Boots and hiking shoes

[hellie36]

Hi, I'm starting my Camino Frances on 14th Sept 2023. Do I need to bring hiking boots and runners? Both have been worn in. Or should I just bring 1 pair? Any advice welcome. Many thanks Helen.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Hi Helen, greetings and welcome to the Forum.
Wear whatever is most comfortable for you, and bring something else with you for the Albergues, exploring town etc. In summer that would be sandals or jandals (Flip flops), now I'd personally carry a light pair of trainers.
I always used to walk in boots, but after much research - including on this forum, there are LOTS of threads on exactly this topic - I now walk in trail runners. Non gortex. They are light, comfortable, once you're sure of the fit ( minimum half a size bigger than normal!!!) you don't have to break them in, and they dry fast.
Which at the moment is super important on the Frances!!! It is WET out there!

 

[J Willhaus]

I think it is still warm enough for trail runners when walking. I bring a pair of Crocs for the evening.

 

[JabbaPapa]

The question is weather and the rainy season -- and it would seem that some degree of heavy rains has started.

For this reason alone, I'd say boots.

In normal weather answer really is just "whatever's best for you personally".

 

[SabsP]

The question is weather and the rainy season -- and it would seem that some degree of heavy rains has started.

For this reason alone, I'd say boots.

In normal weather answer really is just "whatever's best for you personally".

Even on a dry Inglés ( well a bit of drizzle ) last week I was glad with my Hanwag boots.
The people I saw limping and mending their blisters were on less walked in trailshoes. I was on the verge of asking a father to let his son stop for a while and take care of his feet. The poor boy was seriously in pain. Then again , he might also have been in pain with my kind of shoes , seeing his obvious lack of training.
I also had a blister, but it is one I always have. On the top of my small toe right, but that is due to my hallux valgus.