Sole Survivor

[Jeff Zimmerman]

I'll be walking the 500 mile Camino Frances in April/May. Flights are booked, accommodations booked, packing list stabilized, training well under way. I have one issue though that I need advice on. I'm extremely hard on boots. In my training walks, mostly on paved trails and sidewalks, I'm lucky to get 100 to 200 miles of wear on them before the sole is worn through to the cushioning layers. The wear is on the outside, rear corner of both heals. I've tried several different brands of boot and trail shoes, some with Vibram rubber soles, some with other material. I don't think I'll get anywhere near 500 miles out of any of them. So the question for the experienced pilgrims out there is, do you make it to Santiago with one pair of boots and if so, how? Did you buy replacements along the way?( I'm not keen on the idea of breaking in a new pair along the way.) I need to sort this out before I start my walk.

 

[Devon Mike]

I'll be walking the 500 mile Camino Frances in April/May. Flights are booked, accommodations booked, packing list stabilized, training well under way. I have one issue though that I need advice on. I'm extremely hard on boots. In my training walks, mostly on paved trails and sidewalks, I'm lucky to get 100 to 200 miles of wear on them before the sole is worn through to the cushioning layers. The wear is on the outside, rear corner of both heals. I've tried several different brands of boot and trail shoes, some with Vibram rubber soles, some with other material. I don't think I'll get anywhere near 500 miles out of any of them. So the question for the experienced pilgrims out there is, do you make it to Santiago with one pair of boots and if so, how? Did you buy replacements along the way?( I'm not keen on the idea of breaking in a new pair along the way.) I need to sort this out before I start my walk.

Hi Jeff,

Which brands of boots have you tried? I have never come across boots that wear out that quickly. I used Merrel Moab GTX mid height boots on the Camino back in May and June. I did over 1,000kms and the soles were only about 50% worn down.

Mike

 

[koilife]

I suspect this is a different issue than the eternal boots v shoes debate that you'll find shot throughout these forums. Unless the boot is specifically changing your walking mechanics (possible if it's interfering with your ankle mobility), you're likely to have similar wear on sneakers, dress shoes, etc.

If your issue of wear is common across the board, I would suggest that you talk to a physical therapist / physiotherapist or a podiatrist. Your specific wear points might be from walking with too wide an angle between your feet, or you might lightly drag your heels prior to making a full footstrike, or something else. It may simply be a matter of consciously changing your walking mechanics and strengthening weak muscles that result in distorted gait, or you may need specific types of footwear or corrective inserts to address pronation, supination, or whatever your specific issue is.

I wear a neutral shoe and wear evenly on the shoe, but since one leg is slightly shorter than the other, I get greater wear on one shoe than on the other. My son has extreme pronation, so we get a specific walking shoe for him that compensates specifically for that. It was the first shoe he ever wore that wore (mostly) evenly.

As to the question of purchasing along the way, there are plenty of smaller shops along the way, thought you'll probably have an easier and less expensive time getting replacement shoes than boots. I'm not sure how your feet are, but I personally find I have much greater tolerance for differences in shoes; if I don't have a perfectly fitting boot, then I struggle with blisters.

 

[SYates]

I agree with @koilife definitely let your feet/gait check by a professional. I normally get 1,000km/750mi out of the cheapest walking shoes/boots, my Lowa Renegades last even longer. Also, what is your weight/foot size ratio? Perhaps you 'just' put a lot of pressure/wear on a few square centimetres. Or it could be that you are not lifting your feet properly but dragging them, adding abrasion to the problem. Buen Camino, SY

 

[MichaelSG]

That's strange. I use Keen Targhee lowrise hiking shoes and each pair has lasted or will likely last two caminos plus training and other walks. I figure I get about 2,000km from them before they go into the "wear around town" shoe pile. 100-200 miles is what I get out of $3 flip flops.

 

[Jeff Zimmerman]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm 6 ft, 180 lbs, size 12(US) shoe, 68 years old. I have no feet or joint issues after a lifetime of walking, hiking and marathon running, so I'm not going to change my mechanics now. My training walking pace is about 16 minutes per mile, so that may be contributing to the excessive wear, I won't be walking that fast on the Camino. I've tried Merrell, Oboz, Asolo and Lowa boots/shoes. I've even tried a few ducktape strips on the heel, but they only last a few miles before they tear/wear off. My next solution is to try a product called Sho-goo, sold at REI. Don't particularly want to pack it though.
Jeff

 

[Devon Mike]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm 6 ft, 180 lbs, size 12(US) shoe, 68 years old. I have no feet or joint issues after a lifetime of walking, hiking and marathon running, so I'm not going to change my mechanics now. My training walking pace is about 16 minutes per mile, so that may be contributing to the excessive wear, I won't be walking that fast on the Camino. I've tried Merrell, Oboz, Asolo and Lowa boots/shoes. I've even tried a few ducktape strips on the heel, but they only last a few miles before they tear/wear off. My next solution is to try a product called Sho-goo, sold at REI. Don't particularly want to pack it though.
Jeff

That's interesting Jeff.

I am 6ft 1inch, 205 lbs, boots size 11 (UK) and also 68 years old!! My walking pace varies from 2.5 to 4 miles per hour depending on the terrain.

Seems we are similar in many ways but I have never had the wear issues you have experienced.

Mike

 

[koilife]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm 6 ft, 180 lbs, size 12(US) shoe, 68 years old. I have no feet or joint issues after a lifetime of walking, hiking and marathon running, so I'm not going to change my mechanics now. My training walking pace is about 16 minutes per mile, so that may be contributing to the excessive wear, I won't be walking that fast on the Camino. I've tried Merrell, Oboz, Asolo and Lowa boots/shoes. I've even tried a few ducktape strips on the heel, but they only last a few miles before they tear/wear off. My next solution is to try a product called Sho-goo, sold at REI. Don't particularly want to pack it though.
Jeff

Given the range of equipment you used and the consistency of the effect, it's not a defect of the shoes/boots. Given the extraordinary impact on your soles, I suspect Shoe Goo will last about as long as a snowball thrown in a bonfire. Thus, you'll either need to buy new boots/shoes as you go, or you need to deal with whatever is the underlying mechanical issue at hand. I would still recommend talking to a professional, but you have to walk your own walk.

 

[shubertj]

I'll be walking the 500 mile Camino Frances in April/May. Flights are booked, accommodations booked, packing list stabilized, training well under way. I have one issue though that I need advice on. I'm extremely hard on boots. In my training walks, mostly on paved trails and sidewalks, I'm lucky to get 100 to 200 miles of wear on them before the sole is worn through to the cushioning layers. The wear is on the outside, rear corner of both heals. I've tried several different brands of boot and trail shoes, some with Vibram rubber soles, some with other material. I don't think I'll get anywhere near 500 miles out of any of them. So the question for the experienced pilgrims out there is, do you make it to Santiago with one pair of boots and if so, how? Did you buy replacements along the way?( I'm not keen on the idea of breaking in a new pair along the way.) I need to sort this out before I start my walk.

Jeff,
That sounds amazing I wore a pair of merrill low profile shoes with vibram soles and got over 1000 miles on them, the soles are still good but I did just buy a new pair for my camino in 2016. I previously ran a lot of marathons and had the same issue with my running shoes ( wear on the outside of my heal) and started wearing arch supports in my shoes. It solved the problem, my guess is you are pronating which is causing the wear. I use the same arch supports now in my hiking shoes with great success. I am about the same age and weight as you and wear a size 13 and walk the same pace, I don't believe that is the issue.

 

[zzotte]

Jeff I agree your issue its not the boot (s) you need to see a specialist you are pronating and you are a heel stricker for sure so find out what it is, could be as simple as weak foot muscles so go have it checked.

Zzotte

 

[AlwynWellington]

If your issue of wear is common across the board, I would suggest that you talk to a physical therapist / physiotherapist or a podiatrist.

My next solution is to try a product called Sho-goo, sold at REI. Don't particularly want to pack it though.

you need to deal with whatever is the underlying mechanical issue at hand. I would still recommend talking to a professional, but you have to walk your own walk.

Jeff I agree your issue its not the boot (s) you need to see a specialist you are pronating and you are a heel stricker for sure so find out what it is, could be as simple as weak foot muscles so go have it checked.

Jeff, hi

I had wear problems on one side. Saw a podiatrist (or whatever you call them). Problem now solved.

I have tried shoo-go but not anymore. As some earlier post said: it lasts as long as a snowball on a bonfire.

Love to hear how you get on.

 

[Robo]

A good podiatrist or physio should be able to identify the issue and fix it with orthotics.

Mine have tiny wedges stuck on them to get just the right support in the right place.

 

[Jeff Zimmerman]

Thanks for all the input. I'll probably see a "foot guy" and see if orthodics will help. One other consideration. Pavement is much more abrasive than dirt. Anyone have a guess as to what percentage of the Camino Frances is on road/sidewalk vs. dirt road/path/trail. Maybe I don't have to get 500 miles out of my boots.
Jeff

 

[dougfitz]

I bought a pair of Merrel mid rise boots earlier this year (Mar) and used them regularly for training walks, and had to replace them in September. They had a proprietary Merrell sole, ie not Vibram. Worst boot life that I have experienced. It is not a surprise to me that some boots can wear quite quickly in active use.

My experience before that was that relatively soft soled boots and shoes would last more that 1000 km, harder soles a little to a lot more. I have walked both my Caminos in Scarpa boots with a hard Vibram sole, and both times there was plenty of wear left in the sole. On St Olav's Way, I wore a slightly less hard Asolo boot, and there was obvious wear after 700km, but still ample wear for another long walk. I plan to wear a pair of Keen boots next year that have more compression in the sole, and a wider toe box, provided it survives the training phase.

Otherwise, I think it is good advice to get your gait checked, and see if there is something that needs to be done there.

 

[Robo]

Thanks for all the input. I'll probably see a "foot guy" and see if orthodics will help. One other consideration. Pavement is much more abrasive than dirt. Anyone have a guess as to what percentage of the Camino Frances is on road/sidewalk vs. dirt road/path/trail. Maybe I don't have to get 500 miles out of my boots.
Jeff

A bit of a guess......30%

Others may have more accurate figures. I hated the road sections.

It Really aggravated my Achilles Tendon problems...

 

[t2andreo]

One issue that I did see mentioned above was the type of surfaces you walk on has a direct effect on tread life. For example road walking is like using a "cheese-grater" on your soles. If the soles have a composition to provide additional cushioning, the compound may be too soft.

I am 5'11" and weigh (too much). On all three Caminos I wore Keen Targhee II mid-high boots. The tread last about 1,000 before the fiber mid soles pop though in the heels. After the first two Caminos (Frances) I had the boots resoled professionally using factory "findings" (parts). This is about 1/3 cheaper than new boots. The advantage is that the uppers are perfectly worn in and suited to my feet.

I use prescription orthotics from my podiatrist as I "pronate." My feet roll and outside edge heel wear is prevalent. The orthotics compensate for that geometric flaw in my feet.

So, no boot last forever. But your wear rate suggest something else at play. My guess is either you have a step that "drags" your heel causing excess wear, you are walking mostly on paved surfaces, or you are buying boots with too soft some composition.

As regards replacing your boots along the way, as others have pointed out, there are many small shoe shops in the larger towns and cities. There is also a Europe-wide sports superstore called Decathlon. They have at least one full aisle devoted to hiking boots, at least in every store I have seen. In fact, some stores have one aisle for women and another for men.

Along the Camino Frances, there are Decathlon stores in the outskirts of: Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Ponferrada, and Santiago, among many other locations across Spain. Check out the web site at www.decathlon.es. Drill down on footwear for trekking or mountaineering. You will see many models in their house brand "Quechua." However, they also carry some "world brands," such as Merrill. Use the search bar at the top of the page to search for brands.

Here is a direct link to the Merrell boot page for men: http://www.decathlon.es/C-310002-merrell

Here is a direct link to mountain boots for men: http://www.decathlon.es/C-1197569-botas-de-montana-hombre

If you are wearing the same brand and model, you need only your style and size to replace the boots with the identical model.

The Decathlon house brand offers excellent value for money. However, you must try them on with socks in the store and ensure they fit comfortably before you walk out in them.

I hope this helps.

 

[Jeff Zimmerman]

t2andreo
Thanks. I see your from Florida, so am I(Central Florida). Maybe training on the hot pavement even accelerates the wear. Based on all the advice I'm getting, I'm definitely going to see about orthotics. I'd still like to get an idea of how many Camino miles are dirt vs pavement.
Jeff

 

[David]

Hi - any cobbler will put on steel or aluminium heel plates for you ... remember we used to have them added to our leather soled shoes?

Then you won't wear them out - but I agree with those above ... doesn't happen to others so a podiatrist visit is in order!

 

[Jo Jo]

I went shoe-shopping to Santiago in the summer of 2014, purchasing a total of 4 pairs. Based on my experience (I have very wide feet), I would not want to plan on finding boots or shoes in Spain. I did not see either the variety or quality that we have in the U.S., and the prices were much higher (note in 2014 the dollar was much lower against the euro). If orthothics do not solve the problem at home, I'd break in a second pair of boots, take them with you on the plane, and mail them to yourself general delivery to Leon.

Whether you will want boots by the time you get to Leon is a topic addressed in all of the boots v. runners threads. After buying Keen sandals in Leon, I never looked back. (boots were way too hot in July). This last summer I walked from Florence to Assisi and then this fall the John Muir Trial (Sierra Nevada mountains, tough granite, 10-12,000' passes) in a pair of Keen Arroyo II sandals. YMMV.

Buen Camino,
Jo Jo

 

[jmcarp]

Hi - any cobbler will put on steel or aluminium heel plates for you ...

And add clack-clack to the tap-tap of trekking poles

I agree with everyone else that the type of wear that Jeff is experiencing is abnormal, and in spite of his previous marathon and hiking experience, a visit to a podiatrist is definitely in order.

I would hesitate to put a figure on the percentage of the CF that is on pavement, but I'd guess the earlier estimate of 30 percent may be a bit high. Most -- but not all -- of the pavement walking is going through the towns and cities. Even the small villages often have cobblestones or stone pavers. I remember gravel farm lanes as being one of the most common walking surfaces other than natural trails, and Galicia in particular has some very nice improved trails which are surfaced with finely-crushed gravel.

Lucky for me, I seem to be easy on shoes and boots, probably because of my smaller stature. My Merrill Moabs are still in usable condition after at least 1500 miles. However, Jeff should have no problem finding replacement footwear in larger towns or cities like Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, León, Ponferrada, Sarria, etc., all of which are conveniently located within 100 miles apart.

 

[kmrice]

My next solution is to try a product called Sho-goo, sold at REI.Jeff

Shoe Goo may help. The trick is to let the boot wear a little, then apply the Shoe Goo to build it back up. Doesn't take much. It will wear, perhaps about as fast as the original sole, but then you reapply. Try it as you train if you have time.

Good luck.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm 6 ft, 180 lbs, size 12(US) shoe, 68 years old. I have no feet or joint issues after a lifetime of walking, hiking and marathon running, so I'm not going to change my mechanics now. My training walking pace is about 16 minutes per mile, so that may be contributing to the excessive wear, I won't be walking that fast on the Camino. I've tried Merrell, Oboz, Asolo and Lowa boots/shoes. I've even tried a few ducktape strips on the heel, but they only last a few miles before they tear/wear off. My next solution is to try a product called Sho-goo, sold at REI. Don't particularly want to pack it though.
Jeff

Hi Jeff - like you I had never had an issue with my feet until 2013 when the Roman roads on the Via de la Plata caused a nerve problem. I went to a podiatrist who almost immediately diagnosed a problem with my step. So I would be taking a couple of pairs of recently worn shoes to the best local podiatrist - you really have nothing to loose and will possibly gain the extra miles you have lost from your walking shoes. (This was not the only problem but it did help with the other issues.) Cheers

 

[BrienC]

I'll be walking the 500 mile Camino Frances in April/May. Flights are booked, accommodations booked, packing list stabilized, training well under way. I have one issue though that I need advice on. I'm extremely hard on boots. In my training walks, mostly on paved trails and sidewalks, I'm lucky to get 100 to 200 miles of wear on them before the sole is worn through to the cushioning layers. The wear is on the outside, rear corner of both heals. I've tried several different brands of boot and trail shoes, some with Vibram rubber soles, some with other material. I don't think I'll get anywhere near 500 miles out of any of them. So the question for the experienced pilgrims out there is, do you make it to Santiago with one pair of boots and if so, how? Did you buy replacements along the way?( I'm not keen on the idea of breaking in a new pair along the way.) I need to sort this out before I start my walk.

Seeking professional help is great advice. The problem I always have is knowing the right questions going in. Check out this website http://www.fixingyourfeet.com and his book. Great resource--and a nice guy. He has worked on my feet at ultra events.
Best of luck!

 

[Dutch]

If your boots dont last you any longer than 1-200 miles, something is going wrong for sure.
I use trailrunners and they last me one camino (800-1000 kms) and than i have to throw them out.

Whatever you do, i would advise not to buy new boots during your camino. If your boots are really so worn out that using them would be foolish, please buy shoes, not boots. Shoes do not need to be broken in the way boots have to before using them on something like the camino.

 

[Seabird]

I only skimmed the replies, so perhaps someone already suggested you bring 2 pairs and ship 1 pair forward once you get to Spain. (You don't want to ship internationally, even from France.) This assumes that a visit to the podiatrist or other suggestions don't seem to help to the degree you would like.

Good luck.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Hi - any cobbler will put on steel or aluminium heel plates for you ... remember we used to have them added to our leather soled shoes?

Then you won't wear them out - but I agree with those above ... doesn't happen to others so a podiatrist visit is in order!

Totally support all the advice here to see a podiatrist. I also have experience with heel plates from the good old days but would also do this under advice from a podiatrist as even a slight additional weight can alter your gait.

I wore out the outside rear corner of my right boot on the Camino Frances - first time ever. Both my physio and sports doctor assessed this as being because I had altered my gait to accomodate the navicular fracture and was 'shuffling' the outside of my heel. Can't recommend the podiatrist visit strongly enough but do find one that deals with walkers and has experience with walking boots and shoes. It took me a few goes to find the right person but well worth it in the end.

 

[Jo Ann Rademacher]

I'll be walking the 500 mile Camino Frances in April/May. Flights are booked, accommodations booked, packing list stabilized, training well under way. I have one issue though that I need advice on. I'm extremely hard on boots. In my training walks, mostly on paved trails and sidewalks, I'm lucky to get 100 to 200 miles of wear on them before the sole is worn through to the cushioning layers. The wear is on the outside, rear corner of both heals. I've tried several different brands of boot and trail shoes, some with Vibram rubber soles, some with other material. I don't think I'll get anywhere near 500 miles out of any of them. So the question for the experienced pilgrims out there is, do you make it to Santiago with one pair of boots and if so, how? Did you buy replacements along the way?( I'm not keen on the idea of breaking in a new pair along the way.) I need to sort this out before I start my walk.

You may have supinated feet which causes your feet to roll to the outside (lateral) side when you walk. I would recommend that you see a podiatrist or try insoles like Superfeet. When using insoles for the first time only use for 1-2 hrs at a time and add more time each day until you can wear them comfortably all day. One pair of good hiking shoes should last you 500-1000 miles. Some have lasted even longer. The danger is that even though the soles aren't worn, the inside supporting part of the sole breaks down and no longer supports you feet.

 

[jeffnd]

At my old job, a pair of work boots would last me maybe 5 months, so I sympathize with you. I walked the Camino with a pair of Vasque Breeze GTX 2.0. http://www.vasque.com/USD/product/mens-footwear/hiking/breeze-gtx-2.0-slate-russet-07482

With the way I chew through footwear, I thought I'd need a replacement pair along the way. But after 500 miles, they were still going strong, just barely out of that brand new stage to being well worn in. There is still a lot of life left in them, in fact, I wear them to my new job now!

 

[StevethePlanner]

I wore Vasque Breeze on the CP from Lisbon this year. No hot spots - no blisters - no problems. They were already several years old with light/med use, so broken in well. I'm not very hard on shoes. Interesting comments about metal heel plates. I do Civil War reenacting and we wear large heel plates on our leather 'brogans'. The clickity-clank on hard surfaces will earn you looks from people. But be aware, they can be extremely slippery on wet (or even dry) pavement (especially hills). In a split second you will be on 'ice skates' carrying a heavy backpack.

 

[handzondeck2]

I wore Keen Targhees for most of my camino's getting about 2,000km+ out of each pair which were broken in very well before each camino. No problems with hot spots or blisters. If you are 'chewing' through your shoes you need to be checked for gait issues, etc.

 

[zakosdad]

I'll be walking the 500 mile Camino Frances in April/May. Flights are booked, accommodations booked, packing list stabilized, training well under way. I have one issue though that I need advice on. I'm extremely hard on boots. In my training walks, mostly on paved trails and sidewalks, I'm lucky to get 100 to 200 miles of wear on them before the sole is worn through to the cushioning layers. The wear is on the outside, rear corner of both heals. I've tried several different brands of boot and trail shoes, some with Vibram rubber soles, some with other material. I don't think I'll get anywhere near 500 miles out of any of them. So the question for the experienced pilgrims out there is, do you make it to Santiago with one pair of boots and if so, how? Did you buy replacements along the way?( I'm not keen on the idea of breaking in a new pair along the way.) I need to sort this out before I start my walk.

Wife and I 20 minutes a mile at home definitely slower on the CF. We used Patagonia AC Drifters and walked about 380 miles.. At the end the soles looked as good as new. They have Vibram soles. With training total miles 500+ and good for many more.

 

[saiprem]

A cobbler can reinforce the heel of any boot you decide to go with.

 

[Pawel]

According to Gerald Kelly's 'Camino de Santiato Practical Preparation and Background' book:
"CF is about 72% gravel strewn soil track and about 28% various kinds of paved surface."
"(...) stretches of paved surface around seven major urban areas (...) account for 12% of the total Camino."


Walked CF in Keen Ketchums in which I have walked ~2400km with minimal wear on the sole.