walking boots or shoes?!

[cailinnua]

Hi everyone,

Maybe this is a silly question, but for someone travelling April, would a good pair of walking shoes be sufficient or are boots needed? I believe a lot of it is track/path/road, and not hilly, mountaineous conditions as such...

Any thoughts weclome!

Thanks

 

[colinPeter]

Maybe this is a silly question...

No, actually it is a very good question.
However, for will get various views given as the correct answer, and there is probably no correct answer, just peoples preferences based on their experience.
My preference was and remains, light weight mid ankle boots.
Buen Camino.
Col

 

[dougfitz]

Col is right, this question regularly gets a good discussion. You might try searching the site first and then coming back if you have a specific question that hasn't been answered.

Regards,

 

[DesertRain]

To quote my previous Authentic Pilgrim™ guide:

Footwear: Boots, Shoes or Sandals?
This is one topic on which the Authentic Pilgrim™ sees no bad choice. It comes down to personal preference. HOWEVER, the Authentic Pilgrim™ reminds you that whatever footwear you choose must not contain ANY for the following materials: Rubber, plastic, nylon, polyurethane, and most metal alloys. Basically, unless you made your footwear out of rawhide and the sinew from a deer that you poached from your Lord’s lands (or, of course, you are the Lord), you are dangerously close to becoming an effete poseur.

Seriously though.... I want to put in a good word for Salomon boots, especially the Quest 4D GTX (http://www.rei.com/product/780681/salomon-quest-4d-gtx-hiking-boots-mens. I like them because they are a boot (i.e. ankle support and goretex) but based on Solomon's train running shoes. For ME, they are the perfect balance, especially with the variable weather of spring. However, footwear is a VERY personal choice with an almost infinite number of variables, needs and preferences. The only universal is to make absolutely certain they fit well and have been well broken in before you start the Camino.

¡Buen Camino!

 

[scruffy1]

A very good question, I have seen people walking in boots, shoes, sandals, even Crocs HOWEVER, you will be carrying everything on your back so have mercy on your knees, on your back and above all on your future mobility - 3/4 height boots are just the thing and yes Salomon boots are expensive but mine finished two Camino walks from St Jean before they were retired!

 

[grayland]

I once saw a lady walk by (past Leon on a rocky bit) walk by in what looked like dancing shoes. They had no hard sole that I could see and looked to be all cloth with little sparkles on the toe. :shock: The surprise is that she and her partner walked very quickly by us and we were not walking slowly. She was carrying a full pack.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

If the shoe fits, wear it. :lol:

 

[cailinnua]

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir!

I bought a pair of hiking boots last weekend and gradually breaking them in-should be ready for when I make the journey in April...30 days-yes I am counting!!

Buen camino a todos