Shoes (again)

[Yukimom]

I will be doing the Camino Frances in May/June 2025. I’m trying to decide between Hoka Challengers and Merrill Accentors. The Challengers don’t seem to have a very robust sole as the middle part is just soft foam. The Accentors don’t have a lot of cushioning. Durability and traction issues? I also have Merrill Moab’s but they are so heavy.

 

[C clearly]

Welcome to the forum. Click on the tag that I've added under the thread title, to browse through some recent threads about shoe choice.

The short answer is that no shoe will be perfect for all conditions, or for all people. The best you can do is find the most comfortable shoe for daily long walks on any surface. Get the most comfortable of your current candidates and wear them for a few months. Count the km and see how they last. If they are good, get a new pair before your Camino. If they are not good, you'll have to try another pair!

 

[ScouseKeith]

I will be doing the Camino Frances in May/June 2025. I’m trying to decide between Hoka Challengers and Merrill Accentors. The Challengers don’t seem to have a very robust sole as the middle part is just soft foam. The Accentors don’t have a lot of cushioning. Durability and traction issues? I also have Merrill Moab’s but they are so heavy.

I don’t know if you have narrow feet as I do but I find merril trekkers so much better. Yes the cushioning is not the best so I just inserted a cushion shaped insert and they were excellent. I didn’t have a single blister last year and I’m using them again next June for the vdlp, they have a good solid base for walking.

 

[RJM]

Only you can answer your own question, and you will only know the answer by walking several minimum 10-kilometer walks in whatever footwear choice(s) you are contemplating on.

 

[williamlittig]

I will be doing the Camino Frances in May/June 2025. I’m trying to decide between Hoka Challengers and Merrill Accentors. The Challengers don’t seem to have a very robust sole as the middle part is just soft foam. The Accentors don’t have a lot of cushioning. Durability and traction issues? I also have Merrill Moab’s but they are so heavy.

Why limit your choices? Width, softness, comfort, too hot, too cold? I’ve worn Merrill’s and Hokas with mixed success , New Balance are currently working for half the price(on sale) I try them all, test at home inside and return what doesn’t work. Feet are important. It isn’t always the brand, we are all different.

 

[Bogong]

I will be doing the Camino Frances in May/June 2025. I’m trying to decide between Hoka Challengers and Merrill Accentors. The Challengers don’t seem to have a very robust sole as the middle part is just soft foam. The Accentors don’t have a lot of cushioning. Durability and traction issues? I also have Merrill Moab’s but they are so heavy.

As s runner/walker/bushwalker/ hiker for nigh on 60 years I’m far less than impressed by either of the brands you mention.

De colores. Bogong

 

[asl]

You might give Topo Athletic trail shoes a try. They have gotten many high reviews from hiking community and pilgrims alike. I have high arches and like a wide toebox and these were the best for me. Plus, they easily lasted 600 and 500+ miles respectively on 2 caminos.

 

[SongKhonGair]

I wore Hoka Challenger ATRs (non waterproof) for my Camino this year. We walked 929km all up, starting further back in France, and my Hokas easily went the distance. I have already bought another pair for our next Camino.

I bought one full size larger than I usually wear, and replaced the insoles with 'Superfeet' ones before we left home.

They say Hokas are only good for around 450km. I'm a hefty guy, 100kg (220lb), and I didn't feel the need to discard my Challengers before Santiago. They are still in one piece, no holes or tears, soles worn in places. I kept them for 'around town' shoes, as discarding them after they took me so far would feel a little heartless. :-D

 

[asl]

I forgot to note - if you order from the Topo Athletic website you have the opportunity to actually Try Out the shoes for 30 days to make sure they work for you.

 

[Rita Flower]

I will be doing the Camino Frances in May/June 2025. I’m trying to decide between Hoka Challengers and Merrill Accentors. The Challengers don’t seem to have a very robust sole as the middle part is just soft foam. The Accentors don’t have a lot of cushioning. Durability and traction issues? I also have Merrill Moab’s but they are so heavy.

Comfort is more important than weight - I have worn Merrill Moab Mids wide fit for a number of Caminos because they suit my feet and feel more and more comfortable as I walk day after day. I do exchange the inner sole for something more cushiony though. I prefer something that holds my older feet more together, so the Merrills Moabs are perfect. Maybe try the Accentors with a better insole.