CP Coastal - Trail or Not

[Kcecamino]

I will be walking the CP Coastal from Matosinhos to Vigo later this month. From what I read and see much (maybe most) of the walk will be on boardwalk and paved surfaces, which may affect my footwear for the walk. Any thoughts from those who have walked this Camino? Thank you!

 

[Bill905]

I have walked it twice in trail runners (2022 and 2024) with only very minor blister issues. In some areas the boardwalk is covered by the dunes, so take care to ensure you empty any sand that might get into your shoes.

 

[naplesdon]

What type of footwear are you questioning? I have walked in my hiking boots every time and never had a problem.

 

[Kcecamino]

I have walked previous Caminos in Altra Olympus trail running shoes with no problems. Was wondering if a shoe more appropriate for non-trail surfaces would work better for this walk.

 

[TashH]

I walked in Salomon Glide Trail runners and they were perfect! There is a mix of terrain and these shoes were well cushioned and comfortable?

 

[lt56ny]

You have choices on the coastal. You can walk the "traditional" marked coastal that is a combination of walking on boardwalks, the street, sometimes the sand, and in the hills above the ocean. Or you can walk almost the entire way in Portugal, on the litoral which will be almost all boardwalk, some sand, and pavement. Once you are in Spain and go past Vigo the coast begins to fade into the sunset.
Personally I only wear tral runners no matter when I walk. Others like @naplesdon say boots.

What type of footwear are you questioning? I have walked in my hiking boots every time and never had a problem.

He has no problems with his boots. I have none with my trail runners. I am sure we can both make a case for why our choice of shoe is better. for each of us. But, really it comes down to you and your feet. There are many and I mean many topics here on the forum that discuss the pros and cons of both, and even sandals (which weather permitting many wear), as the footwear of choice for the camino.

 

[naplesdon]

I was going to mention sandals, especially along the boardwalks on the beaches. I don't wear sandals.

 

[lt56ny]

I walked in Salomon Glide Trail runners and they were perfect! There is a mix of terrain and these shoes were well cushioned and comfortable?

I always like to look at the trail runners that others buy. Just curious as I never will give up my Brooks Cascadias!!! Anyway I looked on the Salomon website (United States) to see the glides. I do not know what is on sale or close out models in Australia but the Glide Max is on sale and they just introduced a new Ultra Glide. Maybe you need a new pair or just like I did once bought two pairs of Cascadias when the older model was on a close out sale. I knew I would use them both and of course I did.
Here is the American website:

https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/catalogsearch/result/?q=glide+trail

Buen camino

 

[Cub]

I just completed the Portuguese Coastal route including stages on the Senda Litoral and it was definitely a combination of mainly boardwalk, asphalt & very little dirt trails. It was very hot and I wore Keen hiking sandals with Decathlon Kiprun socks as described below. I did not get any blisters & my feet were able to breath & when it rained my sandals were cleaned by the water.

“2 PAIRS OF RUN 500 THIN INVISIBLE RUNNING SOCKS“​

 

[Rickcrna]

Having walked this route last year, I would say use the Altra Olympus shoes that you know will work for you. The shoe’s cushioning will be very helpful on the hard surfaces, cobblestones and wooded trail areas. No need to overthink it. The CP Litoral route is truly wonderful for the costal views.

 

[Damico Walking]

Walked the coastal in late April '22. Trail runners work fine. Some places I had to step very carefully to keep from getting drifted sand into my shoes, I am rather picky about sand in my shoes, but all was good with the trail runners. Hoka Speedgoat are my choice but whatever works for you.