Paving, dirt, gravel, or...?

[teambergie]

Hello. Having done the Portugese Central from Porto a few years ago, we will be doing the Frances from Leon this April. Searching the forums for footwear suggestions, we (wife and I) decided on, and have been training in Brooks Glycerin 21's. They are super comfy and light. However, we're concerned about the tread pattern, as they are great for pavement, well worn/compacted dirt/gravel roads, and cobblestone, what about trail conditions where a more aggressive tread pattern (Vibram?) might be better? I guess my question is: from Leon, having done this section in the past, can any pilgrim venture a guess as to what percentage of this section is pavement/gravel/dirt road? Any real steep sections where a trail runner might be more appropriate? We thought about bringing a second pair of shoes just for this situation, but that idea got scrapped real quick because of weight/cost! We can exchange our Brooks for trail runners. We will be using trekking poles. Also, we are spending three months in Spain, so really just want to bring one pair of shoes that will work while we explore the country. The Brooks seem like the perfect solution, except for parts of the trail where their tread might not be suitable. If the trail doesn't have real challenging sections in great abundance where trail runners would be better, and would also be a good shoe for our three months in Spain, then we'll stick with the Brooks Glycerin. I remember on the Portugese there was really only one short section of steep up/down real "trail" conditions where I was glad I was wearing Solomon Cross Trail boots. Thanks for any knowledge you can provide. Buen Camino 2024!

 

[C clearly]

The Brooks seem like the perfect solution, except for parts of the trail where their tread might not be suitable.

No single pair of shoes/boots/sandals will be perfect for every condition you might encounter. The best you can do is find the most comfortable shoes that are generally suitable for most conditions. Then you take a little extra care on those few sections where another type of shoe might be preferable.

My main question is whether you know how long those shoes will last for you? My shoes only provide the cushioning and support that I need for 400-500 km.

I base my shoe selection 100% on comfort for walking in neutral conditions. Because my feet are ancient, hard to fit and they need a particular type of support, when I am walking more than 400-500 km, I have started to take a second pair, but not any other evening/albergue footwear.

 

[teambergie]

No single pair of shoes/boots/sandals will be perfect for every condition you might encounter. The best you can do is find the most comfortable shoes that are generally suitable for most conditions. Then you take a little extra care on those few sections where another type of shoe might be preferable.

My main question is whether you know how long those shoes will last for you? My shoes only provide the cushioning and support that I need for 400-500 km.

I base my shoe selection 100% on comfort for walking in neutral conditions. Because my feet are ancient, hard to fit and they need a particular type of support, when I am walking more than 400-500 km, I have started to take a second pair, but not any other evening/albergue footwear.

Thanks, good advice! We're always super careful on those downhill sections. We've done many miles of backcountry backpacking without any injuries, but wearing full-on hiking boots!

 

[davejsy]

Well for sure the section down from Cruz de Ferro to Molinaseca is one of the most demanding descents on the CF, but you should be ok in what you are suggesting, I think especially if you are using walking poles?

 

[teambergie]

Well for sure the section down from Cruz de Ferro to Molinaseca is one of the most demanding descents on the CF, but you should be ok in what you are suggesting, I think especially if you are using walking poles?

Thanks. Yes, using trekking poles really adds a measure of stability, especially downhill. "Loose-on-hard" (loser kies?) demands attention!

 

[lt56ny]

Hello. Having done the Portugese Central from Porto a few years ago, we will be doing the Frances from Leon this April. Searching the forums for footwear suggestions, we (wife and I) decided on, and have been training in Brooks Glycerin 21's. They are super comfy and light. However, we're concerned about the tread pattern, as they are great for pavement, well worn/compacted dirt/gravel roads, and cobblestone, what about trail conditions where a more aggressive tread pattern (Vibram?) might be better? I guess my question is: from Leon, having done this section in the past, can any pilgrim venture a guess as to what percentage of this section is pavement/gravel/dirt road? Any real steep sections where a trail runner might be more appropriate? We thought about bringing a second pair of shoes just for this situation, but that idea got scrapped real quick because of weight/cost! We can exchange our Brooks for trail runners. We will be using trekking poles. Also, we are spending three months in Spain, so really just want to bring one pair of shoes that will work while we explore the country. The Brooks seem like the perfect solution, except for parts of the trail where their tread might not be suitable. If the trail doesn't have real challenging sections in great abundance where trail runners would be better, and would also be a good shoe for our three months in Spain, then we'll stick with the Brooks Glycerin. I remember on the Portugese there was really only one short section of steep up/down real "trail" conditions where I was glad I was wearing Solomon Cross Trail boots. Thanks for any knowledge you can provide. Buen Camino 2024!

No single pair of shoes/boots/sandals will be perfect for every condition you might encounter. The best you can do is find the most comfortable shoes that are generally suitable for most conditions. Then you take a little extra care on those few sections where another type of shoe might be preferable.

C clearly is 100% correct. No shoe is perfect, no backpack, no nothing. Don't stress. I have work Brooks for all my caminos. I wear Brooks Cascadias. They are not perfect on every surface but they are light, super comfortable, of course like all trail runners, no break in. Dry fast and I haven't had a blister in years. Just ordered my new pair of Cascadias for this year's camino. I also walk about 1000K for each camino and they hold up great. am wearing my old Cascadias now when I walk in the morning and will continue to do so until I leave in October for my next camino. If you love Brooks, maybe the Cascadias may be your answer.

 

[Bumpa]

No single pair of shoes/boots/sandals will be perfect for every condition you might encounter. The best you can do is find the most comfortable shoes that are generally suitable for most conditions. Then you take a little extra care on those few sections where another type of shoe might be preferable.

My main question is whether you know how long those shoes will last for you? My shoes only provide the cushioning and support that I need for 400-500 km.

I base my shoe selection 100% on comfort for walking in neutral conditions. Because my feet are ancient, hard to fit and they need a particular type of support, when I am walking more than 400-500 km, I have started to take a second pair, but not any other evening/albergue footwear.

Ancient feet, I love it. How about the rest of you?

 

[StDenis]

I wore a pair of Hoka Speedgoat 5s because they had a Vibram sole. Did a nice job of gripping on the rocky surfaces and helped me survive a damp descent into Portomarin (along with my poles). Walked from St. Jean and had sufficient tread remaining when I reached Santiago.

 

[teambergie]

C clearly is 100% correct. No shoe is perfect, no backpack, no nothing. Don't stress. I have work Brooks for all my caminos. I wear Brooks Cascadias. They are not perfect on every surface but they are light, super comfortable, of course like all trail runners, no break in. Dry fast and I haven't had a blister in years. Just ordered my new pair of Cascadias for this year's camino. I also walk about 1000K for each camino and they hold up great. am wearing my old Cascadias now when I walk in the morning and will continue to do so until I leave in October for my next camino. If you love Brooks, maybe the Cascadias may be your answer.

Thanks! Since we will be walking quite a bit before and after our Camino, I think the Brooks will be the best all-around shoe choice.

 

[pjacobi]

The treads on the boots will not matter.

What does matter is the time you spend training in them a home before your Camino.


-Paul

 

[Barney12]

Hi Teambergie... I walked Leon to Santiago 2 years ago late April. Started out with Keen light hiking boots then ditched them due to blisters. I had also brought along some Keen sandals which I LOVED.. and thats all I wore the entire walk. I also used poles for the steeper bits but tbh those 'steep' parts wernt a patch on other walks here in NZ Ive done...enjoy your Camino!

 

[trecile]

The treads on the boots will not matter.

What does matter is the time you spend training in them a home before your Camino.

Right - don't wear them out!

 

[Hersghty]

I have just bought a pair of trail runners Merrell gortex which I am wearing on my Camino this year from Sarria To Santiago
I did a lot of research here in Australia and your forum has helped me choose which is very comfortable
Price $195Aus
I usually wear Merrell boots on other walks and my advice is try on a range of shoes and take your time to choose what suits you
Alaconda had the best choice for me
Good luck

 

[teambergie]

I have just bought a pair of trail runners Merrell gortex which I am wearing on my Camino this year from Sarria To Santiago
I did a lot of research here in Australia and your forum has helped me choose which is very comfortable
Price $195Aus
I usually wear Merrell boots on other walks and my advice is try on a range of shoes and take your time to choose what suits you
Alaconda had the best choice for me
Good luck

Thanks! I have always worn Merrell's; they're a great shoe! Today just tried on and purchased the Brooks Caldera 7 trail runner. Same cushion rating as the Glycerin 21, but with a more rugged tread. Buen Camino!

 

[dick bird]

this section is pavement/gravel/dirt road

Hi, I´ve edited the thread title to read ´Paving, etc´ This is because the word ´pavement´ can be misunderstood. In the UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ and other English speaking countries it will be understood as what North Americans refer to as ´sidewalk´. i hope you don´t mind.

 

[teambergie]

Hi, I´ve edited the thread title to read ´Paving, etc´ This is because the word ´pavement´ can be misunderstood. In the UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ and other English speaking countries it will be understood as what North Americans refer to as ´sidewalk´. i hope you don´t mind.

Not at all, thanks for the clarification.

 

[dreaming]

I remember clearly that rocky descent into Portomarin in the dark and rain with a head torch. I thought it was the most dangerous part of my camino. I heavily relied on my walking poles. I thought if I fell down here what would happen? I walked up the stairs after the bridge to a wonderful albergue where the manager directed me to the restaurant above in sign language advising me to eat and then shower.

 

[teambergie]

I remember clearly that rocky descent into Portomarin in the dark and rain with a head torch. I thought it was the most dangerous part of my camino. I heavily relied on my walking poles. I thought if I fell down here what would happen? I walked up the stairs after the bridge to a wonderful albergue where the manager directed me to the restaurant above in sign language advising me to eat and then shower.

Wow, yikes! We're certainly going to try to avoid situations like this...that descent I mean! Dinner and a shower sounds great.

 

[Devereaux]

Most trail runners do well on all surfaces.
I used New Balance Gobis, which were great.
Remember to size up one notch.
Your feet will thank you down the trail!
This was in Leon, where I switched shoes (from my care package mailed from Madrid )
Walking poles...YES!!
Buen Camino

 

[teambergie]

Most trail runners do well on all surfaces.
I used New Balance Gobis, which were great.
Remember to size up one notch.
Your feet will thank you down the trail!
This was in Leon, where I switched shoes (from my care package mailed from Madrid )
Walking poles...YES!!
Buen Camino

Thanks! We both returned our Brooks Glycerin 21's for trail runners; I went for the Brooks Caldera 7 and my wife the Asics Trabuco 3 Max. Super light, max cushion, and comfortable. Is that a new pair of Gobis to replace an older pair, or did you switch shoe type? Poles...yes, definitely! Don't want to carry our beloved Black Diamond poles from the States and while we're in Spain before (1 month) we start the Camino Frances in Leon. Decathalon in Leon emailed me stating they have a very good supply/selection of "bastiones" Buen Camino!

 

[Devereaux]

Thanks! We both returned our Brooks Glycerin 21's for trail runners; I went for the Brooks Caldera 7 and my wife the Asics Trabuco 3 Max. Super light, max cushion, and comfortable. Is that a new pair of Gobis to replace an older pair, or did you switch shoe type? Poles...yes, definitely! Don't want to carry our beloved Black Diamond poles from the States and while we're in Spain before (1 month) we start the Camino Frances in Leon. Decathalon in Leon emailed me stating they have a very good supply/selection of "bastiones" Buen Camino!

That was a broken-in, but new pair of the same Gobis. Didn't want to switch shoe type in the middle; just switch due to wear & tear, as you can see!
P.S. I took my beloved Para poles in a small suitcase, which I sent through baggage with other non-carryon items. Sent that to Ivar from Madrid and picked up when I finished.

 

[trecile]

P.S. I took my beloved Para poles in a small suitcase,

Did auto-correct play tricks on you? Do you mean Pacer Poles?

 

[Judeperegrino]

Hello. Having done the Portugese Central from Porto a few years ago, we will be doing the Frances from Leon this April. Searching the forums for footwear suggestions, we (wife and I) decided on, and have been training in Brooks Glycerin 21's. They are super comfy and light. However, we're concerned about the tread pattern, as they are great for pavement, well worn/compacted dirt/gravel roads, and cobblestone, what about trail conditions where a more aggressive tread pattern (Vibram?) might be better? I guess my question is: from Leon, having done this section in the past, can any pilgrim venture a guess as to what percentage of this section is pavement/gravel/dirt road? Any real steep sections where a trail runner might be more appropriate? We thought about bringing a second pair of shoes just for this situation, but that idea got scrapped real quick because of weight/cost! We can exchange our Brooks for trail runners. We will be using trekking poles. Also, we are spending three months in Spain, so really just want to bring one pair of shoes that will work while we explore the country. The Brooks seem like the perfect solution, except for parts of the trail where their tread might not be suitable. If the trail doesn't have real challenging sections in great abundance where trail runners would be better, and would also be a good shoe for our three months in Spain, then we'll stick with the Brooks Glycerin. I remember on the Portugese there was really only one short section of steep up/down real "trail" conditions where I was glad I was wearing Solomon Cross Trail boots. Thanks for any knowledge you can provide. Buen Camino 2024!

I find the Brooks Glycerin 21st super comfy and my podiatrist wants me to stick to these for this reason.

 

[teambergie]

I find the Brooks Glycerin 21st super comfy and my podiatrist wants me to stick to these for this reason.

True; we found them super comfy also, like walking on pillows. But, we were concerned that the tread was intended more for streets and such, so went with the trail runners, which also have max cushioning.

 

[jayatunes]

C clearly is 100% correct. No shoe is perfect, no backpack, no nothing. Don't stress. I have work Brooks for all my caminos. I wear Brooks Cascadias. They are not perfect on every surface but they are light, super comfortable, of course like all trail runners, no break in. Dry fast and I haven't had a blister in years. Just ordered my new pair of Cascadias for this year's camino. I also walk about 1000K for each camino and they hold up great. am wearing my old Cascadias now when I walk in the morning and will continue to do so until I leave in October for my next camino. If you love Brooks, maybe the Cascadias may be your answer.

@lt56ny - I have just started wearing a pair of Brooks Cascadia 17s - I really like them and want to wear them for my Camino (Frances) in September. I just wasn’t sure if I should get a second pair, wear both in and send one to myself half way? I read another post where someone swapped into new shoes half way through due to wear and tear.

Do you think one pair will be sufficient to get through the whole camino?

 

[lt56ny]

@It56ny - I have just started wearing a pair of Brooks Cascadia 17s - I really like them and want to wear them for my Camino (Frances) in September. I just wasn’t sure if I should get a second pair, wear both in and send one to myself half way? I read another post where someone swapped into new shoes half way through due to wear and tear.

Do you think one pair will be sufficient to get through the whole camino?

I have walked 8 caminos and over 8000k. I have never had to worry at all about my Cascadias holding up. In fact in 2015 I walked from Le Puy to Santiago. It is about 1400k. The only thing that really wore down were the insoles. I am walking my morning walks with the Cascadias I wore last year. I have no idea how many k I have on these. Based on my own personal experience you do not need a second pair on the CF. I do not know how much wear and tear you have on the pair you have now so I can't judge that. If you want to be safe buy a pair and wear them a few times just before you go to make sure there are no structural issues with your Cascadias. Trail Runners need no breaking in at all. I live in Mexico and can't get my size so I order a pair in the States and send them to my daughter. When I go visit her before I leave for Spain I will throw out the pair I have now and wear the new pair for my upcoming 900+k camino this October.

 

[jayatunes]

I have walked 8 caminos and over 8000k. I have never had to worry at all about my Cascadias holding up. In fact in 2015 I walked from Le Puy to Santiago. It is about 1400k. The only thing that really wore down were the insoles. I am walking my morning walks with the Cascadias I wore last year. I have no idea how many k I have on these. Based on my own personal experience you do not need a second pair on the CF. I do not know how much wear and tear you have on the pair you have now so I can't judge that. If you want to be safe buy a pair and wear them a few times just before you go to make sure there are no structural issues with your Cascadias. Trail Runners need no breaking in at all. I live in Mexico and can't get my size so I order a pair in the States and send them to my daughter. When I go visit her before I leave for Spain I will throw out the pair I have now and wear the new pair for my upcoming 900+k camino this October.

Fantastic - great to know, thank you very much! And have a great Camino in October!