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Walking in Sandals in Spring on Camino Frances

snowcone

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Leon to Santiago (MAY-JUNE 2013)
SJPDP to Santiago (APRIL-MAY 2017)
Has anyone walked a Camino in sturdy sandals? I'm headed to SJPP in mid-April and am considering making my alternate shoe something substantial enough to walk in, should I want to change out from my normal (and admittedly, heavy) backpacking boots.

I'm looking at Tevas, Chacos, etc. I see some Keen models with toe coverage - do you think this is beneficial?

Thanks!

Edit: So consensus is YES definitely take some. Which makes/models do you guys recommend?

Edit 2: Sandals are acquired! I ended up going for Chacos (though there were lots of great suggestions in this thread). I really wanted a pair without the toe strap so I could wear socks, and pretty minimalist in case I have blisters or want to shower in them. I've done some short test walks and they feel good so far, but the true test will be how they feel 25k in.
 
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I took Teva Lights with me for the evening but actually walked in them for five days, this was due to a little blister on my little toe. I was worried about some of the terrain but they survived and I still wear them now. For me they were a life saver.
 
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Welcome snowcone, yes I would recommend sandals that can also be used for walking. I use keen and find them very comfortable.
 
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Definitely good to take some sturdy sandals. Change your socks and footwear after a few hours of walking and give your feet a breather.
 
I can't tell you how much I love my Teva sandals
http://www.kathmandu.com.au/womens/footwear/sandals/teva-toachi-2-women.html
Being a Camino virgin I can't comment but I am alternating 'training' in them and my Merrell Moabs. All going well I will continue to do this weather and conditions permitting on Camino. They only weight 500grams and are so comfortable, allowing my toes to move and breathe.
 
Mid April you will get rain, something to consider if you are wearing sandals
 
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@snowcone no problem at all - I've walked the Camino Francés twice from SJPDP to SDC, in sandals, and the whole of the Norte. Mine are Ecco Off-Road - but get whatever is comfortable for you. The Teva Toachi mentioned by @Tigger are a good choice. It makes no difference to me if it is muddy or wet, I wade through water and with mud wash my feet and sandals in the next bit of clear running water.
 

Snowcone:

I have seen many people walking in sandals. The Spring can be pretty cold and wet and many paths stony. If you do not mind removing pebbles and the occasional cold wet feet, go for it. I would not walk in the Spring in sandals. If you are talking about something in the evening after the days walk, that is different.

Ultreya,
Joe
 
Joe - Yes, I'm definitely taking my trusty, waterproof boots with me. I've walked from Leon to Santiago in them previously, so I know they're dependable. But it's easy to get hot spots wearing the same shoes day in and day out. I'm not fan of wet feet so sandals would be for the dry days.
 
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I walked the whole way, including the Pyrenees, in Teva Terra Fi Lite Sandals, and my wife did it in Chaco's. We went in May/June '16. Neither got a single blister, and the mud was not a real problem. When they got dirty we just walked in a nearby stream for a few minutes. Most Albergues do not request removing sandals as you entered (though we often did). I carried a second 'clean' pair for evenings and as a backup because I doubt I could have found size 14 Teva's in Spain. We both wore socks on some days and no socks on others, depending on weather. Highly recommend sandals, but we have hiked in them for years, so was quite comfortable in that decision.
 
I walked entirely in May/June 2026 in Keen sandals.
 


Look for the Merrel sandals, walk for training.
I even walked barefoot, feels great in it.
I am taking it along with shoes cover for rainy days which my friend made mine.
3/20 Mon. I am off the Camino.
Buen Camino.
Cathy
 
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That's great to hear. I just bought these for my 2018 Camino (first time) ..... I know, it's a long way off BUT I am SO EXCITED!
 
Hi, on second week of april I intended to do my first camino starting from Sarria (for the last 100km). I would like to do it with my keen sandals, but I'm worried about the weather. Is sandals with socks adequate for the cold? The weather forecast 3°C - 13°C. As I came from a tropical country, no chance for me to experience this kind of weather. Will be grateful if anyone can share with me your experience. Thank you
 
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