Wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail running shoes for women?

[MaxHelado]

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Since this is an American firm it is not ideal for you but Hitchcock specializes in wide shoes. They have women's shoes and sell online at https://wideshoes.com

They do ship overseas (outside of US and Canada) but their webpage about shipping says that new overseas customers must contact them first.

 

[Grousedoctor]

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

Hey Max. I’m sympathetic to Mrs. Helado’s predicament. Finding a good fitting shoe is an important challenge for her upcoming Camino. I’ve worn trail running shoes on two Caminos and have been very pleased with the comfort they offered. However, it took a trip to a store specializing in running shoes where I could try on various wide-fit shoes before I knew which one was best for me. In addition, I was also fitted for a pair of Super-feet insoles. So, although the shoes that I’ve worn twice worked well for me, it’s because they fit my feet. I think Mrs. Helodo would be best served by visiting a store with professionals who can fit her properly.

 

[Flog]

I'm on my third pair (and ordered my fourth) of Meindl Journey Pros. Not a trail running shoe and not cheap, but a wide fit, all round hiking shoe. Most comfortable I've ever owned, would recommend..

 

[Tia Valeria]

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

Hi-tec boots and shoes are wide fitting. Some styles available in Cotswold outdoor and Millets. I think Hi-tec also do mail order online and you can check out the full range

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

About Mrs Helado's Goretex requirement. @davebugg has professionally reviewed backpacking products for manufacturers for years. He doesn't think that waterproof footwear is a good thing. He's written quite a few posts about this explaining the reasons why. Here is one of them.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/hiking-shoes-in-the-rain.72810/#post-988717

 

[MaxHelado]

I'm on my third pair (and ordered my fourth) of Meindl Journey Pros. Not a trail running shoe and not cheap, but a wide fit, all round hiking shoe. Most comfortable I've ever owned, would recommend..

Hi, Flog, I looked briefly and can only see this as a man's shoe? I can't tell if you are recommending as a male or as a female or non-binary?

 

[J Willhaus]

I know that New Balance carries many shoes in widths. Don't know if this brand is available to you for purchase or if they have Gortex, but my husband only wears this brand (two types of shoes) now. He used to wear Keens, but finds New Balance to have a wider selection. Gortex shoes make my feet sweat too much now and they are hard to dry out once they are wet which caused me blisters on my first Camino.

 

[Anhalter]

The only one that comes to my mind is the Altra Lone Peak All Weather

Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low Woman

Mit dem Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low kannst du es richtig krachen lassen. Wir haben alles genommen, was du am klassischen Lone Peak liebst und eine wetterfeste eVent™ Bootie-Konstruktion hinzugefügt. Genauso wie eine reaktionsfreudige Altra EGO™ Zwischensohle und die griffige MaxTrac™ Laufsohle, damit...

www.altrarunning.eu

I personally would not chose a low cut gore tex trailrunner (whats the point of that), so chances are there are more models not on my radar.

 

[Flog]

Hi, Flog, I looked briefly and can only see this as a man's shoe? I can't tell if you are recommending as a male or as a female or non-binary?

I just looked: Yes, they come in both women's and men's sizes. Google away..

I'm not a fan of goretex for the reasons already mentioned, but I generally don't walk in very hot weather, which seems to show up the shortcomings of vapour barriers. I haven't had any issues with these, and they work very well for me. I will stick with them.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

I highly recommend New Balance trail runners built on the SL-2 shoe last. They have a narrow heel and a WIDE, DEEP toe box. Your toes need to be able to wiggle. I also suggest you purchase them 1.5 sizes larger than you generally wear.

I do NOT recommend Goretex shoes, personally. What keeps water out will hold water in, and my experience wearing Goretex (I worked for USFWS) was they caused blisters for me. I realize some people like them, but I don't.

I wear an ALTUS poncho on the Camino. I wear a large one that goes nearly to my ankles and it keeps my feet dry. I also don't walk in downpours. There's always some place to get out of the worst of it. I've never, in all my years walking, had to dry out shoes. Having said that, with trail runners, I've seen pilgrims stuff them with newspaper at night and they'll be dry by morning.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I know that New Balance carries many shoes in widths.

Some widths of New Balance shoes (at least women's) are only available at the the wideshoes.com website I posted above. I believe that they have a contract with New Balance to be the sole seller of the wider wide shoes. I don't think you can even get these at New Balance factory outlet stores. New Balance is local to us and a woman friend of ours who used to be an elite runner passed this information on in a conversation.

 

[trecile]

Hi, Flog, I looked briefly and can only see this as a man's shoe? I can't tell if you are recommending as a male or as a female or non-binary?

I just looked: Yes, they come in both women's and men's sizes. Google away..

I'm not a fan of goretex for the reasons already mentioned, but I generally don't walk in very hot weather, which seems to show up the shortcomings of vapour barriers. I haven't had any issues with these, and they work very well for me. I will stick with them.

Nothing wrong with a woman wearing a man's shoe if the size/width works best for them.

 

[J Willhaus]

Yes, we have to order wide shoes for Phil. Almost never any he wants in his width.

 

[MaxHelado]

About Mrs Helado's Goretex requirement. @davebugg has professionally reviewed backpacking products for manufacturers for years. He doesn't think that waterproof footwear is a good thing. He's written quite a few posts about this explaining the reasons why. Here is one of them.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/hiking-shoes-in-the-rain.72810/#post-988717

Hey Max. I’m sympathetic to Mrs. Helado’s predicament. Finding a good fitting shoe is an important challenge for her upcoming Camino. I’ve worn trail running shoes on two Caminos and have been very pleased with the comfort they offered. However, it took a trip to a store specializing in running shoes where I could try on various wide-fit shoes before I knew which one was best for me. In addition, I was also fitted for a pair of Super-feet insoles. So, although the shoes that I’ve worn twice worked well for me, it’s because they fit my feet. I think Mrs. Helodo would be best served by visiting a store with professionals who can fit her properly.

This is, of course, very good advice. Mrs Helado and I have looked for a specialist in London and not yet found one! Hard to believe, I know. We've called a couple of shops to be told that they don't stock this one or that one and it does seem that a wide selection of shoes only exists online. If anyone has any knowledge of a specialist shop in London please do let me know.

 

[MaxHelado]

About Mrs Helado's Goretex requirement. @davebugg has professionally reviewed backpacking products for manufacturers for years. He doesn't think that waterproof footwear is a good thing. He's written quite a few posts about this explaining the reasons why. Here is one of them.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/hiking-shoes-in-the-rain.72810/#post-988717

Oh dear, Rick. Are you seriously challenging Mrs Helado's demand for Gore-tex? I don't know if you are brave or foolish.
(Slightly) more seriously, I have some reservations about the Gore-tex mandate too. We will be walking in June when we are less likely to encounter wet weather but perhaps a problem with sweaty feet? Or in Mrs Helado's case, feet that simply glow.
I would welcome views on Gore-tex vs a more breathable fabric which I can gently suggest to Mrs H.

 

[trecile]

Goretex in June sounds like a recipe for blisters!

 

[MaxHelado]

The only one that comes to my mind is the Altra Lone Peak All Weather

Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low Woman

Mit dem Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low kannst du es richtig krachen lassen. Wir haben alles genommen, was du am klassischen Lone Peak liebst und eine wetterfeste eVent™ Bootie-Konstruktion hinzugefügt. Genauso wie eine reaktionsfreudige Altra EGO™ Zwischensohle und die griffige MaxTrac™ Laufsohle, damit...

www.altrarunning.eu

I personally would not chose a low cut gore tex trailrunner (whats the point of that), so chances are there are more models not on my radar.

Anhalter - why do you say "what's the point of that"? Is there some contradiction with the idea of gore-tex and trail runners? Serious question. Sounds like you see something in this combo that I don't know about.

 

[Rick M]

Oh dear, Rick. Are you seriously challenging Mrs Helado's demand for Gore-tex? I don't know if you are brave or foolish.
(Slightly) more seriously, I have some reservations about the Gore-tex mandate too. We will be walking in June when we are less likely to encounter wet weather but perhaps a problem with sweaty feet? Or in Mrs Helado's case, feet that simply glow.
I would welcome views on Gore-tex vs a more breathable fabric which I can gently suggest to Mrs H.

This one is a no mem-brainer. I wear gortex shoes on the wettest of days in the winter. They keep my feet dry-er than my usual shoes when walking through puddles. I tried them in warmer weather, and they are a disaster, since they do not breathe as well as advertised, and guarantee that after a few hours, my feet are wet on the sunniest of days. Above all else, the shoes need to fit and be comfortable. Nothing short of a hip-wader will keep your feet dry when it rains all day, and those are not known for their comfort. Could Mrs. Helado be persuaded with a pair of waterproof socks held in reserve for the unlikely event of inclement weather?

 

[trecile]

Anhalter - why do you say "what's the point of that"? Is there some contradiction with the idea of gore-tex and trail runners? Serious question. Sounds like you see something in this combo that I don't know about.

I think that the combination of low cut and goretex makes it pointless. If it rains water will enter the shoes, and then she will have wet feet with shoes that don't dry quickly.

 

[MaxHelado]

I think that the combination of low cut and goretex makes it pointless. If it rains water will enter the shoes, and then she will have wet feet with shoes that don't dry quickly.

That makes good sense to me.

 

[MaxHelado]

Would I be correct in thinking that no-one is a fan of gore-tex for summer walking?

 

[trecile]

Would I be correct in thinking that no-one is a fan of gore-tex for summer walking?

I'm sure that there is someone that uses it...

 

[Anhalter]

Would I be correct in thinking that no-one is a fan of gore-tex for summer walking?

I think i've seen plenty of people with gore tex that where quite happy. But thats mostly boots. And i seen lots of people where you might have traced their blisters back to gore tex. It's not a black or white answer. For some it works, for some it does not.

Anhalter - why do you say "what's the point of that"? Is there some contradiction with the idea of gore-tex and trail runners? Serious question. Sounds like you see something in this combo that I don't know about.

Goretex makes it harder for water to penetrate a fabric. Much harder to get in, a bit harder to get out. With a low cut shoe, i guess, the water has it quite easy to get in over the "hole where your foot is" (whats the english word?). So you get left with the "a bit harder to get out" part without having the benefit.
At least thats my way of looking at it, I am no shoe scientists if there is such a thing.

For me, and many others, the philosophy with runners is "just take the shoe with the most holes in it". Water gets in easily, but the shoes dry quickly again. And in the heat, which might be likely in Spain during a good part of the year, the same goes for sweat.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Would I be correct in thinking that no-one is a fan of gore-tex for summer walking?

Because I planned on hiking in the Pyrenees post-Camino Francés I wore goretex in leather boots with a single pair of wool socks (May through July). I had no blister problems and I didn't have any discomfort. But that is just me, I guess my feet are used to punishment.

For a Oct/Nov camino I wore breathable trail shoes (Merrell Moabs, not trail runners) that got extremely wet the last week. A bit uncomfortable because of it but they dried out and switching socks made it better.

I wouldn't make your wife wear something else, I have enough trouble just advising Peg but my advice is what you have already been reading here; with low shoes there isn't much advantage to Goretex and some disadvantage, including cost and time spent looking for wide Goretex trail runners.

 

[C clearly]

wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.

I am also very specific. As a woman with feet that are too small/short for men's shoes, I have looked for similar - more for at-home walking in rainy Vancouver winters, than for the Camino. However, women's trail shoes rarely come wide enough, women's Goretex shoes rarely come wide enough, and I have never found the combination. I have given up, because I have found a super comfy wide cushioned runner, and that comfort is the most important factor. I manage with wool socks on wet days.

 

[MaxHelado]

I am also very specific. As a woman with feet that are too small/short for men's shoes, I have looked for similar - more for at-home walking in rainy Vancouver winters, than for the Camino. However, women's trail shoes rarely come wide enough, women's Goretex shoes rarely come wide enough, and I have never found the combination. I have given up, because I have found a super comfy wide cushioned runner, and that comfort is the most important factor. I manage with wool socks on wet days.

I think I am coming to the same conclusion as you did and I think wide-fit, non-gore-tex is the way to go.
Next a chat with Mrs H who has now found a specialist shoe shop which should offer good advice even if they do not have the perfect shoe in stock.

 

[Spammy]

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

I have Meindl - fabulous!

 

[MOJOUK]

I need a big toe box and LOVED my Saucony Peregrines on Camino Frances in May / June this year. I sized up half a size and wore the non GTX version. The one wet day I had I kept walking, changed my socks every 10km and was fine. They dried within a few hours. Only 1 blister at end of 30km very hot day, might have been worse in GTX though. I walk in the GTX version in the winter in UK - also very good though water gets in the top and through the membrane if its super wet. Am planning to use GTX pair on Primitivo in Sep 23, debating taking some gaiters to prevent ingress through top and will adopt same sock change regime if I get wet. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Stewpot]

Meindl Balancing. Superbly comfortable walking shoe. Lovely roomy toebox. No Goretex - No Sweat

 

[Anamiri]

Would I be correct in thinking that no-one is a fan of gore-tex for summer walking?

I think one of the things to take into consideration is that walking the Camino is probably the only time in your life that you will walk long distances day after day for a month or so, wearing the same shoes every day.
A lot of the other activities that you do wearing these types of footwear is weekend, or maybe a week long.
So plenty of opportunity for blisters to form, and not a lot of time for them to heal. as you are on them every day.
So in my opinion better to avoid them in the first place.
If you are walking in summer, there will probably be some rain (in Galicia), but many fine hot days. In my experience when it rains, it really rains, so water will pour down your legs into your shoes whether they are waterproof or not. You need your shoes to dry quickly. I stuff mine with paper and they are dry overnight.

I'm not a fan of Goretex shoes at all, but particularly in a hot summer as your feet get hot and sweaty, inside shoes that don't breathe, and don't dry quickly.

 

[MaxHelado]

I think one of the things to take into consideration is that walking the Camino is probably the only time in your life that you will walk long distances day after day for a month or so, wearing the same shoes every day.
A lot of the other activities that you do wearing these types of footwear is weekend, or maybe a week long.
So plenty of opportunity for blisters to form, and not a lot of time for them to heal. as you are on them every day.
So in my opinion better to avoid them in the first place.
If you are walking in summer, there will probably be some rain (in Galicia), but many fine hot days. In my experience when it rains, it really rains, so water will pour down your legs into your shoes whether they are waterproof or not. You need your shoes to dry quickly. I stuff mine with paper and they are dry overnight.

I'm not a fan of Goretex shoes at all, but particularly in a hot summer as your feet get hot and sweaty, inside shoes that don't breathe, and don't dry quickly.

Thank you for this. Sounds to me like another clear vote against Gore-tex for summer walking.

 

[Former member 59618]

I do NOT recommend Goretex shoes, personally. What keeps water out will hold water in, and my experience wearing Goretex (I worked for USFWS) was they caused blisters for me. I realize some people like them, but I don't.

Going to pick your brain on this one. When a shoe indicates waterproof, that doesn't necessarily mean Goretex, correct? I found my trail runners way more comfy than Keen boots, and my feet were not prone to blisters. Trailrunners also dried infinitely faster (two caminos walking through Galicia in November).

For my February camino, I want a quick drying shoe, but I also don't want a totally permeable membrane. These shoes in my Amazon cart indicate waterproof, not Goretex. Is that considered a happy medium?

 

[C clearly]

indicate waterproof, not Goretex. Is that considered a happy medium?

Not necessarily. Rubber is waterproof. Goretex's fame has come from being waterproof and breathable, which is what you seek. However, experience on the ground illustrates that there are important tradeoffs in performance in terms of keeping feet dry, getting the shoes to dry, avoiding blisters, and even the way shoes fit.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Going to pick your brain on this one. When a shoe indicates waterproof, that doesn't necessarily mean Goretex, correct?

Correct. A lot of modern waterproof but breathable fabrics use a layer of film with microscopic holes too small to let water in (because surface tension beads it up) but the holes are large enough to let water vapor though. Goretex is a form of polytetrafluoroethylene film (invented by DuPont and trademarked by them as Teflon). The film is stretched and this creates the pores. Too fragile to use by itself it is adhered to other fabrics and may be sandwiched between two layers. Gore's patent has probably expired by now and there may be other idental products used by manufacturers with their own trademarks. Other ways of making holes the right size for waterproofness with breathability exist too.

Polytetrafluoroethylene - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Gore-Tex - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Flog, I looked briefly and can only see this as a man's shoe? I can't tell if you are recommending as a male or as a female or non-binary?

On the camino, I (female) always wear men’s Altra lone peak trail runners. It has nothing to do with gender, it’s physiology. I find that the Altra toe box is wider in men’s than women’s shoes, but the rest of the shoe fit is nearly identical. In other words I don’t find myself sloshing around at the heel. I love them and wouldn’t wear anything else.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Going to pick your brain on this one. When a shoe indicates waterproof, that doesn't necessarily mean Goretex, correct? I found my trail runners way more comfy than Keen boots, and my feet were not prone to blisters. Trailrunners also dried infinitely faster (two caminos walking through Galicia in November).

For my February camino, I want a quick drying shoe, but I also don't want a totally permeable membrane. These shoes in my Amazon cart indicate waterproof, not Goretex. Is that considered a happy medium?

1) To me, waterproof and goretex both mean if they hold water out they'll hold water in
2) Have you tried on these shoes in a shop?
3) I agree, trailrunners are the way to go.

 

[C clearly]

I agree, trailrunners are the way to go.

Unfortunately, not too many trailrunners come in a Women's Wide.

 

[Anamiri]

Unfortunately, not too many trailrunners come in a Women's Wide.

No, that is a problem, particularly if your feet are too small for the mens sizing as mine are. In Running/Walking shoes I have found a New Balance in a wide last, and a Brooks (I think the style is Dyad 11) in extra wide. I mainly walk in sandals on the Camino, but around home I love the Brooks. I have a narrow heel, and a super high arch so that makes shoes extra diffcult.
Neither can be bought in NZ, I have to order them in, - expensive way to buy shoes, when they may or may not fit.

 

[camino07]

Would I be correct in thinking that no-one is a fan of gore-tex for summer walking?

I guess its me. I always use Keens, men's Gore-Tex shoes for my wide feet. I walk in spring or autumn, not summer though. Tried other shoes but always return to Keens.

 

[MaxHelado]

Mrs H paid a visit to a specialist shoe store earlier today. Appears she had a useful and well informed conversation with the chap in the shop. Yes, men's shoes do have a wider fit but be careful because the fit on the heel is also different. No, you don't need Goretex if you are walking in Spain in the summer. Choose a shoe one size bigger than the measured size.

Mrs H has decided on the Altra TIMP 4 Women's Trail Running Shoe.
She is a very happy lady.

Thanks to all for your help in coming to this important decision. We look forward to a comfy and blister-free Camino.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Unfortunately, not too many trailrunners come in a Women's Wide.

New Balance. I get triple wide for my own hobbit feet!

 

[krosemc]

My feet are also happiest in wide shoes, especially while wearing two pairs of socks! The only kind that work for me are Merrell, and they have goretex options. I wore Merrell goretex boots on both my Camino treks, and wide Merrell goretex boots on my second. They also have great goretex wide trail runners that I bought and love last year, but they haven't been on camino with me. I've not tried New Balance, but Merrell are the only brand of hiking boots in a wide fit that I found to be supportive enough for me, while offering some sort of cushion...along with being wide and water proof! I love them. The boots aren't so cute, but the trail runners are quite nice! Good luck! Buen Camino!

 

[Moniq]

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

What do you think of NB Hierro 7 mens. I walked the CP with it with sideways, 800 km. I have bunions, so wide forefeet. Used them with customized orthotics. Liked them a lot, very soft though stable. There is a GTX version. I sized up. I might buy new ones for the upcoming CF. Not sure if I need some sturdier Trail runners.
Personally I am not a fan of GTX, too warm. I took low cycle gaiters and adjusted them. Worked very wel!
Good luck!

 

[ParrisPair]

Brooks Cascadia. I’ve worn them in torrential rain as well as in 40deg heat this summer. No problems.

 

[Former member 104145]

There's an advertisement for me on this page, for a wicker work coffin. Does the algorithm know something I don't?

 

[NLS]

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

I love the altra Olympus 5

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Keen has many good options.

 

[green_spork]

Asics have a range of Gore-Tex, Trail shoes, although I would class them more as Trail runners than shoes! They also come in a wide fit! I wore a pair of Asics Gel runners on the Primitivo in September! I combined them with a pair of gel insoles! Super comfortable, not one blister!
My first week, I had rain all the way into Galicia, but the runners dried super quick and were always fine to wear the next day!
On hot days, the lightweight fabric allowed my feet to breathe and prevent my feet from getting sweaty!
I would happily wear Asics again, but would probably choose a non Gore-Tex Trail runner!
I didn’t see a lot of People wearing Gore-Tex footwear, mostly lightweight, breathable boots/shoes!

 

[C clearly]

New Balance. I get triple wide for my own hobbit feet!

Yes, New Balance seems to have the best selection of wide shoes for Women. I wear the New Balance FF More V3 about 15 hours/day. However, there are still few "trail runners" that come in the wide widths.

You have previously recommended shoe made on the SL-2 last. It is not easy to determine which shoes are made on which last, so can you tell us which model you wear?

 

[Karl G]

About Mrs Helado's Goretex requirement. @davebugg has professionally reviewed backpacking products for manufacturers for years. He doesn't think that waterproof footwear is a good thing. He's written quite a few posts about this explaining the reasons why. Here is one of them.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/hiking-shoes-in-the-rain.72810/#post-988717

Just to balance the scales a bit. Myself and others have worn Gore-Tex with no issues. While all points of view are valid, they may not hold for any given individual. The best advice is to try out your footwear choice before you are ready to leave in order to see what will suit you best.

 

[Mariasbb]

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

I need wide-fit shoes and since I have large feet, I usually end up purchasing men’s boots. This may be a solution if the men’s sizes would fit.

 

[Keith H]

The only one that comes to my mind is the Altra Lone Peak All Weather

Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low Woman

Mit dem Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low kannst du es richtig krachen lassen. Wir haben alles genommen, was du am klassischen Lone Peak liebst und eine wetterfeste eVent™ Bootie-Konstruktion hinzugefügt. Genauso wie eine reaktionsfreudige Altra EGO™ Zwischensohle und die griffige MaxTrac™ Laufsohle, damit...

www.altrarunning.eu

I personally would not chose a low cut gore tex trailrunner (whats the point of that), so chances are there are more models not on my radar.

This was what I was going to recommend. Altra also has high top ones. The low ones pair well with gaiters

 

[Rita Flower]

Oh dear, Rick. Are you seriously challenging Mrs Helado's demand for Gore-tex? I don't know if you are brave or foolish.
(Slightly) more seriously, I have some reservations about the Gore-tex mandate too. We will be walking in June when we are less likely to encounter wet weather but perhaps a problem with sweaty feet? Or in Mrs Helado's case, feet that simply glow.
I would welcome views on Gore-tex vs a more breathable fabric which I can gently suggest to Mrs H.

As with all things Camino I think the ‘Gortex or not’ question is very personal. The ‘no-Gortex’ crowd seem a little religious in their zeal so I would like speak up for the other side.
I have worn Gortex boots on all three of my Caminos and never had any problem drying them out overnight. I never had any blisters. My feet don’t seem to sweat a lot in the heat - or swell. I wear lightweight merino socks that absorb any damp and keep my feet happy.
This year I loved them as there were many days when the ground was very wet or I had to walk through puddles for long periods. My feet stayed dry in all but one long heavy down pour when my boots felt like a swimming pool. I was a bit worried. But all good. They even started to dry out as I walked when the rain stopped. No blisters and dry shoes in the morning after I filled them with paper towel overnight. The Albergue had no newspaper.
I think many people have underlying foot issues so blisters, sweating and swelling are a problem. In this case Gortex may not be for them. But for me it’s fine.
I wish Mrs H all the best is her search.
PS. I wear Merrill Moab 3 wide boots. With different inner soles. Perfect for my foot.

 

[ChrisGall]

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

I recommend ALTRA shoes and hikers. They are known for very wide toe-box. I wore their Lone Peak 6 hikers (non waterproof) on my partial Camino this fall, loved them. There are other models, many GTX (Goretex) / All Weather.

Women's Trail Running Shoes & Lightweight Trail Shoes | Altra® Running

Unlock your running experience with lightweight and all terrain running shoes for women from Altra. Our rugged trail runners are designed to provide traction and stability on uneven terrain so you can get the most out of the trail. Altra's Fit4Her™ technology is developed around key physical...

www.altrarunning.com

Available at many stores, including REI, and from their website and other online outfitters.

They are the first shoes in my 72 years that didn't crowd my toes or rub some point on my foot.

Altra Lone Peak AllWeather Mid :

 

[Diane Owens]

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

I use men's shoes as they are wider

 

[Dmcar4]

Nothing wrong with a woman wearing a man's shoe if the size/width works best for them.

I have worn mens Keens boots for years, however mens boots have different proportions to womens, such as higher in the back and thicker soles. My current boots are Merril wide fit womens and I am so far finding them a better shape around my ankle/lower leg. It was a relief to finally find wide womens boots again in Australia

 

[Former member 92300]

Does she need wide shoes? Or a wide toe box shoe? I find I don't really need a wide shoe but instead a wide toe box shoe. For that - there are a few brands that advertise a "foot shaped shoe" like Altras.

If she needs a truly wide shoe and is having difficulty finding one she likes - have her try men's shoes as they tend to be wider than womens shoes.

And whatever she gets - make sure she walks a lot in them to be sure they actually work! I do suggest trying a goretex and a non-goretex shoe as many of us find we are more likely to blister with goretex as they do not breath as well and hold in more moisture. They also take longer to dry when they do get wet.

Can't recommend specific brands though - everyone's feet are different and what works for me might not work for her.

 

[kelleymac]

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

She might want to expand her choices by looking at men's shoes. Men's regular width is a women's wide.

 

[Rita Flower]

Pr

Mrs Helado is insistent that what she needs for her next Camino is a pair of wide-fit, Gore-tex, trail shoes.
Mrs Helado is very specific.
Hours spent googling have so far brought no joy.

Any ideas?

Probably already mentioned. I wear Merrell Moab 3 Mids. Gortex but not hot. Great for stepping through puddles but when soaked, get dryish on the feet and completely dry overnight. Can get them in wide fit. Lightweight and so so comfortable for me. You need to upgrade the inner soles though.
1007 Km on VDLP and not a problem. Still wearing same shoes at home. Could probably do another 1000 Km.

 

[MaxHelado]

Mrs H paid a visit to a specialist shoe store earlier today. Appears she had a useful and well informed conversation with the chap in the shop. Yes, men's shoes do have a wider fit but be careful because the fit on the heel is also different. No, you don't need Goretex if you are walking in Spain in the summer. Choose a shoe one size bigger than the measured size.

Mrs H has decided on the Altra TIMP 4 Women's Trail Running Shoe.
She is a very happy lady.

Thanks to all for your help in coming to this important decision. We look forward to a comfy and blister-free Camino.

Just to point out that I did post the conclusion to the "Mrs H and the big feet" saga. She is now a very happy camper (or walker) with her Altra shoes.

However if others want to continue this thread then fill your boots.
(See what I did there?)