Footwear on the Camino??

[tony graham]

On the 23 July I fly to Biarritz to start my journey to Santiago,the advice and general information I have had from this forum has been invaluable, I have a problem deciding what to purchase for my feet. I have been in numerous shops trying on lightweight boots,sandal type things,relatively inexpensive boots and very expensive boots! I don't want to make the wrong choice so if any one can throw some ideas my way I would appreciate it very much.thankyou all once again,best wishes,Tony..

[Covey]

Walking the Camino in July is usually warm to hot, and full boots can feel a little heavy, so a good pair of walking shoes will be OK.

At that time of year, quite a number of experienced walkers wear trail sandals, with or without socks.

The main thing is to make sure that your footwear is well broken in!!

Two years ago I met a German guy who was on a cycling holiday in southern France and who had stopped at StJPdP for the night. The hotel staff asked if he was there "for the Camino" and explained what the Camino was. He decided that the walk sounded interesting, so bought himself some walking boots on the Saturday at St Jean, stored his bike at the hotel for 4 weeks, and on the Sunday joined the rest of us on the stage to Roncesvalles.

It took all the Compeed and dressings I had to patch up his feet (not a pretty sight!!) enough to get him into the pharmacy in the village after Roncesvalles the next day as he could barely walk his feet were so blistered.

He eventually caught up with us and we had an excellent lunch four weeks later when we walked in to Santiago.

[Sil]

You don't have much time to break in a pair of boots so why don't you wear the walking shoes you normally wear? I have walked el camino (and other long distance trails) in New Balance All Terrain running shoes and they were fine.

[Roseallee]

On the 23 July I fly to Biarritz to start my journey to Santiago,the advice and general information I have had from this forum has been invaluable, I have a problem deciding what to purchase for my feet. I have been in numerous shops trying on lightweight boots,sandal type things,relatively inexpensive boots and very expensive boots! I don't want to make the wrong choice so if any one can throw some ideas my way I would appreciate it very much.thankyou all once again,best wishes,Tony..

Hi Tony,
Since you sound precisely like I felt 4 weeks ago, it might be helpful to hear what I have decided?
Step 1: I allocated 2 hours to visit the 2 best outdoor outfitting stores available. I explained to each of the 2 salesmen what my intention, IE to walk the Camino from SJPP to Finisterre beginning mid-Sept. (I know our trips have different requirement due to seasonal choice. Please bear with me, however. Since I already knew I did not want boots, I asked them to show me what shoes might work. Then, I tried on all of their suggestions with appropriate weight socks. I knew better, from a book I read once, on feet, not to try them on until I had walked a fair bit. Each pair was laced up and then given a test drive in the store. Reputable outdoor stores have a ramp to allow for both uphill and down, to see if the heel lifts which you don't want. Both staff members were extremely knowledgeable both about correctly fitting clients and their products. I "picked their brains" shamelessly on both counts. Then I came home, did some more research, while considering my now known options.
Step 2: A week later I went back into town, having decided that hiking shoes not trail runners were my best bet, given the time of year and my home terrain for training. I went prepared to make a decision after trying all of them for a 2nd time. I was aware that I might have to sacrifice one of the 2 qualities, waterproofing or unbreakability. I chose waterproof for the same two reasons I chose hiking shoes not boots. I had read Leslie's advice on what to look forward. I knew how to flex the shoe to see how soft it felt, etc...
In the end, I chose the initial recommendation of the more knowledgeable salesman, but bought them in the other store since only they carried my size. Both stores gave me the assurance if I tried them indoors and was not happy, I could return them within a week. Fair enough, I found that reassuring.
What I bought was a pair of Salomon Goretex light hiking shoes. My cold weather hiking boots are Salomon and I guess their lasts work best for my foot shape. I was initially concerned about the quick lacing system but now love it. I have walked a bout 150km in them since I brought them home and they were an ideal choice.
I am now confronted with another issue best solved in advance. That is, with Smartwool socks they are becoming too hot for summer use and will be when/if it is hot on my Camino. I would love any advice on wicking socks which aren't as warm as wool?
It may not be a problem because I have decided to buy hiking sandals to take as well. Salomon make some with a "convertible to slip-on" heel. If they feel as comfortable as the shoes, I will look no further. I recognize this may seem an expensive solution. I will trade the weight of a 2nd pair for something less essential, if needs be for the peace of mind of an alternative option when my feet begin to complain in September.
I hope all of this makes sense and that it helps. The more informed you are before you pay the bill, the more comfortable you will feel about the price.

[Covey]

I am a Salomon and Smartwool kind of guy!!

The Salomon boots I bought first and then the Smartwool socks. The Salomons I bought from a specialist shop having tried on many makes and types, and went initially for boots with Gortex panels which I have used on 3.5 Camino's.

I bought a pair of Salomon shoes last year, but chickened out of using them for last years Camino mainly because I was happy with the boots and they had carried me a long way without problems. The Smartwool socks I shall change this year because as you rightly point out, they are too warm for hot weather use, and I shall go for a lighter weight sock.

I have carried a pair of Teva Trail Sandals for three years which I wear in the shower and around town in the evenings and days off. Last year I tried walking a 30km day in them as an experiment and they were fine, and I can understand why some very experienced walkers wear them all the time. I have met walkers who only wear trail sandals and carry nothing else, but my thinking is that the trail sandals are a backup to my boots, whereas a pair of flip flops are not!!

Planning on what kit to carry is difficult for the first time Caminoist, but I was lucky in walking the Sarria to Santiago stage with my son the first year, and that gave me a good idea of what to take, and what to leave behind. Each year I refine my kit list, so by 2020 will have got it right!!

I keep dreaming of doing a Camino with a really stripped down kit list. You could walk with the clothes you stand up in and a spare shirt socks and undergarments, a sleeping bag liner and a poncho and a fleece, a packet of Compeed and Ibruprofen and a very small pack to put it in, but in reality I will leave that to Manyana!!

[Roseallee]

Hi Covey,
If you figure out a better summer sock inside the Gore-Tex Salomons let me know, please? The Smartwool Salomon is perfect when it is cooler but gives me grief this time of year. I am back wearing cushioned socks of a cotton blend and changing them often. Not a long term solution. I have used Thorlo cool max socks which have less wool content in the past. I might go in search of them. I am going to invest in hiking sandals shortly but am not yet convinced they will work here on steep gravel roads.
Another conundrum I am dealing with as a first time Camino is the concept of versatility. Since I intend to use any new gear for many long walks after the Camino, I am making slightly different choices than I would for single use gear. For example, I recently bought a new back, a Deuter, Womens Frame, 32L, Air Flow type. I accepted more weight than is ideal, 3.5lbs, because it is really well made, versatile and durable with a built in rain cover. Thus, it will hopefully serve me well for years on all sorts of trips. With the pack empty except for the 2L hydration unit being full, I am already getting close to .5 of my 10% body weight. No sleeping bag, even. Hmmm?
As for your stripped down kit list, right you are but more difficult in Sept./Oct?

[Covey]

Not sure about the socks yet, but thought I might try a pair of a brand called the 1000 Mile sock (or was it a Million Mile sock!!). Met someone who was using them last year and they said they were OK.

Being ex-Army, I tend to look at everything I carry and see if it has another use. My trail sandals double up for my boots if I lost them, and each year I have come across people who have lost their boots. In many albergues you have to put your boots and walking poles in a store area away from the dormitory and "mistakes" can be made. The fact that the person who lost the boots lost good ones and the pair that was left were falling apart gives you a gentle hint! (TIP: as soon as they have locked up, go and get your boots and stick them under the bed!!)

I carry a set of long johns (your Grandfather would know what they are!!) which I sleep in (cotton and cool) and which I could wear during the day if the going gets too cold in October on El Cebreiro.

I carry a thin long sleeve Craghopper fleece as it can feel quite cool in the evenings because of the temperature difference between day and night. If it is chilly, I sleep in it.

I only carry a silk sleeping bag liner which has been bug pretreated, and do not carry a sleeping bag or thermal roll. From July to October, you do not really need a sleeping bag, and certainly not the thermal roll.

A decent sleeping bag costs a lot of money , ia awkward to stow and when you have up to 50 people sleeping in the same room, keeping warm is not a problem!!

The problem initially for the Ladies is that you don't even know the name of the guy sleeping 6 inches from you in the pushed together bunks.!!!!

That problem lasts for 2 - 3 nights until you think "what the hell!!" but the lack of shower curtains in the odd albergue is still a game breaker for some!!.

Built in hydration is OK but the constant cleaning can be tedious. You need to thoroughly clean the bag and tubes every other day in July/August, otherwise strange things will grow inside!! I carry 2 x 1.5ltr bottles of water from the supermarket, one on either side of my pack, and buy new bottles when empty. I know you can refill at the water fountains, but 90% of disease is waterborne and some of the fountains in villages have been proved to be a bit iffy for delicate western stomaches.

The stripped down kit list should be OK in Sept/Oct when I usually walk, but last year I went in early July and had a lot of fun. I was brought up in Africa, so like it when it is hot. This year I am going in July again. North Face do a large bum bag arrangement which is half way between a small bumbag and a pack. If that works I might do the short kit list this year.

[Covey]

The North Face bum bag:

The North Face - Gear - Packs -> Day Packs -> Sports Packs / SPORT HIKER

[Roseallee]

Hi Covey,

Being ex-Army, I tend to look at everything I carry and see if it has another use. My trail sandals double up for my boots if I lost them, and each year I have come across people who have lost their boots. In many albergues you have to put your boots and walking poles in a store area away from the dormitory and "mistakes" can be made. The fact that the person who lost the boots lost good ones and the pair that was left were falling apart gives you a gentle hint! (TIP: as soon as they have locked up, go and get your boots and stick them under the bed!!)

Great advice on the boots and having back ups. I hadn't considered that in my reasons for settling on hiking sandals as 2ndary footwear. I hear you on safeguarding my shoes. What sort of karma comes from stealing a pilgrim's shoes, I wonder?

I carry a set of long johns (your Grandfather would know what they are!!) which I sleep in (cotton and cool) and which I could wear during the day if the going gets too cold in October on El Cebreiro.

Never mind my grandfather! We Canadians still know what longjohns are!

I only carry a silk sleeping bag liner which has been bug pretreated, and do not carry a sleeping bag or thermal roll. From July to October, you do not really need a sleeping bag, and certainly not the thermal roll.

A decent sleeping bag costs a lot of money , ia awkward to stow and when you have up to 50 people sleeping in the same room, keeping warm is not a problem!!

I have decided to do what you suggest here. Even though I have 8 weeks for my Camino & hope to go on to Finisterre, I still think I will try without a sleeping bag. I will be very glad to save the $, bulk and weight. Thanks!

The problem initially for the Ladies is that you don't even know the name of the guy sleeping 6 inches from you in the pushed together bunks.!!!!

That problem lasts for 2 - 3 nights until you think "what the hell!!" but the lack of shower curtains in the odd albergue is still a game breaker for some!!.

I think I can handle both of these issues, being a veteran hosteller. But would you please shed some light on what to expect as far as toilets or the apparent lack of same? This situation (and bedbugs) will be the thorny ones for this "Lady"!

Built in hydration is OK but the constant cleaning can be tedious. You need to thoroughly clean the bag and tubes every other day in July/August, otherwise strange things will grow inside!! I carry 2 x 1.5ltr bottles of water from the supermarket, one on either side of my pack, and buy new bottles when empty. I know you can refill at the water fountains, but 90% of disease is waterborne and some of the fountains in villages have been proved to be a bit iffy for delicate western stomaches.

I was of the 2 bottles, one on each side, camp until a few weeks ago. I resisted a hydration system for years, as being rather pretentious and complicated for my situation. I can never go back to it now. I LOVE the hydration unit so much that I regret not switching years ago. I find I drink more when I don't have to stop and take out a bottle. Also that by drinking a few sips more often, I seem to have more stamina. I also appreciate how the weight is evenly distributed across my back and I am not having to balance out water usage from side to side. The strangest thing I have noticed is that while I intuitively drink about twice what I was when using bottles, that I seem to need a toilet less? My guess is that it is being assimilated more efficiently? Last but far from least, I was in rural India recently and the avalanche of litter created by plastic bottles hit me hard. I resolved to contribute as little as I possibly can.
In short, my Source 2L system is proving such an awesome tool that I am quite happy to maintain it by keeping it clean. I can't imagine doing without it now.
I am sure I speak for others, in saying how grateful I am for the generous way in which you share the wealth of your Camino experience. I just hope people like you are on the Way come September!

[Covey]

A lot of Ladies carry a sarong to act as a wrap around the albergue and of course it doubles up as a shower curtain!!

There are two sorts of albergues and two sorts of plumbing.

The official albergues are usually State/Municipality owned and have been there for a long time. In the past 10 years the number of pilgrims walking the Camino has gone up from 30,000 in 1998 to 128,000(est) in 2009. That means that much the same plumbing that coped in 1998 has to cope with todays traffic, and the official albergues are not modernised that often. The hot water systems in the official albergues generally cannot cope with the influx, especially when they open in the afternoon and there are queues outside waiting to check in.

To ease the burden, the government has authorised a lot of new "Private Albergues" which tend to be either new or at most a couple of years old and consequently their plumbing is modern and designed for the numbers on the trail at present. In Azura, just before Santiago there are now four large private albergues in addition to the small official albergue. Four years ago there was just the official one.

Always, always carry your own loo roll!!

Sadly, the explosion of numbers walking the Camino has brought the problem of litter, and some of the picnic areas the authorities have built resemble a cross between a rubbish dump and an open air toilet.

Grumpy Old Buggers like me have been called the Camino Grandfathers as we tend to keep an eye out for those who are struggling to cope with injuries or just the enormity of what they have taken on. Last year, I was just pulling on my boots in Zubiri when a German guy appeared in the dormitory and announced "Covey, your harem is waiting for you outside!!"

Cheered me up no end!!!

[Roseallee]

Thanks for the info on the facilities at the hostels. A sarong is a good idea.
I took your advice and bought hiking sandals as my 2nd pair of shoes. I did get Salomons and am very pleased with them. I have done 12km and another 20km in them now. I was worried about little stones getting into them on gravel but it hasn't proved to be a problem. While they don't have quite the support or compression in the heel as my hiking shoes, I really have begun to wonder if they wouldn't be fine for the whole pilgrimage.
I bought a pair of Bridgedale Light Hiking socks at the same time. I am surprised to say I like them better than the Smartwool and they are much cooler. According to the coolness ratings on the packages, these are not the coolest they make. I may invest in a pair of the ones that had the best "cool" rating. The salesperson told me that while she wears both brands she finds Bridgedale last longer for her.
Anyway, I am happy to report that the combination of Salomon hiking sandals and cooler socks have made me a happy spring walker.

Sadly, the explosion of numbers walking the Camino has brought the problem of litter, and some of the picnic areas the authorities have built resemble a cross between a rubbish dump and an open air toilet.

This sounds ominous to a September pilgrim. By then, some of these places will be rather odorous, given the heat and summer traffic. Still, a pilgrim I aspire to be and not a first class luxury traveller!

Did you get to take the harem home with you?

[Covey]

I shall wander in to my favorite hiking shop in London and see if they sell the Bridgedale socks. Saw a pair of socks last year which advertised themselves as "no blister socks!!"

The harem is a transitory thing!! Those who need help at the beginning are ready to fly on their own by the time one gets past Pamplona.

Then we can enjoy the Camino for ourselves!!

[Roseallee]

The best things in life are often transitory, are they not?
"No Blister Socks"? Bring them on, I say! Speaking of blisters, I am going to amble over to the Medical Forum with questions.