Camino Footwear

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camino hiking boots and shoes

Camino Footwear

Make sure...
Your footwear has room for your toes to wiggle—
including when your feet are hot and swollen towards the end of your walking day.

I went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.
— JOHN MUIR, 1938

About Footwear for the Camino

Train for the Camino before you go:

Wear your fully-loaded backpack, and test your footwear by walking long distances on different surfaces.
Including pavement… because walking day after day—for great distances on road pavement—is the most difficult for your feet.
Most Camino routes have long stretches of that type of trail surface.

In the end this is the most important, and obvious, question:
How does the footwear feel on your feet?

Your answer should be “great.”
If not, keep looking…keep testing.
Your footwear should feel comfortable before you begin the Camino.

What You Should Look for in Camino Footwear

  1. Comfort

When walking on a variety of surfaces…

Rugged, slippery, stony trails.
Asphalt, pavement, hard-dirt roads.
Uneven, bumpy cobblestones.

and comfort when

Walking in extreme heat.
Walking for hours in the rain.

2. Support


When hiking up steep hills.
When hiking down steep hills.

and support when

Walking for miles and miles and miles
Day after day after day…
on soft earth trails
or hard earth roads
or unforgiving road pavement.

And know this:
Even a lightweight backpack adds weight to your feet, knees, back and hips.

Your footwear should feel like it helps to support
the weight of your backpack.

#Ad: Charging Your Devices on the Camino

Recommended…because finding a secure place to charge your phone in pilgrim accommodations can be difficult:

I always use this portable charger when I’m uncomfortable leaving my iPhone unattended.

You’ll also need this European wall charger on the Camino if your device’s plugs don’t fit into a standard European electrical outlet.
(North Americans will need one of these, as will many other countries. There are so many variations, the safest bet is to do an online search to see if your country’s device plugs will work in European outlets.)


Use it to recharge a portable charger; and also to charge your mobile phone directly from an outlet when you feel it’s safe to do so.

For the UK, and Ireland you’ll need this wall charger.

Finally, here is a universal travel adapter with multiple USB connections.

Consider These Factors
When Choosing Footwear for the Camino

Note: Boot & Sock recommendations below

  • The time of year you’re walking the Camino
    Boots might serve you better than trail runners or sneakers during a rainy season, for example, when there’s a lot of mud—sometimes ankle-deep!…although gaiters could help if you don’t wear ankle-high footwear.

  • The terrain
    If you’re only doing a part of the Camino, maybe those runners/sneakers or sport sandals will work just fine.

  • How far you’ll be walking
    Again, if you’re only doing a part of the Camino, you may not need the substantial soles typically found in hiking boots that can last for weeks and weeks of walking.

Alternate Footwear for the Camino

Be sure to take an alternate pair of footwear too,
something like these for women (Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal),
or these for men (Teva Men’s Original Universal Sandal).

Wear them when at rest, wear them in communal showers,
and you can also use them as “emergency” footwear.
Example: you have blisters that need a break from your usual hiking footwear.

Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal - Women’s

Teva Men's Original Universal Sandal - Men’s

____

These are bulky in your backpack, but feel fantastic on your feet at the end of the day: (Unisex) Crocs

Recommended Footwear for Hiking on the Camino de Santiago

I’ve worn both of the following mid-weight boots on long Camino journeys.

Hiking - Trekking Boots for the Camino

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot


These are tried & true German boots, and have been made for years with few changes.

My experience: they are terrific in the rain, mud, and snow.
They’re sturdy, comfortable, and provide excellent support.
GTX means they’re waterproof and breathable.
They also have a Vibram sole.

Women’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot

Men’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot

Here’s another, but less pricey option than the Lowas:
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

They’re also durable, comfortable, and waterproof-breathable.

Women’s Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Men’s Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Another Recommendation…

I recently purchased these. They have a wide toe-box with plenty of room for the toes to spread. Fit: true to size. Comfortable from the start. Lightweight and the sole looks durable.

I’m currently training for a Camino hike, and so far I’m impressed…and can recommend you check these out too.

— Jean Christie

Salomon Women’s X Ultra 4 MID GTX Hiking Boots

#Ad

Camino Book with Packing List To Walk Far Carry Less

Go the distance.

And enjoy the journey.

Dedicated to your feet, knees, hips and back 😘

Thousands of Camino pilgrims have used this book to customize their Camino backpack.

Includes a complete—absolutely everything—packing list.

Recommended Socks for the Camino

About Socks

Rule #1: don’t use cotton socks!

Look for wool/synthetic blends that wick-away moisture and provide padding for your feet.

Look for flat seams, or no seams at all.
Get reinforced heels and toes.

The right socks will help to prevent blisters…experiment before you leave for the Camino, with the footwear you’ll be wearing.

Outdoor Gear Lab — Best Overall Hiking Sock for Women (Smart Wool hiking socks)
Note: I’ve used Smart Wool socks for years; love them. I’ve not used the “Darn Tough” sock brand recommended for men below…but as a woman who often gets men’s gear because of quality or more or better pockets on clothing and other features, I’m intrigued…you might be too, so check both the men’s and women’s options here—and read the reviews.

Outdoor Gear Lab — Best Overall Hiking Sock for Men (Darn Tough hiking socks)

Compression Socks

Sport Compression Socks for Men & Women
A lot of runners wear them.
Many wear them on long flights abroad.
And many long-distance hikers like them too, for anti-fatigue effects.

Sometimes I wear them with capri pants when the weather is cold.
That way there’s less overheating, especially when wearing rain pants too.