While you can always get other peoples' opinions and impressions based on brand names, and that is a good starting point when shopping for boots or hiking shoes; however, it's best to try on several different types and brands of boots or hiking shoes and buy the ones that fit YOU the best. There are discussions galore on this topic on this and other forums, but it all boils down to buying from a knowledgeable source that understands why you're buying the boots/shoes and where you'll be wearing them. Take the socks you'll be wearing while you're hiking (including liners if you plan to wear them as well) when you get fitted. The typical advice is to buy at least 1/2-size larger than initially fills comfortable in the store, because your feet will actually spread out and grow when you walk the distances of the Camino on a daily basis for weeks on end. Also, if you have low or flat arches, consider adding insoles that have adequate arch support. Ask if the store will allow returns if you discover that the footwear that feels great in the store feels uncomfortable or causes hotspots or blisters when you actually wear them hiking in real-world conditions.
Buen Camino,
Jim
Jim is correct. But I want to add to what he said that, as a general rule, your hiking boots should be one to one and half sizes larger than your street shoe size. You add one-half size for swelling as Jim says, plus one-half size for two pair of socks. I believe "swelling" takes two forms. Jim is correct in stating that, over time, your feet may actually seem to "grow" perhaps one half size due to your long walk. I also happen to have "sweaty feet" that swell at least one half size.
So, to illustrate my point, my street size 11 (US) 45 (EU) feet are wearing a size 13 US (47 (EU) hiking boot. Here is how the extra TWO SIZES are explained:
11.0 Base measurement
0.5 Two pair socks (Cool-Max liners, and Smartwool outer socks)
0.5 Sweaty feet!
0.5 Foot enlargement "flex-space" (BTW - my feet DID expand from size 11 to 11.5 by the end of my Camino.)
12.5 Subtotal
So, by the numbers, it would seem that my size should be a 12.5. However, the boot I liked the most, the Keen Targhee II mid-height boot, runs 1/2 size SMALL according to the manufacturer's web site. YOU NEED TO DO YOUR RESEARCH.
Hence, as the size 13 Keen boots are actually a size 12.5, that matches my computed needs handily. So, that is what I wore last year, and what I am awaiting in the mail any day now. Once you get them fitted, you can reorder as you find most convenient.
Here is a point to remember as you fit your boots and decide whether to go up or down a size. You can always re-lace your boots or shoes to better anchor your foot to the rear of a slightly too large boot / shoe, especially at the beginning of your pilgrimage. Search You Tube for "How to lace hiking boots." You can also add a pair of socks in the beginning to take up space. However, there is NO WAY to make a boot / shoe that is 1/2 size too small and causing you to lose your toenails and suffer from more blisters.
Everyone's feet are different, and no two style or brand shoes are identical. So, you cannot make assumptions as to size. I recommend NOT trying to take a stab in the dark and buying boots on line.
Also, and Jim alludes to this, if you haver any unique issues with your feet, do see your podiatrist (foot doctor) well in advance of your Camino. I did not last year and it nearly cost me my Camino. This year, I saw the doctor and had custom orthotics made to fit my chosen boots perfectly. Not cheap - but a lot cheaper than an interrupted Camino.
Your hiking boots or shoes are the single most important piece of kit you will buy for the Camino, followed in importance only by your backpack. Please take the time to get properly fitted using the socks you plan to wear, as Jim says. Allow room for swelling and foot "growth" over time. You will be glad you did.
I hope this helps someone.
