I walked the Norte this year, I thought it was excellent ... my favourite Camino. Some of the scenery really is jaw-dropping, and the Camino attracts a great mix of pilgrims, young and old ... but never too many of them. You really can choose to be alone, or have a new friends / group experience quite easily.
Tips? Don't be scared to stay in the dorm rooms of the albergue de peregrinos. I know many people prefer single hotel rooms, but because the path is less populated, the albergues are where you can meet people.
If you are a breakfast person .. it isnt a bad idea to ensure you have a little food in your bag to start the day. There arent always cafes and coffee stops that you can rely upon to get you going in the morning.
Sunday is a day no supermarkets open. So saturday is a day to stock up too, assuming you want to cook or prepare your own food of course. You'll always find restaurants etc.
Most of the albergues have blankets. I hardly used my sleeping bag ... next time I'd just use a silk liner.
Download the Buen Camino app for information about albergues, the guide books werent very reliable for accomodation I think. But dont rely on the app for the maps, the waymarking is better I think.
Footwear - Boots arent really needed Id say. I had very simple trek shoes, but I do wish I had a trail runner, or even running shoe at times.
I absolutely love the Norte. I had a 50 day Camino, for my 50th birthday, with an idea of writing 50 Haiku poems. The Norte easily provides the inspiration. My ebook is linking in the signature, but Ill share one page here anyway.