Shoes and over the ankle imperative

[Sean Flavin]

Refernce low top shoes I have done some research via friends that have hiked
the Sierra's extensively.  One friend hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail
in 5 months and did it in a low top shoe.  Gore tex was also discussed.
What my inquires found was a comfortable very light weight shoe was best the
quote " a pound on your feet is like ten in your pack" was used.  Gore tex
is probably best in wet cooler conditions and may lead to sweating in a very
hot dry climate.  Quick drying was also a consideration.  I have no
experience on the camino and plan on hiking this summer during the hottest
months, so my plan is lightweight and very comfortable.


>From: "Robert E. Spenger" <rspengeraHOME.COM>
>Reply-To: Road to Santiago Pilgrimage <GOCAMINOapete.uri.edu>
>To: GOCAMINOapete.uri.edu
>Subject: Re: Shoes and over the ankle imperative
>Date: Fri, 25 May 2001 03:58:11 -0700
>
>Imperative is a rather strong word to use. I had low cut, lightweight
>wlking shoes (not running shoes) and had no problems with the terrain. Any
>foot soreness that I had was not really very much different than what I
>have experienced hiking around home. This year I didn't even have a blister
>problem. I had used the same make, model, and size of shoe last year and
>had toe blister problems during the 2nd through the 4th week, but then it
>cleared up. The problem was that size 13 was available only in medium
>widtrh. I had them stretched once, but apparently that was not enough. This
>year, I got a new pair and also increased the sock thickness by using very
>thin inner socks. This time, I had the
>stretching treatment done three times and that did the trick. Not a single
>blister.
>
>I always used to use big, heavy, over the ankle boots backpacking in the
>Sierra Nevada, which has much rougher terrain than anything I encountered
>on the pilgrimage routes and I am convinced that the business of ankle
>protection is a myth.
>
>Howard Mendes wrote:
>
> > After 5 days on the Camino in Estella, I will tell you all that it is
>imperative to have medium to heavy weight over the ankle hiking boots.  The
>terrain is very rocky and difficult to negotiate.  Forget about running
>shoes my friend unless you want to wear them or sandals at night.  By the
>way I am sorry that I didn¨t bring a second pair of hiking boots to
>alternate with the pair I have.  Everyone complains about sore feet. It is
>rougher than I imagined, but one of the best experiences of my lifetime.
>The people you meet are extraordinary and the Camino is unbelievable.
>There are free internet hookups in the library here in Estella, a beautiful
>small city.  Ultreya.  Howard Mendes, NYC

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