Switch to runners after Burgos?

[SeattleJen]

Hi friends. This question is coming to you live from Atapuerca. I will be in Burgos tomorrow for two nights. My mid-high Merrell boots have been wonderful and definitely saved my hide many many times getting through the muddy and flooded path through Navarra. Now I have developed blisters on one foot and the boot feels very tight. The blisters are starting to plague me. If I just buy a pair of my usual favorite wide New Balance runners in the city tomorrow, will I regret switching for the rest of the Frances to Santiago? Will I need the Merrells still after Burgos? We have about 36 hours to discuss (I’m sure I won’t be up for shoe shopping tomorrow night after I get into town, so it will be the next morning). Today is Wednesday the 18th. Gracias!

 

[LakeMcD]

Even without your boot feeling tight I would vote for the runners. Depending on the materials used sometimes when boots wet through and dry numerous times they do shrink. Another option if you've a good history with the Merrells of your choice without incurring blisters, is to get a new pair of Merrells.

Buen Camino

 

[Anniesantiago]

I never have worn boots on the Camino.
Trail runners have served me well since 2004 on all portions of all routes.

 

[Rick M]

I carry both runners and gortex shoes, and switch as conditions change. Runners are the go to shoes until it rains.

Buen Camino

 

[nycwalking]

Nike running shoes on four caminos.

Switch. You'll be okay.

Buen camino.

 

[rappahannock_rev]

Boots, boo! Runners, yeah!

 

[SeattleJen]

Thank you, everyone! I see there is a Decathlon in Burgos and so will head straight there as soon as I drop my pack off at the hotel. I do love my boots for how well they served me through the Navarra flooding, though, so that part is sad. I’m about to go through the morning ritual of bandaging my blisters before heading out; my feet thank you, too.

My Camino: in the first week, absolutely no blisters. In the second week, it felt like my left foot was going to fall off...

 

[AlwynWellington]

my usual favorite wide New Balance

@SeattleJen , my usual favourite is an NB 4E 860.

Done several thousand km in mine with cool (as in not hot or sweaty feet.

Hope they have your favourite colour also.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)

 

[Scott Fraser]

You might want your boots again for the stages through the mountains beyond Astorga. The descent after Cruz de Ferro is very rough. A lot depends on your age, fitness and, of course, the weather.

 

[josephmcclain]

Hi friends. This question is coming to you live from Atapuerca. I will be in Burgos tomorrow for two nights. My mid-high Merrell boots have been wonderful and definitely saved my hide many many times getting through the muddy and flooded path through Navarra. Now I have developed blisters on one foot and the boot feels very tight. The blisters are starting to plague me. If I just buy a pair of my usual favorite wide New Balance runners in the city tomorrow, will I regret switching for the rest of the Frances to Santiago? Will I need the Merrells still after Burgos? We have about 36 hours to discuss (I’m sure I won’t be up for shoe shopping tomorrow night after I get into town, so it will be the next morning). Today is Wednesday the 18th. Gracias!

I walked the whole CAmino Frances with backpack in runners. They were the fantastic HOKA Cliftons. Never got a blister or anything else. Going to put those shoes in a frame and hang it on the wall! I don´t think you will regret changing.

 

[SeattleJen]

@SeattleJen , my usual favourite is an NB 4E 860.

Done several thousand km in mine with cool (as in not hot or sweaty feet.

Hope they have your favourite colour also.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)

Those are my shoes at home, too. No NBs to be found at Declathon.

 

[gloria lowe]

Hi friends. This question is coming to you live from Atapuerca. I will be in Burgos tomorrow for two nights. My mid-high Merrell boots have been wonderful and definitely saved my hide many many times getting through the muddy and flooded path through Navarra. Now I have developed blisters on one foot and the boot feels very tight. The blisters are starting to plague me. If I just buy a pair of my usual favorite wide New Balance runners in the city tomorrow, will I regret switching for the rest of the Frances to Santiago? Will I need the Merrells still after Burgos? We have about 36 hours to discuss (I’m sure I won’t be up for shoe shopping tomorrow night after I get into town, so it will be the next morning). Today is Wednesday the 18th. Gracias!

2 Caminos and I only wore trail runners. #3 the Norte in 15 days and runners again.