Winter Camino Footwear

[sebastianpuss]

Hi does anyone ave any reccomendations for footwear for a winter camino?
I plan to walk from Le Puy next November, and the one thing that I haven't settled on yet is my boots!
I need as light a pair as possible, as I'll be carrying extra camera equipment. But they need to be up to the 1600km trek,as well as any conditions, as I've been following some pilgrims blogs and seeing just how bad the conditions are going to get.
At the minute I use Karrimors, which are great for all conditions here in scotland, but with a full pack and for 3-4 months constant use are way too heavy!
I was planning to take a pair of flip flops for the eveings just to let my feet breathe.
Any reccomendations from people who have done a winter pilgrimmage gratefully accepted.

 

[Deleted member 397]

Being from Scotland you have more experience than me with cold wet weather but I don't think flip flops in the evening in november is a good idea (although I always use them in showers). I've always worn goretex trail shoues but after this years camino from granada I said never again! Constant wet feet so I've got asolo leather boots-heavy yes but should be much better than goretex and easier to get the mud off. I walked the le puy route last year-beautiful and challenging with some initial high areas which will be very demanding in november. I walked in early july and it was bloody cold on the massif central!

 

[jeff001]

In addition to whatever boots you decide on you should absolutely consider taking some long gaiters (leggings?) to keep water and snow out of your boots and mud off the legs of your pants.

 

[Javier Martin]

In addition to whatever boots you decide on you should absolutely consider taking some long gaiters (leggings?) to keep water and snow out of your boots and mud off the legs of your pants.

I didn't know the english word, thanks Jeff.

In my Camino Sanabres in winter, with two snow storms and a lot of water, that leggins were absolutely useful to protect my boots. And the boots have to resist water (goretex). But even goretex boots need some help if the weather turns worse.

But don't forget something: The most important think is to maintain dry the inside of your backpack. If it's not possible, after a bad weather day, check your clothes and use the radiators if necessary.

Buen Camino,

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain.