Downsides of Sandals

[William Donovan]

Other than ankle support, what are the downsides of doing the Camino Frances in the summer in Sandals (Kivas)? The first follow-on question is:

I’ve read a lot of recommendations about hiking boots being over-kill, and that hiking/running shoes are all that is needed. But do hiking/running shoes provide much more support than sandals?

The second follow-on is:

What are the pros and cons of a closed shoe (hiking boot or hiking/running shoe) vs: an open shoe (sandals)?

 

[grayland]

The trail is very rocky for much of the length. Open sandals allow the small pebbles (scree) in and it is necessary to stop and clear it out.
I often have that problem with low top hiking shoes. I prefer the mid ankle type now.

 

[whariwharangi]

The straps will rub on bare feet. The bottoms of feet get blackened by the rubber from the sandal. You will look gauche if you try to wear socks as a protective measure (and so what ... but it matters to some). Pebbles tend to get caught in the arch at the worst possible times. Feet will get cold in wet weather and burnt in direct sunlight.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

I walked in sandals on all my caminos. Teva sandals.
I have never understood what "ankle support" is, and why one would need that.
Ok you get some pebbles in them but they fall out at the next step. If you wear shoes you will have to stop and take off your shoes to get rid of it.
The feet will get dirty, but that's not a big deal.

 

[lynnejohn]

I find myself questioning the concept of requiring ankle support, and if we do, whether hiking boots provide any ankle support. Many articles I have read suggest that unless you have a history of ankle injury, it is overkill, and if you do have this history, hiking boots will not help.
I have not formed a firm belief on either side of the discussion, but I am still reading and listening. Just as an experiment, I am wearing low-cut trail runners (picture below) this year and leaving my hiking boots at home. Meanwhile, here are a few interesting perspectives. Keep in mind that most of these articles are written from the wildnerness hiking perspective. Most parts of the camino are not wilderness. I found them food for thought in any case. (The third article also addresses sandals). Enjoy, and buen camino!

http://www.wildernessrhythms.com/308
http://friends.backcountry.net/m_factor/footwear.html
http://outdoors.campmor.com/hiking-shoes-vs-hiking-boots/#fbid=2NLXCczVY0L
http://ryangrayson.blogspot.ca/2013/05/q-should-i-buy-hiking-shoes-or-boots.html

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I have never understood what "ankle support" is, and why one would need that.

I would love to loan you my feet for a camino! You would then understand "ankle support." Those who need it, understand it, I promise!

When I leave a wet footprint, the arch extends out (convex) about the same amount that most folks arch extends in (concave). Exploring foot surgery two months ago, the foot and ankle specialist said he had never seen flatter feet. Yes, Virginia, there IS ankle support.

 

[Maggie97520]

Downside of sandals in the Camino Frances: the squelch of liquid cow manure under your feet. (That's almost a direct quote from a well-known guide book.) love my boots.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

I would love to loan you my feet for a camino! You would then understand "ankle support." Those who need it, understand it, I promise!

When I leave a wet footprint, the arch extends out (convex) about the same amount that most folks arch extends in (concave). Exploring foot surgery two months ago, the foot and ankle specialist said he had never seen flatter feet. Yes, Virginia, there IS ankle support.

Ok, but if I would loan you my feet for a camino?
Which are are nothing special, just a pair of mainstream feet. Then you would not understand why one would want to walk in a pair of heavy sweaty winter boots, when you can walk in a pair of comfy sandals, feeling free and happy. As long as the weather is fairly ok.
And there are guys who don't even have hiking sandals, but do it in flip flops :
http://www.magdabiskup.com/photo-essay-how-much-can-a-porter-carry/

 

[Tia Valeria]

Some of us who talk boots are actually wearing low cut lightweight types. Ours support our ankles but have a slight cut away at the back so the foot can flex when walking downhill - the support is mostly sideways. I had never worn boots before the Camino as my experience of looking at them was that they were heavy and awkward so I always had walking shoes. Now I would not wear anything but my beloved boots for walking at home or on the Camino.
I am one of those who has always picked up any loose stone if wearing sandals - I keep them for 'best' in town at home, or shopping so Crocs as second shoes on the Camino.

 

[StuartM]

I once had a horrible incident in Borneo with hiking sandals. During a storm "something" got between my foot and sandal. Whatever the something was it was big, soft and alive. Squished dead creature is far worse than a stone.

I love my hiking sandals but if the weather was good enough to go any distance I'd end up with burnt feet.

 

[froghollowgal]

Other than ankle support, what are the downsides of doing the Camino Frances in the summer in Sandals (Kivas)? The first follow-on question is:

I’ve read a lot of recommendations about hiking boots being over-kill, and that hiking/running shoes are all that is needed. But do hiking/running shoes provide much more support than sandals?

The second follow-on is:

What are the pros and cons of a closed shoe (hiking boot or hiking/running shoe) vs: an open shoe (sandals)?

My daughter and I walked from Leon to Santiago. I wore REI above-the-ankle boots, and she wore Brooks tennis shoes. It was July, very hot, and I developed terrible blisters, but she did not. By the time we reached Sarria, I was in bad shape, so we stopped at an REI-type shoe shop, and the lady explained that blisters are caused by heat and moisture, which the boots made worse. She said that from Leon to Santiago, boots are not particularly needed, although we met people who were wearing them who had done the entire Camino and were having no problems. She suggested Tivo's, but I had always thought that ankle support was important. However, I was desperate, and they worked like a charm, and I didn't even notice the lack of ankle support. We walked the rest of the Camino and on to Finisterre and then all over Barcelona, and they worked wonderfully. But, if I had to do it again, I would do like my daughter did and wore tennis shoes, just for those rocks and deep dust on the steep trails.

 

[burritobear9]

I was grateful for my hiking boots the day that I sat on a stone wall and one of the large stones dislodged and landed on the back of my ankle.

If I had sandals on it would have been nasty, however the hiking boots protected my ankle and I had only a small bruise.

I did wear my sandals twice when walking, but I find loose stones incredibly annoying.

I was lucky to have only one small blister during my journey from wearing the wrong pair of socks one day.

Buen Camino

Cheryl


Sent from my iPad using Camino de Santiago Forum mobile app

 

[Winchester09]

Have you considered 'water shoes'?

These are generally a sandal alternative designed with water sports in mind. Popular with kayakers they have a grippy trail sole unit but with a loose mesh upper. Designed to allow water in and out easily this also creates very good breathability akin to sandals. The benefit is that the mesh will keep out small stones without compromising air flow.

On an aside as to boots. I did my camino in full boots due to the distance I was undertaking (start point Winchester). But I'll be doing the Primitivo in July with mid-shoes, basically a half way point with the same design as a trail shoe but built up to provide more ankle support. They're great because they have the support needed for tougher parts of the camino but lighter than full boots. Plus you can play with different lacing techniques to change the fit and amount of support given (eg V method to keep ankle support but improve flexibility, great if you suffer from shin pain).

 

[Winchester09]

Lol, re-reading my post you can tell I work in a gear shop!

 

[obinjatoo]

I tend to be a bit clumsy at times and I snag (stub) my toes on roots or rocks from time to time. In shoes it's no big deal but splitting the big toe from kicking a rock or root in sandels can require stitches. I wore a light weight hiking shoe with a low top. Some folks believe that a firm sole is better for ankle support. A low top is cooler and will build up the ankles. It also forced me to walk with more intention so I didn't turn an ankle.

 

[KiwiNomad06]

I wouldn't feel comfortable without a walking shoe, but a French friend walked all the time in sandals- just washed the muddy socks if they got wet. He'd walked all the way from Dijon so he knew what suited him, though I couldn't imagine walking like that. Like most things, seems to be personal choice.
Margaret

 

[Thornley]

Used Merrells low cut to Leon , sandals to Ruitelan , Merrells up the hill and sandals to Muxia.
No sunburnt feet if you stop around noon- 1pm , thats 6hrs and 20-23km, the distance we love.
Saw many using socks with sandals , mostly german or dutch pilgrims and most had walked from home.
In Leon , a very tall es german soldier sent the big boots home, terrible blisters but too expensive to discard and purchased Volley runners.
He walked to Muxia [ arrived well ahead of us ] and had no problems.

Used sandals after Figeac on Le Puy camino and had only one bad day with the rocks , just after Cahors.

Take both with the spare always hanging on outside of pack.

 

[Sue M]

I walked the first 180 miles in hiking boots and socks and got terrible blisters. Walked the last 140 miles in bare feet and sandals and didn't get a single blister. From which I conclude that my problem is sweaty feet! However I was told that if I broke my ankle my insurance would be invalid because I would be deemed not to be wearing suitable footwear.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

However I was told that if I broke my ankle my insurance would be invalid because I would be deemed not to be wearing suitable footwear.

Who said that?

 

[Leaningforward]

I cannot speak to sandals, but a can speak to wearing Crocs.

After days of snow, rain, rocky ascents and descents, I gave my feet a rest -- toward the end of the glorious walk between Estella and Los Arcos -- by switching from my Keen low-cut hiking shoes to my classic Crocs, which I brought along for the shower and evening use. The weather was dry, warms (60sF), and sunny.

The Crocs were such a relief that a wore them the next day from Torres del Rio through Logrono to Navarette -- about 20 miles, including quite a few moderately steep ascents and descents, as well as a lot of asphalt and concrete. The weather was dry but colder (40s-50sF), and with socks and long pants my feet were not cold.

I would not wear the Crocs on cold rainy or snowy days, hard ascents like Ibaneta, or hard descents like Alto del Perdon.

In other words, I think there is room and a time and place for both hiking shoes/boots and sandals/Crocs/other softer open heel or toe footwear.

 

[NicoZ]

Then you would not understand why one would want to walk in a pair of heavy sweaty winter boots, when you can walk in a pair of comfy sandals, feeling free and happy.

Why wear winter boots during the summer? Summer hiking boots for the summer.

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Hiking-Boots-Reviews/Merrell-Moab-Ventilator

Step into a snow bank with that or something similar and you'll freeze your toes off or worse.

 

[DavidsRetired]

As soon as you mention boots, people think of big heavy boots. Not so, as I wear the Original SWAT Boots: http://www.originalswat.com/ , which are incredibly light and amazingly comfortable (and cheap ). You can literally buy a pair, put them on your feet and begin your trekking.

For me, I chose these boots for the above attributes, plus the support they provide on rocky ground and more importantly for me, on hard road surfaces, which is extremely hard on my back. I never once had a problem on the Camino (nor a blister), and the zippered side(s), allowed me to easily remove them for breaks.

As a side note, I enjoy the spring Caminos, which are often fraught with snow and rain (with lots of flowers and sunshine in-between). Therefore, my decision to wear these boot’s, factored those elements in.

Additionally, I use the SOLE insoles, which are brilliant IMO: http://www.yoursole.com/ca/mens/footbeds/signature-viesturs/

Regardless, choosing footwear is a personal choice, but comfort, support and durability are essential.

 

[KiwiNomad06]

I walked in Aug/Sept. I still have strappy tan lines from my sandels. I should have worn socks with them. ...even though it would have looked odd.:0)

Actually, I have had my feet stared at when I have worn sandals with no socks. A German person explained to me that Germans always do wear sandals with socks and think we are very odd to not wear socks!
Margaret

 

[AJ]

Actually, I have had my feet stared at when I have worn sandals with no socks. A German person explained to me that Germans always do wear sandals with socks and think we are very odd to not wear socks!
Margaret

Here in Oz you can pick the Poms and European tourists because they are the only ones wearing socks with sandals. There are other clues too as I am sure you are aware...

 

[William Donovan]

What would be the advantages of wearing socks with sandals on the Camino in the Summer other than protecting your feet from sunburn?

 

[Thornley]

There are many many europeans doing it William .
Better fit when hot?
No rubbing?
Less chance of those bloody pebbles getting under the feet?

I love the sandals after a few 100km and always finish in them.
David

 

[Susannafromsweden]

What would be the advantages of wearing socks with sandals on the Camino in the Summer other than protecting your feet from sunburn?

The mornings can be a bit chilly if you start early, and then it can be nice to wear socks until you warm up.
I had a pair of toe socks on my last camino, and they were very nice to wear, and also looked fun.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

I always TAKE sandals as well as walking shoes/boots. Sandals can be more comfortable if you get blisters - which I frequently do! They are also much better to wear in the evenings, when going out for supper with my 'camino family'.
So my advice would be to take both, and try both.
Buen camino!

 

[Winchester09]

I always TAKE sandals as well as walking shoes/boots. Sandals can be more comfortable if you get blisters - which I frequently do! They are also much better to wear in the evenings, when going out for supper with my 'camino family'.
So my advice would be to take both, and try both.
Buen camino!

Flip flops are also handy for the evenings and weigh next to nothing. Also good to wear in the shower to avoid picking up any foot nasties!

 

[Sue M]

Who said that?

The leader of a Ramblers group.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

The leader of a Ramblers group.

Ah ok. I was wondering if someone was joking with you.
I've never heard anything like that, it sounds crazy.
I called my insurance company a few years ago, asking about my travel insurance.
I had heard that if one wants to go trekking on high altitude, more than 5000 meters, then one would need an extra insurance. But that wasn't true. I could climb as many meters as I wanted.
Boxing wasn't ok, otherwise no limits. Nobody said anything about sandals.

 

[Tincatinker]

I think a leader of a Ramblers group would be more likely to refer to their public liability insurance than any generic provision in travel insurance policies.

My travel insurance excludes dangerous sports - boxing among them, and motor racing. Which is why I always cross Paris by Metro rather than taxi

 

[Thornley]

And as an Australian recently found out .............running with the bulls................no cover with insurance .
Flip flops are ok for evening/shower but not walking , sandals are great for walking....a little bit of air.

 

[domigee]

I think a leader of a Ramblers group would be more likely to refer to their public liability insurance than any generic provision in travel insurance policies.

My travel insurance excludes dangerous sports - boxing among them, and motor racing. Which is why I always cross Paris by Metro rather than taxi

That is being sooooo unfair on the Paris taxis (sorry haven't worked out how to post smileys on here but I'm definitely winking too lol)

 

[lynnejohn]

Ah ok. I was wondering if someone was joking with you.
I've never heard anything li
ke that, it sounds crazy.
I called my insurance company a few years ago, asking about my travel insurance.
I had heard that if one wants to go trekking on high altitude, more than 5000 meters, then one would need an extra insurance. But that wasn't true. I could climb as many meters as I wanted.
Boxing wasn't ok, otherwise no limits. Nobody said anything about sandals.

I agree. Many of the major companies are like mine and will not cover any injuries incurred during:
high risk sports including but not limited to: bodily contact sports; skydiving; hang gliding, bungee jumping, parachuting; mountain climbing or any other high altitude activities, caving, heli-skiing, extreme skiing, or any skiing outside marked trails;

 

[AJ]

Flip flops are also handy for the evenings and weigh next to nothing. Also good to wear in the shower to avoid picking up any foot nasties!

They are deadly on wet cobblestones as I found out.

 

[Desota]

So which model of Teva sandals are you folks about?
Anyone hike in Keen sandals?

 

[Dutch]

I met a pilgrim who used sandals with socks on a rainy day. The whole bottom, the WHOLE bottom of one of his feet turned into one big blister. He had to stop his camino. Could not walk on that foot anymore.

@William Donovan, i know you get all this great advise here and it is al meant very well, but when it comes to shoes, all you can do is listen to the stories but dont use them as advice.
Nobody had the same feet as you do. Picking the right shoe or boot is something only you can do. Please dont buy something because you hear lots of people here say they enjoyed it or "these are the best" or "you dont need .....". Dont even buy a shoe because the guy in the store says "whatever he he says".
Buy the shoes that are "you", be it heavy boots or lightweigt running shoes. Then, and only then have you made the right choice. You have to feel comfortable in them.

About the support. Do you mean ankle support? Do you twist your ankle alot? I dont see why you would need the extra support, but again, your condition is not mine, is not somebody elses.
The camino Frances can easily be walked on normal running shoes. If you want some more grip here and their, flexible trailrunners. If hou feel these shoes are to soft, then you can move onto stiffer trailrunners or the lightest category walking/hiking boots. After that comes the category of medium weight hiking boots. Looking at other categories would be a waist of time. Your not climbing Mt. Everest

Whatever you decide, please make sure you feel extremely comfortable with the shoe you pick.
For sandals, i dont know. I dont have any. I use flipflops to shower and to stoll around at night. I cant see myself walking 800km in a sandal. I am amazed other people can. So there you go again....i could not do that, i think the majority would not do it, but maybe you can and feel great with them. If so, go for it.
I would recommended to carry and extra pair of shoes then, some parts might indeed be somewhat rocky and open shoes on rocky terrain? I dont know :-$

 

[domigee]

I want to try the Terra filite sandals, 257g and they go in water apparently...

 

[Kanga]

I agree with Dutch. You have to work out what suits you and unfortunately there are no magic bullets. I walked with a fellow who wore sandals all the way from Holland and who would not wear anything else. I wear lightweight runners. My husband wears ordinary casual shoes. I know and respect people who wear and swear by lightweight boots, and others who feel the same about heavy boots.
The season and likely weather will also influence your choice. I've seen people walking in flip flops - mud washes off but how about in freezing icy water and snow? Similarly, what about Goretex lined boots in 40• c heat?
My only helpful (I hope) suggestion us that you carefully consider the boots/shoes you already have and if they are comfortable on long walks, why not take those?