Walking Shoes

Waka · Apr 19, 2015

I'm not planning to do the Camino until the beginning of Sept 2015, but thought I ought to start some form of training. I had what I thought was a comfortable pair of walking shoes, but last Sunday I went for a 10 mile hike and found that after only a few miles I was feeling uncomfortable with the right shoe. This was not what I was expecting, I didn't actually get any blisters even after the 10 miles, but I realised that the shoes wouldn't take the journey I had planned.

Yesterday I spent 3 hours in a well known hiking shop in the UK and tried out nearly every make of shoe they had in the store, everyone gave me the same problem, you know when it's not right don't you.
I have to say their staff were exceptional, right from the off with the foot measurements, to selecting shoes to match them.
Nearly running out of options the shop assistant came up with a pair of Merrell's, well I knew as soon as they were on a laced up that they were the ones.
Just got back from another 10 mile hike along the Jurassic coast and my feet are feeling just wonderful.

Now I'm off to make a list of all the other things I need to buy before Sept, I can't believe how excited I'm getting.

Thanks for reading.

domigee · Apr 19, 2015

Brilliant start. Enjoy! Your camino's started

Rajy62 · Apr 20, 2015

Just curious was that a Merrell Maob ventilator shoe?

Waka · Apr 20, 2015

Yes it is the Ventilator GTX.

Julio Gone Camino · Apr 20, 2015

Waka said:
Nearly running out of options the shop assistant came up with a pair of Merrell's, well I knew as soon as they were on a laced up that they were the ones.

I've ended up with a pair of Merrell Moab Mid GTX's for this year's trip. I've used fabric boots before, but these gave up on the last trip, and replacements needed to be found. Based on what I learned previously, I wanted a bit of extra comfort and the Merrells offered it straight away. They are light, supportive (a bit more so for being mids) and comfortable - just what I was after.

I've given them a few spins round the local lanes, and all seems well - I'm confident they will be just right.

macao · Apr 20, 2015

I walked my camino from SJPdP to Santiago with a pair of Merrell Moab Mid GTX's without having any problems.

Julio Gone Camino · Apr 20, 2015

macao said:
I walked my camino from SJPdP to Santiago with a pair of Merrell Moab Mid GTX's without having any problems.

That's good to know!

Waka · Apr 20, 2015

I'm pleased other pilgrims have walked the camino in Merrell footwear. I know not everyone experiences the same comfort, what's good for me may not be good others, but a well tested make, gives me a little comfort. Right need to get another practice hike in.

Been Camino

movinmaggie · Apr 20, 2015

Boots are next on my list to get…..I'll ask if there's a women's version. Thanks

Waka · Apr 20, 2015

Maggie

There is a female version, hope you find what you want.
My next step is the sandals.

movinmaggie · Apr 20, 2015

Waka said:
Maggie

There is a female version, hope you find what you want.
My next step is the sandals.

Thanks….we have great outdoor equip stores here in Victoria; I'm sure I'll find them; sandals as well.

movinmaggie · Apr 20, 2015

Thanks….we have great outdoor equip stores here in Victoria; I'm sure I'll find them; sandals as well.

Mark Lee · Apr 20, 2015

Wore Merrells on both my Caminos. No complaints.

Rob C · Apr 20, 2015

Waka said:
I'm not planning to do the Camino until the beginning of Sept 2015, but thought I ought to start some form of training. I had what I thought was a comfortable pair of walking shoes, but last Sunday I went for a 10 mile hike and found that after only a few miles I was feeling uncomfortable with the right shoe. This was not what I was expecting, I didn't actually get any blisters even after the 10 miles, but I realised that the shoes wouldn't take the journey I had planned.

Yesterday I spent 3 hours in a well known hiking shop in the UK and tried out nearly every make of shoe they had in the store, everyone gave me the same problem, you know when it's not right don't you.
I have to say their staff were exceptional, right from the off with the foot measurements, to selecting shoes to match them.
Nearly running out of options the shop assistant came up with a pair of Merrell's, well I knew as soon as they were on a laced up that they were the ones.
Just got back from another 10 mile hike along the Jurassic coast and my feet are feeling just wonderful.

Now I'm off to make a list of all the other things I need to buy before Sept, I can't believe how excited I'm getting.

Thanks for reading.

Hi, good to hear your training on the Jurassic coast, I'm off on Sunday to do the Comino and I found my training walking the coastal path to be

Rob C · Apr 20, 2015

Rob C said:
Hi, good to hear your training on the Jurassic coast, I'm off on Sunday to do the Comino and I found my training walking the coastal path to be (hit send button by mistake) great with the hills, very familiar now with Golden Cap : D As for shoes, I'm pleased you got them sorted, so important I think. I got myself a pair of North Face Snowstrike's and I must say they are like slippers. Have a fabulous time in Sept.

Rombuk · Apr 20, 2015

It just goes to show how unique feet are.
I have a pair of 510 Camp 4 trail shoes and intend to do the walk in them
My training is done on a lot of hard roads and footpaths and I noticed that the Vibram cleats were wearing down quicker than I had anticipated
Having read the forum, Moab Ventilators got a good review so I bought a pair just to train in.
In the store they felt fine, as they did for the first 5 miles or so but after that I developed two blisters in places I had never had before.
To me they are not as supportive as I would like and the soles let you feel every sharp stone you walk over
I can always wear them to walk to the pub though - now there's a result!!

Mike

Rajy62 · Apr 21, 2015

Maggie MacLaren said:
Thanks….we have great outdoor equip stores here in Victoria; I'm sure I'll find them; sandals as well.

The Moabs are excellent dry weather boots and are extremely popular. Be mindful of the fact that under continuous rain, those mesh panels will absorb water and eventually leak. The outdoorgearlab reviews/compares and picks Lowa Renegade gtx as their best choice for women. So, do try the other top picks as well.

Waka · Apr 21, 2015

Rajy62 said:
Just curious was that a Merrell Maob ventilator shoe?

Have a good camino.

movinmaggie · Apr 21, 2015

I think I misspelled 'Moab'? (Moab Utah?)

movinmaggie · Apr 21, 2015

Rajy62 said:
The Moabs are excellent dry weather boots and are extremely popular. Be mindful of the fact that under continuous rain, those mesh panels will absorb water and eventually leak. The outdoorgearlab reviews/compares and picks Lowa Renegade gtx as their best choice for women. So, do try the other top picks as well.

movinmaggie · Apr 21, 2015

Thanks; given that I'm going Sept/Oct and possibility of rain, I may go for a waterproof boot.

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