We already discuss about this topic in the post about the best equipment to walk the Camino in Spain.
However, today we would like to focus in a very deciding factor of this adventure: the footwear.
The difference between choose good or bad footwear is important. You can go from heaven to hell by just some steps at the beginning of this adventure.
Blisters, severe feet pains, and even sharp back throat could be some of the consequences of choose the wrong walking boots.
The essential parameters in choosing the right walking boots to walk the Camino de Santiago
We will consider four points: leg height, grip, impermeability and lastly, material and weight.
1/ Leg height
The boot leg is the distance between the sole and the top of the boots, measured in its back part. The taller is the leg, the better the protection for the ankle.
Which height is the right one? The factor that determines if the boot should be medium or tall, is the land’s difficulty.
Although the stages usually are long, you will not face great difficulties in the way. Either sometimes, especially in the Northern Way, you will frequently walk by road.
2/ Grip
Any trekking walking boot needs an optimum grip to avoid slid down or undesirable accidents.
In this case we recommend you to use always a sole with technology Vibram, even tough is not the only one.
Contragrip is exclusive of Salomon boots, and it has also very good quality: it guarantee an optimum grip.
The most important factor is precisely to choose among these two options, and never some walking boots without the enough grip in the sole.
3/ Impermeability
It is the characteristic that allows your boots to resist the water, and keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Although you could feel the temptation to ignore rain or snow, the majority of the routes in the Camino de Santiago go by the north of the country, where often you face rain and snow in winter.
Correspondingly it is a good idea to find a pair of walking boots to walk the Camino in Spain with this characteristic.
There is a material called Gore-Tex, by which most of the membranes used to cover the boots are made off. There are many others, also, as Inner Plus or Iso Tex.
4/ Material and weight
Lastly, boots made by leather used to be heavier. Nowadays there are many synthetic materials that reduces weight and guarantee durability.
Get informed properly before buying some walking boots to walk the Camino in Spain. Otherwise, if they look lighter, could be less comfortable for you.
Do you already have the perfect walking boots? Would you like to share with us how you chose them? And also if you have any useful advice. We are waiting for your comments!
