falconbrother
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- June - July 2024
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I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
I think they’re different for everyone. I went to a store that analyzed both my gait and feet. I honestly had my heart set on Hokas or Brooks going in. Apparently I have an extremely high arch, so she fitted each shoe with an insert. In the end, it was a New Balance Fresh Foam X1080v13 that crushed everything else. My foot fits perfectly in the shoe with zero shifting, and it feels like I’m walking on a cloud. None of the others fit my foot remotely the same way. I tried it without the insert, and it was still good, but not perfect. I went to Runners Forum locally. Maybe there’s a similar store near you where you can figure out what’s best for you specifically. I’m doing the Camino Portuguese from Porto, starting the literal way, then cutting over, so I needed something that would work on all terrain. I’m bringing a back-up shoe as well.. TBD! Good luck!I feel like great shoes will be really important to my success on this journey. I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe). I tried Altra and they squeak all the time...loud.. I reached out to the warranty email and they told me to put powder or Vaseline in my shoes. I'm not going to try Vaseline in my shoes, period. I tried the powder, like ten times. It works for 4 hours or so. Altra is thus, off the list. Then I tried Soloman. They offer no side to side support and after a day of walking my feet hurt. Off the list. I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain. I love them but, falling on my glass knee is a hard no. I am currently trying Brooks trail runners. So far I like them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Saucony but, for rain and technical, rocky terrain they are better. I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
At 60 with major knee surgery a little over a year ago I feel like shoes are a make or break for me on this trip.
So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
You're doing the right and only thing that you can. Just keep on trying shoes until you find the ones you like. Of course, you'll never really be sure until you put a couple hundred kilometers on them if they were the right ones....I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe).
You have your Lowa. They fit presumably. Walking in them is a comfortable experience and you feel confident walking in them. Why f*nny about trying to find an alternative that works as well??I feel like great shoes will be really important to my success on this journey. I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe). I tried Altra and they squeak all the time...loud.. I reached out to the warranty email and they told me to put powder or Vaseline in my shoes. I'm not going to try Vaseline in my shoes, period. I tried the powder, like ten times. It works for 4 hours or so. Altra is thus, off the list. Then I tried Soloman. They offer no side to side support and after a day of walking my feet hurt. Off the list. I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain. I love them but, falling on my glass knee is a hard no. I am currently trying Brooks trail runners. So far I like them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Saucony but, for rain and technical, rocky terrain they are better. I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
At 60 with major knee surgery a little over a year ago I feel like shoes are a make or break for me on this trip.
So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
The answer to this question is different for everyone. That said, it is the most important piece of your equipment.I feel like great shoes will be really important to my success on this journey. I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe). I tried Altra and they squeak all the time...loud.. I reached out to the warranty email and they told me to put powder or Vaseline in my shoes. I'm not going to try Vaseline in my shoes, period. I tried the powder, like ten times. It works for 4 hours or so. Altra is thus, off the list. Then I tried Soloman. They offer no side to side support and after a day of walking my feet hurt. Off the list. I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain. I love them but, falling on my glass knee is a hard no. I am currently trying Brooks trail runners. So far I like them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Saucony but, for rain and technical, rocky terrain they are better. I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
At 60 with major knee surgery a little over a year ago I feel like shoes are a make or break for me on this trip.
So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
I bought a pair about 50 years ago. They fell apart way too quickly. I stayed away from them until last year. They are local company and I figured I'd give them a second chance as surely they've gotten better since the 70s. These lasted a bit longer (barely) because I walked in them instead of running but I've got big holes in sides because of a design flaw that they should never have made with the experience they have.I have used New Balance running shoes and trail runners with good results.
Merril MOAB(mother of All boots) Gortex 3. My first pr training and the El Camino and since they are still going with over 2200k. My new pr are even more comfortable and have the latest new pr ready for our camino in April 2024.I feel like great shoes will be really important to my success on this journey. I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe). I tried Altra and they squeak all the time...loud.. I reached out to the warranty email and they told me to put powder or Vaseline in my shoes. I'm not going to try Vaseline in my shoes, period. I tried the powder, like ten times. It works for 4 hours or so. Altra is thus, off the list. Then I tried Soloman. They offer no side to side support and after a day of walking my feet hurt. Off the list. I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain. I love them but, falling on my glass knee is a hard no. I am currently trying Brooks trail runners. So far I like them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Saucony but, for rain and technical, rocky terrain they are better. I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
At 60 with major knee surgery a little over a year ago I feel like shoes are a make or break for me on this trip.
So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
What you need to choose is a particular model and size of shoe, combined with appropriate socks and perhaps inner soles, rather than a brand. These are 4 prominent shoe companies, each of which makes many models. So, trying one model does not mean that you should remove the company from your list!I tried Altra... Then I tried Soloman... I tried Saucony runners... I am currently trying Brooks trail runners.
Any recommendations will be subjective , there will be a number of brands ( some already mentioned ) I would not risk using again but it's often down to luck, shape of feet and other variables. If there was one great shoe that suited us all, there would be a lot less shoe companiesI bought a pair about 50 years ago. They fell apart way too quickly. I stayed away from them until last year. They are local company and I figured I'd give them a second chance as surely they've gotten better since the 70s. These lasted a bit longer (barely) because I walked in them instead of running but I've got big holes in sides because of a design flaw that they should never have made with the experience they have.
Many people on the forum praise New Balance though so I'll say go beyond their brand name and seek out reviews of individual shoe models.
Once one has found one's trusted and reliable lifetime partner (I am referring to footwear, of course) it might be a good idea to purchase a spare pair, or perhaps more if one is really sure.
Sometimes by the time one knows for sure which footwear is "The One", that model is no longer made. What to do?
In my experience, a really good customer-focussed footwear manufacturer, if politely asked, will cheerfully identify to retail customers the identification details of the proprietary last that they use(d) to make your favourite shoe or boot, and which current models of their shoes/boots are being built upon that last. So even if one's favourite model of footwear has gone out of production, it might be possible to buy a subsequent model that has been built upon the same last. The new model won't feel exactly the same as the old one, because materials and location of stitchings etc. might have changed, but knowing the ID of The One's last will at least give one a running (or walking) start in the search for a replacement.
(A last is a physical model of a foot upon which shoes and boots are built. The exact shape of lasts varies between footwear manufacturers, hence they are proprietary. They are costly to make, and footwear manufacturers tend not to discard them.)
I walked at age 60, 2 ops on one knee and 1 op on the other. I wore Salomon boots because I have always hiked in them and they suit my feet and gait. I saw a real mix from sandals to shoes to boots. Some people mixed it up - boots for the more challenging and rocky/stoney sections, sandals/shoes for the flatter and smoother sections.I feel like great shoes will be really important to my success on this journey. I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe). I tried Altra and they squeak all the time...loud.. I reached out to the warranty email and they told me to put powder or Vaseline in my shoes. I'm not going to try Vaseline in my shoes, period. I tried the powder, like ten times. It works for 4 hours or so. Altra is thus, off the list. Then I tried Soloman. They offer no side to side support and after a day of walking my feet hurt. Off the list. I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain. I love them but, falling on my glass knee is a hard no. I am currently trying Brooks trail runners. So far I like them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Saucony but, for rain and technical, rocky terrain they are better. I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
At 60 with major knee surgery a little over a year ago I feel like shoes are a make or break for me on this trip.
So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
I echo the above. If you like LOWA boots you will also like the shoe version which gives lateral and longitudinal support. I walked the Frances in Lowa Renegade shoes as opposed to boots and they were great. Presently using the lighter Lowa Sirkos shoe which seems to give all the same support.You mention your Lowa boots. Lowa also make hiking shoes. The Renegade Low is made on a boot last and is a robust shoe, with many of the benefits of a boot but without so much weight. I wore a pair on an April Camino and didn't regret it.
Buen Camino!
If Saucony fits, Saucony Peregrine trail runners have an exceptional tread for technical/wet terrain.I feel like great shoes will be really important to my success on this journey. I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe). I tried Altra and they squeak all the time...loud.. I reached out to the warranty email and they told me to put powder or Vaseline in my shoes. I'm not going to try Vaseline in my shoes, period. I tried the powder, like ten times. It works for 4 hours or so. Altra is thus, off the list. Then I tried Soloman. They offer no side to side support and after a day of walking my feet hurt. Off the list. I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain. I love them but, falling on my glass knee is a hard no. I am currently trying Brooks trail runners. So far I like them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Saucony but, for rain and technical, rocky terrain they are better. I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
At 60 with major knee surgery a little over a year ago I feel like shoes are a make or break for me on this trip.
So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
Well said Tincatinker! went through the shoe/boot thing 20 years ago when I walked my first Camiño. After trying 4 different types at home that didn’t fit, I found the Lowa Renegade boots and they fit perfectly. I added superfeet insoles that better supported my heel/arch and have never had a blister. I am on my 3rd pair (need to buy another since I had cracks in the sole after I finished my latest Camino this November). I walk in October-April so often will generally experience some rain/mud. I had 2 weeks straight of rain on this last Camino and was happy my feet stayed relatively dry, warm and my ankles were protected on the slippery rocks. I have thought about trying trail runners but as Tincatinker says why change when what I have works so well! I love my gear and feel so comfortable planning a Camino knowing I don’t have to worry that something new might become a problem or require adjustment.You have your Lowa. They fit presumably. Walking in them is a comfortable experience and you feel confident walking in them. Why f*nny about trying to find an alternative that works as well??
Consider the Saucony Peregrine, 6 mm lugs with great grip they also come in Goretex. Several Caminos in the rain & mud of Galicia, still comfortable and going strong.I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain.
It all depends on the weather.I feel like great shoes will be really important to my success on this journey. I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe). I tried Altra and they squeak all the time...loud.. I reached out to the warranty email and they told me to put powder or Vaseline in my shoes. I'm not going to try Vaseline in my shoes, period. I tried the powder, like ten times. It works for 4 hours or so. Altra is thus, off the list. Then I tried Soloman. They offer no side to side support and after a day of walking my feet hurt. Off the list. I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain. I love them but, falling on my glass knee is a hard no. I am currently trying Brooks trail runners. So far I like them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Saucony but, for rain and technical, rocky terrain they are better. I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
At 60 with major knee surgery a little over a year ago I feel like shoes are a make or break for me on this trip.
So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
I feel like great shoes will be really important to my success on this journey. I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe). I tried Altra and they squeak all the time...loud.. I reached out to the warranty email and they told me to put powder or Vaseline in my shoes. I'm not going to try Vaseline in my shoes, period. I tried the powder, like ten times. It works for 4 hours or so. Altra is thus, off the list. Then I tried Soloman. They offer no side to side support and after a day of walking my feet hurt. Off the list. I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain. I love them but, falling on my glass knee is a hard no. I am currently trying Brooks trail runners. So far I like them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Saucony but, for rain and technical, rocky terrain they are better. I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
At 60 with major knee surgery a little over a year ago I feel like shoes are a make or break for me on this trip.
So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
My first Camino is coming next April, but I have been doing a lot of walking over the last few years, and never had a blister. My opinion on "good" shoes are boots that fit snug - like a glove, and I cinch the laces up real tight, like skater boot tight. If you find that your foot moves in the boot, then you will get blisters. I find that thick socks and Odour Eater insoles help the snugness. My current and favorite boots are Oboz Sawtooth mid. But I don't think they make my model boots any more. BTW - when I put my boots on, I feel like I want to walk, they just feel so great, and I feel just great.I feel like great shoes will be really important to my success on this journey. I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe). I tried Altra and they squeak all the time...loud.. I reached out to the warranty email and they told me to put powder or Vaseline in my shoes. I'm not going to try Vaseline in my shoes, period. I tried the powder, like ten times. It works for 4 hours or so. Altra is thus, off the list. Then I tried Soloman. They offer no side to side support and after a day of walking my feet hurt. Off the list. I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain. I love them but, falling on my glass knee is a hard no. I am currently trying Brooks trail runners. So far I like them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Saucony but, for rain and technical, rocky terrain they are better. I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
At 60 with major knee surgery a little over a year ago I feel like shoes are a make or break for me on this trip.
So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
I walk with Asics gel trabucco 10/11 GTX this shoes are very good .I feel like great shoes will be really important to my success on this journey. I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe). I tried Altra and they squeak all the time...loud.. I reached out to the warranty email and they told me to put powder or Vaseline in my shoes. I'm not going to try Vaseline in my shoes, period. I tried the powder, like ten times. It works for 4 hours or so. Altra is thus, off the list. Then I tried Soloman. They offer no side to side support and after a day of walking my feet hurt. Off the list. I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain. I love them but, falling on my glass knee is a hard no. I am currently trying Brooks trail runners. So far I like them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Saucony but, for rain and technical, rocky terrain they are better. I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
At 60 with major knee surgery a little over a year ago I feel like shoes are a make or break for me on this trip.
So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
To me, it means whatever works for you. It took me years and probably a thousand hiking miles to nail down what works for me. We all have our individual foot/shoe challenges and (unfortunately) what works for one person may not work for another. For me, I have to work around a very wide forefoot, a large vein on the top of my feet that rubs without high loft in the shoe, flat/weak arches that cause plantar fasciitis and require custom inserts, and if that's not enough, very long second toes that take a beating on the downhill.So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
I see lots of replies to your question, so that tells you that everyone has their own method. I didn't read everyone's comments but I have a few bits of advice:I feel like great shoes will be really important to my success on this journey. I have been trying different brands and so far, haven't found one I feel great about (maybe). I tried Altra and they squeak all the time...loud.. I reached out to the warranty email and they told me to put powder or Vaseline in my shoes. I'm not going to try Vaseline in my shoes, period. I tried the powder, like ten times. It works for 4 hours or so. Altra is thus, off the list. Then I tried Soloman. They offer no side to side support and after a day of walking my feet hurt. Off the list. I tried Saucony runners and they are awesome, except that the tread isn't there for any wet, technical terrain. I love them but, falling on my glass knee is a hard no. I am currently trying Brooks trail runners. So far I like them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Saucony but, for rain and technical, rocky terrain they are better. I have an awesome pair of hiking boots made by Lowa. But, I feel like it's too much shoe for the kinds of walking required on the Camino Frances.
At 60 with major knee surgery a little over a year ago I feel like shoes are a make or break for me on this trip.
So, what does the words: "Good shoes" mean to you?
Many people on the forum praise New Balance though so I'll say go beyond their brand name and seek out reviews of individual shoe models.
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