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My walking shoes are not waterproof so I took a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks for the damp days, and made sure my waterproof trousers covered the sock tops. Worked well. Buen Camino.Hi
I am starting from SJPDP on 15th September. I have vulnerable feet(historical metatarsalgia) and need new shoes. I have tried on lots but feel most comfortable in some trail walking shoes which are not waterproof. So many walking shoes feel like walking in wooden boards, as my foot cannot roll in them! Is it mad to go in non waterproof shoes? I could do a spray on waterproofing. Advice welcome.
Also I am debating between my waterproof jacket and trousers and rucksack cover or poncho and gaiters. Any advice? Especially about what sort of light ponchos.
Many thanks
Meg
Of course it's not mad! Many people do it. Just search "waterproof" or "wet feet" on this forum to read the discussions. Or any thread on boots or shoes.Is it mad to go in non waterproof shoes?
My suggestion is to go for the shoes that feel really comfortable. There's a good chance there won't be a lot of rain at that time of the year, but, of course, no guarantee. If you do get very wet feet it's worth paying them extra attention to avoid blisters.Hi
I am starting from SJPDP on 15th September. I have vulnerable feet(historical metatarsalgia) and need new shoes. I have tried on lots but feel most comfortable in some trail walking shoes which are not waterproof. So many walking shoes feel like walking in wooden boards, as my foot cannot roll in them! Is it mad to go in non waterproof shoes? I could do a spray on waterproofing. Advice welcome.
Also I am debating between my waterproof jacket and trousers and rucksack cover or poncho and gaiters. Any advice? Especially about what sort of light ponchos.
Many thanks
Meg
@FelipeIt is almost a given that you will have rain in October in Galice, as you are approaching Compostela. It may go from a light, occasional drizzle to a persistent and annoying rain (mostly, after noon). You never know, but Galice is so green for a reason...
First week of October, 2015: Persistent rain after noon in Vega de Valcarce, rain and strong winds in the way to O Cebreiro, impossible weather, almost no visibility next day (we had to take the bus to Triacastela). Then, intermitent, light rains, early mornings and the afternoons in the following stages in Galice.@Felipe
I walked the Frances in October-November last year and had no rain in Galicia, except for a few showers in Compostela after I arrived. However, I did have about two weeks of persistent rain earlier in my walk.
As stated this Forum is a great resource.
Shoes that dry, shoes that repel, waterproof? Comfort, good socks and constant care will carry the day. "It Rains in Spain"
When fitting the shoes give yourself a little toe room at least 1/2 size bigger and fit with the thickest socks you plan on wearing. Also start training with pack weight as this makes feet tire too.
Do not be shy, ship your bag if your feet hurt, it can save the journey and you will find other ways to feel stress.......... Ultreya......... Willy/Utah/USA
Just found some really comfortable Saloman Escambia gortex shoes. I am feeling more confident. Thank you everyone for the encouragement. I realise I am feeling really quite anxious!Adidas makes a gortex shoe, so does salomon.
Thank youThere is consensus on this thread that you should expect rain. However, we haven't given much advice with respect to waterproofing!
@MegH - There are two arguments:
Either way, you will probably sometimes have wet feet. So... What to do?
- Wear waterproof because they will keep your feet dry in many conditions. (But in a day of moderate to heavy rain, they will likely still get wet.) However, those shoes may take longer to dry, especially in an unheated albergue.
- Wear non-waterproof because they will dry quickly. However, those shoes may get wet very easily, for example in wet grass.
No shoe choice will be perfect for all conditions. The distances and varied terrain are guaranteed, whereas the rain conditions are not!
Conclusion: Wear the shoes/boots that are most comfortable for you on 20 km walks with varied terrain that includes hard surfaces.
Good down to earth advice. Thank you. MegThere is consensus on this thread that you should expect rain. However, we haven't given much advice with respect to waterproofing!
@MegH - There are two arguments:
Either way, you will probably sometimes have wet feet. So... What to do?
- Wear waterproof because they will keep your feet dry in many conditions. (But in a day of moderate to heavy rain, they will likely still get wet.) However, those shoes may take longer to dry, especially in an unheated albergue.
- Wear non-waterproof because they will dry quickly. However, those shoes may get wet very easily, for example in wet grass.
No shoe choice will be perfect for all conditions. The distances and varied terrain are guaranteed, whereas the rain conditions are not!
Conclusion: Wear the shoes/boots that are most comfortable for you on 20 km walks with varied terrain that includes hard surfaces.
Thank you. MegMeg
regarding the footwear you have to go with what is comfortable for you, the most important prt of the body to look after on the camino is your feet.
I did my CF last year at the same time and only had 4 days of rain out of 42, you may be lucky and get none, or you might get a lot.
If the trail walking shoes are the most comfortable for you then this is what you should go with, I'm not sure how effective water proof stay is, but anything is worth a try.
As for the rain jacket and pants versus poncho, there have been some long debates on the forum of which is the best, again it is personal preference, you might want to do a search for the posts.
Buen Camino
Thank you. These socks sound interesting. MMy walking shoes are not waterproof so I took a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks for the damp days, and made sure my waterproof trousers covered the sock tops. Worked well. Buen Camino.
All equipment is a personal thing. I personally found fairies unnecessary and prefer a jacket to poncho.Hi
I am starting from SJPDP on 15th September. I have vulnerable feet(historical metatarsalgia) and need new shoes. I have tried on lots but feel most comfortable in some trail walking shoes which are not waterproof. So many walking shoes feel like walking in wooden boards, as my foot cannot roll in them! Is it mad to go in non waterproof shoes? I could do a spray on waterproofing. Advice welcome.
Also I am debating between my waterproof jacket and trousers and rucksack cover or poncho and gaiters. Any advice? Especially about what sort of light ponchos.
Many thanks
Meg
@Pam ScottI personally found fairies unnecessary and prefer a jacket to poncho.
@Pam Scott
I am intrigued by this post. For what, exactly, did you find fairies unnecessary? Did you meet then on the camino and send them away with this indifferent response?
Sorry it's ment to say gaiters!! Sadly I didn't see any fairies and certainly wouldn't have sent them off with an indifferent response!!@Pam Scott
I am intrigued by this post. For what, exactly, did you find fairies unnecessary? Did you meet then on the camino and send them away with this indifferent response?
Hi
I am starting from SJPDP on 15th September. I have vulnerable feet(historical metatarsalgia) and need new shoes. I have tried on lots but feel most comfortable in some trail walking shoes which are not waterproof. So many walking shoes feel like walking in wooden boards, as my foot cannot roll in them! Is it mad to go in non waterproof shoes? I could do a spray on waterproofing. Advice welcome.
Also I am debating between my waterproof jacket and trousers and rucksack cover or poncho and gaiters. Any advice? Especially about what sort of light ponchos.
Many thanks
Meg
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