Santiago in September - planning - shoes

[karenleeg]

I am planning to go in September spending the full 4 weeks recommended by most guide books. Weather alerts? Recommended shoes? Some are saying walking boots, some say never use boots since they are restrictive for ankles. I walk a great deal and find that normal rise sneakers (Trainers) are light weight, flexible, etc. Comments and suggestions welcome!

[Covey]

You need boots in Spring and late Autumn, and shoes in Summer.

On the 4th September, lace up your shoes, and at dawn, head up over the hills and far away!!

I have done two trips down the Camino Frances in July/Aug and two in Sept/Oct. All done in my trusty Salomon boots which went in the bin after Aug09 (worn out!) and replaced with Merrells walking shoes.

Last year I ditched my Smartwool socks for 1000 Mile socks which were much cooler for summer use and were excellent. The 1000 Mile socks have an inner lining so you have 2 socks in one.

You will come across people walking all the way in trail sandals, tennis shoes, trainers etc etc. As long as they are comfortable and sound, they will get you there.

About 20% of the Camino Frances is on tarmac roads, 70% on prepared (sort of!) dirt tracks, and 10% on rough rocky tracks.

A walking stick is very useful! These range from the telescopic alloy variety to a piece of branch you pick up along the trail. If you buy the alloy sticks you only really need one, and I strap mine on my pack until I need it. You will see a number of people who use two at all times including walking along a nice flat road. Take spare rubber tips and spare the rest of us the horrendous clacking noise of 6 pairs of sticks hitting a metaled road!!

[karenleeg]

Fantastic! Thanks so much for this thorough and prompt reply! Great to have a veteran of this walk give sound advice. I have feet that love to go on huge treks but, if unhappy, they are resistant to any further distances. I will be on the lookout for some shoes in the next month or so! By the time September comes around, they will be broken in and ready for our walk!

Sticks along the side of the road sound good to me!

Thanks for your help!

Karen-Lee

[Covey]

The nice thing about the Camino is that you walk it whichever way you want. There is nobody telling you that you have to do 30kms a day, or you must start at 5am.

It is your Camino, and you walk it your way. You see those who decide that the Hi-tech route is for them so they spend (waste) money on GPS and even the new generation combi heart monitors/GPS (the cyclists have had them for some years) where you can regale your guests at home with detailed presentations of your heart rate on the path up to Cebriero!!

On the other hand, some look as though they just popped out to the shop for some milk, and just kept going. One Japanese lady two years ago was walking with all she needed in two supermarket carrier bags!! Even those of us who try to do a minimal pack, end up with items in Santiago which we have never used. I have carried a Craghopper Gortex rain jacket on each of 4 trips down the Camino, and never used it once!! but I ain't about to tempt fate this year.!!!

Last year I went up to Roncesvalles from St John and for the whole way we had visibility of 5 meters max, but the year before was clear blue sky and spectacular views from the top. This year I am going to try the old low level route for a change!