CaptNoglos
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances (2017)
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That's really helpful Mike thank you. It's our first Camino, StJPdP to CdS, and we have the time to do it, which was not the case in the past. We are also planning to be leisurely in daily expectations. We have also done several LD walks in the UK, including across the Lake District where poles were crucial in our view, so agree totally with you on that one. We are going late April, so the next few months are a continuation of the training months, with a careful eye on trying to avoid injury ( however no-one looks for injury). With so many comments here and elsewhere on footwear I decided a focused question would be a good one to ask. No doubt someone will cross reference to other replies, that's OK.Hi, welcome to the forum.
I suggest that you search through past threads for more info. There will be A LOT about footwear. It's one of the top 2 or 3 topics of debate here. Top 3 seem to be: footwear, walking poles, phone cameras. Re footwear, there are 2 sets of preferences: Structured boots or trainers. There are many other topics covered in this forum, of course, but the most contentious ones are those 3, it seems to me.
There was a very interesting discussion recently about blisters. That's a complex issue which it seems is not necessarily solved by choice of footwear.
The essential factor is: Everyone is different. Blisters: Skin layers can be prone to shearing in one person and not in another. Then moisture and friction become the major contributing but secondary factors. Footwear: some people want comfort and don't mind occasionally wet feet - go with trainers, they are more likely to get wet but dry quickly; boots are heavier, stiffer, more likely to be worn by people (like me) who try to keep their feet dry and need ankle support. I have no opinion about sandals.
I suggest that you train for as long as you've got before you leave. Long distance walking is an unusual experience for any body and the various stresses effect everyone differently. With luck, you will learn about any specific weaknesses before you're out there and don't want to quit.
A lot of people, but certainly not everyone, develop plantar fasciitis. The relatively sudden onslaught of a huge amount of exercise can bring on a bout of plantar fasciitis. It can be agonising. I suggest that you be wary of mainly the macho, older guy who's mantra is "Just go for it".
I don't know how far you're planning on walking, but I strongly suggest you don't dive into a very long walk as your first Camino. Try 200kms or 400kms, it's not a competition, enjoy yourself.
Walking poles take some weight and stress off muscles and joints (some say 10% or more!). I've only walked The Camino Frances but I can tell you that there are quite a few descents there which can be very strenuous due to very uneven surfaces, and which are dangerous when wet or muddy.
It's not true that modern boots need breaking in. An all-leather boot will, but almost all modern boots are made mostly of fabrics and synthetics which are pretty much ready to go. I have a good pair of Scarpas. They fit perfectly, I chose socks very carefully, I've never had blisters. But that's me. The climate while you walk will be a big factor - heat changes all variables. I walked in early spring, it was cool but manageable and I found it great weather for walking. By ready for wet weather, water can run down your legs into even waterproof boots.
You're going to get a LOT of answers about this. This topic comes around often.
Good luck and Buen Camino, - Mike
Thanks Robo, really helpful. I'm equally not convinced about sandals.Lightweight walking boots. Mid Height. (Saloman GTX). They weigh 950 gms for the pair. I put custom insoles inside. And they are a full size larger than my normal shoes....
I find these give the support I need to my ankles. ( I would have twisted an ankle a couple of times without them).
They are very comfortable. Most comfortable footwear I own! My feet do get warm in them as they are Goretex, but I stop every couple of hours to air my feet anyway. (and swap socks if feet are damp) I wear a thin wicking liner sock with a thick wooolen outer sock. Lots of vaseline, sheeps wool on any hot spots etc.
Never got any blisters.... (nor has my wife, exact same footwear and regime)
I (we) carry Teva sandals for evening wear and backup walking footwear, but have never walked in them. Not sure I would feel safe hiking in them. Lack of support etc. But could if required...
Thanks Robo, really helpful. I'm equally not convinced about sandals.
I know people who prefer to walk with sandals. I started with boots then progress to lightweight trail runner.
A few little things I will do differently next time:That's really helpful Mike thank you. It's our first Camino, StJPdP to CdS, and we have the time to do it, which was not the case in the past. We are also planning to be leisurely in daily expectations. We have also done several LD walks in the UK, including across the Lake District where poles were crucial in our view, so agree totally with you on that one. We are going late April, so the next few months are a continuation of the training months, with a careful eye on trying to avoid injury ( however no-one looks for injury). With so many comments here and elsewhere on footwear I decided a focused question would be a good one to ask. No doubt someone will cross reference to other replies, that's OK.
Sorry I rambled on a bit. I tend to do that. However, in my defence, I will say that many issues are closely related regarding footwear. F'rinstance, if one wears squishy shoes that don't grab around the ankles, and walking poles are not used, then feet are free to slide forward during descents and to repeatedly jam toes into boots, risking blisters. OK, that's all from me.That's really helpful Mike thank you. It's our first Camino, StJPdP to CdS, and we have the time to do it, which was not the case in the past. We are also planning to be leisurely in daily expectations. We have also done several LD walks in the UK, including across the Lake District where poles were crucial in our view, so agree totally with you on that one. We are going late April, so the next few months are a continuation of the training months, with a careful eye on trying to avoid injury ( however no-one looks for injury). With so many comments here and elsewhere on footwear I decided a focused question would be a good one to ask. No doubt someone will cross reference to other replies, that's OK.
I wonder if body weight, pack weight, age and fitness is a factor?
Perhaps those who prefer to walk in sandals are younger, fitter and lighter?
I just wouldn't be able to. My ankles and feet need the support. But good that some can....
Having been a walker for many years I thought I knew what was most suitable. Unfortunately the place where I bought my first Camino walking shoes forgot to tell me about their lack of inner sole padding. Result Camino over after 5 days - 15/18 months of rehab and not much walking (certainly no 20-25 km days - in fact I had to cycle the camino in 2015).
Now I have comfortable walking boots (reasonably lightweight); to which I have added significant inner padding.
What "you" choose depends upon a number of factors: your weight; average distance walked each day; feet conditions (see a professional for an assessment before departing - but after you have done a month or two training in the shoes/boots you intend to walk in).
The one thing I do know - stop and rest your feet every two hours; take of footwear and socks and let your feet breath. Cheers
I am puzzled. Are you recommending that people ignore all advice but yours, or should they ignore advice from you as well, in which case they might heed other adviceYou just have to ... ignore all the advice.
I suspect body weight, pack weight, age and fitness are very much a factor. Although given the comments here, I am tempted to try some short walks around home with just trainers, and had already decided that I will certainly have light shoes for the evenings in Spain. I suspect that it will be hard to move away from walking boots / shoes for daytime though. Off to my favourite outdoor shop tomorrow for some advice, and a review of my current boots, which have undertaken many miles, and just might not complete the Camino in one piece.I wonder if body weight, pack weight, age and fitness is a factor?
Perhaps those who prefer to walk in sandals are younger, fitter and lighter?
I just wouldn't be able to. My ankles and feet need the support. But good that some can....
I suspect body weight, pack weight, age and fitness are very much a factor. Although given the comments here, I am tempted to try some short walks around home with just trainers, and had already decided that I will certainly have light shoes for the evenings in Spain. I suspect that it will be hard to move away from walking boots / shoes for daytime though. Off to my favourite outdoor shop tomorrow for some advice, and a review of my current boots, which have undertaken many miles, and just might not complete the Camino in one piece.
Thanks, that's good sound stuff and in line with our own thinking, nice to see others have the same experience.Personally I've come to the conclusion that a quality pair of breathable, lightweight but supportive pair of ankle high walking/hiking boots/shoes are a good choice. I also like to bring more than one type of insoles with me, as well as more than one type of socks. If one type is not working well, it's nice to have the option of switching out.
My preferred choice is snugly fitting (not tight) good quality walking boots with gel insoles for hard wearing, robust structure, ankle protection. They also have to be well broken in before they are used every day. An important part is good quality pairs of walking socks to use and swap. This helps and prevents the formation of blisters.
Views anyone?
Seeing lots of comments in these forums about footwear, as well as in the number of books that I am reading. These vary from Open sandals, running shoes, trainers, walking shoes, and walking boots
I think it depends on the time of year. I walked the Camino Frances in walking shoes because it was end August and very hot. However, when I walked the Portuguese Camino in April I wore boots and was very glad I did because it was cool and wet. I agree, lightweight boots are ideal but they need to be much larger than you would normally wear. I wouldn't walk in sandals because the terrain is too rough and the risk of stubbing a toe too great.
So, what are the opinions and why?
My preferred choice is snugly fitting (not tight) good quality walking boots with gel insoles for hard wearing, robust structure, ankle protection. They also have to be well broken in before they are used every day. An important part is good quality pairs of walking socks to use and swap. This helps and prevents the formation of blisters.
Views anyone?
Seeing lots of comments in these forums about footwear, as well as in the number of books that I am reading. These vary from Open sandals, running shoes, trainers, walking shoes, and walking boots
So, what are the opinions and why?
My preferred choice is snugly fitting (not tight) good quality walking boots with gel insoles for hard wearing, robust structure, ankle protection. They also have to be well broken in before they are used every day. An important part is good quality pairs of walking socks to use and swap. This helps and prevents the formation of blisters.
Views anyone?
Jill, I have Chacos but worry that they are very heavy to carry when not using my trainers. Do Chacos vary in weight? Also I traveling April 28 from (SJPdP). Won't it be too cold for open sandals?I started walking in trail shoes and had lots of forefoot pain. So I switched to my Chaco sandals, which for some reason worked great for the rest of the walk (almost 500 miles). I don't know why they didn't cause the pain I always get with any kind of shoes over long distances. No messing with vaseline, taping, layers of socks, etc. Get muddy, just step in a fountain and swish around, then keep walking. Occasionally added socks when it was cold, but rarely. Chacos are also the choice for the authors of the Village to Village Camino Guide (you can see them pictured on the back flap). Others here have found other brands of open sandals that work for them, too. However I would never advise anyone else about footwear... you have to find out what's best for you with experience. But be open-minded!
Rob, thanks for the Camino trip this morning! I especially liked the post-Camino reflections.Good points/advice Mike. I visited a Podiatrist and a Physio, both of whom were used to working with walkers / runners.
The Physio fitted me with custom insoles, that were moulded to fit my feet, and tested my gait by videoing me walking. He added additional thin 'shims to correct my ankle angle on one side. Did the same with my wife Pat. We both did fine on our Caminos. Other than pre-existing foot conditions, (that we managed fine) but that's another story........and the reason I sought professional advice in the first place
B O T H !!!!Seeing lots of comments in these forums about footwear, as well as in the number of books that I am reading. These vary from Open sandals, running shoes, trainers, walking shoes, and walking boots
So, what are the opinions and why?
My preferred choice is snugly fitting (not tight) good quality walking boots with gel insoles for hard wearing, robust structure, ankle protection. They also have to be well broken in before they are used every day. An important part is good quality pairs of walking socks to use and swap. This helps and prevents the formation of blisters.
Views anyone?
Thanks Robo, really helpful. I'm equally not convinced about sandals.
Same with me......sandals helped me out!!And I'm not convinced that Pepsi tastes better than Coke.
Jill (who had foot problems with my well-fitting boots and trainers and ended up walking the Camino successfully in the "extra" sandals I brought along).
LOL, yeah, I guess I am! My advice is to ignore all advice about which specific footware is best for everyone. Just like advice about whether blue is better than red. (I will point out that the old statues I saw on the Camino of pilgrims from 800 years ago were wearing sandals that looked just like mine)I am puzzled. Are you recommending that people ignore all advice but yours, or should they ignore advice from you as well, in which case they might heed other advice.
Well, it's been almost a week now. Fun, isn't it?Seeing lots of comments in these forums about footwear, as well as in the number of books that I am reading. These vary from Open sandals, running shoes, trainers, walking shoes, and walking boots
So, what are the opinions and why?
My preferred choice is snugly fitting (not tight) good quality walking boots with gel insoles for hard wearing, robust structure, ankle protection. They also have to be well broken in before they are used every day. An important part is good quality pairs of walking socks to use and swap. This helps and prevents the formation of blisters.
Views anyone?
Sandals were the choice they could afford, probably. Someone said recently here that if pilgrims had buses centuries ago, they wouldn't have walked. There's so much choice in this modern world, so much to argue about!LOL, yeah, I guess I am! My advice is to ignore all advice about which specific footware is best for everyone. Just like advice about whether blue is better than red. (I will point out that the old statues I saw on the Camino of pilgrims from 800 years ago were wearing sandals that looked just like mine)
Hi, My wife and I walked the Camino Frances from St Jean Pied De Port to Santiago last year. We both trained for about 200 kms in our new boots. Both us us were very comfortable in the boots. One pair was Kathmandu full leather boots and the other pair was full leather Keens - excellent for a broad foot. The Kathmandu's lasted 700km of the Camino and the Keens lasted 800km. The full leather boots were excellent in the wet weather and the heavy mud. we saw shoes being sucked off feet. We took hiking sandals as back ups and for a break from the boots. My wife wore the boots exclusively till they wore out then the sandals for the last 100km but took the inners out of the boots for extra comfort in the sandals.Seeing lots of comments in these forums about footwear, as well as in the number of books that I am reading. These vary from Open sandals, running shoes, trainers, walking shoes, and walking boots
So, what are the opinions and why?
My preferred choice is snugly fitting (not tight) good quality walking boots with gel insoles for hard wearing, robust structure, ankle protection. They also have to be well broken in before they are used every day. An important part is good quality pairs of walking socks to use and swap. This helps and prevents the formation of blisters.
Views anyone?
Newspaper stuffed in boots is wonderful for drying them out. Two or three changes of crumpled paper and they are ready next morning. Hospitaleros etc often can give you old papers to use.
Jill, I have Chacos but worry that they are very heavy to carry when not using my trainers. Do Chacos vary in weight? Also I traveling April 28 from (SJPdP). Won't it be too cold for open sandals?
Great advice, we had the same on Coast to Coast. We put new inner soles into our walking boots half way across because we were having so many problems on the harder surfaces. Transformed the walk and made it a must for the future.Having been a walker for many years I thought I knew what was most suitable. Unfortunately the place where I bought my first Camino walking shoes forgot to tell me about their lack of inner sole padding. Result Camino over after 5 days - 15/18 months of rehab and not much walking (certainly no 20-25 km days - in fact I had to cycle the camino in 2015).
Now I have comfortable walking boots (reasonably lightweight); to which I have added significant inner padding.
What "you" choose depends upon a number of factors: your weight; average distance walked each day; feet conditions (see a professional for an assessment before departing - but after you have done a month or two training in the shoes/boots you intend to walk in).
The one thing I do know - stop and rest your feet every two hours; take of footwear and socks and let your feet breath. Cheers
Good point, I remember using that one for my school shoes when I were a lad. Thanks for reminding me.Thanks for the Tip,
Jed
Good point! I have had flat feet since my first pair of shoes, and arch support is def worthwhile.I should have also said that I have changed the liners in my boots for Milletts interchangeable style 'orthosoles'. They have velcro-on interchangeable arch support sections, soft/medium/hard, and a gel pad under the heel. This is something that I started after our 2015 Camino and would recommend if you need extra arch support. (Maybe another sign of increasing age)
Yes, loving the advice , comments and views. So much confirms my thinking and so much challenges it. Everyone is different, with different experiences. Great.Well, it's been almost a week now. Fun, isn't it?
Hope to make the meet. We have high ankle support boots, and "discovered" good quality walking socks, having always made do with a variety of combinations, largely learnt from my scouting days.We both wear Hi-Tec lightweight breathable leather boots which are also waterproof. This is for May walking not high summer in Spain, although we wear them in summer in the UK. With these we use a 3 sock system, very thin liners plus mid weight and then cushion sole mohair socks. If it is very hot we can swap our mid pair/outer pair etc to allow for our feet expanding. Also we carry crocs for post walking wear (evening/showers/sightseeing). Never had any problems and are glad of the ankle support.
If you make it to our S Devon get-together @CaptNoglos we can show you our system, although I suspect that you will want your boots sooner to break them in. Hi-Tec only need a few walks before use and are often available from Cotswold outdoors etc. Altitude V or Ravine (which are slightly heavier) - the former we now keep for Spain (after our 2015 Camino) and at home use the Ravine.
Thanks for that, you are right, I didn't include an option for more than one pair. An omission seeing some of the comments. I certainly intend having evening footwear as well, and it is interesting to see many considering, or using, two or more pairs of footwear for different terrain during the day. I tend to have just one, + evening / indoor wear.Although this is very personal, on my second Camino I had two pairs of shoes: Keen Arroyo II sandals for the rough bits and rain; New Balance walking shoes for the asphalt and concrete. No blisters or foot problems. Hiking boot proved too hot on my first Camino (had to be donated in Santo Domingo after causing too much hear in July 2014 and massive blisters). Kept trying various footwear (a total of 5 before Santiago), but ended up with Keen Newport sandals and Merrell water shoes? What can I say, they worked.
The upshot is, consider not just one pair of footwear, but two. The only day I got any even minor foot problem was the second day from Santiago to Muxia, which is all asphalt and I did not change into my sandals all day long. My wife had only one pair (Hoka trail runners) for the entire walk. She loved them, but by the end they were giving her problems. All footwear rubs and binds in some way. The idea of rotating footwear seems to really help.
This also means I could not vote in your poll--no option to check multiple types of shoes. One note: the second pair of footwear was the heaviest item in my pack, but my total pack weight was still below 15 pounds (plus food and water, which varied day to day and hour to hour), so quite manageable. On the Camino, we are just life support systems for our feet and legs. I'll skimp on anything else, but not items for the feet. I thought the second pair of shoes was the most beneficial thing I had in my pack, and well worth the weight.
Buen Camino,
Jo Jo
And I had the opposite experience. The people I encountered with the worst blisters were wearing boots. I wore very light weight trail runners and got one small blister, which I attribute to not being diligent about airing my feet out during rest stops one day.There are some really useful and helpful comments here. On other walks we have seen walkers with horrendous blisters using light shoes, or trainers. Whilst there are many reasons for blisters, it did put us off changing from well fitted high ankle walking boots + good quality socks, (with gaiters if wet). Not had blisters yet. The poll seems to be favouring walking boots at the moment, just. But still wider than the UK Brexit vote!
That's really interesting, such different experiences. Seasons have to be important as well, clearly hot and sticky feet are going to present a higher risk of blisters. I suppose you could mitigate that with talc? and or changing socks frequently etc etc. some swear by "Glove in a Bottle" , might try that as an experiment. I think that really does confirm that it is very individual, and it is important to make sure that whatever you do, has to work for you. Brilliant.And I had the opposite experience. The people I encountered with the worst blisters were wearing boots. I wore very light weight trail runners and got one small blister, which I attribute to not being diligent about airing my feet out during rest stops one day.
I did walk in quite hot weather at the end of August, so I think that played a factor in who got blisters.
Just a tad envious of a trip to Tasmania, have a great time.To add my ha'pennyworth!
I change socks every two hours and on a dry day clip the sweaty pair to a nappy pin at the rear of my rucksack.
When on the Norte, I passed a shoe factory at Vilalba and then bought a pair of their sandals in a shop in town - these sandals have a protected toe which obviates pebble ingress. Velcro fastening to ankle and heel.
I bought a handmade pair of leather boots from the cobbler in Melide, Laia opposite the church doorway, (having bought wonderful all-leather town shoes from him previously) and though lovely to look at and initially sensationally comfortable, they proved totally inadequate on rainy days on the Via Regia in Germany...
My own comfort has been assured by the purchase in Zamora of Spanish manufactured Chiruca hiking boots, Almanzor 15 Gore-Tex, two continental sizes too big. I have since bought them online for the same price with free postage to the UK from the El Corte Inglés.
I find that buying my next pair at the end of a long hike when in Spain meant that my feet had acquired their 'definitive' proportions.
I have used sandals on light days with easy runs OR when I have had a heavy day towards the end. Weather plays a part...
Lovely to read all the opinions and I have gleaned useful alternatives. Thank you all.
Off to Tasmania this week to hike the Cradle Mountain trail... sadly no camino though...
Thank you for sharing this article. It seems to be a very personal opinion, and doesn't reference anything but the author's own ultra-lightweight ideological perspective about these things. So it has much the same credibility as most of the discussion here about this topic where we have a wide range of views from forum members, including the ultra-lightweight walking devotees as well as those of us who take a more conservative approach.Here's an interesting article about boots vs trail runners. http://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/ditch-boots Most sources I found online refuted the idea that "ankle support" is necessary or helps. They also point out that the majority of long distance through-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, etc - carrying more weight than Camino walkers and hiking much further, as a rule, per day - wear lightweight trail runners.
I am inclined to think that general statements that people need "ankle support" are probably not usually valid. However, that doesn't mean that low shoes are generally better. There are pros and cons to each, that everyone must weigh.Here's an interesting article about boots vs trail runners. http://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/ditch-boots Most sources I found online refuted the idea that "ankle support" is necessary or helps. They also point out that the majority of long distance through-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, etc - carrying more weight than Camino walkers and hiking much further, as a rule, per day - wear lightweight trail runners.
I read the article, I also wore the Peregrine6 Trail Runners the author recommends, no problem on Camino FrancesHere's an interesting article about boots vs trail runners. http://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/ditch-boots Most sources I found online refuted the idea that "ankle support" is necessary or helps. They also point out that the majority of long distance through-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, etc - carrying more weight than Camino walkers and hiking much further, as a rule, per day - wear lightweight trail runners.
Time of year? I am wondering if trail runners are spring / summer, and walking boots are better for Autumn / Winter. I'm struggling to find a compelling arguement for trail runners if the terrain is deep mud and raining. Ok for a day or too perhaps, but struggling to support for a long walk, Def see a sound arguement for different footwear for different conditions, that makes perfect sense.I read the article, I also wore the Peregrine6 Trail Runners the author recommends, no problem on Camino Frances
April and May. Yes, the trail runners get wet but they dry very quickly.Time of year? I am wondering if trail runners are spring / summer, and walking boots are better for Autumn / Winter. I'm struggling to find a compelling arguement for trail runners if the terrain is deep mud and raining. Ok for a day or too perhaps, but struggling to support for a long walk, Def see a sound arguement for different footwear for different conditions, that makes perfect sense.
Before selecting what footwear I would use for the Camino I consulted with my foot surgeon since I was a few months post-op. He was familiar with the mixed terrain (including pavement) of the CF. With his blessing I ending up choosing the Salomon XA Pro mid-GTX "boots" which are essentially running shoes that provide ankle protection. The "mid" is only a few ounces heavier than the regular (low-cut) version. So for a few ounces I went with the extra protection. I have about 200km on them now and am confident I made a good choice.
I like taking both, and alternating my light, low top hikers (salomon) with my Teva sandles. The sandles give me a break on my toes.Seeing lots of comments in these forums about footwear, as well as in the number of books that I am reading. These vary from Open sandals, running shoes, trainers, walking shoes, and walking boots
So, what are the opinions and why?
My preferred choice is snugly fitting (not tight) good quality walking boots with gel insoles for hard wearing, robust structure, ankle protection. They also have to be well broken in before they are used every day. An important part is good quality pairs of walking socks to use and swap. This helps and prevents the formation of blisters.
Views anyone?
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