What is the best leather walking shoes fitted for this kind of walk? I am flatfooted which makes my feet gets hot easily, have problems with my toes, has bunions on the outer sides of both of the big toes and easily gets blistered. I have a pinch nerve on my lower back which gives me problems with my hips especially with the left that sometimes I experience some locking in so I have to stop and slowly readjust my left. Any helpful advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
With your foot issues, you might want to reconsider the entire trip. It is a strenuous, lengthy walk that takes weeks to complete. You might want to read "What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim" by Jane Christmas, or another book about walking the Camino to get an idea of how strenuous this can be.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
I have a book that describes every mile. It is pretty tough. Lots of hills and rough terrain. We are planning a bike trip and are allowing three weeks for the bike. You don't sound like a good candidate for a loooong walk.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9249 posts
Perhaps look at the MBT shoes, which are rounded on the bottom.
If you go to an orthopedic shoe store, they can advise you on the proper shoes to correct your feet problems. What works and what doesn't. They might also be able to correct your walking or your posture which may be causing your problems. Many of us think we walk and stand correctly, when we don't. Visit a professional and get some answers to your questions.
Posted by
Wodonga, Australia
440 posts
Josefina, I read this year a book by two Australiana who did the walk. Hard yakka indeed. Both hikers changed to walking hiking sandals during the trip...it was hot and the blisters from boots shredded their feet. The book is called 'The year We Seized the Day'. It would be an excellent reference for your planned trip.
Posted by
OP
Rowland Heights, CA, USA
5 posts
Greetings Jo, Pat, Nancy and Frank,
Thank you all for your kind advice. Your suggestions are well taken and fully informed me of what I am up to. Maybe I'll just take any transport from the start and then just walk the minimum 100km. Or how about hiring a donkey? What do you all think? Is that still gonna be too much of a challenge with you knowing all my conditions?
Hoping that you will not tire in giving suggestions.
Muchos gracias!!!!
Josefina
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
First off I think it would be wise for you to talk to your parish priest and get his opinion. Describe your physical limitations and the spiritual goal you are seeking. The purpose of the pilgrimage is humility and pentinence and a focus on eternal salvation. Humility sometimes requires that we accept our physical limitations and focus our good where we can. The focus IS ON GOD, humility, your place in His creation and salvation etc. Should you go I would think that any mode of transport that you require that is due to legitimate physical limitation as long at it requires REASONABLE sacrifice works. This is a very long walk and I think if you have a donkey and attendents (to take care of you and the donkey) there could be no problem. Ask yourself however if this is the best expenditure of your efforts for the Lord. That said it is between you and God. Best wishes and God Bless in the name of Our Lord.
Posted by
OP
Rowland Heights, CA, USA
5 posts
Greetings Marie
Thank you for your kind advice. Good timing'cuz I have been in touch about this with the priest that went with me in one of my trips.
God Bless!
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
There is a wealth of information on all aspects of the various caminoes to Santiago at:
http://www.pilgrimage-to-santiago.com/board/
Posted by
OP
Rowland Heights, CA, USA
5 posts
Hello Everybody
I am very thankful to all of you who responded and gave me feedbacks about my inquiry.