Trail runners on the Norte

[TsafiK]

I'm planning on walking the Camino del Norte on July-August this summer. We are planning on walking mostly on the seaside trails (as much as we can). I have a Speedgoat 5 trail runners that I find very comfortable on short walks I've been doing till now (up to 10 km), but I was told by someone more experienced that it won't be good enough for the Norte, because of all the ups and downs on the trail. People who did the Norte, could you share your experience with me?

 

[trecile]

If it helps, I wore hiking sandals on all of the Norte.

 

[Vacajoe]

Wore Altra Timps trail runners - no issues.

 

[Rick M]

I wore standard running shoes.

 

[C clearly]

I was told by someone more experienced that it won't be good enough for the Norte

Not experienced enough, though, to notice how many people do it happily in trail runners or even road runners..

 

[WalkingLester]

I wore Speedgoats three times on the Norte. No problems. Not sure why anyone would say they would be inadequate. Also saw many people in trail runners on the Norte.

 

[GuyA]

Not the Camino Norte but I walked the Camino Primitivo and Camino San Salvador Fall 2022 in HOKA Speedgoats V5 and they were great…no problems whatsoever.

 

[LTfit]

Have walked the Norte, Primitivo, San Salvador, Mozárabe, Lana, Portugués and Inglés in Salomon trail runners, other Caminos except first in regular running shoes.

The first time I did the Norte I walked in running shoes which I regretted when it started to rain on a step downhill on a off Camino route into Laredo. I literally slide down the decline. Not fun. From then on I changed to trail runners with a better grip.

 

[mitchsj]

I'd certainly recommend Trail Runners on the Norte, as it can get boggy in parts.
I used Hokka Mafate but the Speedgoats would work equally as well.

 

[anne a]

I wore Hoka Challenger ATR‘s on the Norte without any issues - despite the heavy rain and mud in May 2019…. I would make the same choice again without any concerns especially in July/August. Happy trails!

 

[lt56ny]

Without a doubt you can easily walk in trail runners. I have a pair of Speedgoats that I love. But I have worn my Brooks Cascadias for all my caminos and I never have problems at all. If Brooks stopped making them I would go into mourning and then switch to Speedgoats. But as always I say it is a personal choice. Buen Camino
Oh yea, I walked the Norte from Irun to Santiago in 2018 in my Brooks and had no problems at all with my feet or my Brooks.

 

[Paul-CH]

I am curious how long your shoes last. I had to get rid of my Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 after 620km and the other pair after 780km.

 

[anne a]

I am curious how long your shoes last. I had to get rid of my Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 after 620km and the other pair after 780km.

Running shoes, including trail runners, last between 450 and 800 km according to most running websites. So that seems right on target.

 

[dimdog]

If it helps, I wore hiking sandals on all of the Norte.

Hi there, I did it in Aku Pilgrims (appropriate) but chopped & changed with trail sandals.....enjoy

 

[Edward Awad]

I walked the Camino Frances and del norte in Keen hiking boots. I find them sturdy, waterproof, and last forever. I walked more than 2500 km in Keen Durand and I can still wear them for shorter distances. Yes they are a bit bulky and heavy, but they do provide proper cushioning, comfort, and ankle protection on mountainous terrains such as the first ~300 km of the del norte.

I am planning on walking the primitivo this coming June. I'll be definitely wearing my Keens!

 

[trecile]

And there you have it - pilgrims who have successfully worn everything from sandals to boots.
Footwear really is a personal decision.

 

[trevorcc]

I'm planning on walking the Camino del Norte on July-August this summer. We are planning on walking mostly on the seaside trails (as much as we can). I have a Speedgoat 5 trail runners that I find very comfortable on short walks I've been doing till now (up to 10 km), but I was told by someone more experienced that it won't be good enough for the Norte, because of all the ups and downs on the trail. People who did the Norte, could you share your experience with me?

If you wear trail runners now and have no ankle issues I see no reason to change. Over the past 10 years or more the need for heavy hiking boots have diminished as more people realise there are alternatives. I have walked in heat, rain and snow always have used trail runners of different brands and never had a blister. But I also do not suffer from ankle issues.

 

[donalomahony]

If it helps, I wore hiking sandals on all of the Norte.

I also wore Keen sandals on the Norte, irun to Santiago. Suited me...

 

[dick bird]

but I was told by someone more experienced that it won't be good enough for the Norte, because of all the ups and downs on the trail

Did they explain why trail runners wouldn't be suitable for ups and downs?

 

[donalomahony]

Did they explain why trail runners wouldn't be suitable for ups and downs?

Vibram soles and their more recent equivalents generally are excellent for grip...

 

[Damien Reynolds]

I am partial to The Northface walking shoes. Norte three times (not the same pair!) Not sure if they are classified as runners, but they are definitely not boots. Last year I got away with the Frances from SJPdP AND Portuguese from Lisbon to Muxia on a single pair. They are now retired.

 

[trecile]

Vibram soles and their more recent equivalents generally are excellent for grip...

And you can find Vibram soles on everything from sandals to hiking boots.😊

 

[ken2116]

I've found the North Face Ultra 110 (there might be a newer model) to have good grip and sufficient protection and support for hilly trails with regular or only moderately irregular surfaces.

When hiking on more irregular surfaces, off trail, or when carrying more weight I use hiking boots for their stiffer soles (a buffer against sharp rocks) and ankle support. Under these conditions, with boots my feet and legs are less fatigued at the end of a long day.

 

[andylm65]

If it helps, I wore hiking sandals on all of the Norte.

Me too all the way Chacos.

 

[LALivingston]

I'm planning on walking the Camino del Norte on July-August this summer. We are planning on walking mostly on the seaside trails (as much as we can). I have a Speedgoat 5 trail runners that I find very comfortable on short walks I've been doing till now (up to 10 km), but I was told by someone more experienced that it won't be good enough for the Norte, because of all the ups and downs on the trail. People who did the Norte, could you share your experience with me?

Wore Speedgoat boots and was eternally grateful for them on the ups and downs.

 

[susanvalaer]

I'm planning on walking the Camino del Norte on July-August this summer. We are planning on walking mostly on the seaside trails (as much as we can). I have a Speedgoat 5 trail runners that I find very comfortable on short walks I've been doing till now (up to 10 km), but I was told by someone more experienced that it won't be good enough for the Norte, because of all the ups and downs on the trail. People who did the Norte, could you share your experience with me?

I’ve used Speedgoat 5’s twice now - and will be doing the Primitivo and San Salvador with them as well in September. I will say, it’s fun to take a picture of the tread at the first day and then again at completion - not much tread left!

 

[knoisyknees]

I wore Hoka Challenger ATR‘s on the Norte without any issues - despite the heavy rain and mud in May 2019…. I would make the same choice again without any concerns especially in July/August. Happy trails!

Me too in 2022. Great shoes in the mud and on tarmac of which there is plenty.

 

[AK2112]

I am curious how long your shoes last. I had to get rid of my Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 after 620km and the other pair after 780km.

I used my Salomon Speedcross 3 on the Frances, and then another 300 km after.