Switching from Norte

[JohnMcK]

Hi thinking of switching from Norte. Issue I have is couple bad blisters from all the road walking from Santander. I’ve got boots and for various reasons wasn’t able to do usual prep. Never had blisters before - on ball of foot- so bit of shock! I’m couple of days from Gijon. I hoping primitivo will be better on feet don’t mind the up and down it’s the hard surface road walking that is killing me. So couple of questions/ reassurance. - switching will be ok foot wise
Where best place to switch?
Sorry for ramble. Thanks

 

[trecile]

I don't know whether or not switching to the Primitivo Will be better for your feet. I would take a couple of rest days for them.
You can probably take a bus from where you are now to Oviedo.
Or walk from Villaviciosa to Pola de Siero, then Oviedo. The route is marked.

Camino del Norte | Gronze.com

www.gronze.com

 

[jabrown]

Hi thinking of switching from Norte. Issue I have is couple bad blisters from all the road walking from Santander. I’ve got boots and for various reasons wasn’t able to do usual prep. Never had blisters before - on ball of foot- so bit of shock! I’m couple of days from Gijon. I hoping primitivo will be better on feet don’t mind the up and down it’s the hard surface road walking that is killing me. So couple of questions/ reassurance. - switching will be ok foot wise
Where best place to switch?
Sorry for ramble. Thanks

Dress your feet with Compheed and keep walking.

 

[Tincatinker]

Blisters on the ball of the foot are only going to respond to rest. Bus to Oviedo and find accommodation as close to a decent bar restaurant as you can. Do not go sightseeing

 

[nathanael]

Hi thinking of switching from Norte. Issue I have is couple bad blisters from all the road walking from Santander. I’ve got boots and for various reasons wasn’t able to do usual prep. Never had blisters before - on ball of foot- so bit of shock! I’m couple of days from Gijon. I hoping primitivo will be better on feet don’t mind the up and down it’s the hard surface road walking that is killing me. So couple of questions/ reassurance. - switching will be ok foot wise
Where best place to switch?
Sorry for ramble. Thanks

I have done fourteen Caminos and never have had blisters. Knee pain yes. I believe the walking boots I have always used brand name Keen are the results of my blister-free. Have done the Norte and walked mostly roads due to being harassed by creepers when walking trails in a wooded area. Nevertheless, a rest in Gijon is a good thing sea water is a good remedy. Look up Hotel San Miguel great place to stay at and affordable and close to the beach. Buen Camino.

 

[RolfMagener]

In Gijon I took a 30 min train to Oviedo and switched. The Primitivo was great after all the asphalt of the Norte. I ended up going back to Gijon after finishing the Primitivo and then finished the Norte. I am glad I did.

 

[JohnMcK]

Thanks for reply’s. I’ve compeeded up plus some cheep sole inserts and seems to be improving. I’m going to go the primitivo with a poss rest day in Oviedo depending on how feet feel by then. Probably make a trip to decathlon and get some better inserts- padded.

 

[Cjanke]

Thanks for reply’s. I’ve compeeded up plus some cheep sole inserts and seems to be improving. I’m going to go the primitivo with a poss rest day in Oviedo depending on how feet feel by then. Probably make a trip to decathlon and get some better inserts- padded.

Consider soaking your feet in salt water between bandages. It helps to dry the blisters.

 

[cruiser75]

Hi thinking of switching from Norte. Issue I have is couple bad blisters from all the road walking from Santander. I’ve got boots and for various reasons wasn’t able to do usual prep. Never had blisters before - on ball of foot- so bit of shock! I’m couple of days from Gijon. I hoping primitivo will be better on feet don’t mind the up and down it’s the hard surface road walking that is killing me. So couple of questions/ reassurance. - switching will be ok foot wise
Where best place to switch?
Sorry for ramble. Thanks

I recently finished the Primitivo and it will be less pavement than the Norte and should be easier on the feet. I too felt the balls of my feet hurting but thankfully never had a blister appear. My feet really started to scream after 20 kilometers and I was struggling at the 25 and 30 kms mark. I found it easier to do 10 kms stages and rest for a coffee for about 30 minutes every time. This allowed me to complete 30 kilometers a day. I'm pretty sure the pack weight (9.5kilos), plus the water weight I was carrying attributed to the pain. I was carrying too much water (3kilos), and I should have taken advantage of filling up a smaller container at each rest area throughout the day. Don't give up on your camino and do smaller stages if time allows. Smaller steps/strides and a slower pace will help also.

 

[JohnMcK]

Thanks everyone. I am now on the primitivo the walking is a lot better and stages bit shorter I am finding. Feet almost back to normal!