- Time of past OR future Camino
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I've been training for almost a year for my first Camino (De Santiago). Will walk in April. While training I developed plantar fasciitis because of a weak ankle. I must wear boots because I absolutely must have the support - I'm not yet 100% but almost there. Those who can wear lighter shoes without problems are very lucky. I've seen many videos and read many blogs, etc. of people who develop painful problems while walking 800 kms, some have to give up early. Frequently, people go on and on about painkillers, painkillers, painkillers. Foot pain is very common and everyone is different. I use an assortment of remedial strategies every day: stretches, cold compresses, anti-inflammatory ointment, custom orthotics. Those who recommend one single footwear solution for all are not being realistic. I suggest: prepare thoroughly if you're not accustomed to long range walking. Same goes for blisters, it seems to me - everyone has different strength skin, everyone perspires differently.There is also a school of thought - my podologist, some thru-hikers on long trails - that says to only wear hiking boots if you have problems with your ankles. Otherwise, there is really no advantage, and there is the disadvantage that any twist that saves your ankle travels up to your knee and can cause greater damage. I think it's really essential to try different models and choose what suits you best.
I know this has been discussed several times, I think I've read every thread. I have applied suggested advice on 2 caminos, but as I plan for my Fall camino it has surfaced again.
I'm now on my 3rd pair of footwear. I started with a waterproof Solomon trail runners. I really wanted these to be 'the one' but after a few miles on the treadmill (too much snow to hike outdoors yet) I noticed a lot of rubbing from the top of the shoe against my ankle. Returned them and got Solomon trail runners, not waterproof., but a great shoe. Also they are the quick lace system so I just pull the cord to tighten and loosen. Has anyone used these type of laces? Did they break?
My theory is that my feet sweat anyways and become 'wet' and then that creates the perfect environment for blisters..even if I Vaseline, liner, wool socks and dry my feet during the day. I wore theses on the treadmill and they feel great. I don't trust them though. All I can think of is the total downpours of Galicia and these shoes will be a swamp in no time. I really didn't want to wear boots on this camino. I saw so many pilgrims walking free and easy down the trail in trailrunners and I swore I wouldn't be bogged down by boots and blisters ever again. However, due to the climate change across the different regions, the ups, the downs, the city walking, and the rocky areas, I am now second (third) guessing my decision.
I have preordered the Lowa Renegade, waterproof & breathable (really?!), ankle support, good vibram sole. Great reviews. Overkill? This is exactly what I was trying to avoid, but I came full circle back to this type of boot. I don't think I have weak ankles, but you don't have to have weak ankles to turn them on the downhills. Then what?
I'm not even sure if these boots will be 'the one' because I haven't tried them on yet, but I keep going back and forth between waterproof or not, trailrunners or boots? I will be walking Aug 25-Oct 12. SJPP-Muxia-Finisterre-Santiago.
What do you think? Keep the Solomons and not worry about waterproof and ankle support? Or go for a boot again? I understand this has been beat to death on this forum, but I need your advice anyways. I never want to be an expert on the Camino even if I have walked it before. I want to remain teachable and open to all opinions. That's how I learn..and blisters are a good teacher too...
Thanks!! I'm so excited to return to the beautiful Camino in the fall and see all of those blooming sunflowers again. Hope to meet up with some of you, I have drawn so much from your experiences and wouldn't have attempted this 'alone' back in 2013 if it wasn't for you all! I'm still a solo walker, but I am never alone once I hit the Camino!
Tammy[/QUOTE
Walked in Solomon Trail quick lace (not waterproof) last September and had happy feet the whole way! They dry out quickly but even when a little damp, fresh dry socks and you're all set. Bueno Camino!
Hi TammyLynn, It took me 2 months of walking only 5km per day wearing Merrells to develop plantar fasciitis. Mind you, I had a weak ankle to begin with which was the root cause. Then I bought some very good boots (including custom orthotics) which fit perfectly. I've worn these boots for almost 8 months now, walking 5 days per week, and remaining foot pain is mildly uncomfortable but manageable! Buen Camino. - MikeThank you, this is exactly what I hoped for. Since I have plenty of time to test my gear before August, I'm going to test both. I think the trailrunners will be great, but through this I will learn if I have bad ankles and still have time to break in the boots if needed. Thanks everyone, after I posted this I felt bad, it's been discussed about as much as pack weight has and I apologize for being annoyingly repetitive!
That's a great article! Thank you!Not sure that this is totally relevant, however I came across this article that commented on the 5 myths about hiking footwear. I accessed via Facebook so not certain that the link will work. Good luck.
http://www.hikingthetrail.com/2016/01/top-5-myths-about-hiking-footwear-debunked-guest-post/
Link works but may take a while to come up. Cheers
I have a sneaking suspicion that manufacturers are producing more and more specialised equipment just so we will spend money. Start with checking your own wardrobe before buying something. Not that this is relevant to the OP, but it might be helpful to others reading this thread.
arrrgh... are there good shoe shops along the way? but then... you're in NEW shoes for the next few days....I wore Keens they were completely worn out by Finnisterre. Something different the next walk
It's a combination of the shoe, the vaseline application, the socks, how you care for your feet in the evening, keeping your feet dry, and also toughening your skin. Don't give up too quickly on your shoes.I bought what I thought was a good pair of hiking runners "Keen" brand... oh so comfortable to wear, but when doing my training I've already developed blisters.... havent yet invested in good liner socks so hopefully they will help, but I saw one post on here that said if you get blisters you have the wrong shoes.... now I'm worried that I'll have to get a different pair of shoes... expensive! Any advice?
I think Anomone makes a good point you will need to try various socks(thickness) & some of the creams to see what works for you. I went thru 3 different manufactures boots until I found what would work, I still had to tweak as I went. There is always a better "mousetrap" just walk & test until you find what works before you leave. But none of us can recommend a specific shoe/boot as each of us have unique feet some sweat buckets some not. Hang in there!arrrgh... are there good shoe shops along the way? but then... you're in NEW shoes for the next few days....
I have been thinking of what I learned from my walk so I will share.arrrgh... are there good shoe shops along the way? but then... you're in NEW shoes for the next few days....
Luckily I didn't see them, thank you for being on it and considerate.I have deleted a few posts that caused offence. There is no need for passive aggression (or any type of aggression for that matter).
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