Question.
How many steps in 800 km?
Answer.
An 800 km (500 mile) walk, depending on your stride, averages between 1,600,000 and 2,000,000 steps.
Choosing your footwear is a serious starting point for all planning to walk the Camino.
There are many variables to consider: size, weight, low cut or full ankle support, sole thickness, shape, material, waterproof, lacing, and what to wear at the end of the day. I use the term ‘boots” however for many walkers purpose designed hiking or trail walking shoes will be preferable.
Boot size- need room for feet to swell.
All reputable outdoor shops will measure your feet in-store as a guide to the sizes to try on and, if you are lucky, stock the brands that are more likely to fit your foot shape. DO NOT rely solely on what the foot measuring device shows. Need to stand up ideally with full backpack weight on as feet can spread. They will be larger later in the day than in the morning! Advisable not to get hung up on a particular brand or style, rather focus on footwear that fits YOUR feet and is comfortable. Some German brands offer wider footwear such as Meindl with their Comfort Fit range. Hanwag have boots for people with bunion which also work well for people with wide feet.
There is a full chapter in Camino Ready.Backpacks, Boots & (no) Blisters on choosing the right footwear and some of the problems you may encounter if you get it wrong; inexperienced walkers have had toes removed caused by infections from feet injuries.
Sandals. Some walkers prefer to walk in sandals, usually with a toe cap to keep out stones and sand.
The advantages of sandals include being light weight, stop your feet overheating and they provide good grip.
I haven’t walked with sandals as I prefer more protection around my feet and walking with wet socks isn’t appealing. Maybe I should try sandals when there is unlikely to be a lot of rain and snow!
This is a serious topic.
Scarpa Boots – Click here to read or buy Scarpa boots boots and footwear
Lowa Boots – Click here to read or buy Lowa boots and footwear…
Hanwag Boots – Click here to read about Hanwag Boots…
Salomon – Click here to read about Salomon boots and footwear for hiking…
Meindl Boots – Click here to read or buy Meindl boots and footwear…
Skechers – Click here to view or buy Skechers footwear …
Spoilt for choice. There are many brands of footwear so I am only covering the ones I have used or are similar. Will post additional information as I try other brands and styles.