Shoes for the Camino De Santiago; an Overview of Foot Care

With all the planning for the Camino de Santiago, one of the most important pieces of equipment are what a pilgrim chooses to put on his/her feet. Many will walk up to 40,000 steps a day and I have heard so many say they are fraught with blisters only days into the hike. Ankles take a beating and often shoes can affect what happens with knees and hips. Just like a car, you don't want to be out of alignment. 

Boots or Shoes

Many avid hikers will swear by hiking boots. Their reasoning is based on good support through the ankles, usually comfortable insoles with cushion all around. Boots are usually water tight and can cut down on moisture getting to your feet that can cause blisters. Boots are rugged and durable.

However, it seems that most pilgrims are leaning away from hiking boots, and opting for a good pair of trail runner shoes made by Hoka, Altra, Merrill, etc... The shoes are lighter than boots, and although the terrain on the Camino can be rough, it is more often well groomed trails and often hard-scape like concrete, cobble stones, and some old Roman roads that can be a thousand years old. Although boots are more durrable, the light weight and more cushion seem to be a better choice.

Moisture

Yes boots are better for keeping the moisture out particularly with high tech materials like gortex. However the Camino is not so much in the back woods where hikers have to travers streams and puddles and other water hazards. The Camino does have its share of rain and at some point on any Camino, there will be rain storms and showers to deal with. Most trail runners, however, are good with getting the moisture out and wicking sweat off your feet and if they get wet they will dry much quicker than a pair of hiking boots. 

Most moisture in our shoes actually comes from our own body as our feet sweat as our physical excersion increases throughout the day. That moisture can wreak havok on your feet as friction increases in all the nooks and cranies on your feet. A shoe that works to eliminate moisture away from you feet and lets the water out are more important.

Socks

Probably just as important as shoes are the socks that you wear. Although it seems like an extra pair of socks will cause your feet to be hot and uncomfortable, two pairs can eliminate the friction against your feet as an extra pair of sock liners will direct that friction between the socks and not against your feet. Oftn sock liners are made of silk (or silk like material) and will fit like a glove with a place for each toe (and no, there is no thumb). Take care of your feet and they will take care of you.

Pounding

Its all about the "Cush." Hiking boots are durable, but that make them hard on the rest of your body. Your knees and hips will take a beating with durable hiking boot that protects against all types of hazards on the trails. A good hiking shoe with extra cushion specifically designed for walking long distances will put years back into your joints. 

Dress Rehearsal

Everyone's feet are different, and what works for one pilgrim will not work for all pilgrims. Some will need hard durable boots with good support. Others will need lightweight trail runners with two pairs of socks. Most important for everyone, is to try on your shoes months before the Camino. Break them in. Spend some time with them on your feet and use them in your training walks to find what works best. Those that are not prepared spend a good portion of the Camino just futzing with their feet. Don't be that pilgrim. Enjoy the way and understand what works before the action begins.

These are some of my thoughts on foot care for the Camino and for hiking in general. It only scratches the surface. There are many variables involved. I am interested to hear your ideas on the subject, so leave us a comment and jump into the conversation.

Buen Camino!