Should I replace my Hokas now?

[HBS60]

Greetings!
In preparation for my first Camino ever this coming August, I bought a pair of Hokas back in January. I’ve been using them for short walks so as break them in. I would take them off as soon as I got home. Lately my walks have been longer, and yesterday I noticed the inner liner is torn at the heel/Achilles area. It hasn’t bothered me, and the rest of the shoe seems fine (pics attached). REI won’t let me exchange them because even though it’s been less than one year, they consider this normal wear and tear. Fair enough. So, since they seem fine otherwise, and they feel great, should I continue with them until they fall apart later on, or should I buy a new pair now since I still have a few weeks to break them in? I know I can always go to Decathlon in any of the big cities, but I don’t know how long these shoes can realistically last.
Thanks!

 

[Grousedoctor]

First, the good news. Hokas or any other running shoe does not need to be broken in. Even if you were to buy a pair right before your Camino, they’re fine to start walking in. Now, the bad news (imho). Looking at your photos and the heal wear, I’d replace them. As you have 500 miles in front of you, get a new pair of Hokas so they make it all the way to Santiago.

 

[Jarrad]

I hate to say it because I'm a "use it up, wear it out" kind of guy, but these are your feet ... on the Camino. I'd personally spend the $ and grab another pair. I'm pretty sure you will need to replace them at some point on the Camino anyway. If you're feeling bold, maybe see how they look as you close in on Burgos and make a call then? Heck, if they get ugly fast, Pamplona is only a few days into your adventure.

I use the Hoka Bondi's for a combination of running and walking. The lifespan definitely varies based on how I use them and I'm curious to know how they would hold up for a full Camino Frances.

 

[Kitsambler]

I replaced mine too -- and got Superfeet insoles as well.

 

[jungleboy]

I hate to say it because I'm a "use it up, wear it out" kind of guy, but these are your feet ... on the Camino.

He can do both, though. Buy the new Hokas for the camino, keep the old ones and after the camino, if either pair still has life in them, he can continue to wear them for shorter walks at home until they wear out.

 

[Anhalter]

Chiming in on the "replace them" crowd. I usually start wearing my camino trail runners a week or two before i set off to Camino, walk in them, if they have some life left afterwards they get to be my new dog walking shoes.

 

[woody66]

Yeah new pair to start now on my 10th pair of Hoka Stinsons!
I always start a Camino with a new pair and Superfeet Green insoles (i supinate).
Put them on and start walking never had a problem; so comfy for me but maybe not you.
Ditto Anhalter wear them around town, dog walking or indoor shoes (have laminate floors so quite cold)
they last about 750 - 800 miles before no lugs left on pavement.

 

[trecile]

First, the good news. Hokas or any other running shoe does not need to be broken in.

He can do both, though. Buy the new Hokas for the camino, keep the old ones and after the camino, if either pair still has life in them, he can continue to wear them for shorter walks at home until they wear out.

@Grousedoctor and @jungleboy are right. Buy a new pair for the Camino but continue training in the shoes that you have. Wear the new pair for a couple of long walks to make sure that there aren't any manufacturing defects, then put them away for the Camino. They do not need to be "broken in."

 

[bullingtonce]

Greetings!
In preparation for my first Camino ever this coming August, I bought a pair of Hokas back in January. I’ve been using them for short walks so as break them in. I would take them off as soon as I got home. Lately my walks have been longer, and yesterday I noticed the inner liner is torn at the heel/Achilles area. It hasn’t bothered me, and the rest of the shoe seems fine (pics attached). REI won’t let me exchange them because even though it’s been less than one year, they consider this normal wear and tear. Fair enough. So, since they seem fine otherwise, and they feel great, should I continue with them until they fall apart later on, or should I buy a new pair now since I still have a few weeks to break them in? I know I can always go to Decathlon in any of the big cities, but I don’t know how long these shoes can realistically last.
Thanks!

You need the comfort of your Hokas. Immediately buy another pair. Your feet deserve this. Also, are these trekking Hokas? There is a new trekking model out. Chuck

 

[BRSmith13]

BTW - which Hokas? The speedgoat’s sole don’t do well on concrete or asphalt - so I went with the Challengers (plus an insole liner from REI). Not a single blister! Plus wore cool max thin sock liner and thin merino wool socks over. (Can’t have wool on my feet)

 

[HBS60]

Thanks to all!
My current pair are Challengers, very comfortable so I’m hesitant to try a different model. I’ll probably get a new pair, try them out for a week or two and save them for the Camino. My current ones seem fine to use after my return. I also have a pair of hiking Keene Sandals which I’ve used lightly and will take along to use in the evening and in case of twisted ankles, swelling, etc.

 

[trecile]

. I’ll probably get a new pair, try them out for a week or two and save them for the Camino.

If they are the exact same model and size you don't need to try them for more than a couple of test walks.

 

[WalkingLester]

You have tread wear. Buy a new pair for the Camino. They will last about 500 miles or one long camino. However, I have found the Hoka midsole wears out much sooner as it loses support. Best to start with a new pair. Shoes are the most important part of your gear. Don’t count on finding a replacement in Spain, especially if you wear a size 12 or greater. (Don’t ask me how I know.)
You could take your old pair and a new pair and send one ahead to a Correos and pick it up when you arrive in that the second town. But then you have to be in the second town on a date and at a time when Correos is open. Otherwise you have to wait (Don’t ask me how I know)

 

[C clearly]

Yes, get new ones. Save these ones for walking at home when you get back.

From your description, it is hard to know how many miles/km you might have put on them. If it is as few as you imply (say, less than 100 km), I am surprised by the wear and tear. However, if they really are good for your feet on long walks, I suggest getting another pair the same.

As mentioned above, modern sports shoes should not require "breaking in." They should be perfectly comfortable from the start. The first time you use a model, you need to get some mileage on them in order to be confident that they work for your feet. However, when you buy a new pair that you know works well, you only need to do one or two long walks to make sure there isn't some manufacturing flaw or change that irritates your foot.

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

Just to add to the chorus of buying a new pair now. On the second day of our Camino last Oct 6, my Columbia hiking boots gave up in the middle of the hike about two hours before Roncesvalles. At that time I've had those boots for the past year and taken it on many hikes back home with no complaints. But apparently, it was already too weak to handle several hours of straight hiking on pavement, gravel roads, and trail. The sole was already worn thin but I didn't notice it until it was too late. I began feeling needles and pins at the bottom of my feet with still about two hours to go before Roncesvalles. I had to switch to a shuffling, old man gait to reduce the pain but which made me go even slower. By the time we got to Iglesia San Salvador de Ibañeta, the pain was too much for me to go on. Fortunately, my wife and I are almost the same shoe size so she had me use her Reeboks while she switched to her sandals (which she carried in her backpack) the rest of the way to Roncesvalles. Also, fortunately, I had an extra pair of Asics Kayano Gel which I had brought as a backup (for walking around town after the day's hike), but that day it was in our luggage which had been transferred to our next accommodation. I managed to get a new pair on the Camino but I ended up using the Asics for hiking daily until we got to Santiago de Compostela 32 days later. It turned out that the Asics were well suited for the Camino. I would recommend them.

 

[HBS60]

Yes, get new ones. Save these ones for walking at home when you get back.

From your description, it is hard to know how many miles/km you might have put on them. If it is as few as you imply (say, less than 100 km), I am surprised by the wear and tear. However, if they really are good for your feet on long walks, I suggest getting another pair the same.

As mentioned above, modern sports shoes should not require "breaking in." They should be perfectly comfortable from the start. The first time you use a model, you need to get some mileage on them in order to be confident that they work for your feet. However, when you buy a new pair that you know works well, you only need to do one or two long walks to make sure there isn't some manufacturing flaw or change that irritates your foot.

According to my Apple Health app, over the last 6 months I walked an average of 2.5 miles a day, which multiplied by 180 days (6 months) comes to 450 miles, or just slightly over 400 km. Not all of this walking was in my Hokas, it’s total walking, so this would be a worst case scenario. For the first several months I just walked 1-3 miles/day, more recently I bumped it up to 3-6 miles/day. Given that I was being careful to take them off after a short walk and not use them just for my daily routine, I’m disappointed as I thought they would be more durable. The sole, the tread looks fine, but I went ahead and ordered a new pair, which should be delivered to the store by next week. I hope the new ones will last me to Santiago and not having to buy yet another pair in Leon or whereabouts!
How on earth did the Pilgrims of yesteryear manage with flimsy sandals?

 

[lt56ny]

@Grousedoctor and @jungleboy are right. Buy a new pair for the Camino but continue training in the shoes that you have. Wear the new pair for a couple of long walks to make sure that there aren't any manufacturing defects, then put them away for the Camino. They do not need to be "broken in."

This is the perfect advice. I have even worn new Brooks Cascadias (my fav!) only once or twice for just a few k and then started on my camino and never had a problem.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

450 miles, or just slightly over 400 km.

450 miles is just over 720km.

 

[HBS60]

450 miles is just over 720km.

Argh, you’re correct! I accidentally entered the number 250 instead of 450 when going my calculation! I’m still trying to learn how think in metric…

 

[jfgough]

Greetings!
In preparation for my first Camino ever this coming August, I bought a pair of Hokas back in January. I’ve been using them for short walks so as break them in. I would take them off as soon as I got home. Lately my walks have been longer, and yesterday I noticed the inner liner is torn at the heel/Achilles area. It hasn’t bothered me, and the rest of the shoe seems fine (pics attached). REI won’t let me exchange them because even though it’s been less than one year, they consider this normal wear and tear. Fair enough. So, since they seem fine otherwise, and they feel great, should I continue with them until they fall apart later on, or should I buy a new pair now since I still have a few weeks to break them in? I know I can always go to Decathlon in any of the big cities, but I don’t know how long these shoes can realistically last.
Thanks!

You can buy new liners and maybe even take an extra with you.
I started the CF last fall and had similar wear in my liners by the time I got to Burgos. I replaced them at a local sporting goods shop and finished my Camino with no further problems.
Good luck and Buen Camino

 

[M2ME]

I have worn Hokas and La Sportivas. In my experience they’re good for 1000 kms. If yours are showing signs of wear replace them before you start your Camino. As others have said trail runners don’t need to be broken in they’re ready to go out of the box.

 

[JanosB]

Greetings!
In preparation for my first Camino ever this coming August, I bought a pair of Hokas back in January. I’ve been using them for short walks so as break them in. I would take them off as soon as I got home. Lately my walks have been longer, and yesterday I noticed the inner liner is torn at the heel/Achilles area. It hasn’t bothered me, and the rest of the shoe seems fine (pics attached). REI won’t let me exchange them because even though it’s been less than one year, they consider this normal wear and tear. Fair enough. So, since they seem fine otherwise, and they feel great, should I continue with them until they fall apart later on, or should I buy a new pair now since I still have a few weeks to break them in? I know I can always go to Decathlon in any of the big cities, but I don’t know how long these shoes can realistically last.
Thanks!

Just a hint.
I experienced the same thing with the insole and my painful blisters taught me something. My right insole was always worn out and my right heel was always blistered. I realized that my right leg is shorter than my left.
So I had to learn how to choose the correct shoe size and constantly make sure the laces were properly tightened while hiking.
Please consider when you buy the new Hokas

 

[JanosB]

Just a hint.
I experienced the same thing with the insole and my painful blisters taught me something. My right insole was always worn out and my right heel was always blistered. I realized that my right leg is shorter than my left.
So I had to learn how to choose the correct shoe size and constantly make sure the laces were properly tightened while hiking.
Please consider when you buy the new Hokas

A useful idea: https://www.locklaces.com/blogs/resources/how-to-tie-a-heel-lock

 

[trecile]

I realized that my right leg is shorter than my left.

I think that it's highly unlikely that @HBS60 has the same problem.

 

[Bogong]

Greetings!
In preparation for my first Camino ever this coming August, I bought a pair of Hokas back in January. I’ve been using them for short walks so as break them in. I would take them off as soon as I got home. Lately my walks have been longer, and yesterday I noticed the inner liner is torn at the heel/Achilles area. It hasn’t bothered me, and the rest of the shoe seems fine (pics attached). REI won’t let me exchange them because even though it’s been less than one year, they consider this normal wear and tear. Fair enough. So, since they seem fine otherwise, and they feel great, should I continue with them until they fall apart later on, or should I buy a new pair now since I still have a few weeks to break them in? I know I can always go to Decathlon in any of the big cities, but I don’t know how long these shoes can realistically last.
Thanks!

They should have done better than this. I’m not impressed at al. Replace them but with something else. I’ve been a runner/ walker( more recently, too many faceplants) for over 57 years. Running shoes etc are very much of a muchness except I found New Balance were poor durability - wise and at the top of the scale Asics were much better than anything else I have ever used. My son, who was in the military with a tough training schedule found Nikes were below par. Everyone seems to have their favourite brands, but really i’d shie off Hokas next time.

De colores

Bogong

 

[Stephan the Painter]

.So, since they seem fine otherwise, and they feel great, should I continue with them until they fall apart later on, or should I buy a new pair now since I still have a few weeks to break them in? I

I have a slightly different take on this than everybody else. Which is: it depends.

The interior heels on my HOKA's, and many other people seem to wear out first, prematurely.

HOKA itself says they're running shoes should get between 200 to 700 miles depending on the individual. And that interior wear or fraying does not necessarily mean you can't use them

The latest HOKA's I have has about 700 miles of Camino on them, but still feel pretty comfortable.

This is the page where HOKA discusses when to change your shoes.

https://www.hoka.com/en/us/blog-post/?id=often-replace-running-shoes

 

[Robo]

Greetings!
In preparation for my first Camino ever this coming August, I bought a pair of Hokas back in January. I’ve been using them for short walks so as break them in. I would take them off as soon as I got home. Lately my walks have been longer, and yesterday I noticed the inner liner is torn at the heel/Achilles area. It hasn’t bothered me, and the rest of the shoe seems fine (pics attached). REI won’t let me exchange them because even though it’s been less than one year, they consider this normal wear and tear. Fair enough. So, since they seem fine otherwise, and they feel great, should I continue with them until they fall apart later on, or should I buy a new pair now since I still have a few weeks to break them in? I know I can always go to Decathlon in any of the big cities, but I don’t know how long these shoes can realistically last.
Thanks!

I use Hokka ATR 6. I had the exact same thing happen 600 kms into my last Camino.
I made it another 600 kms by taping the inside of the lining with duct tape!
Replacing or adding to the tape every couple of days.

Not a happy teddy bear.

But. The shoes were very comfortable, so I just had to accept they are 'flimsy' and don't last long.

The pair I used on Camno were almost new at the start.

I have since bought 3 more pairs to keep in stock for future Caminos.
(reason being the manufacturers keep changing the materials, sizing etc)
THese won't be used at all, other than a few kms to try them out for fit when the time comes.

If I walk another longish Camino (500 kms+) I'll have to have a Plan B.
Maybe mail an extra pair ahead or something.

 

[JanosB]

I think that it's highly unlikely that @HBS60 has the same problem.

Yes, because I meant my right foot not my right leg .
I'm not a native English speaker and when I fixed my text with Google translator it somehow changed from foot to leg and I did not notice .
Anyway size and laces are important.

 

[HBS60]

I use Hokka ATR 6. I had the exact same thing happen 600 kms into my last Camino.
I made it another 600 kms by taping the inside of the lining with duct tape!
Replacing or adding to the tape every couple of days.

Not a happy teddy bear.

But. The shoes were very comfortable, so I just had to accept they are 'flimsy' and don't last long.

The pair I used on Camno were almost new at the start.

I have since bought 3 more pairs to keep in stock for future Caminos.
(reason being the manufacturers keep changing the materials, sizing etc)
THese won't be used at all, other than a few kms to try them out for fit when the time comes.

If I walk another longish Camino (500 kms+) I'll have to have a Plan B.
Maybe mail an extra pair ahead or something.

I was just thinking about duct tape! Not ideal, but it’s a thought. Maybe I could use it in my new pair as a preventive
While I don’t actually know, I doubt I’ll do more than one Camino, but who knows!

 

[peregrina2000]

I noticed the inner liner is torn at the heel/Achilles area.

A forum member once told me that this was probably caused by improper lacing. If you have not walked many miles in these shoes, it is likely that your heel slides back and forth and side to side too much. If it doesn’t bother you, it’s of course no big deal, but I found that when I followed the tying technique she suggested (which can be found easily on youtube), the next pair didn’t have that problem, and there was less slippage in the shoe.

 

[HBS60]

A forum member once told me that this was probably caused by improper lacing. If you have not walked many miles in these shoes, it is likely that your heel slides back and forth and side to side too much. If it doesn’t bother you, it’s of course no big deal, but I found that when I followed the tying technique she suggested (which can be found easily on youtube), the next pair didn’t have that problem, and there was less slippage in the shoe.

Thanks!
Will do!

 

[C clearly]

I doubt I’ll do more than one Camino, but who knows!

Ha! You strike me as a prime candidate for repeat offender status!

 

[Robo]

I was just thinking about duct tape! Not ideal, but it’s a thought. Maybe I could use it in my new pair as a preventive
While I don’t actually know, I doubt I’ll do more than one Camino, but who knows!

I tried medical tape at first.
But the friction with my sock would cause the tape to bunch up.
Duct tape being 'shiny' worked very well.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Duct tape has become a modern marvel with numerous uses, including clothing.

Possibly the creative sewers/tapers among us could fashion an Altus type poncho/raincoat. I wonder how many rolls it would take.

I personally have used it in a pinch on a hot spot on my big toe.

 

[HBS60]

Duct tape has become a modern marvel with numerous uses, including clothing.
View attachment 174509
Possibly the creative sewers/tapers among us could fashion an Altus type poncho/raincoat. I wonder how many rolls it would take.

I personally have used it in a pinch on a hot spot on my big toe.

Around here, the rule of thumb is: “if it moves but it shouldn’t, use duct tape. If it doesn’t move but it should, use WD-40” (lubricating oil spray for those not familiar with the brand). That pretty much covers most home repairs, according to the local lore…

 

[Joannecds]

I hate to say it because I'm a "use it up, wear it out" kind of guy, but these are your feet ... on the Camino. I'd personally spend the $ and grab another pair. I'm pretty sure you will need to replace them at some point on the Camino anyway. If you're feeling bold, maybe see how they look as you close in on Burgos and make a call then? Heck, if they get ugly fast, Pamplona is only a few days into your adventure.

I use the Hoka Bondi's for a combination of running and walking. The lifespan definitely varies based on how I use them and I'm curious to know how they would hold up for a full Camino Frances.

I wore the Hoka bondi in 2023 for the full CF. I loved them although I did get blisters. They made it the whole trip and then some.

 

[yogaflowjo]

I think that it's highly unlikely that @HBS60 has the same problem.

Actually its more common than you think ....more than 50% of people have a slight discrepancy in leg length.

 

[Kirkie]

Greetings!
In preparation for my first Camino ever this coming August, I bought a pair of Hokas back in January. I’ve been using them for short walks so as break them in. I would take them off as soon as I got home. Lately my walks have been longer, and yesterday I noticed the inner liner is torn at the heel/Achilles area. It hasn’t bothered me, and the rest of the shoe seems fine (pics attached). REI won’t let me exchange them because even though it’s been less than one year, they consider this normal wear and tear. Fair enough. So, since they seem fine otherwise, and they feel great, should I continue with them until they fall apart later on, or should I buy a new pair now since I still have a few weeks to break them in? I know I can always go to Decathlon in any of the big cities, but I don’t know how long these shoes can realistically last.
Thanks!

I am replying to you, OP, without reading any other reply.
I got advice from an experienced assistant working in the best outdoor shop in Dublin, Ireland. He told me that the likes of Hoka wear out rather quickly. I prefer one pair of much longer lasting shoes or boots to five pairs of the likes of Hoka.
I found holes in the inner part of the backs of my first walking shoes after about 450km walking in them. I wrote to the makers, using the wonderful free internet service in Castilla y Leon! and at the end of the camino, proceeded to deal with them, and I received a brand new pair in recognition of the fault/experience, given that the holes had caused me blisters.
You need comfort while walking, but you also need assurance of after sales service - walking shoes can be a hefty investment.

 

[BRSmith13]

Thanks to all!
My current pair are Challengers, very comfortable so I’m hesitant to try a different model. I’ll probably get a new pair, try them out for a week or two and save them for the Camino. My current ones seem fine to use after my return. I also have a pair of hiking Keene Sandals which I’ve used lightly and will take along to use in the evening and in case of twisted ankles, swelling, etc.

Sounds perfect!

 

[HBS60]

Got my replacement Hokas Challengers today!
I wonder if I should put duct tape in them to prevent the liner fabric from tearing up…

 

[Sirage]

put duct tape in them

No.

 

[David Tallan]

Got my replacement Hokas Challengers today!
I wonder if I should put duct tape in them to prevent the liner fabric from tearing up…

You could put an Engo blister patch there. It would help protect that part of your shoe from damage, at the same time as protecting that part of your heel from developing a blister. (Edited to add: Come to think of it, you could cover up the torn part of your older shoes with an Engo blister patch, too, with a similar rationale.)

 

[trecile]

You could put an Engo blister patch there. It would help protect that part of your shoe from damage, at the same time as protecting that part of your heel from developing a blister.

Here's the Engo site. They can also be purchased on Amazon.

ENGO Blister Patches | Foot Protection for Runners & More | Home

Learn how to prevent blisters with innovative ENGO Blister Patches. Get tips, videos, and resources for runners, athletes, hikers, and women who wear heels.

goengo.com

 

[Grog]

I have twice walked the full CF wearing Hoka Bondi’s and have had a combined total of one blister. Combined with the comfort this makes me a big fan. However, I have found they start to break down on the inside after 600km. Duct tape has been my lifesaver for repairing them in a long walk. I suggest wrapping a little around your poles (if taking) or carrying a small amount. It solved my problem twice.