Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

[EvaF]

I walked in boots the first time my husband and I went on the Camino. I think it may have worked out a little better had they been better broken in (I had blisters all along the back of my heels). The problem with boots is that they do take a longer time to adjust to your foot than jogging shoes. So if you have little time go with a nice set of trainers. However, the problem my husband and I ran into with trainers is that they are not waterproof at all. While practicing for the Camino (in Florida) we got stuck out in a flash storm. The rucksacks were alright thanks to the rain covers we bought but our shoes were soaked. So what we're going to do is purchase a set of Teva crossover shoe/sandals (http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7373969/c/92874.html) for when it is wet and/or rainy. We also invested in some high-quality socks.
¡Buen Camino!

Eva

[Martin0642]

I would always go for boots, no question about it. Going down steep mountain tracks litteres with rocks means you need good support for your ankles - if nothing else it can help offset the possibility of tendonitis which is hell! Also, if tendonitis does develop and you need to keep walking (like i did last year..not enough preparation beforehand!) the support will help ease the pain.

I would NOT use gore-tex lined boots because gore tex (or similar materials) is basically a PVU membrane with tiny holes in it. The holes allow water vapour (sweat) out but dont allow the bigger drops of water (rain etc) in. This is fine until the material gets dirty and the holes become clogged. After that it's just a plastic bag...no breathability and the possibility of letting water seep in. This is why such materials need to be properly and specially cleaned (ie using proper technical wash or pure soap flakes...NEVER normal detergents).

On a jacket this isnt so much of a problem but when your boots are caked in fine dust (and they will be!) the breathbility of gore tex goes out the window. Leather boots these days are light and highly technical bits of kit - leather is naturally breathable and waterproof...just make sure you dry brush your boots off well when you finally stop for the day and then rinse them off in cold water..but dont soak them. Works for me!

Finally the socks..very personal preference. I tried bridgedales (wool socks, not very comfy I found) 1000 mile twin layer socks (ok but not good enough for the camino in my opinion) and Smartwool...awesome. With or without liners. I do use liners sometimes as well - especially if its very hot. I swear by smartwool walking socks now, wont use anything else. They didnt flatten or pinch - just great socks and heaven for my feet

[johnnyesparto]

I will be walking my first camino in late september, i have purchased good socks, a simple but well fitting colombia walking shoe, and bringing inexpensive sandels from Big 5. I totally respect all the experienced hikers and walkers, but after trying on merrels, teva and other expensive brands, it really is what feels good on your foot...remember in the days on past, the pilgrims wore what God provided for them, and as some of you will recall, the Zuni Indians in America, liked to walk their famous Pilgrimages barefoot.......mmmm...that might actually feel good at times when the earth is welcoming. It seems to me our journey is about what we discover, not wear.....not to say good quality jackets and shoes and socks and panchos and hats....are not important.....lets just not make it a fashion show. I cant wait to walk in the muddy earth barefoot on the camino as many of our previous pilgrims surley had at times. johnny

[sillydoll]

You can join the barefoot pilgrims Johnny!

Read Dr Machi's story here - with photographs.
http://www.barefooters.org/gallery/pilg ... index.html

[alipilgrim]

Well, in old times pilgrims used donkeys, and even if walked they carried a cape/blanket, and a bit of food, not the 8-14 kg. of weight our modern pilgrims carry. Our modern knees and feet beg for a bit more support than our ancestors...

[johnnyesparto]

You can join the barefoot pilgrims Johnny!

Read Dr Machi's story here - with photographs.
http://www.barefooters.org/gallery/pilg ... index.html

Thanks sillydoll that article was very interesting! Dont get me wrong, i understand the need of good support for our feet, i actually trained in San Francisco, walking in my simple old navy flip flops up many of the hills, to strenthen my feet and ankels. And the post brought up a good point about the use of donkeys...I am on such a budget for this journey, i have to use what i can afford, and after trying on so many shoes at REI, and having the salesmen try to push all the expensive shoes, another brother who is a major walker, gave me the idea of a good simple fitting walking shoe, then sandels to allow your feet to breath, and i felt that was the best idea...for me. But,...i do plan on doing some barefoot walking on the path when the earth is welcoming to that choice. I love this forum, and am thankful for all in info i am getting here, before i leave the states on the 18th of september. barefootingly yours...johnny

[omar504]

I've always worn light gortex shoes but after walking from Granada to SDC from may-never again! I got wet feet almost everday as well as wading through copious amounts of mud. I now have Asolo leather boots which are remarkably comfortable-I walked about 14 kms on the first day on taking them out of the box. And don't believe that because you'll be walking in july or august it will be dry!

[falcon269]

The fate of that extra pair of boots.

http://picasaweb.google.com/falcon269/C ... 9649399650