Walking in Chacos?

[Ariel Mallett]

Hello all,

I have recently changed my route from the Camino del Norte, to the Via de la Plata route from Sevilla. I am considering doing the entire walk in Chaco sandels--which I regularly hike in at home in the summer time. This might be stupid, as I'm walking 1,000 kilometers. My other option are a pari of worn in Lowa Renegades w/ Gortex (they'll be hot, but comfy).

Thoughts?

 

[Mike Savage]

I would strongly consider having a backup pair of shoes even if they can only get you to a town where you could buy another pair.

 

[Jo Jo]

I have no experience on the Via Plata, and I'm not sure when you are walking. Keen sandals were perfect on the Frances July/August 2014. I might take a second set of footwear, but not Lowe Renegades GTX--those are very heavy boots (I have a pair sitting 6 feet from me at this moment). Those boots are designed for mountain backpacking on rough to non-existent trails. Probably not what you need. Keen sandals with a polypro sock were great in the rain (just change the sock when/if the rain stops). If I were to do the Frances again, my second pair of shoes would be a pair of running shoes designed for running on concrete and asphalt (not sure how much sidewalks and roads are on the Via Plata).

Buen Camino

 

[Harington]

Depends on the time of year. In spring there will be long stretches of mud plus some flooded arroyos to wade through or get round. Personally I'd want something substantial on my feet - there's some rocky terrain, and I saw quite a few little snakes down south - and scorpions.

 

[natefaith]

I love my Chacos and brought them to wear every day *after* hiking (they were my in-town shoes). The arch support felt great after a long day, and it was nice to let my feet breathe. Having said that, I'm not sure I could plan to hike in only them. They would make me feel like my toes were too exposed to the cow poop and mud (and a couple of times there was TONS of mud). Having rocks constantly enter into them would also be a concern. BUT you say you regularly hike in them so you're used to them - you of course can make the best call for you. A thought, though - do you have a favorite pair of running shoes that you can bring along? Then you can have the option to choose more coverage (running shoes) or Chacos (less coverage) depending on the weather and that day's hiking conditions.
Buen Camino and enjoy all the planning!
Faith