Which Boots?

[papplukacs]

Hi I'm gonna start my first Camino in the 7th of Jan and I would like to ask Which boots is the best for the winter Camino under 100 pounds
Thank you
Lukas
http://www.vaola.co.uk/c/men/?brands=Salomon&shoe_size=42

 

[SYates]

There is unfortunately no easy answer to that. Or perhaps there is, those that fit best on YOUR feet. I like Lowa Renegade boots but others have other preferences. Go to a good outdoor shop, in the afternoon when your feet are swollen a bit and try on different models, preferably ones that are waterproof ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[papplukacs]

Thank you very much

 

[gerardcarey]

• And make sure you are wearing the socks you will be using on the Camino. Or at least some of a similar thickness.

The best Camino advice I ever received was to buy footwear one size larger than the size I felt comfortable with. This allows for your feet to swell, which they undoubtably will.
Then learn a lacing procedure that will lock your heel into the back of your footwear, thereby ensuring your toes will not slide forward and hit the front of the footwear and sustain injury.
Regards and Buen Camino
Gerard

 

[HeidiL]

If two pairs (at least one size too big) feel just as comfortable, choose the lighter ones. Then make sure you walk as far as possible in them to break them in.

I am currently breaking in my shoes for my next walk, So far, I have walked around 60 km in them, they're getting there...

 

[MTtoCamino]

What is interesting for me was how shoes boots for one person will be a painful result for another. I tried Aslos Merrels & Keen before I left

 

[peregrina2000]

After many caminos, many different brands of boots, I had a foot emergency in Leon and bought the first pair of shoes that felt decent. They were Salomon -- I have now become a Salomon shoe fanatic and will wear nothing else. But my experience is also exactly like MT's -- just because my feet love them says nothing about your feet. I can tell you I have an extremely wide metatarsal and a very narrow heel, so if your feet have those same weird features maybe you'll love Salomons too.

 

[grumerz]

Hi I'm gonna start my first Camino in the 7th of Jan and I would like to ask Which boots is the best for the winter Camino under 100 pounds
Thank you
Lukas
http://www.vaola.co.uk/c/men/?brands=Salomon&shoe_size=42

OK. First be aware, I have yet to depart for the CF, but have done some serious walking/hiking to check gear and to get in better shape. Sharing the early "mon pieds du Camino" saga, I first purchased Salomon 4 GTX 2's in my regular shoe size and added the Orange Insoles. (No, this is not an advert.) The boots are lightweight and waterproof Gortex. Pretty pricey this combination, but believe it not a place to skimp. As many others have said, everyone is different and with extended walking, (in various conditions,) my feet have grown larger, so the uncomfortable boots were returned for the next larger size. Now I wear Thorlo's with a liner and am glad to report true comfort and no blisters. Of course this is the combination which works for me, and the rigors of the Camino Frances will be the "proof of the pudding." While my goal is to loose 4o more pounds before departure, right now I am 6' 1" and 250 pounds, so tough on my "inexperienced" feet, but pleased with the current results.

 

[Kanga]

@grumerz I thought Thorlo was a brand of socks. Do they make shoes as well? Or are you wearing Thorlo socks inside the Salomons? Just interested in case there are some new shoes that other members could try. I'm happy in my sandals, lol.

 

[grumerz]

@grumerz I thought Thorlo was a brand of socks. Do they make shoes as well? Or are you wearing Thorlo socks inside the Salomons? Just interested in case there are some new shoes that other members could try. I'm happy in my sandals, lol.

OOPS! Yes, they are the Thorlo hiking socks. Should have been clearer. These would be a bit odd looking when worn with your sandals, but what the heck, fashion does not count on the Camino! lol

 

[AJ]

I usually wear either Asolo or Hi-Tech Altitude. Asolo are expensive and Hi-Tech usually have carbon rubber soles which are not as durable as vibram, but will certainly last the Camino Frances.

In June this year I bought a pair of Hi-Tech boots from the GO Outdoors shop in Norwich for 45 pounds. I forget which model they were. Not quite as good as Altitude but perfectly OK and excellent value for money. They were good for about 1400 km

 

[Magwood]

...Then learn a lacing procedure that will lock your heel into the back of your footwear, thereby ensuring your toes will not slide forward and hit the front of the footwear, thereby sustaining injury....
Gerard

I have found this video very helpful, and employ all of the techniques described...

 

[J F Gregory]

Find a sporting store that allows you to try them out and have a good return exchange policy. I started out with Merrills, and then to Solomon and finally a pair of Keens which work for me. Last Saturday I went dancing in rain puddles to see how waterproof they were. I had dry feet after a 10 mile hike in the rain.

Ultreya
Fred

 

[peregrina2000]

I have found this video very helpful, and employ all of the techniques described...

Thanks a million for this, Maggie, it's very helpful and has become my fourth bookmark!

 

[MTtoCamino]

Find a sporting store that allows you to try them out and have a good return exchange policy. I started out with Merrills, and then to Solomon and finally a pair of Keens which work for me. Last Saturday I went dancing in rain puddles to see how waterproof they were. I had dry feet after a 10 mile hike in the rain.

Ultreya
Fred

Yes I went with non waterproof Keens. By Leon I needed superglue, by Santiago duct tape, arriving in Finnesterre they were worn thru the sole. They did the job, but now I search for something with a Vibram sole. Also get better insoles for your Keens. I used Soles. & I still am using the originals from my walk.

 

[J F Gregory]

Yes I went with non waterproof Keens. By Leon I needed superglue, by Santiago duct tape, arriving in Finnesterre they were worn thru the sole. They did the job, but now I search for something with a Vibram sole. Also get better insoles for your Keens. I used Soles. & I still am using the originals from my walk.

I receive a special orthotic insole from my foot Dr. it is very helpful, a bit pricey but worth it.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I receive a special orthotic insole from my foot Dr. it is very helpful, a bit pricey but worth it.

Yes I am not sure where one goes to get custom orthotics but a Swede I walked with had some not 1 blister, & he wore heavy leather boots. So how did you get yours? Oh from a foot doc ok

 

[J F Gregory]

I have bad feet. With shoes hard to fit and with medical problems.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Yes in the U.S. That is the usual way most people get them but in Sweden they just take the shoe or boot they want to wear & have custom orthotics made. I am sure we can do that as well, but if we have Togo to a doc it will make it very expensive

 

[peregrina2000]

Yes in the U.S. That is the usual way most people get them but in Sweden they just take the shoe or boot they want to wear & have custom orthotics made. I am sure we can do that as well, but if we have Togo to a doc it will make it very expensive

Medicare is very specific about what kind of orthotics it will and will not cover. My podiatrist has told me that Medicare will absolutely not cover the expensive silicone orthotics I have been wearing for the last decade. Since I am one year from Medicare and since my private insurance will cover them, I am going to get one more pair made before I move over to the public trough.

 

[Donna Sch]

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/ has excellent reviews and if nothing else will let you know what NOT to buy. One of my go to sites when I am researching equipment.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hi I'm gonna start my first Camino in the 7th of Jan and I would like to ask Which boots is the best for the winter Camino under 100 pounds
Thank you. Lukas

Hola Lukas -walking the Camino in winter is definitely not my cup of tea/coffee, so I offer this advice with that provision.
You do not say which Camino you intend to walk - but if its the Frances then you are going to need boots that will survive the snows you will more than likely experience in the mountains East of Burgos and in those between Rabanal and Samos. I did not see others comment on this aspect but I would recommend boots that at least cover your ankles and offer a significant degree of waterproofing. I am a "two sock" walker - a thin liner sock and then the median to thick outer (depending upon the weather and time of year), so the advice to wear the socks you usually walk in is also excellent.
Since your feet are the vehicles that will carry you along the Camino protecting them is most important. You pay for what you get so I my opinion start talking to a number of specialist outdoors stores and ask their advice. (BTW I did like the lacing advice offered by Magwood). Buen Camion

 

[LauraK]

OK. First be aware, I have yet to depart for the CF, but have done some serious walking/hiking to check gear and to get in better shape. Sharing the early "mon pieds du Camino" saga, I first purchased Salomon 4 GTX 2's in my regular shoe size and added the Orange Insoles. (No, this is not an advert.) The boots are lightweight and waterproof Gortex. Pretty pricey this combination, but believe it not a place to skimp. As many others have said, everyone is different and with extended walking, (in various conditions,) my feet have grown larger, so the uncomfortable boots were returned for the next larger size. Now I wear Thorlo's with a liner and am glad to report true comfort and no blisters. Of course this is the combination which works for me, and the rigors of the Camino Frances will be the "proof of the pudding." While my goal is to loose 4o more pounds before departure, right now I am 6' 1" and 250 pounds, so tough on my "inexperienced" feet, but pleased with the current results.

Grumerz: I love those "Superfeet" Orange insoles too! I wear Lowa gortex boots - they fit my feet perfectly (after trying 3 different boots on my first Camino). However, until this last Camino, I used the factory insoles. I always used moleskin on some identified hotspots and would build some thick calluses on the inside of my heal. After discussing with my local sporting goods store (REI), they recommended the orange insoles and what a huge difference! No hot spots, no moleskin, no calluses and no sore feet daily. Apparently, I pronate my feet when walking and my heels are a little narrow. The insole stabilized my heel, gave arch support and extra cushion. I love this forum...after five caminos I am still adjusting (perfecting) my gear based on all of the wonderful advice from everyone. I even managed to shave off a kilo of weight this time.

 

[GRR]

There is no formula nor preferred type or brand or style of foot covering. Each person must find what works for them. The only way to find that out is to try out footwear until you find what works. I found a shoe that worked for me. The shoe was perfect for my needs. As I embarked on the camino, i decided that even though the shoe was perfect that maybe it was a little too well worn to last through the adventure. So, I went and brought a brand new pair of the same shoe and took it on the camino without break in. I experienced no problem whatsoever. Not a hot spot, not a blister, not a pain. When I got back the new shoes were in the same shape as the old ones I left behind.

A good shoe person in a good outfitting store can give you the fit basics, but in the end it is all up to you to find the right shoe.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Hola Lukas -walking the Camino in winter is definitely not my cup of tea/coffee, so I offer this advice with that provision.
You do not say which Camino you intend to walk - but if its the Frances then you are going to need boots that will survive the snows you will more than likely experience in the mountains East of Burgos and in those between Rabanal and Samos. I did not see others comment on this aspect but I would recommend boots that at least cover your ankles and offer a significant degree of waterproofing. I am a "two sock" walker - a thin liner sock and then the median to thick outer (depending upon the weather and time of year), so the advice to wear the socks you usually walk in is also excellent.
Since your feet are the vehicles that will carry you along the Camino protecting them is most important. You pay for what you get so I my opinion start talking to a number of specialist outdoors stores and ask their advice. (BTW I did like the lacing advice offered by Magwood). Buen Camion

I agree, for winter I would try to find a lightweight boot with goretex or like, in the military I wore tall Danners for weeks, but they don't breath very well. So the blisters are an issue. They are also insulated so no frozen toes. On the Camino it is excessive. So trial any boot for the conditions you expect. From the early spring it was apparent they get heavy wet snow. So try to test for that type of condition.
MTGoat999 has walked this in those conditions He would be a good one to ask.

 

[Mikel Olivares]

The most important in winter is to take dry feet.High boots skin of a single piece few seams without added textile .Interior Goretex.
I wear a Bestard- mod. Zambia BG3.

 

[mountaingoat999]

I am a qualified ML and from next year will be setting up my own outdoor skills lodge in Andorra(I will be on camino. being setup on my behalf) to be up and running winter 2016/17 for winter mountaineering/climbing/winter walking in remote location.....Winter waking has been a passion for me for over 30 years...in most of the worlds mountainous region....boots are an extension of me so I need them to be fit for purpose...in all my camios I have had no blisters.....some minor issues resolved there and then.

I am also high risk when it comes to footwear due to a medical condition now which I have had for a few years...I do not have perfect feet anymore

best advice as mentioned by SYates is to go to a outdoor shop in the afternoon when your feet have swollen..
this is important, failure to do this....start again and please go in the afternoon please

important I am not your feet so another persons perfect fit will doubtfully not be for you...or boot suggestion
please try not to order pair after pair from the internet then get frustrated and blame the boot or advise read on here or elsewhere

its not a fashion accessory the footwear your buying...fit for purpose is part of the goal

you may here "I wore sandals"...and that person had no problems.....problems can build up over time so see the experts....there your feet and joints and need to last after the camino


When to go
try to call ahead and talk to the Manager and ask when the store is quiet
inform them your going on a camino

1) Doing this is better done when the store is quiet, selecting a store that has staff who are the end user themselves(they go out on the hill or have tried and tested the boot)good stores send staff out on kit test. ...Monday afternoon for example is good for my stores In London.
explaining what you need the footwear for.....informed them about any medical concerns,.diabetic etc.

Getting both your feet measured..(measure your feet at least once a year)

2)will you be wearing a day pack or rucksack..if your a backpacker carrying tents etc your need to consider a boot which is also good for load carrying.
do you have narrow feet,wide feet/or unusual feet....

do you have balance problems ..inform them

if you fine the boot you all agree on in store they can in some stores stretch the boot in the toe box if need be

Time
you need patience and plenty off time...even several visits may be needed or re-visits if niggles are discovered

don't be shy on buying inserts if you need them or have been advised ....in a decent outdoor shop reputation is important not the sale....your sell the item if your satisfied by telling others on the stores review......buy the best inserts you can if needed and use them.

some boots offer a better fit for the wide foot for example but may not be ideal for load carrying it is far from straight forward

3) its a false economy to buy cheap when your end up buying twice.

some boots offer a sock which is suited for that boot....so try them on in the shop....a good outdoor shop will have plenty of washed pairs there to try.......any niggles start again..
buy the socks advised or wear the socks your going to wear on camino

4) ask them to explain in a way your remember and understand about lacing up, for down hill-up hill-decent/ascent....also how to traverse where and when (zig zaging) small zig zags and long wide zig zags ..engage the sales staff to transfer what they know into your head.....or ask for a staff member who is able to help better suited for your understanding. for some this is a first adventure

you have your boots...look after them. follow the advise from the experts for that boot....each day on camino respect your boots your doing this together look after them remove inserts after walking and clean them..remove any tiny stones in the treads and dry then naturally not with a hairdryer or any other hand dryer.....clean them each day ,these are your boots..

for winter walkers ankle support is a must.....we can pick up well intended information and bad habits....so please all of the above......my boots are the boots I need for me reason, for not mentioning them.


boots & rucksack
while your there have your back measured...if your a female ideally ask a female fitter

 

[Kanga]

Ecco Off-Road Hiking sandals.

 

[mountaingoat999]

Ecco Off-Road Hiking sandals.

outdoor shop first

 

[Phil W]

I have found this video very helpful, and employ all of the techniques described...

Thanks for posting the video! I appreciate it.
Phil

 

[Donna Sch]

If you have a funny walk even if asymptomatic or have had any niggles in your feet, I recommend getting a gait analysis done by a podiatrist. If you already have your boots, bring them with you to the appointment. Bring any shoes that you frequently walk in so they can get an idea of your wear pattern. My podiatrist identified what it is about my walk that is different and that gave me insight into potential problems ie where the blisters/calluses would be likely to start etc. Knowledge is power. She also identified that I benefit from a firm sole so my super comfy Merrell Pacer Gloves which I find good to walk in for up to 15 km stayed at home.