that my Merrells have soles that are not stiff enough to prevent the gravel and cobbles on the roads and trails from really beating up the soles of my feet. The bottoms of my feet really hurt most days at the end of walking and even 2 weeks after finishing, my toes on both feet are partially numb. So, I am looking for different boots. I love that the Merrells are soft and are like reinforced running shoes and don't want to go back to heavy, hot, leather boots just to get a stiffer sole. I also like that they are mid-height for some ankle support.
I am a big guy with large feet and would like to hear what has worked well for others on the Camino. Boots that are comfortable, have a stiff enough sole, and that last through the entire trek. Thanks.
Hi Mooncat, I am yet to walk my Camino (starting mid April 2016) but spent many hours researching, reading reviews, etc before buying my boots. It's a big investment (financial and comfort) and you don't want to get it wrong. I ended up buying Oboz Bridger Bdry (women's) and absolutely love them. They market them as 'no break in time' and seriously, I have had no problems. The first wear I felt a little tender around the ankles but that was probably just not being used to the height. No problems since, no blisters and they have good arch support which I need, and they only weigh 460gm. I think the insoles are regarded as being as good as any after market product so no need for additional spend to replace inferior insoles. The soles are pretty rugged, I have done a lot of km's in them already and the soles show almost no wear. Everyones feet are different but they may be worth looking at. As for the numb feeling you describe, I often get that if my running shoes are laced too firmly, with my boots I allow room for movement and/or any swelling across the middle of my feet but lace more firmly around the ankle and don't get any numbness doing that. Hope you find something that works for you.I know this is an old topic that has been addressed before. But, it is worth hitting the dead horse again, with updated information. Please.
Last month, I wore Merrell Moab Ventilators (mid height, not waterproof so they breathe) on my Camino. They were the boots I had trained in and were comfortable. However, when you walk the Camino, you put a lot more hours on your feet than you ever would in training. And, I discovered that my Merrells have soles that are not stiff enough to prevent the gravel and cobbles on the roads and trails from really beating up the soles of my feet. The bottoms of my feet really hurt most days at the end of walking and even 2 weeks after finishing, my toes on both feet are partially numb. So, I am looking for different boots. I love that the Merrells are soft and are like reinforced running shoes and don't want to go back to heavy, hot, leather boots just to get a stiffer sole. I also like that they are mid-height for some ankle support.
I am a big guy with large feet and would like to hear what has worked well for others on the Camino. Boots that are comfortable, have a stiff enough sole, and that last through the entire trek. Thanks.
I know this is an old topic that has been addressed before. But, it is worth hitting the dead horse again, with updated information. Please.
Last month, I wore Merrell Moab Ventilators (mid height, not waterproof so they breathe) on my Camino. They were the boots I had trained in and were comfortable. However, when you walk the Camino, you put a lot more hours on your feet than you ever would in training. And, I discovered that my Merrells have soles that are not stiff enough to prevent the gravel and cobbles on the roads and trails from really beating up the soles of my feet. The bottoms of my feet really hurt most days at the end of walking and even 2 weeks after finishing, my toes on both feet are partially numb. So, I am looking for different boots. I love that the Merrells are soft and are like reinforced running shoes and don't want to go back to heavy, hot, leather boots just to get a stiffer sole. I also like that they are mid-height for some ankle support.
I am a big guy with large feet and would like to hear what has worked well for others on the Camino. Boots that are comfortable, have a stiff enough sole, and that last through the entire trek. Thanks.
Hi CathyJ, I too am starting mid April 2016 and still undecided about boots. Want to know if you looked at the Oboz you mention: Did you look at the Low BDry version? I hate that "around the ankles" feeling. I need good arch support (have my own inserts if necessary)...how's the arch support? Also, concerned that waterproof = not really breathable. Have you found them to get hot? debating on non-waterproof w/ addition of waterproof socks as an option (as some have suggested on this forum). TOO MANY CHOICES!Hi Mooncat, I am yet to walk my Camino (starting mid April 2016) but spent many hours researching, reading reviews, etc before buying my boots. It's a big investment (financial and comfort) and you don't want to get it wrong. I ended up buying Oboz Bridger Bdry (women's) and absolutely love them. They market them as 'no break in time' and seriously, I have had no problems. The first wear I felt a little tender around the ankles but that was probably just not being used to the height. No problems since, no blisters and they have good arch support which I need, and they only weigh 460gm. I think the insoles are regarded as being as good as any after market product so no need for additional spend to replace inferior insoles. The soles are pretty rugged, I have done a lot of km's in them already and the soles show almost no wear. Everyones feet are different but they may be worth looking at. As for the numb feeling you describe, I often get that if my running shoes are laced too firmly, with my boots I allow room for movement and/or any swelling across the middle of my feet but lace more firmly around the ankle and don't get any numbness doing that. Hope you find something that works for you.
Hi Lisa HS, I have got the Bdry Mid. I'm in Australia and they are not readily available here. Arch support is good, that's something I have trouble with in many shoes but I don't get any of that 'collapsing' feel in my arches. I have done lots of walks of 20+ km and I have not found them too hot, we have just gone through winter but our winter temps are very mild. I am happy to have waterproof boots because in April there is still a chance of rain (which then means mud) and I don't want to have wet feet. Wet boots can take a long time to dry out. I guess just try them and see how they feel. Good luck and maybe we'll see each other out there.Hi CathyJ, I too am starting mid April 2016 and still undecided about boots. Want to know if you looked at the Oboz you mention: Did you look at the Low BDry version? I hate that "around the ankles" feeling. I need good arch support (have my own inserts if necessary)...how's the arch support? Also, concerned that waterproof = not really breathable. Have you found them to get hot? debating on non-waterproof w/ addition of waterproof socks as an option (as some have suggested on this forum). TOO MANY CHOICES!
One more thing, make sure you get them bigger than you would usually wear. I was advised at fitting to buy a full size bigger which I have done and when you start walking down hills you'll be very thankful you did. No bashed toes! Plus, your feet swell and there is the sock thickness to consider.Hi CathyJ, I too am starting mid April 2016 and still undecided about boots. Want to know if you looked at the Oboz you mention: Did you look at the Low BDry version? I hate that "around the ankles" feeling. I need good arch support (have my own inserts if necessary)...how's the arch support? Also, concerned that waterproof = not really breathable. Have you found them to get hot? debating on non-waterproof w/ addition of waterproof socks as an option (as some have suggested on this forum). TOO MANY CHOICES!
Thanks for this discussion, I'm heading to a sports podiatrist (even though before camino my regular podiatrist said I did not need orthotics) wouldn't it be great to just walk and walk without sore feet! At least I had no blisters probably thanks to icebreaker socks.Great advice and suggestions. Thank you! And, I will look into seeing a podiatrist. My feet would feel fine throughout the day until the last couple of hours. Then, it seemed like I could feel every pebble under the balls of my feet at the base of my toes. I did have gel inserts, but after a while they took on their own melted shape. Thank you! Keep up the posts. I want to hear what shoes worked out best for people because I want to keep walking.
One more thing, make sure you get them bigger than you would usually wear.
I was advised to go 1/2 size bigger
And just a reminder that some of us love our hiking sandals!
For socks, I wore Fox River CoolMax liners under and Darn Tough and Wigwam wool socks. Only had blisters on one foot and in non-critical places. The socks seemed fine. Many times I couldn't change socks because none were dry. My foot pains were insignificant compared to what other people around me were enduring (without complaint). It was just aggravating to have very tender feet at the end of the day. Thanks!
In regards to wet feet, I carry very thin plastic bags in my pack. On rainy days I wear them over my socks. While my shoes get wet, my feet do not.
How do you do this? Put your feet into the bags and then into the shoes? Is this instead of gaiters?
That is just so interesting! Think I'll give it a try.Seabird:
I put my foot, with socks on, into a very thin bag and then slip my foot into the shoe. Shoes are wet but feet remain dry. I do not wear gaiters.
Joe
Like a unicycle or going barefoot, it may be a choice for the few.Which is not to say that people should buy sandals. It's just one more possibility to consider.
I wore British Army Pro Goretex boots on my Camino st jean to Santiago. No blisters, no problems whatsoever except it used to get very hot from time to time - my feet I mean - but easy solution take off boots and have a little sleep on the side of the trail. Boots are heavier than most but built to take a bashing. Needed re-soles at the end which shows they wore out rather than my feet! Using same boots again in April with new vibram soles, also taking a pair of trail sandals for chilling out afterwards.I know this is an old topic that has been addressed before. But, it is worth hitting the dead horse again, with updated information. Please.
Last month, I wore Merrell Moab Ventilators (mid height, not waterproof so they breathe) on my Camino. They were the boots I had trained in and were comfortable. However, when you walk the Camino, you put a lot more hours on your feet than you ever would in training. And, I discovered that my Merrells have soles that are not stiff enough to prevent the gravel and cobbles on the roads and trails from really beating up the soles of my feet. The bottoms of my feet really hurt most days at the end of walking and even 2 weeks after finishing, my toes on both feet are partially numb. So, I am looking for different boots. I love that the Merrells are soft and are like reinforced running shoes and don't want to go back to heavy, hot, leather boots just to get a stiffer sole. I also like that they are mid-height for some ankle support.
I am a big guy with large feet and would like to hear what has worked well for others on the Camino. Boots that are comfortable, have a stiff enough sole, and that last through the entire trek. Thanks.
In 2005 when we first walked the Camino I suffered with blisters the whole way. It started off with one blister and I put a dressing on and this I now realise was my undoing as it made the boot a little too tight which in turn caused another blister and so on and so forth! By the time we reached Santiago I was nearly on my knees with pain! Many long distance walks and caminos since then I have learned that if the feet sweat and the socks get wet that a blister will form. If it does then I apply a thin sticky plaster and leave it on for days on end and forget about it. This July it was 30degrees on the way so all I brought was 6 pairs of very thin socks-- liners I think and changed them every 2 or3 hours and never had a blister. As I have wide feet I usually wear Brasher boots, a size bigger than my normal shoes so are fairly loose without me sliding around in them. I wonder if the type of boots are not as important as being able to wiggle ones toes comfortably in them and not let the feet sweat from wearing the same socks all day. This worked for me anyway . Also lets not forget that for each person, one foot is larger than the other so a different thickness sock for each foot might be an answer!!! Looks different anyway!! Also a gel insole is a good idea in a fairly well worn boot or shoe. Good luck anyway and best wishes AnnetteI know this is an old topic that has been addressed before. But, it is worth hitting the dead horse again, with updated information. Please.
Last month, I wore Merrell Moab Ventilators (mid height, not waterproof so they breathe) on my Camino. They were the boots I had trained in and were comfortable. However, when you walk the Camino, you put a lot more hours on your feet than you ever would in training. And, I discovered that my Merrells have soles that are not stiff enough to prevent the gravel and cobbles on the roads and trails from really beating up the soles of my feet. The bottoms of my feet really hurt most days at the end of walking and even 2 weeks after finishing, my toes on both feet are partially numb. So, I am looking for different boots. I love that the Merrells are soft and are like reinforced running shoes and don't want to go back to heavy, hot, leather boots just to get a stiffer sole. I also like that they are mid-height for some ankle support.
I am a big guy with large feet and would like to hear what has worked well for others on the Camino. Boots that are comfortable, have a stiff enough sole, and that last through the entire trek. Thanks.
I have used Scarpa boots for both Caminos. All I can say is they were comfortable and I only got one blister when the footbed got damaged. The first pair however were badly enough worn that I would not have got a second camino out of them. The current pair will definitely get another camino. Why one pair wore out more than the next is a mystery to meI know this is an old topic that has been addressed before. But, it is worth hitting the dead horse again, with updated information. Please.
Last month, I wore Merrell Moab Ventilators (mid height, not waterproof so they breathe) on my Camino. They were the boots I had trained in and were comfortable. However, when you walk the Camino, you put a lot more hours on your feet than you ever would in training. And, I discovered that my Merrells have soles that are not stiff enough to prevent the gravel and cobbles on the roads and trails from really beating up the soles of my feet. The bottoms of my feet really hurt most days at the end of walking and even 2 weeks after finishing, my toes on both feet are partially numb. So, I am looking for different boots. I love that the Merrells are soft and are like reinforced running shoes and don't want to go back to heavy, hot, leather boots just to get a stiffer sole. I also like that they are mid-height for some ankle support.
I am a big guy with large feet and would like to hear what has worked well for others on the Camino. Boots that are comfortable, have a stiff enough sole, and that last through the entire trek. Thanks.
Which Keen boot did you get?I like REI's try it out policy. Solomon, then Merrills and finally settled on Keens. I wear Merrills for regular wear but their hiking boot doesn't work for me. My break-in hike for the Keens was the Skyline trail on Mt Rainier, rain, mud and slate pathways for an 8 hour, 10.2 mile trail rated difficult. My feet stayed dry and no blisters. We are going to walk our pilgrimage in mid-March.
Buen Camino
... worked well for others on the Camino. Boots that are comfortable, have a stiff enough sole, and that last through the entire trek.
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