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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.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.
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.
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. ChuckGreetings!
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!
If they are the exact same model and size you don't need to try them for more than a couple of test walks.. I’ll probably get a new pair, try them out for a week or two and save them for the Camino.
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!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.
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.@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."
450 miles is just over 720km.450 miles, or just slightly over 400 km.
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…450 miles is just over 720km.
You can buy new liners and maybe even take an extra with you.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.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!
A useful idea: https://www.locklaces.com/blogs/resources/how-to-tie-a-heel-lockJust 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
I realized that my right leg is shorter than my left.
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 have a slightly different take on this than everybody else. Which is: it depends..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
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!
Yes, because I meant my right foot not my right legI think that it's highly unlikely that @HBS60 has the same problem.
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 preventiveI 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.
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.I noticed the inner liner is torn at the heel/Achilles area.
Thanks!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.
Ha! You strike me as a prime candidate for repeat offender status!I doubt I’ll do more than one Camino, but who knows!
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!
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…Duct tape has become a modern marvel with numerous uses, including clothing.
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Possibly the creative sewers/tapers among us could fashion an Altus type poncho/raincoat. I wonderhow many rolls it would take.
I personally have used it in a pinch on a hot spot on my big toe.
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.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.
Actually its more common than you think ....more than 50% of people have a slight discrepancy in leg length.I think that it's highly unlikely that @HBS60 has the same problem.
I am replying to you, OP, without reading any other reply.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!
Sounds perfect!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.
No.put duct tape in them
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.)Got my replacement Hokas Challengers today!
I wonder if I should put duct tape in them to prevent the liner fabric from tearing up…
Here's the Engo site. They can also be purchased on Amazon.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.
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