last week of April: weather/ shoes?

[janus]

Hi! I'm off for the central route from Porto to Santiago on the last week of april and I'd appreciate any advice on the weather, is it rainy at this time of the year? Moreover, what is the road like, rocky, muddy?
I'm trying to figure out if I can walk with sports shoes (non waterproof and rather soft and lightweight) or hiking shoes (rather durable, waterproof but heavier). Which ones best match the route?
Thanks for your time.

 

[JCLima]

Hi! I'm off for the central route from Porto to Santiago on the last week of april and I'd appreciate any advice on the weather, is it rainy at this time of the year?

Honestly? Wait until we are close to the end of the month and see what the forecast says.
A few weeks ago we were having hot days; now we are having cold and rainy days. We never know what we'll get.

 

[janus]

could you also give me any hints on the terrain? Do I need hard shell shoes or can I manage with sports shoes with soft and flexible soles?

 

[Delphinoula]

Remember it’s still the Atlantic coast. Look at wetter.com. Rain is always an option, so come prepared.

 

[janus]

no no, I'm not talking about rain anymore. I'm talking about rocks and sliding downhills and muddy paths through the forest!
I'm not quite sure what to expect from aspect of paved roads or walks through villages, that's why I'm asking if I need hard durable shoes or more lightweight ones

 

[surya8]

I walked 4 completely different Caminos in Portugal in different seasons. In late Apr I went in high Salomon waterproof boots the first time and had to carry them most of the way, as they were too heavy, too hot and the size didn't really fit. So walked most of the way in regular city shoes, managed ok. No hard terrain there on the Portugues, just small hills now and then, so very few stretches with rocks or mud. I had a mix of weather, some sun, some rain so take waterproof poncho and trousers if you can. Other Caminos in Portugal I walked in non-waterproof trail runners, they work perfectly there. Mind you there are plenty of cobblestones, could be a bit slippery in the downpour and weary on the feet if you have shoes/boots that don't fit. I'd say no need for heavy hiking boots on Portugues. Bom Caminho!

 

[Delphinoula]

Last year was an exceptional long rainy season.
I was told it rained for 4 month. Last year some of the roads where almost not passable because they turned into rivers. One crossover stepping stones was so high under water that you had to take the shoes off. Some roads next to the street were pure mud pits.
Lots of couple stone so boots mountain class would have helped, but then again long stretches on pavements. So this was last year.
I had middle class boots and hookah s for the pavement. I wished I would have taken my mountain trail boots.
But that was last year. Now if it’s hot like it’s predicted different spiel. Take good boots not to heavy to protect your feet and maybe adjust on your walk. There are a lot of threads about equipment here. Most likely more detailed advice. Bon Camino