Wet feet

[Ricav]

Preparing for my first Camino (Portugues) in one month. I'm well set on shoes with Vasque trail runners, not waterproof, and a two sock system that works for me. My only concern is wet feet which we all know puts us at risk for blisters. Footwear is always a compromise. How have others of you addressed this weakness of trail runner shoes getting wet?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I walked, last time, in Hoka One Ones which are just mesh on top. Thankfully fromt Porto you rarely set foot on grass that may wet your socks. But if you do, or if it rains, keep using vaseline, Bag bal, Vick's, what have you, to create a barrier. I use HOOs because they are ultra light and it was a test. But I love my Salomon Ultra 2 GTX. Also, feminine hygene pads, which absorb liquids, are use by savy walkers. Which brand is best for the Camino I couldn't tell you, or pee vs "." pads, either .

 

[sabbott]

I wore trail runners and my feet got soaked a few times, once when I walked through wet grass to avoid mud, and a couple of times when the Camino Invierno turned into a stream. I didn't find wet feet to be a big problem, as my shoes (mesh tops) started drying while I was walking in the sun, or, after a rainy day, pretty much dried overnight. I occasionally helped the drying process along by taking out the insoles and putting my sneakers upside down on a radiator. And no blisters!

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

I walk in sandals but have 2 things to keep my feet safe especially in rain. First I use a cream that gives me a protection. It's a anti shafting cream from Germany the second thing is gore-tex socks. Great when it is pooring down a whole day.

 

[NancySpencerTracy]

My husband and I walked both caminos in trail runners and it rained heavily both trips. There were unavoidable areas where you had no choice but to step in a deep puddle to get through. We wore wool socks, our feet never got cold and neither of us got a blister. The mesh allowed the shoes to dry and they were usually dry by the time we stopped for the day. The wool socks kept my feet warm and could take overnight to dry. (I brought 3 pair.) I would definitely wear trail runners again.

 

[mcopeland]

If you splurge on nothing else weight-wise, splurge on extra socks so you can change them as often as necessary. Even on dry days I changed half way through the day. I brought 3 sets of socks and liners and wished I had another set. Don't forget - on a dank rainy day your socks are unlikely to dry overnight unless you have access to a dryer.