yvonne mccann
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- hoping to do 2 weeks either this July and August (2015)
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Bottom line: try out both shoe-types extensively before leaving home and take the most comfortable with you.
Buen camino
I did a short section of the Camilo last spring interrupted by my husband's medical emergency. I had walked 600+ miles over the course of a year in preparation. I used expensive, well fitting hiking boots. Developed a lot of problems with my Achilles' tendon. I am returning in September to the Camilo. Have been training exclusively in jogging shoes. I have walked a couple of hundred miles with no problems at all. This time I'm planning on bringing two pairs of joggers. They are also much lighter than my hiking boots for the days when one pair will be in my pack. Everyone has a personal preference... This is just mine. Buen Camino!hi all, first post. I am heading in July/August for my first camino. My qu is about whether to take my super expensive hiking boots or my super comfortable well worn in jogging shoes (good sole). The woman in the outdoor shop wreckons the hiking boots but everyone I've spoken to has said by trusted joggers.. I'm sure this qu has been asked a 1000 times but as I said I'm new and have no experience. also my sleeping bag is very light, is that ok instead of a liner.. havent got much spare cash floating around to get one. Thanks everyone.
This is an interesting analysis, but appears to assume that there is only one type of boot, and that just isn't so. I have boots that range in stiffness from being crampon capable through to being able to be folded back on themselves. I have shoes that range in stiffness as well, although none of them are crampon capable! Most of the detail here applies just as much to shoes as to boots, and I don't think it justifies the conclusion that shoes are preferable.Ever notice the significant amount of rocker they put on stiff soled hiking boots to mimic the articulation that our feet naturally moves to. This rocker has the effect of propelling you forward, albeit in an artificial manner, a forward motion that your legs naturally wants to maintain with it's stride. Your foot still wants to articulate/flex in the boot but it can't because of all the stiffness built into the boot for the sake of "support". Stiffness in the sole transfers to pressure in the heel cup. Movement of the foot in any part of the boot translates to blisters. Then you try an minimize the rubbing by using special low friction sock or vaseline etc... All the while your foot actually becomes weaker because there are muscles that aren't being because you can't flex the foot.
This is an interesting analysis, but appears to assume that there is only one type of boot, and that just isn't so. I have boots that range in stiffness from being crampon capable through to being able to be folded back on themselves.
Actually, I didn't mention any particular construction techniques. My point was that you are making general statements about all boots based on a very narrow segment of the design spectrum available. I do not accept that you can infer that shoes have advantages over boots generally when you are only comparing a small and particular range of boots to shoes. It is a logical fallacy.and as you mention leather and plastic boots designed for crampons on one end and very soft fabric boots or even just partial thermoplastic shanks or non-shanked on the other end.
I'm glad! Neither would, or did, I. But you seem to have used that end of the boot range - stiff and high boots - for the comparison you made in your earlier post.And while I subscribe to the notion of personal preference, I would hesitate giving a thumbs up on crampon ready boots for this application.
And I would suggest that there are many boots available that would not be stiff on this test available on the market, and which would be suitable for use on the camino. A good outdoor salesperson should be able to recommend something which better suits the camino. Those are the real comparisons people should be making when choosing camino footwear, not with the specialised boots designed for heavy loads and tough conditions you seem to use in your comparison. I would also expect retailers should be able to offer advice on the balance between various height boots and shoes in this context, but that expectation is not always met.My post referred to "stiff" soled and "stiff high" boots and does not assume one design. In general I would categorize "stiff" as if the wearer had a difficult time flexing the boot with either their hands or when worn.
Can you point to the objective evidence for this? It would be nice to know that a derogatory comment like this has some foundation.Someone mentioned Lowa Renegades. These are the perennial favorites of boot fitters in outdoor gear shops in part because they are a soft leather boot that work well for "problem" feet. It's certainly not for their durability as blown seams and sole detachment are a regular occurrence.
Haha, Annie - I am one of those who has objected to the bigger shoe recommendation, but I hope I wasn't too harsh! I prefer to say that shoes/boots should be roomy enough to accommodate some swelling but not so big that the foot isn't snugly supported by adjustments to the laces and perhaps socks. Don't think about the size number, think about the fit. And fit your shoes/boots only after a long hard day of walking.I got my chops busted for saying this not long ago, but most people's feet will swell while walking 6-8 hours a day carrying a pack, so I usually suggest buying a shoe that is 1 to 1.5 sizes larger than you generally wear.
Thank you for that. It seems they might have some work to do on their quality.Not sure this meets your requirement of objectivity but, this and other internet reviews, my own experience with the boots, and the experience of our local Lowa dealer, might give one pause.
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/lowa/renegade-gtx-mid/
Going to have to respectfully disagree ... but only because of all the new technologies available in the footware world today.I enjoy the specific discusions of what works by 2 very good writers. Since I can't type I keep it more basic.
Boots hot, bad in summer camino
Light breathable shoes with good support, good soles. Good for summer.
Buen camino Yvonne !
See how far less typing gets a person. I agree completely, I have a hard time of referring non leather or light thin skinned keen type "boots" as a boot . But I sure like my Keens! LakeMcd has me wanting to try out his brand.Going to have to respectfully disagree ... but only because of all the new technologies available in the footware world today.
There are some VERY LIGHTWEIGHT BOOTS available today because of a trend that started just a couple years ago. Zamberlain 230 Crosser (also available in a shoe), LaSportivia Core (also in a mid and also in a shoe), Innov-8 (can't recall the model name) as well as many others make multiple lightweight boots that use modern materials like Kevlar to provide support, stability while still keeping the boot light. These new hiking boots are only a few ounces heavier than hiking shoes by Merrel, Keen, etc.
Boot technology has come a very long way.
Actually Keens are downright HEAVY and STIFF compared to the 3 boots I listed. But there are others beyond those I listed. I am talking about boot that weigh 2# or less per pair, yet offer ankle support too.See how far less typing gets a person. I agree completely, I have a hard time of referring non leather or light thin skinned keen type "boots" as a boot . But I sure like my Keens! LakeMcd has me wanting to try out his brand.
Keith
Yikes! Soles coming off Vasques! I just bought a pair for next year's Camino. Really?If in doubt go get your gait analysed by a podiatrist. My runners are the most comfy shoes on the planet. But the sheer mileage involved in the Camino means that I get midfoot discomfort due to the quirky way in which I walk. No problem for day to day stuff including running but distance becomes an issue and I do better with a stiffer sole.
I had planned to take them to change into at the end of the day but I ended up jettisoning them in the interests of reducing my pack weight.
I like the website Outdoor gear lab as it has very good reviews. Gives you a good background. Between that and here I think I have picked a good brand. My ex recently went on a 5 day tramp wearing Vasques. I had warned him that there were potential problems with the sole coming off. He didn't believe me. He had no problems traipsing around Switzerland in winter in an urban environment but for this 40 km very rough rocky terrain he lost a chunk of sole about 3 cm squared.
Place of manufacture seems to be an issue with some brands and I think you cannot do too much homework on boots or packs. Personally I favour hiking shoes as I am doing a summer camino.
Wore Zamberlain 230 Crossers to hike across England on the Hadrain's Wall National Trail, finished that a few weeks ago. Wore them earlier this spring hiking up Pilot Mtn in NC. Actually for the past year they have been my go-to boot for 3 season hiking. Not insulated, so not a winter boot by any stretch, made that mistake.The Lasportiva is the only brand I have heard of & that is in the last week.
Have you personally walked in any of them for any distance? If anyone has I am curious to know how well they have worked out.
Sorry to say it but even stores I have bought my Lowa Renegades quickly acknowledge that the Renegades are not the most durable boot. I put about 1,000 miles on my last pair and the sole was wearing through but the uppers were perfect. I contacted Lowa but they will not put on new soles to an used pair of boots either. Now, that said, I still happily pay my money to buy more Lowa boots because for me, they are simply the most comfortable boot I've ever worn and if I know I can get 1,000 miles out of a pair for my CAN$275 I don't feel the boots owe me anything.I mentioned Lowa Renegades. I have 2 pair with at least a thousand miles combined. No - zero - issues with seam or sole. Best boot I've had over a lifetime of hiking. I disagree completely. These Gor-Tex boots don't even need a break-in, I get no blisters and my feet don't get wet. I wouldn't go slamming them.
Yes If a boot is comfortable & doesn't give a blister you can't put a value to it as it just works. The tough thing is trusting the new mouse trap per say.Sorry to say it but even stores I have bought my Lowa Renegades quickly acknowledge that the Renegades are not the most durable boot. I put about 1,000 miles on my last pair and the sole was wearing through but the uppers were perfect. I contacted Lowa but they will not put on new soles to an used pair of boots either. Now, that said, I still happily pay my money to buy more Lowa boots because for me, they are simply the most comfortable boot I've ever worn and if I know I can get 1,000 miles out of a pair for my CAN$275 I don't feel the boots owe me anything.
Yeah... Simply awesome boot. I don't put much stock in what is said in sport stores trying to push what they have most of on their shelves for whatever reason. Our new REI store is staffed by completely inexperienced staff. Objectivity is hardly called for when you find what is best for you, period. I paid much more for a Swiss boot in Switzerland about 15 years ago - can't recall the name at the moment - highly rated - but crappy boots for me personally.Sorry to say it but even stores I have bought my Lowa Renegades quickly acknowledge that the Renegades are not the most durable boot. I put about 1,000 miles on my last pair and the sole was wearing through but the uppers were perfect. I contacted Lowa but they will not put on new soles to an used pair of boots either. Now, that said, I still happily pay my money to buy more Lowa boots because for me, they are simply the most comfortable boot I've ever worn and if I know I can get 1,000 miles out of a pair for my CAN$275 I don't feel the boots owe me anything.
Whatever you wear, I can recommend mini puttees to keep sand, seeds and most rain out of your footwear.
Saramago: I agree on your comments regarding Lowa boots. I have worn them on all four of my caminos..no break-in, no blisters (with double socks), and good ankle protection. I love my boots. However, on one of my practice walks for my winter camino in 2012, the front sole separated on the front of my boot. I had to buy new boots one week before leaving for my camino. The boots were 7 years old with about 700 miles on themI mentioned Lowa Renegades. I have 2 pair with at least a thousand miles combined. No - zero - issues with seam or sole. Best boot I've had over a lifetime of hiking. I disagree completely. These Gor-Tex boots don't even need a break-in, I get no blisters and my feet don't get wet. I wouldn't go slamming them.
Another question: I have read people using Vicks Vapo Rub on their feet. How does this help? Do you cover your feet in it entirely?
Hi All:
When I first joined this forum, I asked about shoes and was given GREAT advice. I hate boots and have never found any pair to be comfortable so I knew I was going with shoes. I bought Merrell Moad Ventilators. I did try ,many shoes and these fit my wide foot, were comfortable, and light in weight. They started off comfortable, but I have had a blister in between my little toe and the toe next to it, mid way up the toe on 3 separate occasions. I have never blistered there before. I am now re-thinking these shoes.
I spoke with and met with 4 people who have walked the Camino Frances and they all broought 2 pairs of shoes plus sandals. 1 hikers and the other trainers. I had never read that on any thread here?
I have a wide foot. My MOST comfortable shoes that have NEVR given me 1 blister ever are New Balance Cross Trainers 2E width for my wide foot. I really didn't think I needed 2 pairs of shoes, but several people have told me they switched shoes mid day to avoid "hot spots".
I am walking August 23 to October 3 starting in SJPDP. Has anyone out there walked the Frances with Cross Trainers vs hiking shoes? THOUGHTS? IDEAS?
I am begining more training and want o have the right shoes.
Another question: I have read people using Vicks Vapo Rub on their feet. How does this help? Do you cover your feet in it entirely?
I used Vaseline on my first camino but have since switched to a product called "Glide". It is made for runners and comes in a small roll up stick (like deodorant). You rub it on your foot before putting socks on. I found it to be less messy and sticky. It is also easy to put on quickly and your hands don't get greasy. Easy to reapply as you walk if needed. One small stick lasted over 600km.Vaseline, Vicks, Unguento Tradicional, etc. are all lubricants. I put a healthy layer around each toe so that there is less friction between them. I'm not 100% sure if that's the main reason that I seem to avoid major blister problems or not but it does appear to help me. I also use silk liners with medium weight Smartwool socks. The only day in three Caminos that I got blisters that caused pain, I did not use the lubricant and I used good quality but synthetic athletic socks without liners. I won't make that mistake again.
Another fan of GLIDE over Vaseline.I used Vaseline on my first camino but have since switched to a product called "Glide". It is made for runners and comes in a small roll up stick (like deodorant). You rub it on your foot before putting socks on. I found it to be less messy and sticky. It is also easy to put on quickly and your hands don't get greasy. Easy to reapply as you walk if needed. One small stick lasted over 600km.
Hi All:
When I first joined this forum, I asked about shoes and was given GREAT advice. I hate boots and have never found any pair to be comfortable so I knew I was going with shoes. I bought Merrell Moad Ventilators. I did try ,many shoes and these fit my wide foot, were comfortable, and light in weight. They started off comfortable, but I have had a blister in between my little toe and the toe next to it, mid way up the toe on 3 separate occasions. I have never blistered there before. I am now re-thinking these shoes.
I spoke with and met with 4 people who have walked the Camino Frances and they all broought 2 pairs of shoes plus sandals. 1 hikers and the other trainers. I had never read that on any thread here?
I have a wide foot. My MOST comfortable shoes that have NEVR given me 1 blister ever are New Balance Cross Trainers 2E width for my wide foot. I really didn't think I needed 2 pairs of shoes, but several people have told me they switched shoes mid day to avoid "hot spots".
I am walking August 23 to October 3 starting in SJPDP. Has anyone out there walked the Frances with Cross Trainers vs hiking shoes? THOUGHTS? IDEAS?
I am begining more training and want o have the right shoes.
Another question: I have read people using Vicks Vapo Rub on their feet. How does this help? Do you cover your feet in it entirely?
hi all, first post. I am heading in July/August for my first camino. My qu is about whether to take my super expensive hiking boots or my super comfortable well worn in jogging shoes (good sole). The woman in the outdoor shop wreckons the hiking boots but everyone I've spoken to has said by trusted joggers.. I'm sure this qu has been asked a 1000 times but as I said I'm new and have no experience. also my sleeping bag is very light, is that ok instead of a liner.. havent got much spare cash floating around to get one. Thanks everyone.
Hope you found something that is working well on your Camino. I wore Salomon Ultra 3 Mid GTX for my 1st Camino this May-June. Zero problems. Zero blisters. I did walk 500k in them in pre-Camino training so I knew they worked, which is the piece many seem to skip for some reason. They weighed only slightly more than a trail runner with a good sole. After 500k pre- and over 800k during and another 200k post-Camino, the boot is completely intact with minimal tread wear. A few of my friends wearing runners did not even pack them home as they were falling apart . To those saying there were no spots on the CF where one would need boots, I need to ask you--were there sections you skipped or something ? I was so grateful for my boots so many times on long stretches of sharp rock, deep mud, deeply rutted or boulder-covered steep descents, etc. I walked only 1 day with wet feet after being caught in a torrential downpour fhe second last day.hi all, first post. I am heading in July/August for my first camino. My qu is about whether to take my super expensive hiking boots or my super comfortable well worn in jogging shoes (good sole). The woman in the outdoor shop wreckons the hiking boots but everyone I've spoken to has said by trusted joggers.. I'm sure this qu has been asked a 1000 times but as I said I'm new and have no experience. also my sleeping bag is very light, is that ok instead of a liner.. havent got much spare cash floating around to get one. Thanks everyone.
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