Thank you. I am looking for new hikers for Norte. I had to replace boots part way thru Camino Portuguese as the shoes I purchased, despite breaking them in, really hurt my instep to the point where I could not walk … had to resort to crocs a few days until Coimbra to find a replacement …
I've only had them on a few hours yesterday today. Very light, comfortable, nice room at the toe box (I have wide feet), feel solidly built. Going for a longer walk at the weekend so will know more then.
Yes Tomir waterproof trekking shoes. Only worn once but very light & comfortable with good grip. They're sturdy but flexible not rigid but wider too. Foot was not hot or sweaty either. I talked to alot of pros before buying who reassured me about its durability & long term performance. I need good walking shoes as I walk the Caminos multiple times each year. I can't afford to buy cheap shoes!!
I am curious, folks, why you prefer the non-waterproof? What happens when it rains? Don't your feet get uncomfortably wet? I just bought the waterproof Moab 3s, which is why I am asking. Thanks much! interested in your thoughts.
In Spain I found that heat of walking long distances sweats my feet to the point I get blisters. Changing socks every couple hours sure helps but , breathable shoes or just walking sandals sure keep my “ poor dogs” happier . Spain is pretty dry in Camino season and if it really rains I lay up a day and rest, it’s not a race
GTX keeps water out, but it also traps heat and water in. In a heavy rainstorm or creek crossing, water is bound to get into the shoe up over the collar or seep through the GTX membrane over time. In this situation, it is better to have a shoe that will drain and dry quickly. Not a big deal on a walk like the Camino, but it will diminish your daily comfort.
I'm trying Moab 3 mid non-Goretex (breathable) now. For my Frances in 2016 I wore low Merrell's. I don't know the model as the tags are worn to the point of being unreadable. They served me well and I had 0 blisters. Since then I've tried Moab 2s and Moab 3s mid breathable among other brands. I find the comfort to be good, but I'm unhappy with the traction. My original model had a type of lug for the soles. The 2s and 3s do not have much in the way of lugs, and I find myself slipping more on certain surfaces such as dry leaves or wet soil. The 3s will be returned (thanks to REI's great return policy). I'm having difficulty finding boots I'm happy with. For starters, there aren't many breathable models out there. It seems "gore-tex" type boots are preferred by most. Also, I prefer a wide option, and some popular brands don't offer a wide or may be on the narrow side. So, if anyone knows of a mid, breathable, boot with lug-type sole cut wide or available in widths, I'd appreciate hearing about it.
I keep seeing this advice to stuff wet shoes with newspaper at the end of a rainy day - sounds like wonderful advice - but where is all the newspaper: does one literally stop at a kiosk to buy a copy of El Païs before heading to the albergue !?
We often found free newspapers or old newspapers where we were staying. The good news it was not often we had to do this … along Frances I recall maybe 3 times after walks through long downpours.
