Any risk of walking without insoles?

[Johnnnyk]

I’ve been on Camino Norte for about eight days averaging around 30 to 35 km. I’ve gotten some blisters on the sides of my feet mostly the pinky toes and one on my big toe. I just came to the revelation that my shoes might be too small . I actually wore these after buying them last month in South America and had no problems, but my averages were closer 15 kms. in the morning im fine but I think my feet are really swelling towards the end of the day for the last 10 to 15 km. I have some hiking sandals that aren’t great quality, I usually put them on for a little bit, but can’t wear them the whole day.

towards the end of my walk today, I took the insoles out and I noticed that it made them fit much better, but I’m wondering if that’s sustainable?

Sadly, I’m 4 or 5 days away from the next decathlon.

 

[Johnnnyk]

I’ve been on Camino Norte for about eight days averaging around 30 to 35 km. I’ve gotten some blisters on the sides of my feet mostly the pinky toes and one on my big toe. I just came to the revelation that my shoes might be too small . I actually wore these after buying them last month in South America and had no problems, but my averages were closer 15 kms. in the morning im fine but I think my feet are really swelling towards the end of the day for the last 10 to 15 km. I have some hiking sandals that aren’t great quality, I usually put them on for a little bit, but can’t wear them the whole day.

towards the end of my walk today, I took the insoles out and I noticed that it made them fit much better, but I’m wondering if that’s sustainable?

Sadly, I’m 4 or 5 days away from the next decathlon.

I’ve been on Camino Norte for about eight days averaging around 30 to 35 km. I’ve gotten some blisters on the sides of my feet mostly the pinky toes and one on my big toe. I just came to the revelation that my shoes might be too small . I actually wore these after buying them last month in South America and had no problems, but my averages were closer 15 kms. in the morning im fine but I think my feet are really swelling towards the end of the day for the last 10 to 15 km. I have some hiking sandals that aren’t great quality, I usually put them on for a little bit, but can’t wear them the whole day.

towards the end of my walk today, I took the insoles out and I noticed that it made them fit much better, but I’m wondering if that’s sustainable?

Sadly, I’m 4 or 5 days away from the next decathlon.

These are my shoes I’m wearing

Home anacapa Mid GTX

HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX - Botas de trekking Hombre | Envío gratuito | Bergfreunde.es

HOKA - Anacapa Mid GTX - Botas de trekking ➽ Envío gratuito - Comprar online ahora! ✓ Envío en 24h ✓ Derecho de devolución de 100 días ✓ Asesoramiento de expertos

www.bergfreunde.es

 

[trecile]

towards the end of my walk today, I took the insoles out and I noticed that it made them fit much better, but I’m wondering if that’s sustainable?

I don't see why not. Try it until you get to a place to buy proper sized shoes - or more robust sandals.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

towards the end of my walk today, I took the insoles out and I noticed that it made them fit much better, but I’m wondering if that’s sustainable

I have no idea, but I feel that if it’s more comfortable, it doesn’t matter if it damages the shoes ( if it even would?)

It’s worth trying!

Edit: Trecile types faster than I!

 

[Johnnnyk]

I could care less about the shoes, just worried about my feet and if the lack of padding might lead to injury

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I could care less about the shoes, just worried about my feet and if the lack of padding might lead to injury

Well, they’re currently being injured aren’t they. Don’t throw the insoles away, just try walking without them for a while - your feet will soon let you know how they feel

 

[trecile]

I could care less about the shoes, just worried about my feet and if the lack of padding might lead to injury

I think that the amount of padding in the insoles is miniscule. Many people happily walk in "barefoot" style shoes with virtually no padding.

 

[C clearly]

I’m wondering if that’s sustainable?

I think it really depends on your individual foot needs. Wearing shoes that are too small is not sustainable, either. Maybe use the inner soles in the morning and remove later in the day. Let comfort be your guide.

 

[Johnnnyk]

Well, they’re currently being injured aren’t they. Don’t throw the insoles away, just try walking without them for a while - your feet will soon let you know how they feel

Haha, yeah. Blisters just seem less cas

I think that the amount of padding in the insoles is miniscule. Many people happily walk in "barefoot" style shoes with virtually no padding.

yeah, i was thinking about that too, i mean im sure my decathlon brand trekking sandal would be like a quantum leap from what the original pilgrims wore, but i was also thinking that your body and feet might need a lot of time to build that strength and adapt but i guess no time like the present to get started.

 

[Johnnnyk]

I think it really depends on your individual foot needs. Wearing shoes that are too small is not sustainable, either. Maybe use the inner soles in the morning and remove later in the day. Let comfort be your guide.

Ironically, I’ve been buying the same size of shoe from this manufacturer for years and years. It’s just so weird that I’m just realizing that it’s now too small LOL

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

A possible problem would be lack of arch support causing pronation causing knee problems. I wad tissue paper under insoles for this but maybe you can come up with a different method if you have problems.

Edit: I struck out some of the above because @Bob008 and @lovingkindness had much better methods for the OP. See post #13 and post #18 below.

 

[CalgaryLynn]

Ironically, I’ve been buying the same size of shoe from this manufacturer for years and years. It’s just so weird that I’m just realizing that it’s now too small LOL

But like you said, your feet are swelling in the afternoon. I had issues with that too, swelling in the PM. I wore a liner and a pair of light merinos so I would just take the liners off and that worked.

 

[Bob008]

If you have a knife or scissors, can you trim the front of the insoles to make them smaller and see what happens? Weight-bearing points of the foot (such as the heel, the metatarsal area) may require the padding the insoles provide.

 

[JillGat]

I could care less about the shoes, just worried about my feet and if the lack of padding might lead to injury

Depends on how much padding the actual shoe has. That's more important than the insole.

 

[JillGat]

A possible problem would be lack of arch support causing pronation causing knee problems. I wad tissue paper under insoles for this but maybe you can come up with a different method if you have problems.

I found out from my podiatrist that the cause of my metatarsalgia was caused by my foot rolling inward because I have a high arch. He made orthotics for me that solved a problem that was disabling me after 20 k.

 

[C clearly]

A possible problem would be lack of arch support causing pronation causing knee problems. I wad tissue paper under insoles for this but maybe you can come up with a different method if you have problems.

If you find that the tissue paper wadding solves your knee problems, you are a lucky man. If not, you might want to consult a podiatrist or similar specialist for some more sophisticated (and more expensive) advice.

 

[C clearly]

Ironically, I’ve been buying the same size of shoe from this manufacturer for years and years. It’s just so weird that I’m just realizing that it’s now too small LOL

Your foot is slowly getting slightly wider, with age and gravity.

 

[lovingkindness]

I’ve been on Camino Norte for about eight days averaging around 30 to 35 km. I’ve gotten some blisters on the sides of my feet mostly the pinky toes and one on my big toe. I just came to the revelation that my shoes might be too small . I actually wore these after buying them last month in South America and had no problems, but my averages were closer 15 kms. in the morning im fine but I think my feet are really swelling towards the end of the day for the last 10 to 15 km. I have some hiking sandals that aren’t great quality, I usually put them on for a little bit, but can’t wear them the whole day.

towards the end of my walk today, I took the insoles out and I noticed that it made them fit much better, but I’m wondering if that’s sustainable?

Sadly, I’m 4 or 5 days away from the next decathlon.

Hi @Johnnnyk

One day I set off on a long hike in boots too small. They seemed perfect for what I planned when I purchased them, the correct size and flexible. But with a heavy pack on my back and Superfeet insoles added my feet slid forward and the toes hit the ends and bruised. So, I cut the insoles in half, retaining just the arch support. I walked for 7 months like that without further problem, through rain, snow and heat then, at the first Decathlon store I could find I bought a bigger wider pair boots.

Hope this helps.

Ps this was back in the day when all the hiking world wore boots and trail runners were unheard off. Decathlon stores were few and far between, nowhere yet in the north.

 

[Sirage]

We are all different, but here is my take:
I've done a lot of walking and would never risk my feet. If my shoe-insole-sock combination weren't in reasonably good order, I would take a bus or taxi to somewhere to fix the problem. After all I want to be able to walk for many years to come.
After the problem is fixed, and I have chilled out with suitable food and refreshment for while, I would then think what to do next.

 

[Johnnnyk]

Hi @Johnnnyk

One day I set off on a long hike in boots too small. They seemed perfect for what I planned when I purchased them, the correct size and flexible. But with a heavy pack on my back and Superfeet insoles added my feet slid forward and the toes hit the ends and bruised. So, I cut the insoles in half, retaining just the arch support. I walked for 7 months like that without further problem, through rain, snow and heat then, at the first Decathlon store I could find I bought a bigger wider pair boots.

Hope this helps.

Ps this was back in the day when all the hiking world wore boots and trail runners were unheard off. Decathlon stores were few and far between, nowhere yet in the north.

Thank you so much, great idea

 

[lovingkindness]

Thank you so much, great idea

You are welcome.

 

[Walkalong]

Hi @Johnnnyk

Great advice so far, and suggest you consider:

1) Good quality socks fit as tight as possible, without cutting off circulation, so that any friction takes place between the sock and shoe, rather than the skin and sock.

2) A lacing technique to loosen laces over the metatarsals (half-hitch between 3-4 eyes) and tight in the top 3-4 eyes. Try a lace lock to allow your metatarsals to splay properly, while keeping the heel snugly in place.

3) If adding distance, do it gradually, over several days, to give your feet/blisters time to recover, after having "chilled out with suitable food and refreshment for while".

Hope this helps.

 

[martin1ws]

In the last autumn the shoes of my younger daughter weren't wide enough at the toes. She got problems there on day 4. I cut with a pocket knife at the point where there was the most pressure (see the picture). There was less pressure but still too much... so that I cut further two or three times. Afterwards there was no pressure anymore and my daughter could walk to Santiago without blister-problems.

 

[Joynz]

I really like the ideas others have suggested: cutting the end off the inner soles, relacing, so the lacing starts higher up the shoe, or cutting a slit or hole in the shoe to decrease the pressure.

There isn’t anything wrong with removing the inner soles - the footbed won’t be as soft, but that might not be an issue for you. If it helps you, then do it! (I need arch support on long walks - so always switch inner soles).

Now that you have blisters, buy some Compeed blister plasters and use according to instructions. They really help with the pain. (Buy from the chemist or an outdoor store).

In future, you could also do what long distance hikers do and put tape around your toes for protection (prior to getting the blister) if this is a trouble spot for you.

My best suggestion is to buy wider/longer (a good thumb’s width of room in front of the longest toe) shoes and wear thin injinji synthetic liner toe socks under a wool mix sock. Or even just two layers of non-toe socks. But the toe socks are great and the synthetic ones wick sweat away from feet.

Two layers of socks moves the ‘shear’ that causes blisters away from the layers of skin to between the layers of socks.

 

[David Tallan]

Now that you have blisters, buy some Compeed blister plasters and use according to instructions. They really help with the pain. (Buy from the chemist or an outdoor store).

Compeed is a whole other topic. It seems to really work for some, really not work for others. All I know for sure is the folk at the podiatry clinic I took my son to in Astorga seemed to hate it with a passion.

 

[trecile]

Compeed is a whole other topic. It seems to really work for some, really not work for others. All I know for sure is the folk at the podiatry clinic I took my son to in Astorga seemed to hate it with a passion.

I think because too many people use it incorrectly, and tear their skin.
Have a look at this video for proper use.

How To Use A Hydrocolloid Dressing... Properly!

A hydrocolloid dressing is brilliant at getting a certain type of blister to heal. So why do so many people hate them? Avoid these common mistakes.

www.blister-prevention.com

 

[David Tallan]

I think because too many people use it incorrectly, and tear their skin.
Have a look at this video for proper use.

How To Use A Hydrocolloid Dressing... Properly!

A hydrocolloid dressing is brilliant at getting a certain type of blister to heal. So why do so many people hate them? Avoid these common mistakes.

www.blister-prevention.com

I also noticed that at the podiatry clinic in Astorga, they did not de-roof any of my son's many blisters, large or small. The page you link to is very emphatic that this type of dressing is  only for de-roofed blisters.

 

[lovingkindness]

I also noticed that at the podiatry clinic in Astorga, they did not de-roof any of my son's many blisters, large or small. The page you link to is very emphatic that this type of dressing is  only for de-roofed blisters.

Thanks. I didn't know about this...

 

[Joynz]

Compeed is a whole other topic. It seems to really work for some, really not work for others. All I know for sure is the folk at the podiatry clinic I took my son to in Astorga seemed to hate it with a passion.

Why exactly did they ‘hate it with a passion’? With such a strong reaction, I expect they gave you a reason.

And had your son actually used it?

 

[David Tallan]

Why exactly did they ‘hate it with a passion’? With such a strong reaction, I expect they gave you a reason.

And had your son actually used it?

He had, at various times. They didnt give a reason. They just swore when I mentioned it and said it was terrible. I think it was because they frequently saw the effects of people using it on blisters that had not been completely deroofed, with results as explained and shown in the article that trecile linked to in post #26.

 

[MilenaS]

He had, at various times. They didnt give a reason. They just swore when I mentioned it and said it was terrible. I think it was because they frequently saw the effects of people using it on blisters that had not been completely deroofed, with results as explained and shown in the article that trecile linked to in post #26.

The podiatrist I saw in Ponferrada to treat my blisters two years ago had a similar reaction. He had to deroof one of mine, but still “prescribed” only iodine, normal plasters and as much air as possible.

 

[Johnnnyk]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions. There was a lovely shop actually in Llanes, a very small store, but plenty of options to choose from - Tigeuro sport. I sized up on a pair of wide addisas trekking shoes and brought some extra socks to double up if needed

 

[Joynz]

I also noticed that at the podiatry clinic in Astorga, they did not de-roof any of my son's many blisters, large or small. The page you link to is very emphatic that this type of dressing is  only for de-roofed blisters.

If I get a blister in the middle of a 200km back country hike I know that Compeed will make it possible to continue the walk because they immediately cushion the pain from a blister. It’s the main reason I always carry them - for days when the only option is to keep walking…

(I’ve read that creating an ‘island’ dressing using moleskin works too - but I haven’t tried that yet.)

As it happens, I haven’t had blisters for years and years - my double layer of socks and decent room in my shoes work well - but I always carry some just in case…

From memory, the instructions on Compeed packs state that you should not peel the Compeed off, but should wait for it to fall off naturally.

 

[David Tallan]

From memory, the instructions on Compeed packs state that you should not peel the Compeed off, but should wait for it to fall off naturally.

Yes, but when the action of walking pulls back the edge just a little bit, and it then fuses to your sock, we have what we call "a situation". One that i have seen several times. And it isn't a pretty one. That's why the page linked to suggests sealing over the edges with another tape. But, of course, if you do that it won't fall off naturally.

 

[Walkalong]

Hydrocolloid Dressings, like Compeed, work extremely well when applied properly.

The issues occur when the blister:
a) has not been drained,
b) is still weeping excessively, or
c) the skin around the blister - where the adhesive needs to stick - is not thoroughly dry.

At the end of her video Rebecca Rushton, an experienced expert, gives tip #4 - covering the edge (or whole dressing) with a thin tape will help prevent the edge from curling and possibly leaking.

On my last Camino, retired kinesiologist and physiotherapist, turned Albergue operator, with more than 20 years experienced was extremely passionate that Compeed worked well when applied correctly, as he took control of my treating a fellow walker. He also had a tip for use of Compeed, but I don't want to belabour any debate today.

Rebecca Rushton, Bsc(Pod), in the video link in #26, and Dave Bug are the best sources that I have found for prevention and treatment of blisters. Perhaps watching the video right through to the very end may help.

 

[chinacat]

Compeed is a whole other topic. It seems to really work for some, really not work for others. All I know for sure is the folk at the podiatry clinic I took my son to in Astorga seemed to hate it with a passion.

So does @davebugg
And he does know a lot about blisters …among other stuff

And … wisdom after the event … next time stop and put some tape, eg Omnifix, on any ‘hotspots’ … as soon as you feel the first hint of discomfort

 

[CA_Pilgrim]

I’ve been on Camino Norte for about eight days averaging around 30 to 35 km. I’ve gotten some blisters on the sides of my feet mostly the pinky toes and one on my big toe. I just came to the revelation that my shoes might be too small . I actually wore these after buying them last month in South America and had no problems, but my averages were closer 15 kms. in the morning im fine but I think my feet are really swelling towards the end of the day for the last 10 to 15 km. I have some hiking sandals that aren’t great quality, I usually put them on for a little bit, but can’t wear them the whole day.

towards the end of my walk today, I took the insoles out and I noticed that it made them fit much better, but I’m wondering if that’s sustainable?

Sadly, I’m 4 or 5 days away from the next decathlon.

It doesn't sound like you have much in the way of options if the shoes are too small. I'm inferring from you comment about the next Decathlon store that you plan to purchase new larger ones, so doing what has to be done to get there seems the right thing to do.

Long term, I would be concerned about losing arch support by pulling out the insoles to make more room for your toes. I'd also be concerned about losing cushioning, particularly on the forefoot which could lead to a difficult to treat plantar surface blister.

One option that I've used on the trail with success for treating toe blisters is something I call a "Toe Cast." Here's an excerpt on how to make them I wrote for a hiking book (now out of print).

The toe cast system is something I developed during my running days to prevent blisters and hot spots. It is quite possible that someone else thought of this before me, but I have yet to see a published reference to credit.

The casts are constructed from multiple layers of Nexcare (Micropore) paper tape. It is important not to substitute any other brand of tape because the adhesive and backing have unique properties suited for this use. The adhesive increases in strength when exposed to small amounts of moisture, such as inside a shoe. This allows the cast to stay in place though long hikes, and even through multiple showers. Shortly after a cast is applied, the paper layers fuse together to form a flexible cast-like material that acts like a protective layer of callused skin.

Toe socks help extend the life of the cast for up to a week, but typically I change them every 2 to 3 days to prevent characteristic foot odors from developing. It is important to allow them to thoroughly dry after a shower and exposing them to air overnight is sufficient. They adhere quite strongly to skin and may be difficult to remove when they are dry but are easily removed when wet. Therefore, when you decide to remove a toe cast, do so within a half hour of showering or bathing while they are still wet.

Figures A through F show construction of a toe cast on a big toe. The method is similar for all toes, but the middle toes are more challenging because you need to work around other toes. If you desire a thicker cast apply additional layers of tape. If a blister has already formed, apply the toe cast directly over the blister once the blister is drained. Additional drainage will be absorbed by the cast. A tubular foam toe bandage can be placed over the toe cast to cushion the blister. Another option is to drain the blister and apply a small bandage or moleskin over the blister and then apply the toe cast over the bandage. Anti-chafe cream can be applied over the cast to give it more glide within the sock. Petroleum jelly tends to soften the adhesive, lessen the life of the toe cast, and leave more adhesive residue on the skin than anti-chafe creams.

 

[trecile]

It doesn't sound like you have much in the way of options if the shoes are too small. I'm inferring from you comment about the next Decathlon store that you plan to purchase new larger ones, so doing what has to be done to get there seems the right thing to do.

@Johnnnyk has already found some new shoes.

Thank you all so much for your suggestions. There was a lovely shop actually in Llanes, a very small store, but plenty of options to choose from - Tigeuro sport. I sized up on a pair of wide addisas trekking shoes and brought some extra socks to double up if needed

 

[LisaWalker]

I’ve been on Camino Norte for about eight days averaging around 30 to 35 km. I’ve gotten some blisters on the sides of my feet mostly the pinky toes and one on my big toe. I just came to the revelation that my shoes might be too small . I actually wore these after buying them last month in South America and had no problems, but my averages were closer 15 kms. in the morning im fine but I think my feet are really swelling towards the end of the day for the last 10 to 15 km. I have some hiking sandals that aren’t great quality, I usually put them on for a little bit, but can’t wear them the whole day.

towards the end of my walk today, I took the insoles out and I noticed that it made them fit much better, but I’m wondering if that’s sustainable?

Sadly, I’m 4 or 5 days away from the next decathlon.

Ive done that before on a trek when my feet swelled up. I also always take a thin pair of socks than I’d usually prefer just to give my feet heaps of room while swelling lasts. I try drink lots of water. Someone told me that helps don’t know why.