In the previous article we talked about the importance of footwear on long journeys lasting several days. Be especially careful if you will be walking for a week or more, or you will be walking more than 30km per day.
Don’t gamble, a small blister in the wrong place can ruin your trip.
ADVICE FOR PILGRIMS’ FEET
Not all routes are equally demanding, but the harder the route, the more impressive the scenery.
It is up to you to decide and it will shape your experience from start to finish. We would like to give you a few notes on the 4 most famous routes:
- In spring/summer the best choice are trekking shoes.
- In cold and wet seasons, hiking boots.
You must carry:
- Used (but not worn out) footwear. It is not a good idea to experiment when your path will depend largely on your feet.
- Avoid internal seams. Whether in socks, boots or slippers.
- Wear the foot snug (but not tight). With loose shoes you are likely to get blisters and chafing on your feet.
- Cushioned sole with the heel slightly higher than the toe to reduce the possibility of muscle overload.
- Apply cold at the end of the stage to lower the temperature of the feet (blisters) and speed up muscle recovery. You can’t imagine how much it helps to put your feet and legs in ice or water.
- cold at the end of each journey. In many places you will find natural or public rivers. Don’t think about it.