Boots vs hiking shoes

[Nick Hayes]

Hi Russ

I echo Kathy's comments. And in addition to flip flops etc add sports sandals.
My personal choice was ECCO's.  Mephistos are excellent however I found that the Ecco's in any practical sense, just as good and "only" $200 verses the $300 you lay out for Mephistos.
For me the big plus for ECCO was that they have a wider fit than Mephistos and come out of the box broken in. I still wear them for comfort even around the home.

Just make sure that whatever you choose get them a size larger than normal. Your feet will SWELL while you walk. Loose is good.



Kathy Gower wrote:

> >
> >I'd also like to ask Kathy whether she lost the toenails because of
> >bad fitting boots/shoes?
>
> Hi Russs,
>
> I wore (and stil wear) Mephisto Hiking boots that were the proper size---however, I was carrying a bag that weighed about 30 pounds and the downhill from St. Jean into Roncesvalles set off some nasry blisters.  I think I'll still wear them this September, but will reduce my pack load significantly.  All that stuff wasn't really necessary and caused my arches to flatten out, thus the toe rubs.  I apreciated the ankle support (I have the identical walking shoes as well) but I've seen people walk in everything from flip flops to sneakers to military style heavy boots.
>
> There is alot of up and down hills, flat roads on blacktop, fording streams and thick mud at times, even sharp stones.  No matter.  Go for comfort and kiss the ground every morning before you walk.