Best Camino Shoes

One of the questions that comes up a lot is: what shoes should I wear to do a Camino?

Shoes are your #1 most important piece of gear for walking a Camino. Choosing the right shoes for you is vital for finishing your Camino strong and healthy and helping to prevent blisters and injuries along the way.

Over the past six years, I’ve walked more than 850 miles on Camino wearing four different pairs of shoes. Each of my pairs of Camino shoes has its pros and cons and what my feet need has evolved over those six years too. I am happy to talk through what you might want and give you specific advice but first I want to share three tips to help you get started.

1. You know your body best. Do you have walking, running or hiking shoes that you wear regularly and love? They may be great for Camino or at least a starting place with a style of shoe or a brand that you already know works well for your feet. Ask around to friends, read reviews and visit outdoorsy stores to talk with sales people but after all that, go with the shoes that work best for your feet.

2. Camino terrain is varied. You’ll be walking on dirt paths, gravel roads, paved country lanes, sidewalks, cobblestones, and more. You’ll be walking uphill and downhill and it might be hot, chilly, wet or muddy at times too. The challenge can be that some shoes are designed to be better for pavement and some for dirt and rock. You might find a shoe that’s great for most terrain. Or maybe, like me, having two different pairs of shoes that you can use as needed is the right solution for you.

I’ve walked in hiking shoes, walking shoes, and trail running shoes. Even though I’m not a runner, trail running shoes hit a lot of notes for me on Camino because they combine a nubby sole with support with cushion. Two other options that I haven’t used but have been great for other women I’ve walked with are hiking boots and outdoorsy sandals. So that’s five different kinds of footwear that can work well on Camino as a place to start.

3. Give yourself time. You’ll want to bring shoes on Camino that are “fresh,” not brand spanking new and not worn out. Give yourself time to try different shoes, and see what feels best for your feet. Go for a few long training walks and if you feel a rub that’s going to turn into a blister or something out of whack in any of your joints, go back and try another pair. Make sure to test your Caminoshoes with your custom insoles or orthotics too. This process takes time so don’t shortchange yourself.

If you have questions about finding the right shoes for you, let’s chat. I’m happy to answer your unique questions and concerns and offer personalized suggestions. Here’s my calendarto find a time that works well for you.