Boots Boots Boots.... HELP!

[Rextras]

Hi There, I have purchased a pair of boots that I love and are very comfortable and I am doing a fair bit of local hiking in preparation for the Camino De Santiago... however all I hear is "you must get bigger boots".... any advise welcomed

[freedom13]

If the boots you have are comfortable then stick with them .
If like me you have a weak ankle just make sure the boots cover and fit comfortably around the ankle, someone told me once that if I had ever had any war-wounds [ football induced torn ankle ligaments] that they would more than likely flare up on the Camino, oh how right he was :-] Its not so much the distance but the uneven terrain, I did strap them up after a few days, I should have had them strapped from day one [ luckily I had brought 2 good straps with me] ....I'll know next time.

[Lipka149]

Hi There, I have purchased a pair of boots that I love and are very comfortable and I am doing a fair bit of local hiking in preparation for the Camino De Santiago... however all I hear is "you must get bigger boots".... any advise welcomed

I agree with freedom, if you have a pair of boots that are comfortable and broken in well, that's about the best you can do. Just be aware of the terrain you are walking on, and the condition of your feet. Take time to deal with hot spots before they turn into blisters.

You might also want to train with your backpack on. 8-10 kilos on your back will require a different "step" as you adjust to carrying a load.

[Rextras]

Thanks for the tips Freedom and Lipka149... I have been training with backpack, gradually increasing the weight. I guess time will tell with the feet!

[grayland]

The easy test is to walk now with the socks you will be wearing for a couple of weeks. Wear your pack with the approximate weight.
Use water if necessary to get the weight right. 1/2 liter bottle of water is about 1/2 kilo so you can easily adjust the weight.
If the boots don't feel tight and are comfortable...they will be fine on the Camino.
Be assured that no matter what size they are...they will hurt at the end of the day on the Camino.