LIVE from the Camino On Camino Del Norte , Shoes starting to disintegrate.

[Del Sur]

Hi,
I’m currently on the Camino Del Norte, about two days before Gijion, my shoes are starting to disintegrate, i.e, the material on my inside heel has worn/split and some of the stuffing/padding has fallen out . I’m thinking this willl be a problem in terms of an irritation point causing blister etc , and I’m concerned it will just continue to break down and get worse.
I temporarily repaired by packing with some hikers wool I have with me and taping over with some medical tape I also have, This seemed to be working well, however , walking through some heavy rain yesterday and my shoes getting a thorough socking it all came apart. I’m going to try and repair again with gaffer tape this time, but concerned this won’t hold up for another 400klm.
So feel the only real solution is to head to Gijion or Oviedo and by some new shoes.
To complicate matters I have very wide feet so need extra wide sizes.
Does anyone know of any hiking or shoes shops in either of those cities that might stock wide fitting hiking shoes?

 

[mspath]

Try Decathlon for sturdy equipment at a reasonable price. Look for Calzado deportivo

In Gijion there is a Decathlon sporting goods shop at Plaza Seis de Agosto, 2, 33206 Gijón, Asturias. See more here

and another Decathlon in Oviedo at Calle Uria, 3, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias.
See more here.

Good luck with your shopping and Buen camino.

 

[J Willhaus]

Here's another option in Gijon.

Ludo Aventura – Tienda online de Ludo Aventura

ludoaventura.net

 

[LUISA G]

What is the most comfortable shoes?

 

[Anniesantiago]

What is the most comfortable shoes?

It depends on your foot. There are tons of threads about shoes. I prefer a new balance shoe, trail runners, but some people like boots And there are a lot of other brands of shoes. And we probably should not hijack this person‘s thread.

 

[SabsP]

What is the most comfortable shoes?

Hi Luisa and welcome here.
I see this is your first post on this forum.
You will find a wealth of information here about everything related to walking a Camino.

In the upper right corner there is a search function that will help you find threads regarding shoes and how to wear them.

Happy planning!

 

[Del Sur]

It depends on your foot. There are tons of threads about shoes. I prefer a new balance shoe, trail runners, but some people like boots And there are a lot of other brands of shoes. And we probably should not hijack this person‘s thread.

Try Decathlon for sturdy equipment at a reasonable price. Look for Calzado deportivo

In Gijion there is a Decathlon sporting goods shop at Plaza Seis de Agosto, 2, 33206 Gijón, Asturias. See more here

and another Decathlon in Oviedo at Calle Uria, 3, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias.
See more here.

Good luck with your shopping and Buen camino.

Thanks, will give it a try, hoping Decathalon have wide fittings?

 

[trecile]

I remember this store in Gijón.



Deportes Asturias +34 985 35 25 45 https://maps.app.goo.gl/MDcT3QrjAvVFjqZQA

Since you have wide feet and may have trouble finding shoes you should also consider hiking sandals. I did the Norte (and several other routes) in hiking sandals.

 

[Former member 49149]

I wrote and then deleted a response with reference to sandals. Seeing @trecile's post has me return to what I said: good walking sandals could be the solution. Hold on to the shoes. I got a new pair from the company that made mine, after I got home from the CF. I alerted them to the problem when it happened - the cause of a heel blister. On my return home a little bit of to and fro, and a new pair appeared without a problem, from the makers of the brand.
Good walking sandals might be your best bet at this point. My feet are waterproof... and yours???

 

[Del Sur]

I wrote and then deleted a response with reference to sandals. Seeing @trecile's post has me return to what I said: good walking sandals could be the solution. Hold on to the shoes. I got a new pair from the company that made mine, after I got home from the CF. I alerted them to the problem when it happened - the cause of a heel blister. On my return home a little bit of to and fro, and a new pair appeared without a problem, from the makers of the brand.
Good walking sandals might be your best bet at this point. My feet are waterproof... and yours???

Thanks Kirkie and others, I’m thinking sandals might be best option at the moment .

 

[trecile]

Just wondering - how old were your shoes when you started out?

 

[Del Sur]

Just wondering - how old were your shoes when you started out?

They were new. So a bit annoyed they’ve broken down so quickly, would have understood if it was towards the end of the walk, but not after 400klm.

 

[trecile]

They were new. So a bit annoyed they’ve broken down so quickly, would have understood if it was towards the end of the walk, but not after 400klm.

Wow, that is disappointing that they fell apart so quickly.

 

[C clearly]

My running shoes don't maintain their superb cushioning beyond about 500 km, but they certainly don't fall apart with that usage.

 

[MSCT]

Hi Del Sur congratulations on walking the Camino! In spite of everything I hope you are enjoying your pilgrimage! Have you found any difficulties (other than your unfortunate shoe issue that is) finding albergues open or space in them?

 

[nordmark]

It depends on your foot. There are tons of threads about shoes. I prefer a new balance shoe, trail runners, but some people like boots And there are a lot of other brands of shoes. And we probably should not hijack this person‘s thread.

For me, HANWAG stands alone at the top. Fantastic shoes. The shoe salesman guaranteed that I would not get blisters during the 830 km trek. Of course, I did not believe that because I had hardly practised. But it was true: I walked the entire Camino del Norte and did not have a blister!

 

[amancio]

Thanks, will give it a try, hoping Decathalon have wide fittings?

try Teva Terra Fi sandals, they should have them in El Corte Ingles, probably in LUDO Aventura too

 

[LTfit]

Wow, that is disappointing that they fell apart so quickly.

Actually my Salomon trail runners also only last about 500 km. I'm rough on my shoes I guess cause inside the heel, which I believe is the OP's problem, also wear down as well as at the sides of the ankles. The upside is I rarely get blisters.

 

[Dilbin]

Thanks, will give it a try, hoping Decathalon have wide fittings?

My fellow pilgrim walked over 2000 kms in a pair of Decathlon boots so please try not to over think the shoe brand etc. My other suggestion would be to wear the new shoes for an hour or so of the route in the morning and also around town in the evenings to break them in as best you can, using the old shoes as long as they last. You should be fine and enjoy the rest of the way. The next stages are very beautiful. Daniel.

 

[Del Sur]

Hi Del Sur congratulations on walking the Camino! In spite of everything I hope you are enjoying your pilgrimage! Have you found any difficulties (other than your unfortunate shoe issue that is) finding albergues open or space in them?

Hi MSCT,
It’s a great experience, although their are some tough sections on the DelNorte.
With exception of one city, Deba, I have not had any poroblems finding accommodation, I’ve been using a mixture of Albergues, pensiones and Airbnb in one instance.
Sometimes I look on booking.com and there seems to be not much available, but so far always managed to get something

 

[Del Sur]

My fellow pilgrim walked over 2000 kms in a pair of Decathlon boots so please try not to over think the shoe brand etc. My other suggestion would be to wear the new shoes for an hour or so of the route in the morning and also around town in the evenings to break them in as best you can, using the old shoes as long as they last. You should be fine and enjoy the rest of the way. The next stages are very beautiful. Daniel.

I was wondering about the longevity of Decathalon shoes. That good to know

 

[Dilbin]

I was wondering about the longevity of Decathalon shoes. That good to know

No worries. Personally I often do too much research into shoes which results in silly headaches I can do without. Hopefully having to wear new shoes doesn't cause you too much grief and the rest of your way is a pleasant experience.

 

[mspath]

Further to my earlier post, #2. Walking late autumn/winter I carried simple sandals for relaxing and wore Decathlon Gore-tex lined hiking boots.
Each pair easily lasted 2 caminos walking from SJPdP to Santiago plus either out to Finisterre/Muxia or down to the Portuguese border at Valenca do Mino. Thus the boots easily covered 2000 km before the sole showed wear. They probably would be ok for 3000 km but for safety sake new boots were purchased every 2 years.... Best of all I never had a blister.

 

[MSCT]

Hi Del Sur congratulations on walking the Camino! In spite of everything I hope you are enjoying your pilgrimage! Have you found any difficulties (other than your unfortunate shoe issue that is) finding albergues open or space in them?

Good to know…thanks! Camino luck with finding the shoes you need and enjoy the rest of your pilgrimage! Safe Camino!

 

[Chris Gi]

They were new. So a bit annoyed they’ve broken down so quickly, would have understood if it was towards the end of the walk, but not after 400klm.

What kind/brand of shoes were they?

 

[Del Sur]

What kind/brand of shoes were they?

Altra Lone Peak 6, one of the few that fit my broad feet, in every other respect they have been great, just the inner fabric around heel has Brocken down very quickly.

 

[Chris Gi]

Altra Lone Peak 6, one of the few that fit my broad feet, in every other respect they have been great, just the inner fabric around heel has Brocken down very quickly.

Obviously I don't know where you bought them but here in the USA our REI store would immediately credit you with either cash or a new pair if you return them if it was within a year of purchase.

Altra Lone Peak 6, one of the few that fit my broad feet, in every other respect they have been great, just the inner fabric around heel has Brocken down very quickly.

 

[peha]

Luna sandals or Keen hiking/walking water sandals. Absolute best choice no blisters, no pressure point pain. Never wore shoes on the Norte. Great for wide feet.

 

[J Willhaus]

Sounds like a lot will depend on what @Del Sur can find in his size! I have used duck/duct also known in the military as 100 mph tape to make many fashion and shoe repairs as well as repairs to equipment which I think that may be the US version of gaffer tape? We try to carry a tiny roll with us camping and also on the Camino.

 

[Del Sur]

Sounds like a lot will depend on what @Del Sur can find in his size! I have used duck/duct also known in the military as 100 mph tape to make many fashion and shoe repairs as well as repairs to equipment which I think that may be the US version of gaffer tape? We try to carry a tiny roll with us camping and also on the Camino.

Gaffer/duct tape, it’s an amazing thing!

 

[trecile]

Gaffer/duct tape, it’s an amazing thing!

But not the same thing.

Duct Tape vs Gaffer’s Tape

Duct tape and gaffer's tape are both are multi-purpose, pressure-sensitive tapes with a strong hold, but do you know which one is best for construction? Which one is more heat tolerant? Water resistant? Tearable? Learn which adhesive tape might be best for your next project here.

www.echotape.com

 

[Pilgrino21]

Altra Lone Peak 6, one of the few that fit my broad feet, in every other respect they have been great, just the inner fabric around heel has Brocken down very quickly.

It seems each version is taking a leap of faith. I started out with LP 4.5, then currently wearing LP 5 now on CF. I'm also rough on the Achilles heel area and so far I've been able to use two sets of heel liners and compeed for just enough padding elsewhere.

Of course, can't say anything about LP 6 but it seems the older ones appear to take wear much better than new ones, imo.

 

[Keith H]

Hi,
I’m currently on the Camino Del Norte, about two days before Gijion, my shoes are starting to disintegrate, i.e, the material on my inside heel has worn/split and some of the stuffing/padding has fallen out .

I wear a hole in the inside of the back wall (heel) of my shoes regularly. Seems to happen within 20-40km of walking. While initially of concern it has never caused an issue which surprised me. This has been consistent through several different types of shoes including Hokas and Altras and Reeboks.

So it may not be an issue but your concern is totally understandable.

 

[Leanne Lang]

Hi Del Sur, I'm not sure if you are male or female, but as a very wide footed female who just couldn't find a wide enough shoe for my upcoming Camino, can I suggest you try on men's shoes. It's been a total game changer for me and I can finally walk in comfort. Also buying quality insoles, to add cushioning. I hope your shoe problem is solved quickly and have a wonderful rest of your Camino.

 

[Keith H]

I should also add that this has happened in my Lone Peak 6s so same problem but no issues and I’m about 130km in with them so far.

 

[Del Sur]

I should also add that this has happened in my Lone Peak 6s so same problem but no issues and I’m about 130km in with them so fast

What concerned me was the amount of padding falling out, I was concerned that this would cause a friction point due to the uneven fabric and exposure to the more coarser inner lining of the shoe, but so far like your experience, it doesn’t seem to be a problem . I still have a long way to go , so we will see, I’m still looking for closed in sandals, maybe Keens as a back up, as I only have Thongs or flip flops as some would call them

 

[trecile]

I’m still looking for closed in sandals, maybe Keens as a back up

I always walk in open toe sandals, as have others that I've met.

I saw these at a Decathlon store, and they are very sturdy. You can choose the Gijón store to see what's available in your size.

Sandalias de montaña y trekking Hombre Columbia Ridge Ventur

Compra en Decathlon Sandalias de montaña y trekking Hombre Columbia Ridge Ventur Cuentan con una entresuela Techlite™ que, sin renunciar a la ligereza, te proporcionara una amortiguación estupenda. Además, el ajuste por tres tiras facilita una sujeción perfecta del pie.

www.decathlon.es

 

[Keith H]

Back up sandals are a great idea

 

[Oztrack70]

Obviously I don't know where you bought them but here in the USA our REI store would immediately credit you with either cash or a new pair if you return them if it was within a year of purchase.

Hi, I just had a very disappointing experience with Altra Timp 3 during training for the Camino. After just 360km the sole has worn through. I complained to Altra after the lugs under the ball of the feet had worn down to about 1.5mm after just 250km approx.. Neither the shop where I bought them in Australia nor Altra came to the party - never again would I buy any Altra shoe.

 

[Former member 49149]

Hi, I just had a very disappointing experience with Altra Timp 3 during training for the Camino. After just 360km the sole has worn through. I complained to Altra after the lugs under the ball of the feet had worn down to about 1.5mm after just 250km approx.. Neither the shop where I bought them in Australia nor Altra came to the party - never again would I buy any Altra shoe.

I am sorry that your experience was unsatisfactory. When my own problem appeared, after 500km of practice and actual camino walking, I was in Castilla y Leon. There, each albergue had a single computer with free wifi access. Imagine the luxury! I simply contacted the makers, and said I would be back in touch when I finished my camino. Perhaps you might find a different brand and be alert to their post sale service before settling for them. This does not console you, but looking for the positive note, you have learned a never to be repeated lesson...

 

[trecile]

@Del Sur - it's been a few days, have you found new footwear?

 

[JesperK]

What is the most comfortable shoes?

There are so many threads in here about shoes/boots/sandals/feet etc that you would be better off just going for what feels right for you. That also goes for the "experts" in outdoor/hiking stores - their goal is to sell you stuff. I've done the outdoor/hiking thing for many years and that includes several caminos. I've walked in comfortable boots, shoes and sandals.

 

[Friend from Barquinha]

Hi Del Sur, I'm not sure if you are male or female, but as a very wide footed female who just couldn't find a wide enough shoe for my upcoming Camino, can I suggest you try on men's shoes. It's been a total game changer for me and I can finally walk in comfort. Also buying quality insoles, to add cushioning. I hope your shoe problem is solved quickly and have a wonderful rest of your Camino.

Further to this...as a wide-footed female with short feet/short toes, I find youth/boys' sizes work really well, and typically are on a wider last that the same-length women's shoes of the same type. North American sizes 4/5/6 for youths can be a good resource...

...as a bonus, they're usually 10-20% less cost for the same "family" of shoes/boots, compared to the women's or men's sizes, and generally made just as well. I guess they assume boys (who these tend to be designed for, if you go by colours, etc.) are hard on their footwear!

 

[dimdog]

Hi all
I walked the CF last August, in a pair of Aku Pilgrim's, they're gortex lined, but do a wide fit, I had a few blisters, but it was over 40 degrees, so it was like walking with your feet in a bag, I'm starting the del norte next Saturday, & have bedded in a pair of Merrell ventilators 2 shoes, but I also have a pair of trekking sandels, which seem great, and allow the feet to breathe, but, as someone else has stated, its a personal choice, I will update on "the way" about how the footwear is going.
Buen camino

 

[Arthur Gil de Lamadrid]

Hi,
I’m currently on the Camino Del Norte, about two days before Gijion, my shoes are starting to disintegrate, i.e, the material on my inside heel has worn/split and some of the stuffing/padding has fallen out . I’m thinking this willl be a problem in terms of an irritation point causing blister etc , and I’m concerned it will just continue to break down and get worse.
I temporarily repaired by packing with some hikers wool I have with me and taping over with some medical tape I also have, This seemed to be working well, however , walking through some heavy rain yesterday and my shoes getting a thorough socking it all came apart. I’m going to try and repair again with gaffer tape this time, but concerned this won’t hold up for another 400klm.
So feel the only real solution is to head to Gijion or Oviedo and by some new shoes.
To complicate matters I have very wide feet so need extra wide sizes.
Does anyone know of any hiking or shoes shops in either of those cities that might stock wide fitting hiking shoes?

I also have wide feet and find that Keens regular width has plenty of extra width to accommodate my wide feet. Their footwear also comes in a wide width for those with really wide feet but I have found the wide width too wide for me.