Boots vs hiking shoes

[Russ Irwin]

It looks like many of you have already made the pilgrimage to Santiago
so I'd like to hear what you have to say about wearing hiking boots vs
hiking shoes to do it.

I'm not so much worried about ankle support as, even at 52 now, I'm
still just about as sure footed as a mountain goat in the woods like I
was when I was younger (and I weigh a bit less than I did a year ago
too <g>). I tend towards shoes because when I wear boots for an
extended period my ankles bother me from the rubbing.

Having said that, I have already bought a pair of EMS (Eastern
Mountain Sports) Mirage (Gortex) hiking shoes. I'm not sure if they
will be what I go with though. They weigh 2lb 8oz (for both) and I'm
not sure if the midsoles are thick enough for extended walking over
rough (sharp) rocks. Are there many areas on the Camino that have
rough, sharp rocks?

I'm also considering the Vasque Avanti, or maybe their Exodus 3 hiking
shoes. Anyone have any experience with either of them?

I'd also like to ask Kathy whether she lost the toenails because of
bad fitting boots/shoes?

Sorry if this is too many questions. :-)

Russ Irwin