Walking in trainers

[Erin Walton]

Hi guys!

I'm wanting to do a section of the Camino this September and my major question regards footwear.

Due to work and travel arrangements before the walk, I don't have time to break in new footwear and so want to walk in my very faithful trainers.

I understand that this may be risky to walk in trainers but from reading past threads, it seems that well broken in footwear is what most people stress, not that said footwear NOT be trainers.

If I take proper precautions re not getting blisters and buy good hiking socks, should I be ok?

Are there any routes which are known for being less wet in September?

I have hiked/trekked before, but the last big thing I did was Tasmania's Overland Trail, and that was a good 5 years ago. I am fit and healthy, however.

Thanks for your thoughts!!

Cheers,

Erin

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Erin --

I saw people this year wearing trainers with no problems at all. These often are the local, Spanish pilgrims who may be short on time (and sometimes funds) for their pilgrimages. Even so, I don't think I'd recommend them (I use trainers for marathons and have 2 pair always ready for my next training run).

To me the biggest challenge of trainers would be that your feet are not protected from sharp rocks, leading to the bottoms of your feet getting very tired and sore. Even with heavy hiking boots the specific micro-terrain of each section becomes a big deal -- small gravel, large gravel, sharp gravel, round gravel, bare dirt, asphalt, concrete, concrete with imbedded slate, mud, granite or basalt bedrock -- all have different effect on your feet. Trainers are probably fine on small gravel, bare dirt, asphalt, concrete, etc., but would leave something to be desired on less regular surfaces. The whole mud issue would be a problem, too.

Probably the Via de la Plata is the driest section of Camino in Spain, especially Sevilla to around Zamora. If you're hoping to avoid rain and mud that could be an option. Too bad your shoes would dictate your camino! Another choice would be to go to the outdoor store, select a good pair of hiking boots, hiking shoes, or hiking sandals and wear them daily at work, or at least at home when you're off work. Walking 10-15 kms in your new hikers over a couple of months might be just what your feet need, making your new hikers better for you than your trusty trainers.

Buen camino!

[Lipka149]

... it seems that well broken in footwear is what most people stress ...

Hi Erin -

If you are only walking a section of the Camino, you might be ok with trainers. What section do you plan to hike ? The terrain will dictate much of your consideration here, and your experience will be just as important.

I had no experience at all with hiking prior to my Camino and relied on the advice of my younger son Jonathan to guide me. He is a mountain man. His advice was to wear boots that went over the ankle and had "mountain" soles. I ended up with a pair of Scarpas that served me well in every regard. Break in was minimal.

Aaron (my older son who walked with me), used a different strategy. He opted for lightweight, low walkers and they served him just as well.

Specialized footwear is an issue that can be over-thought and over-rated. Let's face it, your feet are going to be sore no matter what you wear. Walking a long way does that ! It is injury that must be avoided. So be smart about preventing blisters and walk gingerly on terrain that presents a challenge to what is on your feet.

You seem to have the necessary experience to make good decisions. I think you will be ok.

Buen Camino !

One last thought about ... mud. Yuk. As Sandy says ... that is a WHOLE 'nother issue. Any thoughts from those that have experience with mud ? It was never an issue when I walked ...

[Erin Walton]

Thanks heaps!

I guess I'll go ahead then, taking good care of my feet to avoid blisters where possible. I'd thought that the Spaniards themselves might not be so 'equipped' as you say, living here in Spain and being able to return more or less whenever they'd like.

Thanks for the ideas re which route to take too. In the end, my main interest in doing the walk (despite the sheer joy of walking!) was to see the north of the country so I think I'll go for the Camino Francés or the other (whose name I can't remember, hehe!). I imagine it will only be a baby walk of 10 days - 2 weeks or so, unless I don't encounter any foot troubles and I'll plow on!!

Thanks again everyone!
Erin

[nathan]

just spent the day at the outdoor show in london looking at footwear and other sundry items.
my dilema is scarpa gtx/brasher boots...north face hedgehog trainers or my trusty running shoes...by the way i never run but like a wet- suit it was a item i thought all men should own(along with dinner suites in white and black).for those based in london may i recomment southampton street in covent garden. 6 outdoor shops including trek and field(part of sports direct). the brasher lightweights there were 70 gbp. they also had cheaper travel towels there. i went across the road to cotswold for a fleese liner....smaller that a sleeping bag...warmer than polycotton

[BoxOfFrogs]

Nathan, I have been having the exact same dilemma! Scarpa vs Brasher. I have been walking in a pair of brasher hill masters for about 3 years, I love them! Best boot I have ever had. Thing is they are starting to represent a pair of racing slicks and I just know they don't have 500+ miles left in them. To be fair they have been well used and abused took next to no breaking in and even to this day have never once leaked.

They still do the hillmaster but there are now so many tempting lightweight solutions out there! The only downside to the brasher hillmaster and super light that I have found is the fact it's a low cut boot and stones and gravel etc do have a tendency to sneak in now and then. Good socks and sock layering can take care of this and I still find there is more than enough support and the lower boot top helps keep the weight down.

I wonder, 500 years ago were pilgrims sat drinking vino tinto and discussing the relative merits of their footwear!

[nathan]

i now have an image in my head of a group of tired pilgrims sitting round a fire (aka blazzing saddles) discussing the relative merits of black or brown sandals. when the quiet pilgrim in the corner says " my name is Father Gore-Tex...and boys i have an idea!"