Hiking boots / walking shoes

[yvonne mccann]

hi all, first post. I am heading in July/August for my first camino. My qu is about whether to take my super expensive hiking boots or my super comfortable well worn in jogging shoes (good sole). The woman in the outdoor shop wreckons the hiking boots but everyone I've spoken to has said by trusted joggers.. I'm sure this qu has been asked a 1000 times but as I said I'm new and have no experience. also my sleeping bag is very light, is that ok instead of a liner.. havent got much spare cash floating around to get one. Thanks everyone.

 

[PANO]

Welcome on this forum Yvonne, have lots of fun to browse the many threads here offering experts advise on all sorts of subjects, including, -exhaustingly so- on footwear and sleeping bags.
My own experience: I changed to runners mid-way (in Leon) after my hikers caused a nasty tendinitis; my choice on future summer camino's would be runners. Of course, your feet will get wet in rain, (regardless of shoes) but runners dry faster.
(Other peregrinos will tell you the opposite.....) Bottom line: try out both shoe-types extensively before leaving home and take the most comfortable with you.
As for the sleeping-bag question: in July/August, a liner will do nicely
Buen camino

 

[Donna Sch]

Bottom line: try out both shoe-types extensively before leaving home and take the most comfortable with you.
Buen camino

If in doubt go get your gait analysed by a podiatrist. My runners are the most comfy shoes on the planet. But the sheer mileage involved in the Camino means that I get midfoot discomfort due to the quirky way in which I walk. No problem for day to day stuff including running but distance becomes an issue and I do better with a stiffer sole.
I had planned to take them to change into at the end of the day but I ended up jettisoning them in the interests of reducing my pack weight.

I like the website Outdoor gear lab as it has very good reviews. Gives you a good background. Between that and here I think I have picked a good brand. My ex recently went on a 5 day tramp wearing Vasques. I had warned him that there were potential problems with the sole coming off. He didn't believe me. He had no problems traipsing around Switzerland in winter in an urban environment but for this 40 km very rough rocky terrain he lost a chunk of sole about 3 cm squared.

Place of manufacture seems to be an issue with some brands and I think you cannot do too much homework on boots or packs. Personally I favour hiking shoes as I am doing a summer camino.

 

[good_old_shoes]

Hello!

I'm not an expert on this topic at all, as I only walked the Camino once this spring - but from my experience I'd say take the shoes you feel most comfortable in! I walked most of the way in a pair of very old (hence my user name ) "every day" shoes with very thin soles, and even though it probably looked a bit strange, it was the right decision for my feet. If you feel good in the jogging shoes, I'd say take those (and maybe a pair of light sandals as backup). Your footwear has to be your best friend while walking, so trust yourself, you know best which pair to take!
The sleeping bag should be alright, I used a very light sleeping bag and needed a blanket for the colder nights, but when it's warmer you can just open the sleeping bag, so I think you should be fine.

Buen camino!

 

[Saramago]

If you have no ankle problems, footwear is a personal choice. If you have ever broken your ankle or severely sprained it, it may come back as an issue due to the pack, rocky terrain. I broke and severely sprained my ankle in 2013 and will not have the option of anything but boots in my future for hiking, either here or there. I wear an ankle brace inside my Lowa Renegades, with orthdodics for high arches. You have to know your own feet and make a wise decision. No feet, no Camino .

 

[Anniesantiago]

Age old question about footwear. There are threads upon threads about that topic on here.

Personally, I've always worn New Balance trail runners, not boots, and had great luck.
If it were me, I would wear my most comfortable shoes as long as the sole is good.

People wear everything from hiking boots to sandals and even walk barefoot.

I've seen horrible blisters around ankles and on feet due to people who are not used to wearing boots choosing them for the Camino.
I've also seen the same on people whose shoes were too tight.
I got my chops busted for saying this not long ago, but most people's feet will swell while walking 6-8 hours a day carrying a pack, so I usually suggest buying a shoe that is 1 to 1.5 sizes larger than you generally wear. However, a well-broken in shoe might be fine.

While it's true that some people do well in boots and love their boots, if they're not well-broken in, I've seen people's Camino come to a screeching halt while they either go back home or bus ahead to go shopping for more comfortable shoes.

I also have known several people on this forum and on the Camino who do well in boots.
So, it really is a matter of personal choice, but a VERY important decision!

I think in summer, I'd also choose the joggers because they'll be cooler, more broken in, and unless you have weak ankles or arches, the Camino Frances just doesn't have many sections that would warrant hiking boots, in my opinion.

 

[Jan and keith]

hi all, first post. I am heading in July/August for my first camino. My qu is about whether to take my super expensive hiking boots or my super comfortable well worn in jogging shoes (good sole). The woman in the outdoor shop wreckons the hiking boots but everyone I've spoken to has said by trusted joggers.. I'm sure this qu has been asked a 1000 times but as I said I'm new and have no experience. also my sleeping bag is very light, is that ok instead of a liner.. havent got much spare cash floating around to get one. Thanks everyone.

I did a short section of the Camilo last spring interrupted by my husband's medical emergency. I had walked 600+ miles over the course of a year in preparation. I used expensive, well fitting hiking boots. Developed a lot of problems with my Achilles' tendon. I am returning in September to the Camilo. Have been training exclusively in jogging shoes. I have walked a couple of hundred miles with no problems at all. This time I'm planning on bringing two pairs of joggers. They are also much lighter than my hiking boots for the days when one pair will be in my pack. Everyone has a personal preference... This is just mine. Buen Camino!

 

[LakeMcD]

I posted this in another section of the forum:

There is much that has been written in the Ultralight hiking community,state side, about the benefits of good fitting trail shoes (in appropriate terrain) with a flexible sole that allows the foot and ankle to articulate as they are intended to. When the shoe flex in concert with the feet the chances of blisters reduces. It will also give you an opportunity to build strong feet.

Ever notice the significant amount of rocker they put on stiff soled hiking boots to mimic the articulation that our feet naturally moves to. This rocker has the effect of propelling you forward, albeit in an artificial manner, a forward motion that your legs naturally wants to maintain with it's stride. Your foot still wants to articulate/flex in the boot but it can't because of all the stiffness built into the boot for the sake of "support". Stiffness in the sole transfers to pressure in the heel cup. Movement of the foot in any part of the boot translates to blisters. Then you try an minimize the rubbing by using special low friction sock or vaseline etc... All the while your foot actually becomes weaker because there are muscles that aren't being because you can't flex the foot.

Additionally your ability to increase your own lateral balance, without the aid of a stiff high boot, suffers as you rely less and less on the micro adjustments that very small muscles around your ankle are able to make.

IMHO if one is to train anything, train your feet and ankles in shoes with a flexible sole.

I have a pair of LaSportiva Wildcats that will be with me on the camino two weeks.

Buen Camino

 

[robertt]

Boots don't need to be the heavy affairs they used to be, and runners can be more substantial, especially those of the "trail" variety. Being a cold weather walker I think I'd go for substantial runners on the CF and my well worn Asolo boots on the Le Puy route. Either way, I'm a bit of a convert to Superfeet inner soles and sock liners. My shoes were so comfy on my winter/spring CF that I didn't bother changing out of them at night. As others have said, it's pretty personal, but it's not a bad idea to be familiar with footwear - under load and over distance - before heading off. Shabby is fine, shiny not so much.

 

[dougfitz]

Ever notice the significant amount of rocker they put on stiff soled hiking boots to mimic the articulation that our feet naturally moves to. This rocker has the effect of propelling you forward, albeit in an artificial manner, a forward motion that your legs naturally wants to maintain with it's stride. Your foot still wants to articulate/flex in the boot but it can't because of all the stiffness built into the boot for the sake of "support". Stiffness in the sole transfers to pressure in the heel cup. Movement of the foot in any part of the boot translates to blisters. Then you try an minimize the rubbing by using special low friction sock or vaseline etc... All the while your foot actually becomes weaker because there are muscles that aren't being because you can't flex the foot.

This is an interesting analysis, but appears to assume that there is only one type of boot, and that just isn't so. I have boots that range in stiffness from being crampon capable through to being able to be folded back on themselves. I have shoes that range in stiffness as well, although none of them are crampon capable! Most of the detail here applies just as much to shoes as to boots, and I don't think it justifies the conclusion that shoes are preferable.

I walk regularly in boots and shoes. My choice depends on the circumstances, but where I am unfamiliar with the terrain I defer to walking in a boot. If I know that the terrain will be more benign, or there is a large amount of pavement, I will use a shoe. Certainly, many pilgrims wore shoes on the CF and CI when I walked, but many wore boots. This is one time when I would suggest there is no clear cut discriminator of one over the other.

 

[LakeMcD]

This is an interesting analysis, but appears to assume that there is only one type of boot, and that just isn't so. I have boots that range in stiffness from being crampon capable through to being able to be folded back on themselves.

Yes, there is a continuum of boot design, soft to stiff, and as you mention leather and plastic boots designed for crampons on one end and very soft fabric boots or even just partial thermoplastic shanks or non-shanked on the other end. The latter being as flexible as a pair of Tevas. And while I subscribe to the notion of personal preference, I would hesitate giving a thumbs up on crampon ready boots for this application.

My post referred to "stiff" soled and "stiff high" boots and does not assume one design. In general I would categorize "stiff" as if the wearer had a difficult time flexing the boot with either their hands or when worn.

Someone mentioned Lowa Renegades. These are the perennial favorites of boot fitters in outdoor gear shops in part because they are a soft leather boot that work well for "problem" feet. It's certainly not for their durability as blown seams and sole detachment are a regular occurrence.

 

[Saramago]

I mentioned Lowa Renegades. I have 2 pair with at least a thousand miles combined. No - zero - issues with seam or sole. Best boot I've had over a lifetime of hiking. I disagree completely. These Gor-Tex boots don't even need a break-in, I get no blisters and my feet don't get wet. I wouldn't go slamming them.

 

[dougfitz]

and as you mention leather and plastic boots designed for crampons on one end and very soft fabric boots or even just partial thermoplastic shanks or non-shanked on the other end.

Actually, I didn't mention any particular construction techniques. My point was that you are making general statements about all boots based on a very narrow segment of the design spectrum available. I do not accept that you can infer that shoes have advantages over boots generally when you are only comparing a small and particular range of boots to shoes. It is a logical fallacy.

And while I subscribe to the notion of personal preference, I would hesitate giving a thumbs up on crampon ready boots for this application.

I'm glad! Neither would, or did, I. But you seem to have used that end of the boot range - stiff and high boots - for the comparison you made in your earlier post.

My post referred to "stiff" soled and "stiff high" boots and does not assume one design. In general I would categorize "stiff" as if the wearer had a difficult time flexing the boot with either their hands or when worn.

And I would suggest that there are many boots available that would not be stiff on this test available on the market, and which would be suitable for use on the camino. A good outdoor salesperson should be able to recommend something which better suits the camino. Those are the real comparisons people should be making when choosing camino footwear, not with the specialised boots designed for heavy loads and tough conditions you seem to use in your comparison. I would also expect retailers should be able to offer advice on the balance between various height boots and shoes in this context, but that expectation is not always met.

Someone mentioned Lowa Renegades. These are the perennial favorites of boot fitters in outdoor gear shops in part because they are a soft leather boot that work well for "problem" feet. It's certainly not for their durability as blown seams and sole detachment are a regular occurrence.

Can you point to the objective evidence for this? It would be nice to know that a derogatory comment like this has some foundation.

 

[C clearly]

I got my chops busted for saying this not long ago, but most people's feet will swell while walking 6-8 hours a day carrying a pack, so I usually suggest buying a shoe that is 1 to 1.5 sizes larger than you generally wear.

Haha, Annie - I am one of those who has objected to the bigger shoe recommendation, but I hope I wasn't too harsh! I prefer to say that shoes/boots should be roomy enough to accommodate some swelling but not so big that the foot isn't snugly supported by adjustments to the laces and perhaps socks. Don't think about the size number, think about the fit. And fit your shoes/boots only after a long hard day of walking.

 

[LakeMcD]

Not sure this meets your requirement of objectivity but, this and other internet reviews, my own experience with the boots, and the experience of our local Lowa dealer, might give one pause.



http://www.trailspace.com/gear/lowa/renegade-gtx-mid/

 

[dougfitz]

Not sure this meets your requirement of objectivity but, this and other internet reviews, my own experience with the boots, and the experience of our local Lowa dealer, might give one pause.



http://www.trailspace.com/gear/lowa/renegade-gtx-mid/

Thank you for that. It seems they might have some work to do on their quality.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I enjoy the specific discusions of what works by 2 very good writers. Since I can't type I keep it more basic.
Boots hot, bad in summer camino
Light breathable shoes with good support, good soles. Good for summer.
Buen camino Yvonne !

 

[Melensdad]

I enjoy the specific discusions of what works by 2 very good writers. Since I can't type I keep it more basic.
Boots hot, bad in summer camino
Light breathable shoes with good support, good soles. Good for summer.
Buen camino Yvonne !

Going to have to respectfully disagree ... but only because of all the new technologies available in the footware world today.

There are some VERY LIGHTWEIGHT BOOTS available today because of a trend that started just a couple years ago. Zamberlain 230 Crosser (also available in a shoe), LaSportivia Core (also in a mid and also in a shoe), Innov-8 (can't recall the model name) as well as many others make multiple lightweight boots that use modern materials like Kevlar to provide support, stability while still keeping the boot light. These new hiking boots are only a few ounces heavier than hiking shoes by Merrel, Keen, etc.

Boot technology has come a very long way. Flexible, lightweight but still supportive are possible.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Going to have to respectfully disagree ... but only because of all the new technologies available in the footware world today.

There are some VERY LIGHTWEIGHT BOOTS available today because of a trend that started just a couple years ago. Zamberlain 230 Crosser (also available in a shoe), LaSportivia Core (also in a mid and also in a shoe), Innov-8 (can't recall the model name) as well as many others make multiple lightweight boots that use modern materials like Kevlar to provide support, stability while still keeping the boot light. These new hiking boots are only a few ounces heavier than hiking shoes by Merrel, Keen, etc.

Boot technology has come a very long way.

See how far less typing gets a person. I agree completely, I have a hard time of referring non leather or light thin skinned keen type "boots" as a boot . But I sure like my Keens! LakeMcd has me wanting to try out his brand.
Keith

 

[Mark Lee]

Footwear is a personal choice. That's a no brainer. That being said, I can honestly say I saw nowhere on the Camino Frances where a pair of boots was needed to walk it. Especially during the summer. Also it seemed that everyone I saw with really severe blisters and foot problems were wearing heavy, traditional leather type hiking boots.
People I saw wearing trail running type shoes, or the lightweight type hiking/walking shoes (Merrels, Keens, etc) did not seem to have any problems. The only stipulation I could see with runners is that the trail type work better for the Camino because there are parts of the walk where you need traction. Nothing super technical, but grippy soles needed nonetheless.

 

[Melensdad]

See how far less typing gets a person. I agree completely, I have a hard time of referring non leather or light thin skinned keen type "boots" as a boot . But I sure like my Keens! LakeMcd has me wanting to try out his brand.
Keith

Actually Keens are downright HEAVY and STIFF compared to the 3 boots I listed. But there are others beyond those I listed. I am talking about boot that weigh 2# or less per pair, yet offer ankle support too.

 

[MTtoCamino]

The Lasportiva is the only brand I have heard of & that is in the last week.
Have you personally walked in any of them for any distance? If anyone has I am curious to know how well they have worked out.

 

[Annie G]

If in doubt go get your gait analysed by a podiatrist. My runners are the most comfy shoes on the planet. But the sheer mileage involved in the Camino means that I get midfoot discomfort due to the quirky way in which I walk. No problem for day to day stuff including running but distance becomes an issue and I do better with a stiffer sole.
I had planned to take them to change into at the end of the day but I ended up jettisoning them in the interests of reducing my pack weight.

I like the website Outdoor gear lab as it has very good reviews. Gives you a good background. Between that and here I think I have picked a good brand. My ex recently went on a 5 day tramp wearing Vasques. I had warned him that there were potential problems with the sole coming off. He didn't believe me. He had no problems traipsing around Switzerland in winter in an urban environment but for this 40 km very rough rocky terrain he lost a chunk of sole about 3 cm squared.

Place of manufacture seems to be an issue with some brands and I think you cannot do too much homework on boots or packs. Personally I favour hiking shoes as I am doing a summer camino.

Yikes! Soles coming off Vasques! I just bought a pair for next year's Camino. Really?

 

[LakeMcD]

I limited my discourse to stiff soled hiking boots because it's my belief that it is overkill for the Camino Frances July/August. As I mentioned before there are many a variety of boots on the market, a continuum if you will, soft to very very stiff. I limited my discourse to stiff soled hiking boots (not all hiking boots) because it's my belief that it is overkill for the Camino Francis July/August. I also offered a paradigm, if you will, of feet breaking into boot, rather than boot breaking into feet as a contributor to blisters.

I offer this information in hopes that it would be of benefit to some, just as I did when fitting boots for customers at North Face and Feathered Friends. I would hope that this information is taken in the spirit it was given.

Buen Camino

 

[LakeMcD]

You are welcome, Doug.

 

[LakeMcD]

Keith,

Wore the LaSportiva Wildcats on a hike up Big Mountain a couple of weekends ago. Fits my feet well, great traction (even in spring snow), light weight, nice supportive footbed, well cushioned. But what really stood out is the ventilation. I spend many hours on Asics Gel (plenty of mesh ventilation) tennis shoes coaching, and putting these on - the difference was day and night in the ventilation department.

I would easily hike all over Glacier in these this summer, but the Camino calls.

Gary

 

[KateB]

My son has just finished his Camino and wore Asics trainers/running shoes. He said they were fine but he is 19 and has no physical issues. He did say the one thing he is glad he spent money on was very good hiking socks. In the six weeks he walked, he only got one blister.

 

[Melensdad]

The Lasportiva is the only brand I have heard of & that is in the last week.
Have you personally walked in any of them for any distance? If anyone has I am curious to know how well they have worked out.

Wore Zamberlain 230 Crossers to hike across England on the Hadrain's Wall National Trail, finished that a few weeks ago. Wore them earlier this spring hiking up Pilot Mtn in NC. Actually for the past year they have been my go-to boot for 3 season hiking. Not insulated, so not a winter boot by any stretch, made that mistake.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

I mentioned Lowa Renegades. I have 2 pair with at least a thousand miles combined. No - zero - issues with seam or sole. Best boot I've had over a lifetime of hiking. I disagree completely. These Gor-Tex boots don't even need a break-in, I get no blisters and my feet don't get wet. I wouldn't go slamming them.

Sorry to say it but even stores I have bought my Lowa Renegades quickly acknowledge that the Renegades are not the most durable boot. I put about 1,000 miles on my last pair and the sole was wearing through but the uppers were perfect. I contacted Lowa but they will not put on new soles to an used pair of boots either. Now, that said, I still happily pay my money to buy more Lowa boots because for me, they are simply the most comfortable boot I've ever worn and if I know I can get 1,000 miles out of a pair for my CAN$275 I don't feel the boots owe me anything.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Sorry to say it but even stores I have bought my Lowa Renegades quickly acknowledge that the Renegades are not the most durable boot. I put about 1,000 miles on my last pair and the sole was wearing through but the uppers were perfect. I contacted Lowa but they will not put on new soles to an used pair of boots either. Now, that said, I still happily pay my money to buy more Lowa boots because for me, they are simply the most comfortable boot I've ever worn and if I know I can get 1,000 miles out of a pair for my CAN$275 I don't feel the boots owe me anything.

Yes If a boot is comfortable & doesn't give a blister you can't put a value to it as it just works. The tough thing is trusting the new mouse trap per say.
I really like my Keens because they got me to the ocean from France but I had to do some adjustments to them. They literally were falling apart around the 400 mile mark. 80$ I lost nothing.
So Yvonne take your trusty pair you can find super glue, duck tape, or even find something to buy & finish in. The shopping gets better the farther you get. (More people)
Personally have to find a better mouse trap.

 

[Bohemiana]

I just got back from my Camino from St. John to Santiago. I researched this topic endlessly before I left. Here is what I experienced...almost everyone with terrible blisters wore hiking boots. You can't imagine the horrible blisters people had! I'm not sure I could have continued if I had those problems. My husband and I wore trail-running shoes and neither of us got a single blister. There are very few times you might really want a sturdy, heavy hiking boot. Much of the walk is on groomed paths. About 3 weeks before the Camino, I developed plantar fasciitis plus very sore heels. My local running store suggested a pair of Hoka, which have super thick cushy soles. They worked excellent except for steep downhills (only two times.) (I'm a avid runner but had not tried Hoka before.) My husband wore standard trail running shoes. I would not choose hiking boots.

Regarding socks...my husband bought expensive high-tech socks and got holes in all of them quickly. He ended up buying the cheapest socks in the Chinese bazaars along the way, wore them a few times and threw them out. Don't spend money on expensive socks.

Regarding your sleeping bag...we only brought liners and we were both cold. (We live in Southern California so we get cold easily.) Even in late May, old buildings are very cold. If you plan on sleeping in low-cost municiples, I would bring your sleeping bag. If you plan on sleeping in nicer private albergues that might have blankets, maybe a liner is enough.

 

[Saramago]

Sorry to say it but even stores I have bought my Lowa Renegades quickly acknowledge that the Renegades are not the most durable boot. I put about 1,000 miles on my last pair and the sole was wearing through but the uppers were perfect. I contacted Lowa but they will not put on new soles to an used pair of boots either. Now, that said, I still happily pay my money to buy more Lowa boots because for me, they are simply the most comfortable boot I've ever worn and if I know I can get 1,000 miles out of a pair for my CAN$275 I don't feel the boots owe me anything.

Yeah... Simply awesome boot. I don't put much stock in what is said in sport stores trying to push what they have most of on their shelves for whatever reason. Our new REI store is staffed by completely inexperienced staff. Objectivity is hardly called for when you find what is best for you, period. I paid much more for a Swiss boot in Switzerland about 15 years ago - can't recall the name at the moment - highly rated - but crappy boots for me personally.

 

[Sirage]

Whatever you wear, I can recommend mini puttees to keep sand, seeds and most rain out of your footwear.

 

[Judie]

Whatever you wear, I can recommend mini puttees to keep sand, seeds and most rain out of your footwear.

What is a puttee?

 

[mspath]

Puttees are a type of gaiter which fit over your socks and the tops of you boots or shoes. These can be very useful for keeping your feet dry in heavy rain, snow or deep mud.

 

[LauraK]

I mentioned Lowa Renegades. I have 2 pair with at least a thousand miles combined. No - zero - issues with seam or sole. Best boot I've had over a lifetime of hiking. I disagree completely. These Gor-Tex boots don't even need a break-in, I get no blisters and my feet don't get wet. I wouldn't go slamming them.

Saramago: I agree on your comments regarding Lowa boots. I have worn them on all four of my caminos..no break-in, no blisters (with double socks), and good ankle protection. I love my boots. However, on one of my practice walks for my winter camino in 2012, the front sole separated on the front of my boot. I had to buy new boots one week before leaving for my camino. The boots were 7 years old with about 700 miles on them . I love the goretex as I tend to walk in rainy, muddy, and winter seasons. Feet are always dry. However, on my most recent camino in March during a warmer week, I did notice my feet sweating a lot so I took breaks to air out my socks. Still really love my boots but have started to wonder about a lighter shoe if I hike in warmer weather...

 

[Dan the Man]

Hi All:
When I first joined this forum, I asked about shoes and was given GREAT advice. I hate boots and have never found any pair to be comfortable so I knew I was going with shoes. I bought Merrell Moad Ventilators. I did try ,many shoes and these fit my wide foot, were comfortable, and light in weight. They started off comfortable, but I have had a blister in between my little toe and the toe next to it, mid way up the toe on 3 separate occasions. I have never blistered there before. I am now re-thinking these shoes.

I spoke with and met with 4 people who have walked the Camino Frances and they all broought 2 pairs of shoes plus sandals. 1 hikers and the other trainers. I had never read that on any thread here?

I have a wide foot. My MOST comfortable shoes that have NEVR given me 1 blister ever are New Balance Cross Trainers 2E width for my wide foot. I really didn't think I needed 2 pairs of shoes, but several people have told me they switched shoes mid day to avoid "hot spots".

I am walking August 23 to October 3 starting in SJPDP. Has anyone out there walked the Frances with Cross Trainers vs hiking shoes? THOUGHTS? IDEAS?

I am begining more training and want o have the right shoes.

Another question: I have read people using Vicks Vapo Rub on their feet. How does this help? Do you cover your feet in it entirely?

 

[MichaelSG]

Another question: I have read people using Vicks Vapo Rub on their feet. How does this help? Do you cover your feet in it entirely?

Vaseline, Vicks, Unguento Tradicional, etc. are all lubricants. I put a healthy layer around each toe so that there is less friction between them. I'm not 100% sure if that's the main reason that I seem to avoid major blister problems or not but it does appear to help me. I also use silk liners with medium weight Smartwool socks. The only day in three Caminos that I got blisters that caused pain, I did not use the lubricant and I used good quality but synthetic athletic socks without liners. I won't make that mistake again.

 

[LauraK]

Hi All:
When I first joined this forum, I asked about shoes and was given GREAT advice. I hate boots and have never found any pair to be comfortable so I knew I was going with shoes. I bought Merrell Moad Ventilators. I did try ,many shoes and these fit my wide foot, were comfortable, and light in weight. They started off comfortable, but I have had a blister in between my little toe and the toe next to it, mid way up the toe on 3 separate occasions. I have never blistered there before. I am now re-thinking these shoes.

I spoke with and met with 4 people who have walked the Camino Frances and they all broought 2 pairs of shoes plus sandals. 1 hikers and the other trainers. I had never read that on any thread here?

I have a wide foot. My MOST comfortable shoes that have NEVR given me 1 blister ever are New Balance Cross Trainers 2E width for my wide foot. I really didn't think I needed 2 pairs of shoes, but several people have told me they switched shoes mid day to avoid "hot spots".

I am walking August 23 to October 3 starting in SJPDP. Has anyone out there walked the Frances with Cross Trainers vs hiking shoes? THOUGHTS? IDEAS?

I am begining more training and want o have the right shoes.

Another question: I have read people using Vicks Vapo Rub on their feet. How does this help? Do you cover your feet in it entirely?

Vaseline, Vicks, Unguento Tradicional, etc. are all lubricants. I put a healthy layer around each toe so that there is less friction between them. I'm not 100% sure if that's the main reason that I seem to avoid major blister problems or not but it does appear to help me. I also use silk liners with medium weight Smartwool socks. The only day in three Caminos that I got blisters that caused pain, I did not use the lubricant and I used good quality but synthetic athletic socks without liners. I won't make that mistake again.

I used Vaseline on my first camino but have since switched to a product called "Glide". It is made for runners and comes in a small roll up stick (like deodorant). You rub it on your foot before putting socks on. I found it to be less messy and sticky. It is also easy to put on quickly and your hands don't get greasy. Easy to reapply as you walk if needed. One small stick lasted over 600km.

 

[Melensdad]

I used Vaseline on my first camino but have since switched to a product called "Glide". It is made for runners and comes in a small roll up stick (like deodorant). You rub it on your foot before putting socks on. I found it to be less messy and sticky. It is also easy to put on quickly and your hands don't get greasy. Easy to reapply as you walk if needed. One small stick lasted over 600km.

Another fan of GLIDE over Vaseline.

Vaseline is a gooey mess. GLIDE goes on as a thin film.

I also use a product called HikeGoo. Its in a tube instead of the 'deodorant' style dispenser that GLIDE has, but like the GLIDE it does not leave a slimy mess like Vaseline.

Product Link ==> http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RRXC9O/?tag=casaivar02-20

Both work very well. I have both HikeGoo and GLIDE, they are interchangeable in terms of function and neatness and both, to my mind, are vastly superior to Vaseline.

 

[Jo Jo]

I walked last July/August. My experience is here: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...id-not-for-a-summer-camino.31137/#post-304777

This summer walking a pilgrimage in Italy with very similar climate. Wearing Keen Arroyo II sandals and a pair of running shoes designed for asphalt. Hoping for a better result this time. The only place I do not begrudge weight is in footwear, socks, footcare, etc.

EDIT for people reading this old thread: I've now walked the CF again and the CP once. I still carry two pairs of shoes, but different. The Keen Arroyo Sandals worked for the second CF, but I've had problems with them in other contexts. So now, they have been replaced with Altra Timps (although I've not tried the new Olympus)--wide enough for my foot. Those are paired with a running shoe (Brooks Ghost 10 on the CP) for the concrete and asphalt. The new stretchier fabrics on athletic shoe tops allow me to get into lots of brands I could never get into before.

Buen Camino,
Jo Jo

 

[rsmith0000]

Simplest solution: take both pairs of footwear. Trade off to rotate friction points. Eliminate other items in your pack to compensate for the added weight.
Shoes are the most important part of your kit!

On my two Caminos, I've wound up buying shoes, on the way, to supplement hiking boots or shoes that caused blisters. I'm leaving this week for another pilgrimage and am not making that mistake again. Taking both trail runners and hiking sandals and keeping my fingers crossed. Best of luck to you! Buen Camino!

 

[sharpetravel]

Hi All:
When I first joined this forum, I asked about shoes and was given GREAT advice. I hate boots and have never found any pair to be comfortable so I knew I was going with shoes. I bought Merrell Moad Ventilators. I did try ,many shoes and these fit my wide foot, were comfortable, and light in weight. They started off comfortable, but I have had a blister in between my little toe and the toe next to it, mid way up the toe on 3 separate occasions. I have never blistered there before. I am now re-thinking these shoes.

I spoke with and met with 4 people who have walked the Camino Frances and they all broought 2 pairs of shoes plus sandals. 1 hikers and the other trainers. I had never read that on any thread here?

I have a wide foot. My MOST comfortable shoes that have NEVR given me 1 blister ever are New Balance Cross Trainers 2E width for my wide foot. I really didn't think I needed 2 pairs of shoes, but several people have told me they switched shoes mid day to avoid "hot spots".

I am walking August 23 to October 3 starting in SJPDP. Has anyone out there walked the Frances with Cross Trainers vs hiking shoes? THOUGHTS? IDEAS?

I am begining more training and want o have the right shoes.

Another question: I have read people using Vicks Vapo Rub on their feet. How does this help? Do you cover your feet in it entirely?

 

[sharpetravel]

Greetings...how’s your Camino going? Are your shoes working out? I start from SJPP on the ythnof September is all goes well....I’m just sorting out my thoughts on footwear. Buon Camino

 

[Walkerooni]

hi all, first post. I am heading in July/August for my first camino. My qu is about whether to take my super expensive hiking boots or my super comfortable well worn in jogging shoes (good sole). The woman in the outdoor shop wreckons the hiking boots but everyone I've spoken to has said by trusted joggers.. I'm sure this qu has been asked a 1000 times but as I said I'm new and have no experience. also my sleeping bag is very light, is that ok instead of a liner.. havent got much spare cash floating around to get one. Thanks everyone.

hi all, first post. I am heading in July/August for my first camino. My qu is about whether to take my super expensive hiking boots or my super comfortable well worn in jogging shoes (good sole). The woman in the outdoor shop wreckons the hiking boots but everyone I've spoken to has said by trusted joggers.. I'm sure this qu has been asked a 1000 times but as I said I'm new and have no experience. also my sleeping bag is very light, is that ok instead of a liner.. havent got much spare cash floating around to get one. Thanks everyone.

Hope you found something that is working well on your Camino. I wore Salomon Ultra 3 Mid GTX for my 1st Camino this May-June. Zero problems. Zero blisters. I did walk 500k in them in pre-Camino training so I knew they worked, which is the piece many seem to skip for some reason. They weighed only slightly more than a trail runner with a good sole. After 500k pre- and over 800k during and another 200k post-Camino, the boot is completely intact with minimal tread wear. A few of my friends wearing runners did not even pack them home as they were falling apart . To those saying there were no spots on the CF where one would need boots, I need to ask you--were there sections you skipped or something ? I was so grateful for my boots so many times on long stretches of sharp rock, deep mud, deeply rutted or boulder-covered steep descents, etc. I walked only 1 day with wet feet after being caught in a torrential downpour fhe second last day.