summer footgear - waterproof or no?

[Varda]

Hi all,

You've convinced me that trail runners are the way to go.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/trail-running-shoes.29127/#post-244137

You also gave me the great advice to walk for hours before going to try on shoes. I did that today, and whoa, I'm in a bigger shoe!

The most comfy model was the Brooks Adrenaline. But now I have to decide whether to get them in the waterproof or regular model for my summer Camino.

According to Mr. REI, the waterproof ones will take a long time to dry if they get wet around the tops - and he implied that they would if it rains. The regular ones will get instantly wet if I step in a puddle, but then, he said, they would dry off quickly. What do you all think? (I plan to wear smartwool socks, if that makes any difference.)

 

[NualaOC]

I second @Lise T on the 'non waterproof' option. I wore waterproof/gore tex lightweight boots last year (June) and they were a disaster. Although they were a good fit, my feet became very hot and swollen, leading to horrible rashes and blisters. I ended up buying lightweight hiking shoes in Leon, which were perfect. I've also found that waterproof shoes/boots aren't always 100% waterproof and as Mr. REI said, they take forever to dry.

Re. the socks - I suggest that you go for the lightest possible smartwool, or a good technical trail running sock.

Buen Camino!

 

[JAL]

Hi all,

You've convinced me that trail runners are the way to go.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/trail-running-shoes.29127/#post-244137

You also gave me the great advice to walk for hours before going to try on shoes. I did that today, and whoa, I'm in a bigger shoe!

The most comfy model was the Brooks Adrenaline. But now I have to decide whether to get them in the waterproof or regular model for my summer Camino.

According to Mr. REI, the waterproof ones will take a long time to dry if they get wet around the tops - and he implied that they would if it rains. The regular ones will get instantly wet if I step in a puddle, but then, he said, they would dry off quickly. What do you all think? (I plan to wear smartwool socks, if that makes any difference.)

I also would recommend not doing the waterproof shoes/boots as they do not breathe well in dry conditions. I used Sealskin waterproof socks on rainy days and was very pleased with their performance.

 

[Mark Lee]

Definitely non-waterproof. If they get wet they dry quick. They breathe better and are cooler and they are less expensive. Get yourself some wine in Spain with the money you saved.
Synthetic or synthetic blend running type socks are the best.
cheers

 

[fjvjess]

Definitely non-waterproof. If they get wet they dry quick. They breathe better and are cooler and they are less expensive. Get yourself some wine in Spain with the money you saved.
Synthetic or synthetic blend running type socks are the best.
cheers

Mark Lee- synthetic and/ or blend? I shouldn't be looking for pure merino wool...or is that not even a typical option?

 

[Mark Lee]

Mark Lee- synthetic and/ or blend? I shouldn't be looking for pure merino wool...or is that not even a typical option?

I don't have any experience with the pure wool socks and it's definitely up to the individual and what works for them, but I like the synthetic, thin and lightweight running socks (lot's of brands out there). They are easy to wash, dry quickly and I had minimal blisters on both my Caminos. The only blisters I experienced were on the outer part of both my little toes where they rubbed against the shoes and they shortly callused up (if a Camino #3 ever happens for me, I will definitely get a shoe with a wider toe-box). I got zero blisters anywhere else on my feet. The pilgrims I did see suffering from some horrible blisters (especially on the bottoms of the feet) all seemed to be wearing heavy leather boots and thick socks. The moisture from your feet sweating can lead to blisters.
Also a little foot powder or Vaseline can go a long way in taking care of your feet on the Camino as well as stopping and checking on your feet while walking and changing socks if necessary. Massaging your feet and calves helps too, and cold soaks when you can.

 

[Wildflower Woman]

Walked June/July 14 with Brooks Cascadia, non waterproof . . . when it rained they dried quickly and when it was hot I was grateful they were not waterproof! In my limited experience hot sweaty feet = blisters and pain. I eventually wore a coolmax type sock as well, so a blend of materials, no double layers of socks and those too made me happy. When I did the liners early on my feet became super hot and sweaty and blisters appeared. Blessings for the journey, and whatever you decide it will work for you!

 

[Varda]

Thank you, everyone. It's wonderful to have this wealth of experience here to draw on. Non-waterproof it is!

 

[fjvjess]

I don't have any experience with the pure wool socks and it's definitely up to the individual and what works for them, but I like the synthetic, thin and lightweight running socks (lot's of brands out there). They are easy to wash, dry quickly and I had minimal blisters on both my Caminos. The only blisters I experienced were on the outer part of both my little toes where they rubbed against the shoes and they shortly callused up (if a Camino #3 ever happens for me, I will definitely get a shoe with a wider toe-box). I got zero blisters anywhere else on my feet. The pilgrims I did see suffering from some horrible blisters (especially on the bottoms of the feet) all seemed to be wearing heavy leather boots and thick socks. The moisture from your feet sweating can lead to blisters.
Also a little foot powder or Vaseline can go a long way in taking care of your feet on the Camino as well as stopping and checking on your feet while walking and changing socks if necessary. Massaging your feet and calves helps too, and cold soaks when you can.

Thank you, Mark. That's all very helpful.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Both options can be worthwhile frankly, for a summer pilgrimage, though if any part of it will be in spring or autumn, waterproof is essential.

Some pilgrims actually just carry both.

I'm an army boots kind of person myself, for reasons having nothing to do with water, but I've seen quite a few pilgrims using thick-soled open strong leather sandals in all weather and seeming quite happy with that choice.

All else being equal, strong, light boots/shoes/sandals are probably best, so yeah, I'd say non-waterproofed too.