Camino de Santiago / Way of St James

John, I walked the Camino 2 years ago, I too started in St Jean, it took me 33 days to arrive in Santiago. The jury is always out on boots or cross trainers, I used boots and recommend them, they are more sturdy and with walking 500 miles I just think they're better. I also wore liner socks, I didn't have a blister then entire time, blisters are the most common ailment on the Camino. I used a sleeping bag liner, it is made fleece and it worked well for me, when I needed extra warmth the alburgues usually had blankets for people to use, however the beds to not have sheets except for an occasional private one that might have paper sheets and not all alburgues have blankets. As far as packing I had 4 shirts, the underarmor type, 3 short sleeve and 1 long, I brought 2 pair of pants, all were camping type and one had removable lower legs to convert to shorts. I have a packing list I can forward to you, along with a list of good websites to use. I traveled via Madrid, from Madrid I took the train to Pamplona and then a shuttle service Express Bouricott to St Jean, I will send a link to them in a PM.

Since you are starting so late in the year there is a good possibility that you will experience a lot of wet weather and maybe even snow on some of the high passes. Footwear with a higher top and more water repellency will help keep your feet dry.