Beginning to plan for next summer...

I am in the early stages of planning to walk the Coastal Route from Porto with my wife next summer. We did our first Camino this past June - the Ingles.

I am searching through various posts and am starting to put together an itinerary (either 10 or 11 days, with maybe some flexibility to linger if we find ourselves in need or just wanting to enjoy a stop). I am a little confused about the route/walking surface...some posts indicate it is a majority of road walking, while others seem to indicate more boardwalk, along the beach. So, first question in my mind is: Merrill walking shoes as opposed to our Lowa's? I'd love some insight into the surfaces, and experiences with footwear.

That said, I also love any other pointers that veterans may have for us. Again, this will be our second Camino, and while we did much research and felt like we were very prepared - thanks to tons of advice from the Ingles Forum - this walk from Porto looks to be a little more challenging (at least in length, perhaps not with respect to climbs and the like on the Ingles) and I would just like to feel prepared.

Any and all advice is truly appreciated! Thanks!