wondering about boots

[Mrenacentista]

Hello, All:

I am leaving Texas (think hot, flat) for the Camino in mid-May. Fly to Madrid, then Bilbao, bus to San Sebastian. Thinking of walking from there to Irun (several say it is beautiful stage) for first, warm-up walking day, then catch bus/whatever as needed to start Cam. Frances in St Jean. Walk it to Burgos.

Then bus/train to Santander. Walk and bus Cam Norte to Aviles and then Oviedo, with a side trip to Picos de Europa for couple of day hikes in mountains. Then considering taking the Cam. Primitivo back to Cam. Frances. to finish up to SDC and Finisterre.

Here is my immediate issue: need new boots (after several practice walks of 20-25 km), my old ones are just too worn down. Should I buy new, waterproof leather boots or go with a lighter, hiking shoe (also waterproof)? I am accustomed to boots, but they are hot and heavy and I get heat rash above ankles anytime I wear them.

I live in flatland, so don't get much experience with ascent/descents and have a weak knee as well. Have thought about getting a trekking pole, but also need a smaller pack, so costs are starting to mount. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I need to make a choice on shoes ASAP so I can get them and break them in over next 6 weeks before I head to Spain!

Millones de gracias,
Claudia

 

[MikeJS]

Completed Francis year before last and Norte last year. Used gortex walking shoes for all. Never found a need for boots.

 

[mikevasey]

It all depends on if you need ankle support, if you do then go for light mids, they usally need very little breaking in. A lot of people on here go with new balance trainers, I would but have very wide feet and even their extra wide fits dont do the job. Think light but waterproof.

Mike

 

[Tia Valeria]

We have always used lightweight, breathable but waterproof boots which come just over our ankles to give support. We appreciate the ankle support on the Primitivo and also the waterproofing when it was wet/muddy on the track.
Our latest boots are Grisport. They are the same style as our previous boots shown below which were Hi-Tec.

 

[lettinggo]

Hi Claudia

You write that your old boots are worn down and this makes me think that you should buy new boots, as you are used to it.
Most pilgrims will probably agree upon that boots/shoes are an important item and the one item that needs to be close to perfect to one. You will basically be living in them for a month.
On a long walk your feet expand so the boots/shoes needs to be about one number bigger than usual.
In hot clima it may be more. Get professional help at the store to get it right.
As it was written in another response, the shoes needs to be waterproof.
Damp or wet feet are prone to blisters.

About walking pole you might just get a wooden stick from nature or at albergues. Often pilgrims forgets their sticks at albergues, free for other pilgrims to use.
And you will of course be going uphill many times, so do bring elastics and such for your knee.
Just in case.

Buen camino

 

[MikeJS]

Please don’t get 2 walking poles. Can’t think of anything more annoying than hearing the incessant click click of people’s poles -especially when walking on flat even ground!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

have a weak knee as well. Have thought about getting a trekking pole

To reduce the stress on your bad knee (and the good one, and your ankles), get a pair of trekking poles and use them properly. A stave looks cool, but does not offer the ergonomic benefits of trekking poles.

 

[Former member 19626]

....and attach little rubber feet so not to annoy people like Mikelin

 

[Deleted member 3000]

attach little rubber feet so

... you get better traction on wet pavement. Everyone is irritated by something, so your clicking might allow them to vent... :twisted: