Walking Shoes for the Camino in August/ September shoes or boots?

[anicruairi]

Hi there,
I'll be walking the Camino for the 1st time this August from SJPP.

I have heard different things from different people about whether to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes at that time of year. What have others experiences been? Can you suggest some particulary good brands?

Also some have said that at that time of year I would be Ok to only bring a sleepling bag liner with me to sleep in. Is that ok?

They're the 2 main questions I have at the moment! If there is anything outstanding I should also know, any advice woud be greatly appreciated!!

[HuskyNerd]

Congrats on your upcoming Camino! There are several schools of thought about hiking boots/shoes/sandals, so it's really a matter of your personal preference. My own choice is Salomon brand in the tallest boot available using the new, lighter technology running-based sole. I choose a tall boot because I like having ankle support on downhill stretches and to me that makes up for the relative discomfort of being a little hotter in the summer. Here's a sample of the Salomon COSMIC 4D gtx® - Back packing shoes - Hiking - Hiking - Salomon reaches. I like the ankle padding inherent in this model and I have less foot fatigue as a result. The GoreTex uppers help with cooling and also repel water. To me, Salomon makes the best hiking boot.

Others believe in hiking shoes, and others believe in hiking sandals. I expect they'll make their case for them in this thread. Good luck finding what's right for you.

[Gazza]

Are the shoe v the boot. If you indulge yourself a little time on this forum you will see many threads surrounding this particular topic. I will summarise that it is personal preference. Shoe or boot. Husky likes boots, I like shoes. Just make sure they fit properly. Should be half to one size bigger then yr normal shoe size to allow for swelling & expansion of foot while walking. That is the best tip I can give you.

As for the liner/sleeping bag. We went in July & sent our bag home & only used the liner, without any issues. Got a little cool in Galicia but if you feel the coolnes throw on a pullover or use the blankets that some of the Albergues have available

[crashwest2830]

What do you think about walking in October/November? I am taking a -5C rated sleeping bag. OK? Also, when I arrive in St Jean, any recommendations for accomodation the first night? Finally, after Santiago, I am flying home from Paris. How do you do this? I checked the fares and they are very expensive. Would I get a plane from somewhere else besides Santiago?

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Crash--
Congrats on your upcoming Camino. A -5C bag should be more than adequate in Oct/Nov. The St Jean albergue called L'Espirit du Chemin is much loved by some L'Esprit du Chemin. As far as Paris goes, connections from Santiago (SCQ) are not that great. You should try flying first to Madrid or Barcelona then to Paris. RyanAir has a $48 flight from SCQ to MAD, and EasyJet has a $49 flight from Madrid to Paris.
Buen camino --
Sandy