Got My First Blister Training; Should I Get Different Shoes

[Debbye Jean]

Hi All,

I bought a pair of Vasque hiking boots from REI a couple of weeks ago. I have been wearing them to hike in almost every day and the last two times I hiked 10 miles with 24 pounds in my backpack I started to notice my toes were hurting. I bought some moleskin and applied that today before my hike and after hiking 10 miles I got my first blister. I am wondering if I should return the boots and get something else. I am thinking of getting trail runners instead of boots as I never had a problem hiking when I wore those; they never gave me a blister. This will be the second pair of boots I've had problems with in my preparation for this trip. I returned my first pair of boots about 3 weeks ago. I leave on April 27, so I do have time to break a new pair in but my boyfriend says just to keep them. Any suggestions? This will be my first camino.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Hi All,
I am wondering if I should return the boots and get something else. I am thinking of getting trail runners instead of boots as I never had a problem hiking when I wore those; they never gave me a blister.

That's MY advice.
The Camino isn't a mountain expedition.
It is a trek,
and trail runners work great (unless you are a boot person with well-broken-in-boots-you-love.)

 

[HedaP]

Hi Debbye Jean
I too have happily worn trail runners for 750 km on the CF without getting a single blister but, like @Anniesantiago, I add the proviso, unless you are a boot person, because there are many on this forum who have worn boots and also walked without blisters.
I'm walking the CF again in a week's time and will once more be wearing trail runners.
Buen camino

 

[Kanga]

It sounds like you have worn trail runners successfully before while hiking. I'd go back to those.

 

[scruffy1]

Trail runners? You will be carrying 10-12 kilos with little support for your ankles, knees, lower back. So you make not get any blisters but check back in ten years and tell us how your lower extremities are doing. One tip with boots, in the middle of your session or your day on the Camino, c-h-a-n-g-e your socks!

 

[Bradypus]

I think you need to be more specific and systematic in working out what the problem is with your footwear. It may be a question of the wrong shoe size, wrong insoles, a poor choice of socks or simply lacing your boots incorrectly. All sorts of possibilities. If one of those is the issue then simply changing to trail runners of the same size would not solve the problem. They might be a better choice for you but only if they address the underlying problem.

 

[Sarah Olson]

I am wondering why your pack is so heavy!

 

[trecile]

Trail runners? You will be carrying 10-12 kilos

5-8 kilos is more appropriate for the Camino. I walked from SJPDP to Finesterre in trail runners carrying about 8 kilos including water.

I am wondering why your pack is so heavy!

I had the same question. About 10 pounds too heavy.

 

[Sarah Olson]

5-8 kilos is more appropriate for the Camino. I walked from SJPDP to Finesterre in trail runners carrying about 8 kilos including water.



I had the same question. About 10 pounds too heavy.

Whew! I thought it was just me! Mine is around 13 lbs without water!!

 

[LTfit]

I too recommend 5-7 kilos and running shoes or light-weight walking shoes. During my last 12 or so Caminos I've rarely had a blister and when I did after treatment they dried up.

 

[tillyjones]

I was kind of thinking that blisters are more or less inevitable, so good thing you're getting them out of the way now, that's the whole point of breaking things in before you get out there? I don't know if different shoes are the answer? Maybe just working on your blister management strategy? Once a blister has happened and healed that's usually the end of it, so I figure you're ahead of the game.

 

[Bradypus]

I was kind of thinking that blisters are more or less inevitable, so good thing you're getting them out of the way now, that's the whole point of breaking things in before you get out there?

I disagree. Blisters are almost entirely preventable if you choose your footwear with care, pay attention to warning signs of problems as they occur, and take the right steps to remedy them.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Your pack seems twice the weight it should be.
What is in it?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Do you put anything on your feet before putting in your socks? Vaseline, Vick's, Proshield Plus, Nok?

 

[Debbye Jean]

I think you need to be more specific and systematic in working out what the problem is with your footwear. It may be a question of the wrong shoe size, wrong insoles, a poor choice of socks or simply lacing your boots incorrectly. All sorts of possibilities. If one of those is the issue then simply changing to trail runners of the same size would not solve the problem. They might be a better choice for you but only if they address the underlying problem.

I bought a mens size 8.5, which is at least a size larger than my usual as recommended by the REI guy as i know feet swell on the camino. I wear silk socks as a liner and wool socks on top and I tie my boot laces as I was instructed by REI. The problem seems to be going downhill. I have plenty of room in my boots so its not as if my toes are jamming against the tip of the shoe but that's when I feel things go awry. I don't have insoles so maybe I should get some???

 

[naplesdon]

That pack weight is crazy and if you have an REI store nearby go to talk to the shoe department.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I bought a mens size 8.5, which is at least a size larger than my usual as recommended by the REI guy as i know feet swell on the camino. I wear silk socks as a liner and wool socks on top and I tie my boot laces as I was instructed by REI. The problem seems to be going downhill. I have plenty of room in my boots so its not as if my toes are jamming against the tip of the shoe but that's when I feel things go awry. I don't have insoles so maybe I should get some???

Have you learned different lacing techniques? Some help hold the foot in place while walking downhill.

 

[Debbye Jean]

I am wondering why your pack is so heavy!

I made it heavy on purpose so I would be ready in time. I'm only training for 6 weeks. I figure if I make it heavier than I plan to carry, it will be a breeze once I hit the trail next month.

 

[trecile]

I was kind of thinking that blisters are more or less inevitable, so good thing you're getting them out of the way now, that's the whole point of breaking things in before you get out there? I don't know if different shoes are the answer? Maybe just working on your blister management strategy? Once a blister has happened and healed that's usually the end of it, so I figure you're ahead of the game.

No, blisters are not inevitable, and you can get a blister again in the same place. In fact, if it's a problem with your shoes that's where you probably will get a blister again.
I think that most modern non leather shoes don't really need to be "broken in". What you do need to determine is if they fit you well for long days of walking, and that you have the right shoe/sock combination. At least that's why I trained in the same type of shoes that I walked in. I wore a new pair of the same shoes that I trained in on the Camino. I did wear the new ones a few times to make sure that they fit the same as the ones that I had trained in.

 

[Debbye Jean]

Your pack seems twice the weight it should be.
What is in it?

I overpacked on purpose so once I reach the trail it will be easier on my because I trained with heavier weight. Is that stupid of me???

 

[Anniesantiago]

I overpacked on purpose so once I reach the trail it will be easier on my because I trained with heavier weight. Is that stupid of me???

I wouldn't say that, but you might find it more helpful to train with exactly what you'll be carrying.
Most people don't train at all.
They get their training on the Camino.

 

[tillyjones]

I'm simply saying that getting a blister after walking 10 miles with 24 pounds on one's back is not entirely unexpected and perhaps more a learning opportunity than a frantic shoe change.

 

[Debbye Jean]

I wouldn't say that, but you might find it more helpful to train with exactly what you'll be carrying.
Most people don't train at all.
They get their training on the Camino.

Well, I am a bit overweight and I don't want to make it harder on me by not training at all.

 

[trecile]

I overpacked on purpose so once I reach the trail it will be easier on my because I trained with heavier weight. Is that stupid of me???

No, but it seems unnecessary. I trained a bit longer than you, but only carried my pack a few times, and with a bit less weight than I carried on the Camino. I had no problems with it at all.

And you say that the shoes are more than a full size bigger than your normal size. It's possible that they are too big. I think that feet tend to swell more in width than length. A shoe that is too big is as apt to cause blisters as a shoe that is too small, because your foot is sliding around in it more.

 

[Debbye Jean]

Have you learned different lacing techniques? Some help hold the foot in place while walking downhill.

I maybe didn't pay as much attention to lacing as I should have, but I use the technique they taught me at REI.

 

[Debbye Jean]

No, but it seems unnecessary. I trained a bit longer than you, but only carried my pack a few times, and with a bit less weight than I carried on the Camino. I had no problems with it at all.

And you say that the shoes are more than a full size bigger than your normal size. It's possible that they are too big. I think that feet tend to swell more in width than length. A shoe that is too big is as apt to cause blisters as a shoe that is too small, because your foot is sliding around in it more.

They are an 8.5 in mens. I don't know what that's equivalent to in womens but they are probably just a size bigger. They don't feel to big or too small and up until I did the 10 miles, I did not get a blister.

 

[Debbye Jean]

I'm simply saying that getting a blister after walking 10 miles with 24 pounds on one's back is not entirely unexpected and perhaps more a learning opportunity than a frantic shoe change.

Yes, I think you may be right!

 

[Debbye Jean]

That pack weight is crazy and if you have an REI store nearby go to talk to the shoe department.

I know, I did it on purpose so it would be easier on the trail. Maybe I'll tone it down a bit!

 

[Debbye Jean]

Do you put anything on your feet before putting in your socks? Vaseline, Vick's, Proshield Plus, Nok?

I bought this really good foot cream I'm starting to condition my feet with and that's what I used. I do have vaseline so maybe will try that the next hike.

 

[Aidan21]

Hi DJ,
There is no simple solution to blisters. As soon as you even think something is going awry with your feet (hot spot) you need to stop and address the part of your foot that is hurting. A simple plaster or a compeed may be all you need to do. Do not let the hotspot become a blister. I have used simple plasters as a prophylatic and applied them first thing in the morning. So if your toes are problematic then you may need to give them extra protection.
Of course you need to check out your socks and your boots and make sure they are correct for you. Do the socks wick moisture away? Have they any seems near the toes? If so do you swap them around or change them after say 5 miles? Are the boots comfortable? Did the 10 miles you walked before the blister feel OK? or were they bugging you all along? They must feel comfortable ALL the time!!!
I note that you said the problem manifests itself going down hill and that your toes are effected. Perhaps your feet are sliding forward as the boots are big for your feet. The laces must ensure your heel is secured in the boot so that your foot cannot slide within the boot whilst leaving wiggle room for the toes.
There are a lot of variables in the blister equation and it has no unique solution. Good luck and Buen Camino.
Aidan

 

[naplesdon]

I have done the Camino with and without blisters and with or without losing toenails. It depends on so many factors but tough feet, not dried out ones but definitely not supple (as in creams to condition feet) are the best way to start. Use Vaseline and silk liners and change your socks whenever you feel they are damp. Use Compeeds as a prophylactic on a hot spot but don't rely on then if the blister get big and bad, they can create problems with bacteria festering under their protective coating.

 

[trecile]

My best blister prevention tip is to stop every couple of hours and take off your shoes and socks and let your feet air out. If your socks are at all damp, change them, and pin the used ones to your pack to dry out.

I credit my not following this advice one day to developing my only blister on the Camino.

I also used Gold Bond Friction stick on my feet each morning and when I stopped to air my feet out. I've also used Body Glide, which is similar, but more expensive.

 

[Raymond]

Hi Debbye Jean, You did not mention where you got the blister. ! I give my feet a bit of hardening up for about 2 weeks before I go. I soak each foot for about 5 minutes in metholated spirits ( like rubbing alcohol ) then let them air dry . This helps to harden up things. Also if you have some Compeed blister plasters with you, when you are out practicing, it is a good idea to put one on the spot the minute you feel any type of discomfort-- before a blister can develop! I would not be rushing to change foot ware at this stage. It sounds like you got good advice when buying them.

 

[LesBrass]

@Debbye Jean I feel for you! A few weeks before my first camino I suffered with a few blisters. I have really wide feet and I struggled to find suitable footwear. I bought a few pairs without success and in the end visited a specialist shop in Bordeaux and they sold me a pair of boots. But 2 weeks before I left I developed a couple of little blisters.

I was distraught. I had taken advice, double socked, taken off socks and aired my feet, used Vaseline, insoles and tied laces differently and I was just plain fed up that I was still getting blisters.

I decided it was only a blister and I would deal with it on the camino... oh did that come back and bite me on the bum

I walked over Alto de Perdone with a feet full of blisters and I had to stop in Estella and treat them and let them heal. A shoe shop in the town recommended a pair of Salomon GTX Ultra's. I bought these, posted my boots to Santiago and started again 2 days later. I had blister issues for the rest of the trip but nothing that stopped me walking again.

What I learned was that I had blisters from insoles (probably my fault in not fitting the correctly) and I had blisters from my shoes being too narrow. I also suffered more because I didn't know how to treat a blister.

Last year I walked the Via de la Plata... these are some of the things I did

• I bought trail shoes with a really wide toe box (mine are Altra Lone Peak but there are others). I loved the Salomons but they are just a tiny bit too narrow for my pasty feet.
• I use DryMax lite trekking socks - they're double layered so I only need one pair... I've tried lots of others but for me these work a treat.
• I stopped using gels, Vaseline or creams as current thinking says it can make things worse... however I know a lot of folks who swear by this method... but for me it worked without
• I stop every 2 hours and removed my shoes and socks and let my feet breath
• I always stop and check my feet if I feel a hot spot or something doesn't feel quite right
• I always check my feet very carefully at the end of the day and treat anything that looks suspicious
• I tape any problem areas for prevention, especailly if I felt a little soreness the previous day
• I used Engo patches in my shoes and I do believe they made a difference in removing friction

Over the course of the 1006 km the only blisters I suffered were down to my own silly fault (like walking around town for several hours without any socks and not stopping) I know that I am prone to blisters and I have to be careful but I do now feel confident that I have a system that works for me. It's not easy but I think the answer is lots of small changes... and the right boots! Stick with it and you will find a system that works for you.

I found this website really useful... it explains how a blister is made and it's worth having a good read. https://www.blisterprevention.com.au/

If I was in your place right now I would consider changing the boot... unless there is another obvious reason it might just be the wrong size? Whatever you do I wish you a blister free wonderful walk!

 

[Tia Valeria]

Another question
Did you simply lace your boots before you set off and then just walk?
I was advised to retie my boots before going downhill to avoid feet slipping forward. It is surprising how the laces slacken off, especially when the boots are new. Also when not laced the foot should slide right forward in the toe box leaving enough room at the heel to slide your finger down inside at the back of your heel. No room - too small; too much room - too big.
I now hang my new boots up by their laces (from the back of a chair) to take some of the stretch out and also am happy to stop and retie the boots any time they feel they might have slackened and certainly before going down a longer hill.
I am a boot fan with multi sock layering - no blisters.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Methinks you just opened a can of worms. There are hundreds of different kind of hiking shoes, all kinds of different kinds of feet to go in them and hundreds of different uses for them and, I am sure hundreds of opinions. What I like may not be good for you and vice versa. i can only speak for myself and I love Timberland Chocuras. They are waterproof and basically they fit me right out of the box. This is my third pair and i have never had blisters. Check the reviews on Amazon. The big drawback in this ultralight crazy rage is the weight. i don't really notice it but I weigh about 240 lbs and need something substantial on my feet. They also wear like iron. Next.....

 

[tillyjones]

In wonderful irony; I ordered my shoes, they arrived Tuesday. I wore them around home Tues and Wed night and this morning at work. Convinced they were good, I decided this was them and headed out for a lunchtime walk (hence realizing I was giving up my right to return them). Within 100 m I'm aware of hot spots on my Achilles and a tightness in the toe box. Could barely make it around the block (30 min)with full on blisters on both heels and left foot numb. Sigh.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Like

In wonderful irony; I ordered my shoes, they arrived Tuesday. I wore them around home Tues and Wed night and at this morning at work. Convinced they were good, I decided this was then and headed out for a lunchtime walk (hence realizing I was giving up my right to return then). Within 100 m I'm aware of hot spots on my Achilles and a tightness in the toe box. Could barely make it around the block (30 min)with full on blisters on both heels and left foot numb. Sigh.

Like total bummer man. At least you had the common sense to try them out now.

 

[Mark Lee]

You are overthinking it way too much.
Just carry in your pack what you plan on carrying on the Camino (I sure hope it ain't 24 lbs worth of stuff ).
and just wear the trail runners you always wear and return those boots back to the "expert" at REI (probably never hiked further than down the block, ha ha).
ultreia

 

[Priscilla NC]

I've been a member of REI since the early 90s. I dearly love REI. BUT: my experience is, they are more experienced in actual hiking than treks on the Camino. They know boots really well, and promote them. They can also steer people to larger backpacks, but that's another discussion.

I do best in trail runners, I don't need ankle support. Since I have others foot issues, I got some professional advice in advance of my CF journey last spring. I had no issues with blisters the whole way.

May whatever choices you make be good ones for your feet!
Buen Camino.

 

[Nanc]

hah guess I'm one too
I over packed for training with the idea that I could not duplicate the on-going strain of daily walking, and instead wanted to make the pack heavier so the pack on Camino felt lighter (Debbye Jean, I get it!)
But I went through 7+ sock systems before I found the one that worked. (toe socks and Blister Shield) Silk lines created blisters for me and they were not conforming enough and allowed slippage)

and lacing for downhill is critical but it can not compensate for the wrong size shape shoes (I also went through 7 pairs of boots and shoes, exhausting what REI had until I realized my foot size was different and I had to go to specialty wide shoe store ( REI was willing to sell me anything I thought might work despite their widest being a D and my true width being a 2E)
that said I became a trail runner convert with no regrets and no blisters

 

[Priscilla NC]

(toe socks and Blister Shield)

I second both of these. They worked for me.

 

[Hutton24]

I trained for months before my last Camino and nothing prepared me for the crushed gravel like paths and the never ending hills. Training was achieved on the way
I also switched shoes for boots 7 weeks before I left for my trip and suffered horrible blisters on the heel area, right beneath callouses, very painful. Changing shoes may not be the answer and let's face it, we are all so different. I would experiment with some good socks too. I can't layer up because my feet get too hot and learned the best way for me to go forward was to rest every few hours and change socks.
Buen Camimo!

 

[Sarah Olson]

Well, I am a bit overweight and I don't want to make it harder on me by not training at all.

By carrying a super heavy pack when you are also carrying excess body weight, imho you are setting yourself up for pain! Train with what you are going to take with you. If you want to push yourself, do it climbing hills! But when you start walking your Camino, go easy. That will give you the training you need. ( now I need to take my own advice!)

 

[Debbye Jean]

Hi Debbye Jean, You did not mention where you got the blister. ! I give my feet a bit of hardening up for about 2 weeks before I go. I soak each foot for about 5 minutes in metholated spirits ( like rubbing alcohol ) then let them air dry . This helps to harden up things. Also if you have some Compeed blister plasters with you, when you are out practicing, it is a good idea to put one on the spot the minute you feel any type of discomfort-- before a blister can develop! I would not be rushing to change foot ware at this stage. It sounds like you got good advice when buying them.

I got one on each second toe, which are longer than my big toe. I really refer to my feet as Flintstone feet. They are wide with the second toe longer than any of them.

 

[Debbye Jean]

Methinks you just opened a can of worms. There are hundreds of different kind of hiking shoes, all kinds of different kinds of feet to go in them and hundreds of different uses for them and, I am sure hundreds of opinions. What I like may not be good for you and vice versa. i can only speak for myself and I love Timberland Chocuras. They are waterproof and basically they fit me right out of the box. This is my third pair and i have never had blisters. Check the reviews on Amazon. The big drawback in this ultralight crazy rage is the weight. i don't really notice it but I weigh about 240 lbs and need something substantial on my feet. They also wear like iron. Next.....

I'll definitely check them out.

 

[Debbye Jean]

In wonderful irony; I ordered my shoes, they arrived Tuesday. I wore them around home Tues and Wed night and this morning at work. Convinced they were good, I decided this was them and headed out for a lunchtime walk (hence realizing I was giving up my right to return them). Within 100 m I'm aware of hot spots on my Achilles and a tightness in the toe box. Could barely make it around the block (30 min)with full on blisters on both heels and left foot numb. Sigh.

Oh that's awful. I hope you find ones that work.

 

[Debbye Jean]

You are overthinking it way too much.
Just carry in your pack what you plan on carrying on the Camino (I sure hope it ain't 24 lbs worth of stuff ).
and just wear the trail runners you always wear and return those boots back to the "expert" at REI (probably never hiked further than down the block, ha ha).
ultreia

I have not packed everything I plan on taking. But I soon will and I have no idea how much it will weigh. And the trail runners are long gone. I think my dog chewed them. They were Montrails. I ordered them online but never wore them for really long hikes so not sure if they would work again. At least REI will take back shoes, even if you wear them.

 

[Debbye Jean]

hah guess I'm one too
I over packed for training with the idea that I could not duplicate the on-going strain of daily walking, and instead wanted to make the pack heavier so the pack on Camino felt lighter (Debbye Jean, I get it!)
But I went through 7+ sock systems before I found the one that worked. (toe socks and Blister Shield) Silk lines created blisters for me and they were not conforming enough and allowed slippage)

and lacing for downhill is critical but it can not compensate for the wrong size shape shoes (I also went through 7 pairs of boots and shoes, exhausting what REI had until I realized my foot size was different and I had to go to specialty wide shoe store ( REI was willing to sell me anything I thought might work despite their widest being a D and my true width being a 2E)
that said I became a trail runner convert with no regrets and no blisters

I'm so glad you get it, LOL. My feet are wide too and I tried on every pair of wide boot they had. This was the last pair and I did not get blisters until I wore the silk socks so maybe that caused them. I have no idea.

 

[Mark Lee]

I have not packed everything I plan on taking. But I soon will and I have no idea how much it will weigh. And the trail runners are long gone. I think my dog chewed them. They were Montrails. I ordered them online but never wore them for really long hikes so not sure if they would work again. At least REI will take back shoes, even if you wear them.

The Camino (Frances) while a long walk, is really not that hard on gear at all, even footwear. Sure, some wear and tear on the soles and some on the inside, but overall if you started with a new or relatively new set of quality shoes, they will be in great shape by the time you get to Santiago. A lot of pilgrims wear the same pair on multiple Caminos before the footwear falls apart.

 

[Debbye Jean]

The Camino (Frances) while a long walk, is really not that hard on gear at all, even footwear. Sure, some wear and tear on the soles and some on the inside, but overall if you started with a new or relatively new set of quality shoes, they will be in great shape by the time you get to Santiago. A lot of pilgrims wear the same pair on multiple Caminos before the footwear falls apart.

u
I live in the high desert of California. When I hike it is mostly several hours of uphill going to my destination then several hours of downhill on the return. I long for a simple trail. Lol.

 

[scruffy1]

5-8 kilos is more appropriate for the Camino. I walked from SJPDP to Finesterre in trail runners carrying about 8 kilos including water.



I had the same question. About 10 pounds too heavy.

Debbye Jean says she is carrying 24 pounds, too much but those are here plans

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

I got one on each second toe, which are longer than my big toe. I really refer to my feet as Flintstone feet. They are wide with the second toe longer than any of them.

Wide feet here also. i got the timberland chocura wide size. if you read the reviews you will see that the three things mentioned by almost all users are comfort, no need to break in and durability. i think the pair weighs in at a little over two lbs. i believe that if you get a pair that your blister worries will be over. just sayin.

 

[Lmsundaze]

I walked in trail runners, and will do so again this year. I have 2 pairs, just alike (Saucony Peregrine 6). I wear one pair for training at home, and the other for only little bit, maybe 50 km, so they won't be stiff and new but won't wear out on the Camino. (I threw away my last year's shoes after the Camino, that distance will pretty much wear out the Saucony's. Also, I trained with a lighter pack than I carried on the Camino, a little. My Camino pack was 10 pounds without water, I trained with 7-8. My "theory" was that I was 70 with a number of physical issues -- arthritis, osteoperosis, hallux rigidis -- so why wear myself out first. And, this worked for me. No blisters, no problems, started Camino with short distances, my longest distance ever was 24 km. The Camino was hard for me, but it is just walking. I think training with longer distances would have got me tired before I started. Also, where I live, on the ocean, it is completely flat with no hills for training, and I thought starting slowly was the key.
That's just me, don't know about others, but at this age (71) I like to think things through and conserve energy.

 

[Debbye Jean]

Debbye Jean says she is carrying 24 pounds, too much but those are here plans

No I don't plan on carrying that much. I will pack my pack later today and see. I've been packing it with miscellaneous stuff.

 

[Debbye Jean]

I walked in trail runners, and will do so again this year. I have 2 pairs, just alike (Saucony Peregrine 6). I wear one pair for training at home, and the other for only little bit, maybe 50 km, so they won't be stiff and new but won't wear out on the Camino. (I threw away my last year's shoes after the Camino, that distance will pretty much wear out the Saucony's. Also, I trained with a lighter pack than I carried on the Camino, a little. My Camino pack was 10 pounds without water, I trained with 7-8. My "theory" was that I was 70 with a number of physical issues -- arthritis, osteoperosis, hallux rigidis -- so why wear myself out first. And, this worked for me. No blisters, no problems, started Camino with short distances, my longest distance ever was 24 km. The Camino was hard for me, but it is just walking. I think training with longer distances would have got me tired before I started. Also, where I live, on the ocean, it is completely flat with no hills for training, and I thought starting slowly was the key.
That's just me, don't know about others, but at this age (71) I like to think things through and conserve energy.

That's really inspiring.

 

[Judy McGuire]

Hi All,

I bought a pair of Vasque hiking boots from REI a couple of weeks ago. I have been wearing them to hike in almost every day and the last two times I hiked 10 miles with 24 pounds in my backpack I started to notice my toes were hurting. I bought some moleskin and applied that today before my hike and after hiking 10 miles I got my first blister. I am wondering if I should return the boots and get something else. I am thinking of getting trail runners instead of boots as I never had a problem hiking when I wore those; they never gave me a blister. This will be the second pair of boots I've had problems with in my preparation for this trip. I returned my first pair of boots about 3 weeks ago. I leave on April 27, so I do have time to break a new pair in but my boyfriend says just to keep them. Any suggestions? This will be my first camino.

I also bought Vasque hiking boots thinking I would use them on the camino. While training, I changed my mind and bought simple trail runners which are wonderful. I found boots too heavy and too hot for me. Judy

 

[Tom Cartwright]

Hi All,

I bought a pair of Vasque hiking boots from REI a couple of weeks ago. I have been wearing them to hike in almost every day and the last two times I hiked 10 miles with 24 pounds in my backpack I started to notice my toes were hurting. I bought some moleskin and applied that today before my hike and after hiking 10 miles I got my first blister. I am wondering if I should return the boots and get something else. I am thinking of getting trail runners instead of boots as I never had a problem hiking when I wore those; they never gave me a blister. This will be the second pair of boots I've had problems with in my preparation for this trip. I returned my first pair of boots about 3 weeks ago. I leave on April 27, so I do have time to break a new pair in but my boyfriend says just to keep them. Any suggestions? This will be my first camino.

My experience with Vasque is that they are narrow. Your feet expand with long hikes...if blisters are on small toes you may consider wider shoes, but not sure the hot area.

 

[cehusted]

Hi All,

I bought a pair of Vasque hiking boots from REI a couple of weeks ago. I have been wearing them to hike in almost every day and the last two times I hiked 10 miles with 24 pounds in my backpack I started to notice my toes were hurting. I bought some moleskin and applied that today before my hike and after hiking 10 miles I got my first blister. I am wondering if I should return the boots and get something else. I am thinking of getting trail runners instead of boots as I never had a problem hiking when I wore those; they never gave me a blister. This will be the second pair of boots I've had problems with in my preparation for this trip. I returned my first pair of boots about 3 weeks ago. I leave on April 27, so I do have time to break a new pair in but my boyfriend says just to keep them. Any suggestions? This will be my first camino.

Get the trail runners. This is just a really long walk. It's not like major backpacking. The first day out of St. Jean is probably the most strenuous. Trail runners with good grippy soles will do the trick just fine. If you got blisters from your boots. Don't wear them!

 

[Hiawatha]

I have used Vasque solid hide boots for years on the most isolated and desolate areas imaginable , they are marvelous but they are narrow .
Age has caught up with me and my feet , I now need some much wider shoes, something that Vasque just can't provide .

I found Merrells to be tight in the toe box , Salomons a little looser , if your feet are sliding about in your boots try wearing two pairs of full thickness socks , if the blisters don't return then your boots are probably a half size too large .

My beloved Vasque ' Skywalk ' boots traveled close to seven thousand kilometres , they now enjoy retirement at the farm whilst providing a seasonal home to a small bat or two .

 

[Debbye Jean]

Get the trail runners. This is just a really long walk. It's not like major backpacking. The first day out of St. Jean is probably the most strenuous. Trail runners with good grippy soles will do the trick just fine. If you got blisters from your boots. Don't wear them!

I complained to the manager at REI because it is a 4 hour round trip jaunt for me and I've now tried two boots with no success and have to return these as well. The manager wrote me an email back saying that blisters are part of training for long hikes/walks like the camino. I really don't think so. I was a runner for many years and never got a blister, even after doing training runs of 21 miles.

 

[Debbye Jean]

My experience with Vasque is that they are narrow. Your feet expand with long hikes...if blisters are on small toes you may consider wider shoes, but not sure the hot area.

I got the men's that were supposed to be the wide version. It is my second toe that comes back hurting and that's where the blisters are. I mean, if this keeps up I will probably lose my toenails before the walk.

 

[Raymond]

Hi Debbye Jean, I have the same type of foot as you with the longer second toe !! I had blister issues on my first walk, but on my heel. Salomon Boots. Next I tried Merrell and eventually lost both big toe nails !! I have finally had sucess with a pair of Meindl Respond gortex boots . These have a wider area for the toes and still have the support needed for the foot. I did all my practice walks and never had a problem until on the Camino. I was not taking the boots off and airing everything often enough. I think this can go a long way to helping to prevent an issue.

 

[Kanga]

The manager wrote me an email back saying that blisters are part of training for long hikes/walks like the camino.

What rubbish!

@Debbye Jean if you are having problems, it will be far, far worse once you get on the Camino. At least get yourself a pair of comfortable walking sandals, as a backup.

I walk in sandals all the time.