Shoes ... Large toe box

[JeffP]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[C clearly]

I wear women's shoes, but the Brooks Ghost Max has a roomy forefoot - volume as well as width. Maybe they are worth trying.

 

[Turga]

You could take look at the Topo Athletic trail runners. They have a wide toe box, they are well cushioned and are quite comfortable.

 

[phook]

Altra's have a wide toe box. But be aware they are zero drop - there is no heel raise, which can cause injury if your legs don't like them.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I'm another Altra (Lone Peak) convert. LOVE the wide toe box.
But you do need to take time to get used to the zero drop. I was pre-warned, so eased into it gradually and have been wearing them for two years now - absolutely love them. My older shoes are worn practically daily, there's always a new pair in the cupboard for the next Camino. I loved the sixes, disliked the sevens ( don't know what had changed but something did) but was fortunate to find additional sixes online. The eights are every bit as good if not better than the sixes were.
Not a great fan of their inserts, but as I wear orthotics it's not really an issue. A friend of mine wears aftermarket inserts.
We both have the originals in our packs to wear around town in the afternoon.

But as always with shoes this is very individual of course, and purely my personal opinion.

 

[JustOneGuy]

My partner has feet with a wide sole and a valgus thumb, and recently in a sports shop they suggested Topo shoes to her, a brand I did not know about. This shoe has literally changed her life. She walks a lot (10-20 km a day) and before it was a problem, also because she hates waste and buying 150 euro shoes seemed like a capital crime . I literally forced her and it changed her life.

However, if I can give you some REAL advice (and if you haven't done so yet...), rather than taking... advice from me or others you should go to a reliable runner's sports shop and get some expert advice. That was essential for me too and changed my life when I started running seriously years ago.

 

[francesbe]

Topos are very comfortable, but the soles totally wore out before the end of my camino (SJPP-->Finisterre-->Muxia). I wore them until the end, but the tread was smooth by Sarria.

 

[JustOneGuy]

That's right, Topo apparently do not last very long also in my wife's experience. However, did you use the trial model with "Vibram" sole or the running model?

I want to add how to recognise a ‘good’ seller of hiking or running shoes. Not easy, but this is my experience.

I bought my first running shoes in London. Super-luxury shop. A slender, athletic salesman like ‘I just ran the Boston marathon in less than 3 hours’.

Result: A DISASTER. Soles too thin and unsuitable for my less than graceful weight and a lumbar back pain that lasted me several months.

So I turned to an Italian running forum where I had some friends. They told me to go to a shop for runners near San Giovanni in Rome, my town.

I got there and there was a rather old and haggard guy standing at the door, with a large belly and a cigarette in his mouth. Not very convinced, I asked him if he could recommend me some good running shoes (I don't exactly have a champion's physique, especially without a deforming mirror... curved in the right direction). He looked at me from head to toe with a slightly disgusted air, looked in another direction, turned around and went to get a box. Now it is not possible to imitate the typical Roman slang but without taking the cigarette out of his mouth he said to me ‘try these. Go for a walk and come back'. I was less and less convinced and beginning to think I got in the wrong shop, but anyway I wore them and went for a walk. I ran along the Aurelian Walls and they actually looked pretty good, but I am not very sensitive so I came back and shyly asked to try some more... who knows... just to be sure.

The fat guy told me ‘No, no. These are good for you.' kicking the box with the index finger. Intimidated by Big Belly, I was a bit surprised by the harsh reply, but he said, ‘Look: I'll write the date and my signature on the box and that if they don't suit you, you can come back within 15 days and I'll give you your money back, understood?"

He really did it. But I never returned. And I've never changed running shoes model since then!!!

Even here where I live now I found through friends a similar guy who found me perfect trail shoes.

Moral of the story (at least in my experience): the less athletic they are, the more expert seller they are!

 

[dbier]

Not even all Hokas have the same toe box, even within the same model. I used Hoka Kaha boots until they wore out, then switched to Hoka Challengers. Both in wide.

But the best advice I can give is go get re- fitted, preferably by an older overweight employee ( no, seriously, they get it), and get them from a store with a return policy.

 

[Joynz]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

Altras. I highly recommend the Altra Olympus for the best cushioning. And make sure you allow a thumb’s width of room in front of your longest toe. And add good arch supports as Altras are flat inside.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

Agree with everyone above that Topos are great, so long as you are willing to replace them more frequently than you might intend do. (My issue wasn't the soles, however -- it was the inside lining of the shoe that became frayed and worn down).

I've just started wearing On trail runners. They aren't as wide toe-box as Topos but definitely wider than Hokas and so far have given my feet room to breath after two 13 mile walks. They may be my keepers going forward.

 

[KFH]

I have narrow feet but tried the Altra and Topo (I forget the models) just to see if my feet preferred the wide box and zero drop.

I liked the wide box more than the zero drop but was willing to train in them for a long while before decision time. But the Altra seemed like zero cushion and as a bigger guy I didn't think I wanted to spend 500 miles pounding into those thin bottoms.

The Topo was even roomier and they felt pretty good cushion-wise, but I realized I had forgotten to size up in preparation and when I got a pair of Speedgoats I quickly settled into those instead of getting another pair of Topos.

But recently the Topo Ultraventure has caught my eye. I haven't purchased them, but it has a wide toe box, and, unlike some of their other models, isn't zero drop but rather has the same 5mm drop as the Speedgoats. And they come in the 15s you are looking for.

Personally, for Le Puy to the ocean, I would plan on two pairs regardless of which brand and model you end up with. Or perhaps carry two different brands/models to relieve the feet from the monotony of the same pressure points each day for two plus months.

 

[phook]

Note that running shops only recommend the shoes they have in stock. They're out to make money. Nothing wrong with that, but a shop that doesn't stock brand X is not going to recommend them.

 

[Joynz]

I have narrow feet but tried the Altra and Topo (I forget the models) just to see if my feet preferred the wide box and zero drop.

I liked the wide box more than the zero drop but was willing to train in them for a long while before decision time. But the Altra seemed like zero cushion and as a bigger guy I didn't think I wanted to spend 500 miles pounding into those thin bottoms.

The Topo was even roomier and they felt pretty good cushion-wise, but I realized I had forgotten to size up in preparation and when I got a pair of Speedgoats I quickly settled into those instead of getting another pair of Topos.

But recently the Topo Ultraventure has caught my eye. I haven't purchased them, but it has a wide toe box, and, unlike some of their other models, isn't zero drop but rather has the same 5mm drop as the Speedgoats. And they come in the 15s you are looking for.

Personally, for Le Puy to the ocean, I would plan on two pairs regardless of which brand and model you end up with. Or perhaps carry two different brands/models to relieve the feet from the monotony of the same pressure points each day for two plus months.

No cushion in Altras. You must not have tried the Altra Olympus!

 

[dreaming]

I had great trouble getting a pair of running shoes to fit my wide feet. I used to wear 4E mens New balance but now they are too narrow. I am female .Finally, I have a pair to fit. Asics GT 2000 4E. I love them. I need cushioning and arch support. I lost a toenail on last year's CF.

 

[VNwalking]

Keens.

And a related question: anyone out there need a very wide toe box as well as a roomy forefoot height-wise? I hopefully tried on the Altras and hokas but they were too snug on top of metatarsal and big toe tarsal-metatarsal joint (old injury, long story - suffice it to say I have one foot that is getting less and less normally-shaped with age as the consequence of old injury.

 

[JeffP]

I'm another Altra (Lone Peak) convert. LOVE the wide toe box.
But you do need to take time to get used to the zero drop. I was pre-warned, so eased into it gradually and have been wearing them for two years now - absolutely love them. My older shoes are worn practically daily, there's always a new pair in the cupboard for the next Camino. I loved the sixes, disliked the sevens ( don't know what had changed but something did) but was fortunate to find additional sixes online. The eights are every bit as good if not better than the sixes were.
Not a great fan of their inserts, but as I wear orthotics it's not really an issue. A friend of mine wears aftermarket inserts.
We both have the originals in our packs to wear around town in the afternoon.

But as always with shoes this is very individual of course, and purely my personal opinion.

I have suffered from tendinitis in the past. Zero drop scares me.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I have suffered from tendinitis in the past. Zero drop scares me.

I did say that you need to get used to the shoes before wearing them long distance. Nor, would I point out, am I a medical professional.

According to my podiatrist the zero drop shoes will not cause tendonitis but they won't help you heal if you are currently suffering. As I understand it tendonitis is typically triggered by injury or strain/overuse - basically too much exercise. Which is why training and stretching plays such a crucial role for those of us who wish to walk Camino. Especially as we get older because our tendons can become less elastic.

On the other hand, apparently wearing zero-drop shoes might help prevent plantar fasciitis by strengthening your foot muscles. (Why I went to my podiatrist in the first place).

But again it's a matter of getting used to them first. I started out by wearing them around the house, then on my normal evening walk (which is anything from two to five k's typically), after a few weeks I started light training with them. I've had zero issues, but as always - footwear is very individual.

 

[Xali1970]

Meindl Rapide GTX

 

[Keyser]

Any Meindl “Comfort Fit” shoe has a wide toe box. In on my third or fourth pair of Rapide GTX with two full CFs & JMT under my belt with no issues.

 

[Terry McLaughlin]

That's right, Topo apparently do not last very long also in my wife's experience. However, did you use the trial model with "Vibram" sole or the running model?

However, I want to add how to recognise a ‘good’ seller of hiking or running shoes. Not easy, but this is my experience.

I bought my first running shoes in London. Super-luxury shop. A slender, athletic salesman like ‘I just ran the Boston marathon in less than 3 hours’.

Result: A DISASTER. Soles too thin and unsuitable for my less than graceful weight and a lumbar back pain that lasted me several months.

So I turned to an Italian running forum where I had some friends. They told me to go to a shop for runners near San Giovanni in Rome, my town.

I got there and there was a rather old and haggard guy standing at the door, with a belly and a cigarette in his mouth. Not very convinced, I asked him if he could recommend me some good running shoes (I don't exactly have a champion's physique, especially without a deforming mirror... in the right direction). He looked at me from head to toe with a slightly disgusted air, looked in another direction, turned around and went to get a box. Now it is not possible to imitate the typical Roman slang but without taking the cigarette out of his mouth he said to me ‘try these. Go for a walk and come back'. I was less and less convinced and beginning to think I got in the wrong shop, but anyway I wore them and went for a walk. I ran along the Aurelian Walls and they actually looked pretty good, but I am not very sensitive so I came back and shyly asked to try some more... who knows... just to be sure.

The fat guy told me ‘No, no. These are good for you.' Intimidated by Big Belly, I was a bit surprised by the harsh reply, but he said, ‘Look: I'll write the date and my signature on the box and I'll tell you that if they don't suit you, you can come back within 15 days and I'll give you your money back, understood?"

He really did it. But I never returned. And I've never changed running shoes model since then!!!

Even here where I live now I found through friends a similar guy who found me perfect trail shoes.

Moral of the story (at least in my experience): the less athletic they are, the more expert seller they are!

What brand was the shoe that you ended up getting?

 

[dbier]

Wow, even for trail runners/ boots, those Meindls are *expensive*.

Just to repeat...

Get refitted.

Have a return policy.

Buen next Camino.

 

[Septarian]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

Topos…. very wide toe box. I wear the boots, but the trail shoes are also wide.

 

[El Cascayal]

advice from me or others you should go to a reliable runner's sports shop and get some expert advice.

Topos are very comfortable, but the soles totally wore out before the end of my camino (SJPP-->Finisterre-->Muxia)

That's right, Topo apparently do not last very long also in my wife's experience.

Each person’s foot and experience is very unique.
I swore by Saucony Peregrine 4mm drop, until they “improved” them to high heeled sneakers. These had a limited life span on asphalt of 6-8 weeks @ 10-19 km/day.
I switched to Topo Terraventure 3 mm drop, wide toe box. At same km/d they have been durable, lasting 3.5-4 months on pavement.
Each shoe company has varying hiking shoes. Seems when you find your perfect fit, they go ahead and spoil it all by “improving” it.
Good luck to all.

 

[Walkalong]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

For years I've been looking for extra wide, light, shoes that don't wear out or fall apart before 800km, and am very interested in what you find. So far my criteria are light, extra wide (room), trail runners with vibram type soles.

I found the Hoka Speed Goat just a little too snug. The Hoka cushion feels nice but, for me, the Brooks Ghost Max feel like a more natural gate.

I was put off by the zero drop in the Altra, but will give them another try because, after 3-4 pair of Hokas, my wife wife is now using Altra Olympus 5, and loves them.

While I continue the search, I use extra wide New Balance with custom insoles and carefully placed Engo blister patches.

 

[BobY333]

If you want to stick with Hoka, I’ve used the Stinson trail runners for each of my Caminos. They have a wide toe box and are super cushy. Like you, I size up by one (a 13 for my 12 feet). These shoes get beat up, but they’ve lasted from SJPdP to Finisterre for me.

 

[t2andreo]

Since 2013, I have only worn Keen Targhee boots. They are also available as shoes. The toe box is HUGE! One of the primary reasons I chose this model was the overly generous toe box. I wear two pair of socks (wicking liner, plus thick wool outer sock). I six completed Caminos, I have never had a blister.

I see you live in the US. Try to get to an REI store and have someone fit your boots, wearing the actual socks you plan to wear on Camino. It also helps to fit shoes / boots at the end of the day, giving your feet time to expand.

My boots are 1 1/2 sizes larger than my normal "street shoe" size. I add 1/2 size for two pair of socks, 1/2 size for end of day swelling, and 1/2 size for splaying or foot spread after waling a month or more with a full rucksack. Finally, the model I chose is listed as running 1/2 size SMALL by the manufacturer.

Thus, my size 11 (US) feet needed a (labelled) size 13 (US) hiking boot. The boots are actually a 12 1/2. This allows the three `1/2 size 'up sizing' I did to ensure comfort. It also compensates for the manufacturer's warning that he boots run small.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[canyonhiker]

If Hoka and Altra had a child it would be named Topos (wide toe box and great cushioning).

 

[pkonopka]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

The two mainstays in this category (as trail shoes - not boots) are Altra and Topo Athletic. They both also fit into the category of "minimum or zero drop" (the difference between the height of the heel vs the toe). Many through hikers on the AT and PCT use Altras. I've used them and thought they were ok, however I prefer the Topo Athletics. Topos are a little less boxy up in the toe area (but still much more room than Hokas which I also use) and their overall design and aesthetic is more appealing to me. At the end of the day, shoes are very much a preference, so go to a REI and try a bunch on. Good luck and Buen Camino!

 

[mick53]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

Another Altra Lone Peak convert, took me 0 time to love the zero drop.
They also do Olympus, still has a wide toe bosmx, bit smaller than LPs, but this has a Vibram sole.
Give them a try!

 

[Scoutbuff]

Altra's have a wide toe box. But be aware they are zero drop - there is no heel raise, which can cause injury if your legs don't like them.

FWIW, Altra recently released the Experience Wild, with a 4mm drop. I have not run/hiked in them yet but tried them on and was very impressed with the fit/feel. I am an avid runner, accustomed to 10-12mm drop runners, and have also been investigating suitable trail runners. I hope this helps!

 

[msconduct10]

Another vote for Altras. I’ve had huge issues with plantar fasciitis and my Altras don’t trigger it at all. I do also make sure to roll my feet on a cork ball and stretch my calves and hamstrings regularly but I love my Lone Peaks for shorter day hikes without extra weight (still wearing my LP2s!) and Olympus for longer, pack-carrying treks. The vibram sole is so good, the cushioning is firm but comfortable. I normally wear 10 in “fashion” shoes, 10.5W in regular sneakers (Brooks Ghost, which have a good toe box only relative to Nike and the like, but feel narrow after I’ve been wearing my Altras), but I got 11s for the Camino. I got a pair of Olympus Via for all the road walking I’m doing to train so the tread is preserved on my trail Olympus, which I’ll only wear when walking trails before then (and there’s not much of that in Dallas, unfortunately).

 

[Gringazolana]

Men’s Topos Mtn Racers. (I am a woman.) Sized up also. Recommended by a shop clerk in a running shoe store, a guy who had done the Camino first. They have a Vibram sole that works great for all surfaces. Unfortunately, I have worn out 3 pairs in the last 2 years… a combination of my strange gait and weight! Still, they are my faves and I just keep replacing them. My hiking boots are Hokas, but they don’t have as wide a toe box.

 

[LewSher]

You could take look at the Topo Athletic trail runners. They have a wide toe box, they are well cushioned and are quite comfortable.

I agree. I have a pair of Topo MTN RACER 3s that I use on the Appalachian Trail. Nice wide toe box and I also bought 1 size larger than normal. Very comfortable. If you can find 'em, you might also try the Altra Olympus 4. It also has a wide toe box and it held up fairly well under really rocky terrain. I've heard recent versions of Altras don't hold up well, however. Both shoes handle rocky terrain well and grip the rocks fairly well.

 

[JustOneGuy]

Let me add that running shoes are usually designed today to last 5-600 km. And in 25 days at 20 km/day you cover 500 km. Now, it is true that trail shoes are more durable, and that running is not the same as walking. But at the end of the day, if you run on rough terrain, or unsealed roads with a certain load, I don't think their durability changes much. Even my HOKA trail shoes, which I was planning to use for my (next) week-long walk, have already deteriorated on the volcanic terrain here. I will have to buy them again soon.

It should also be considered that deterioration is also due to product ageing alone, so much so that when you buy serious running shoes you have to check that they were not produced more than 6 months earlier.

The materials of today's shoes are light and high-performance, but that's the price you pay.

 

[motero99]

I hiked the Portuguese (Lisbon to Santiago) in 2023. My shoes were wide Hoka Speed Goat 5’s. They were worn out by the end. Also, as mentioned in an earlier response, I suffered blisters on my little toes. I tried Topos, Ultradventure and Terraventure. The Ultraventure shoes wore a bit better than the Hokas, but they were no wider than the wide Hokas. The Terraventure has worn very well. Its Vibram sole has held up much better than the other shoes. Unfortunately, therebis only a regular width which isvsimilar to the wide Hoka. I just purchased a pair of wide Topo Ultraventures. Have not had a chane tovtry them yet. Wide Topos are hard to find. My wish is that Topo would make a wide Terraventure.

 

[MonicaMcL]

Altra's have a wide toe box. But be aware they are zero drop - there is no heel raise, which can cause injury if your legs don't like them.

Not all Altra shoes are zero drop.

 

[MarianneF]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

I only wear New Balance shoes with a wide fit. I am not sure which country you are from but this a screenshot of one such shoe.

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[dcmyntti]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

Hi Jeff. After my first camino, I was informed that I should be lubing my toes up with vaseline every morning before I put my socks on. This practice was a huge help. Perhaps you should try a real hiking boot like a Lowa trekker or camino or whatever they are calling them these days. There has never been a more perfect boot.

 

[CorinneH]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

Hi Jeff. You are going to have a wonderful time!!!

I have the same issue as I have a wide foot, and without a wide fitting shoe with a roomy toe box, I get blisters on my pinky toes. In an effort to prevent this, even with wide fitting shoes, I put a cloth tape on my little toes until I have worn any new hiking or running shoes for awhile.

My advice for you, especially as you have a wide foot, whatever you choose, buy a second pair and post them to yourself in SJPDP or ensure you can purchase a second pair online to be sent to you somewhere shortly after crossing into Spain. We did that same walk in June and July this year, and we had worn the soles of our shoes very badly by Logrono. (In fact, all our friends who walked from Le Puy En Velay to Santiago had to replace their hiking shoes at about the halfway mark.)

My husband has a standard width foot and wore Natural Balance Hierro trail running shoes. When he tried to replace them in Logrono, he couldn't find Natural Balance anywhere, and he ended up with a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus, because they were the only shoe in stock in his size. Natural Balance did have those shoes online, but customer service said they would have had to have been ordered 5-7 days in advance so they could be shipped to him. New Balance Spain was willing to send them to a post depot in several towns to be held for collection, and that might be an option for you, depending on the brand you choose and their customer service.

I have a wide foot, and I wore North Face Futurelite Vective Enduris (standard width is a D, a wide width for women). I wore the lugs right off and really needed to replace them by about Logrono, too. I looked online, and I couldn't find any women's, wide-width hiking shoes or running shoes for either trail or road on any Spanish website. We took a day off in Burgos to visit more sports stores, and there I was told that no stores in Spain stock hiking or running shoes in a wide width for women. I even tried men's shoes (as they are a D width in their standard width). Unfortunately, they didn't come small enough to fit. The result was that I had no choice but to wear my completely worn out hiking shoes the whole way. By the time I got to Santiago de Compostela, I had worn through the outer sole and was wearing through the foam layer. I will plan this better for any future hike over about 1000km.

 

[Rossandjeannie]

Altra Olympus 5’s changed my whole idea of what shoes to wear for long distance walking. Wide toe box, zero drop, full on cushioning and vibrant soles add up to a great Camino walking experience. Also the new Olympus 6’s are out so you can get some‘bargains’ at the moment

 

[Katykay]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

I too like Altra, Lone Peak specifically and I wear the ankle boot with 1/2 size larger than my biggest foot. I have Achilles issues so include wedges and heel support inserts bought over the counter. Unfortunately I haven’t found the perfect shoe/boot but this comes closest.

 

[Simon B]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

I swear by Keen footwear - wide toe box in all the boots and shoes I have had over the years.......

 

[John1968]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

Why don’t you go to a shoe store,and get your foot sized by a professional?

 

[dbeatriceb]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

Altras have a wide toe box and I’ve worn them on several caminos. I was already used to zero drop shoes though. The Altra Olympus has good cushioning and I add a foam cut-to-measure insole for additional cushion.
I’ve heard Topo has a wide toe box too but I’ve never tried them.

 

[Tess301]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

Topo - the best I’ve ever worn. https://www.topoathletic.com

 

[canyonhiker]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

Three Camino so far. One with Oboz Sawtooth which I liked, one with Topo Ultraventure 3 and one with Topo mountain racer. The Mountain racer has a better vibram sole and will likely last longer, but I found the Ultraventure more comfortable.

 

[Sirage]

Keens, a model to your liking. They have perfect (for me) toe boxes.

I have done 000s of kms in quite a few pairs over 5+ years

 

[Cazz]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

Try the Altra Olympus 6, they have a wide toe box and are super comfortable

 

[Joe Macky]

Topos are very comfortable, but the soles totally wore out before the end of my camino (SJPP-->Finisterre-->Muxia). I wore them until the end, but the tread was smooth by Sarria.

My two penny worth: I too am a Topo convert. My previous besties were the Altra Lone Peaks but since VF Corp bought the company I’ve been disappointed in their durability and fit. I’ve been through about 6 pairs.
My latest purchase was Topo having read the feedback on this forum. I bought the zero drop “pursuit” model which has a Vibram sole. Very wide toe box suits me as my feet are like paddles haha. And I like the zero drop. They’ve lasted well so far but I’ve probably only run and walked about 400 kms in them. Light, nicely structured, comfortable, durable and a great non-skid sole. Dry fast. Perfect for my feet, but as many on the forum point out, feet vary widely in shape and comfort means different things to different people.
By the way I’ve never had a blister with either brand. I do lube my feet for long hikes though.
Topo have a variety of styles by the way.
Oh and their gaiter system is great too.
Best of luck and Buen Camino

 

[TrvlDad1]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[TrvlDad1]

I wear Brooks Dyad, extra wide, on the Camino. They are jogging shoes but work fine for me on trails. The biggest drawback is that they don’t wear long; I get about 300 miles per pair before the cushioning starts breaking down.

 

[Joynz]

Keens.

And a related question: anyone out there need a very wide toe box as well as a roomy forefoot height-wise? I hopefully tried on the Altras and hokas but they were too snug on top of metatarsal and big toe tarsal-metatarsal joint (old injury, long story - suffice it to say I have one foot that is getting less and less normally-shaped with age as the consequence of old injury.

I like a high toe box and wide shoe. I find the Altra Olympus 5 and Keen Targhee boots both good for this.

 

[curtc757]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

* Altra Lone Peak
* Altra Superior

 

[MartaM]

Keens.

And a related question: anyone out there need a very wide toe box as well as a roomy forefoot height-wise? I hopefully tried on the Altras and hokas but they were too snug on top of metatarsal and big toe tarsal-metatarsal joint (old injury, long story - suffice it to say I have one foot that is getting less and less normally-shaped with age as the consequence of old injury.

A couple of Topo and Altra models have way too much volume in the forefoot for me- Lone Peak, Terraventure are 2 that i tried but wouldn’t work.

 

[temiatwork]

Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX is my go to Camino shoes, they out perform my Hoka Bondi wide for distance walking.

 

[jracamino]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[jracamino]

I haven’t walked a Camino yet but have been a hiker all my life. In preparation for my camino in 2025 I bought Topo Athletic Pursuit 2. I typically wear Xero shoes, which have a wide toe box. Topos have an even wider toe box. If you order directly from the Topo Athletic website (www.topoathletic.com), they offer a 30 day risk free trial period. You can wear the shoes and if they don’t work for you, you can return them before the end of the 30 day period. I’ve been walking in my Topos for about 4 months and love them.

 

[pkonopka]

A couple of Topo and Altra models have way too much volume in the forefoot for me- Lone Peak, Terraventure are 2 that i tried but wouldn’t work.

Some quick info for those that find Altra too wide in the toes - take a look and you’ll see (although they don’t make it clear up front) that Altra has three different sized toe boxes. Their original is the largest and then it slims down from there. If the largest is too large, you may find another that fits better. Buen Camino!

 

[Anamiri]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

I have used Brooks Ghost and a German brand of sandal in the past, but this year due to a mess up with the supplier, I used Topo's running shoes and they were brilliant. I met a Swiss guy who had a Topo trail shoe which was very similar and comparing notes we were both impressed with the shoe. I have since bought another pair since I've been home. I walked May/June. Now I'm about to buy my third pair. I love them.
I have so many foot issues that my criteria consists only of comfort. I was also fortunate to have been training in zero drop sandals for months.

 

[KariC]

I'm another Altra (Lone Peak) convert. LOVE the wide toe box.
But you do need to take time to get used to the zero drop. I was pre-warned, so eased into it gradually and have been wearing them for two years now - absolutely love them. My older shoes are worn practically daily, there's always a new pair in the cupboard for the next Camino. I loved the sixes, disliked the sevens ( don't know what had changed but something did) but was fortunate to find additional sixes online. The eights are every bit as good if not better than the sixes were.
Not a great fan of their inserts, but as I wear orthotics it's not really an issue. A friend of mine wears aftermarket inserts.
We both have the originals in our packs to wear around town in the afternoon.

But as always with shoes this is very individual of course, and purely my personal opinion.

Altras also came to mind when you said large toe box. I was wide before I formed a bunion on my left foot, and they are definitely among the most comfortable shoes.
I did not have a problem adjusting to the zero drop. FWIW, I got them while being a cabin camp host in the Appalachians in an area that was fairly rocky, and I actually liked how I could grip because the soles were more flexible, as opposed to because of the tread pattern on my other shoes with thicker soles. (don't think I would want to take on the Caminho Português cobblestones in Altras, but for other terrains, yes)
And I also completely agree that it's an entirely individual preference. What works for someone else's feet won't necessarily work for yours!

 

[OdysseusSympath]

Same problem on first Camino in Hokas, great shoes, just not wide enough toe box for my feet. Altra Olympus is it, hands down, if you were wearing Hokas in the first place, you want that cushion, Olympus has a higher stack height than any Hoka shoe and maybe any other shoe, period. It has tough Vibram rubber soles that survived a Bayonne to Muxia via the Primitivo Camino in February. The outsole is crazy wide, you can tell from pictures, and is the most stable running shoe I've ever worn because of that.

FYI: The Altra Lone Peak is the thinnest soled of Altras.

I'm attaching a photo of my Olympus' sole, this is after a six hundred mile February Camino and at least 500 miles running. Yes, they still have enough cushion and tread to be my running shoe today.

 

[manuc33]

I had Hoka speedgoat in the past, and same problem than you: blisters on the sides.

Then I switch to brooks ghost, which has a larger toe box, but was still not enough for me.

Now, I'm using Altra shoes, this summer I did a part of the Camino del Norte with a pair of Altra Lone Peak, and I had zero blisters or feet pain.
However, the part of the Camino I did was mostly road, and Altra Lone peaks are more suited for trails (not a lot of cushioning). If I had to do it again, I would probably try another pair.
If you have more trails than roads, I highly recommend the Lone Peaks though.

On a side note, Altra has been criticised a lot lately because the durability of their shoes have gotten worse. This is true, the shoes get deteriorated very quickly, which is a shame for the price you pay.

This is why I'm considering switching to Topo Atheltics, from which I have heard a lot of good things. They also have wide toe box.
But I haven't tried them personally yet, so I wouldn't make a recommandation.

I had seen a graph once, showing the width of toe boxes for each brand, and Altra and Topo Atheltics were among the widest toe boxes overall. Sorry I can't find the graph

 

[Sacha]

I love the Salomon Ultra X 4. Bought them 3 times by now. My regular size is 37.5 but in this shoe I buy size 38 3/4 to compensate for swelling. I love the fact I can completely secure my foot around the middle, and my toes always have lots of wriggle room.

 

[CTLawGal]

I've been hesitating to jump into this discussion, people seem very passionate about their shoe choices - which I totally get, if you've found something that works, you love it! I'm interested in trying the Topo based on the replies here - are people generally using the trail shoes? and how do they hold up after 300 km?

I'm female and I have a wide foot, I've tried all kinds of shoes and have finally settled with On-Running trail shoes in men's sizes. They're great in woods, with a nice grip on the sole for climbing on rocks (especially wet rocks), maybe less good on roads (and I worry that walking on asphalt reduces the wear of the sole).

I've been wearing On-Running for years and they've really worked for my issues - not all of the models have wide toe boxes but enough do that I've found what works. Wide enough so my toes aren't pinched, enough (but not too much) padding for the balls of my feet (where I've had some cartilage damage), and requiring almost zero break-in time. If ordered directly from On-Running, they let you return shoes that don't work within 30 days, so I order several models at once, find the ones that work, return the rest and order 4-6 pairs of the ones that do (hate those model "improvements" that usually require me to find something new, because it's not an improvement for my fit issues, ha!)

As some have noted, the problem is most trail runners really don't last many miles - not a big problem if you're at home and can switch to a new pair when the soles start to feel like they're wearing out, but if you're walking more than 3 weeks on a Camino, you'll need a second (or maybe a third) pair.

I brought two pairs on my 42 day Norte/Primitivo/Finisterre/Muxia Camino, a trail shoe (Cloud Adventure, which I think they've now replaced with a different model) and a road shoe (Cloud Monster, likely patterned after Hoka success, with a similar thick sole) to alternate for days that had long stretches of road. However, before I got to Lugo, I was pretty sure that I would need a new pair to make it all the way. The only shoe I could find there was a men's Hoka - so I bought them out of desperation and remembering all the raves about them I've read on this forum. I didn't have much choice, but hoped they would work for me.

The Hoka were comfortable enough for walking, but after a couple of hours, the soles of my feet started to feel like they were burning (I had never experienced this with my other shoes), so I alternated between them and my old shoes, which eventually just completely gave out, one between Santiago and Finisterre, the other I held onto all the way to Muxia even though the sole felt like there was no support left there, but I didn't think I could tolerate the Hoka for more than a few hours at a time. I threw the Hoka away in Barcelona before returning home.

Do the Topo last any longer? Or is 250-300 mile range about the most one can expect in a trail runner shoe? Both the Topo and the On-Running are not cheap (in the $150 range), but footwear seems like the most important equipment for these long walks, so I've resigned myself to the expense. I've got 6 months to train for my next Camino (via Gebennensis, via Podiensis), so I'm willing to give the Topo a try, see if I can manage the zero drop thing - but I'll be walking for about 50 days, so I'm thinking I may need 3 (!!) pairs - not trusting I will be able to buy a workable replacement this time around. I'm ok carrying a second pair dangling on my pack, but I'm thinking maybe I need to post the third pair ahead, to change out after about 4-5 weeks? What do others do on long walks when your shoes wear out? Do you trust you can buy a new pair, or find a way to carry/post what you know works for you?

 

[ShoshTrvls]

Topos do not last longer. Sadly.

BTW, I’m now trying out On CloudUltra. Not as wide as Topos, as you note, but thus far they have been working quite well on my 7ish miles walks.

 

[dreaming]

I wore New balance shoes when I walked the CF last year I walked 800 ks in them and now play Pickleball in them. They are still cushioned. I did buy new inner soles in Pamplona. They have vibram soles very hardy.

 

[dreaming]

I wore New balance shoes when I walked the CF last year I walked 800 ks in them and now play Pickleball in them. They are still cushioned. I did buy new inner soles in Pamplona. They have vibram soles very hardy.

 

[KariannNor]

Anyone with experience, isn't Speedgoat Wide as wide as Challenger Wide? Just ordered them, never tried, only been using Challenger W. I pray they are just as wide. Had to choose Speedgoat simply because no stores here have Challenger W in my size, and it takes longer to order them for some reason.

 

[Buffy]

I just completed the Francés in a pair of women’s Topo Terraventures and loved them. I’m usually between two sizes and just went with the larger size instead of fully sizing up more. I did end of getting a pair of gel heel inserts a couple weeks in to alleviate some calf pain I was experiencing, but otherwise had no problems. Loved the wide toe box! I paired them with toe socks, just cheap generic ones from Amazon, and they worked out perfectly.

Just as a note if you do go for a wider shoe/wide toe box and were hoping to pair with full length inserts, I had a difficult time time with that. I wanted to add just a bit more cushion but the inserts are too narrow and my toes/balls of my feet would slide off the sides off the insert. I ended up just cutting them down to the heel part. Probably not applicable to everyone, but something to think about!

 

[Mattdoubleyew]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

This is my endless quest.

I have wide feet, high arches, and a nascent bunion on one foot. I also hate goretex on my feet.

My learning:

With high arches, anything zero drop gives me ball of foot bruising. (Altras: beautiful toe box; feel like slippers in the shop. Zero arch support. Wear them any distance and bruise the forefoot. Merrell Rubato: much better arch support, but ultimately (walking, not running) they bruise the forefoot)

I’d say: barefoot running shoes are designed for forefoot/ midfoot heel strike when running.
They are not designed for walking with heel strike.

(I imagine people with low arches are unaffected?)

Tried Keens:
Delicious on the foot, but, like many I read of, the lining wore through in nothing more than 30 days’ dog walking , and at 35 days, the sole started separating. Gutted - but left me with a ‘don’t trust’ feeling for their QA.

Merrell Moabs: not properly wide, but, one size up, have the drop I need - and available without goretex.

Currently trying Lowa innovo boots in both gore and non-gore.
Gore has superb width and toe box. Non gore is tighter.

I’m still hunting.. Moab speed 2s sound good, but seem not to be available in wide without goretex

(Sorry: bit of an unstructured stream of consciousness! If anyone can signpost wide non-gore trail shoes, with drop; please do! )

 

[Mattdoubleyew]

Anyone with experience, isn't Speedgoat Wide as wide as Challenger Wide? Just ordered them, never tried, only been using Challenger W. I pray they are just as wide. Had to choose Speedgoat simply because no stores here have Challenger W in my size, and it takes longer to order them for some reason.

I tried speedgoat wide in a local shop. I found them narrow than most brands’regular’

 

[VNwalking]

If anyone can signpost wide non-gore trail shoes, with drop; please do

Your wariness with Keens after a bad experience is understandable.
But maybe try again?

I also have an extremely wide forefoot and high arches; I need a roomy toebox height-wise, too. I'm on my second pair of Keen Targhee sandals, and have not had an issue with durability with them - the first pair lasted 2 caminos. (For a while I was wearing a watershoe they made and they tended to wear more quickly.)

 

[jcat]

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 recently came out and I bought a pair. My previous Caminos have been in Hokas, Altras, and the Topo Ultraventure 3.

The Ultraventure 4 is my favorite ever hiking shoe right now after 25+ miles. Similar to the Ultraventure 3 but with a softer midsole. Same roomy toe box, plenty of cushion, and great overall comfort. It's my shoe for the Portogues later this month.

 

[ElCee]

I wear women's shoes, but the Brooks Ghost Max has a roomy forefoot - volume as well as width. Maybe they are worth trying.

I ended up in Ghosts, too! I walked in to a specialty running store with visions of Hokas and Salomons but it was the ugly Ghosts that were the most comfortable for me. And I got them in wide which I’ve never worn before. I still got blisters on my pinky toes about 8 days in, not from friction just from pressure. I loosened the laces at the front but kept my heel locked in, bandaged them and they got better. It was very hot so that probably increased the swelling.
I’ve just bought a second pair for non Camino wear and I went with normal width but for a long distance hike, I think I’d go with wide again.