Waterproof hiking shoes/boots?

[emmarosegardner]

I am walking the Camino Frances for the whole month of May (April 22nd - June 1st), and am wondering whether I should opt for waterproof shoes/boots? I have seen mixed messages online - on the one hand, waterproof shoes can cause your feet to sweat which can cause blisters, on the other hand, if you encounter rain with non-waterproof shoes you might be in trouble.

Does anyone have thoughts or insights on this? Also, any shoe recommendations for women with high arches/wide feet would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Emma

 

[Pafayac]

Blisters come from warmth and humidity.
Therefore avoiding blisters implies to dry your feet (getting your shoes and your socks off as often as you can).
Waterproof shoes (like rubber boots) are not a good idea for hiking.
You'd rather choose another solution:
- shoes suitable for rain
- when arriving at the albergue, ask for newspaper, and put it inside your shoes in order to absorb moisture.

 

[emmarosegardner]

Blisters come from warmth and humidity.
Therefore avoiding blisters imply to dry your feet (getting your shoes and your socks off as often as you can).
Waterproof shoes (like rubber boots) are not a good idea for hiking.
You'd rather choose another solution:
- shoes suitable for rain
- when arriving at the albergue, ask for newspaper, and put it inside your shoes in order to absorb moisture.

Good to know. Thank you!

 

[AK2112]

Waterproof trail runners is what you need. Picture from Finesterre in 2018.

 

[Juspassinthru]

I am walking the Camino Frances for the whole month of May (April 22nd - June 1st), and am wondering whether I should opt for waterproof shoes/boots? I have seen mixed messages online - on the one hand, waterproof shoes can cause your feet to sweat which can cause blisters, on the other hand, if you encounter rain with non-waterproof shoes you might be in trouble.

Does anyone have thoughts or insights on this? Also, any shoe recommendations for women with high arches/wide feet would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Emma

My opinion here, waterproof shoes/boots are not waterproof, you encounter enough rain, snow or whatever and your feet will be wet. They are hot and my feet sweat in them. I agree with @Pafayac that there are better ways to deal with this concern.