trail shoes + gaiters for winter camino?

[sotirod]

Yeah, I know, I know...another shoe question.

I have really bad luck with mid trail shoes. No matter which brand I try, they fit beautifully in the store and on short walks - but anything more than 30 minutes, and the pressure on the back of my ankles leads to tingling and soreness in my achilles tendon. I am a million times more comfortable in trail shoes shaped more like running shoes than boots. If I were walking in summer, it would be a no-brainer.

But I'll be walking in February and March (although we might be able push it forward to mid-March-April, which would probably be better). Would a good pair of trail shoes (like the Keen Gypsum light trail shoes) and a pair of gaiters be good enough for a late winter/early spring camino?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Arn]

Hi,

I had a similar problem with my ankles turning in when I wore my Merrel high and low tops. This last Camino (CI) I wore New Balance Mens MW978GT with Motion Control. They are so comfortable and waterproof, unless you get water inside.

At most, the ankle gaiters should fit the bill. They also are great for keeping stones out of the boots.

Buen Camino,

Arn

 

[sotirod]

Thanks Arn! Did you walk with your low trail shoes in the snow? Did you find them adequate? Thanks!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Well, really, isn't the ONLY place you'll be walking in snow on the first day over to Roncesvalles? After that, is there snow?

 

[sotirod]

Well, never having been there in the winter...or ever, as a matter of fact...I don't know! :mrgreen: That's why I'm asking!

I have been reading the Girls On the Way blog, and they definitely had to walk through some snow for more than one day. I don't expect there to be snow the entire walk...but even three days of snow with inadequate footwear could be miserable. I *think* that I'll be ok with low hiking shoes and gaiters...but I'm wondering if I'm kidding myself.

Thanks!