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Best Shoes For The Camino (And How To Choose The Right Pair For You!)

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I have feet shaped like the box they come in. When I walked my first Camino de Santiago, I had no idea about shoes, lacing techniques, or the importance of socks. And I definitely didn’t know that one bad blister could stop your Camino.

After more than a decade of walking and 11 years of searching for the perfect shoe, I’ve learned a lot. If you have wide feet like me, or narrow feet like Gerry, and you’re struggling to find the right Camino footwear, I know your pain.

Hiking shoes are expensive, and getting it wrong can be a costly and painful mistake. While you can read hundreds of online guides about the best hiking shoes, none of them are written for your feet.

I read so many forums and blog posts on the subject, but it wasn’t until I truly understood my own feet that I started making good choices. You need to know how to size and fit a shoe properly, how to use lacing techniques, and what to avoid when making your choice. Knowledge is power—and for me, that power meant no more blisters!

I spent years figuring this out. Keep reading, and I’ll share everything I’ve learned to help you find the best shoes for the Camino!

How To Find Your Shoe Size

One thing that really makes me mad is how wildly shoe sizes vary. If there’s one thing that should be standard, it’s shoe sizing!

Did you know that a men’s size 8 is a different length than a women’s size 8? And that women’s shoes are typically made in a B-width, while men’s are a D-width? No wonder it’s so hard to find the right fit! I once read a comment about the sports gear industry that said when designing women’s sportswear, they simply pink it and shrink it—and honestly, it feels true.

When I walked my first Camino, I went to a specialist outdoor shop in Bordeaux. They told me I needed boots. They picked out soft leather ones. They fitted them snugly to stop my foot from moving. I spent almost €200 on a pair of Marmot hiking boots that wouldn’t have looked out of place on Everest—and they ate my toes and even my blisters had blisters.

Before you even step one foot in a shop, or part with any money, you need to know your actual foot measurements—not just your shoe size. Forget standard sizing. From now on, you need centimetres or inches.

How To Measure Your Foot

You can do this alone, but it’s much easier if someone else does the tracing for you. You’ll need two sheets of paper, a pen or pencil, and a ruler.

Measure in the evening, preferably after you’ve been on your feet for a while or after a walk. Your feet naturally expand throughout the day, so measuring when they’re at their widest gives you a more accurate fit.

You can choose to measure barefoot or wearing the socks you plan to walk in. Personally, I prefer barefoot—I want to know my true foot size and shape au naturel!

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Feet

1. Place two sheets of paper on a hard surface (tile, wood, or laminate is best).
2. Stand on each sheet of paper, one foot per sheet.
3. Distribute your weight evenly, standing up straight so both feet press down naturally.
4. Have a partner trace both feet while you remain standing. (You need both, as one foot is usually longer than the other!)
5. Keep the pen at a right angle to the floor—don’t tilt it in or out, as this can add or shave off millimetres from your actual size.

Now, Find Your Measurements

For reference, my foot is 26.5 cm long and 11 cm wide. I also know that my left foot is slightly bigger than my right—which is completely normal! 

Now you know your measurements you can check on every manufacturer website to determine what size you should be buying for that brand!

Top Tip : If you fall between sizes, always size up not down.

Important Features to Consider When Choosing Your Camino Shoe

Knowing your foot size is just the beginning. You’ll also need to think about your foot shape, personal preferences, and what feels comfortable for you on a long-distance hike. And that’s before we even get into pronation—but let’s save that for another day!

There’s no single perfect Camino shoe—only the right one for your foot. Understanding your own feet is the key to avoiding foot pain, blisters, and discomfort and potential injury over hundreds of kilometres.

1. Cushioning

People say there’s a lot of tarmac on the Camino, and it’s true there can be.  And hard surfaces can leave your feet feeling tired at the end of the day. But don’t underestimate the impact of hard-packed earth, too.

When I walked the Via de la Plata from Sevilla, the ground had been baked solid all summer. Many fellow pilgrims suffered from foot and knee pain as a result. I’m not too badly affected but Gerry really suffers and he needs some form of cushioning to help.

Having some cushioning can help your feet absorb impact, reducing strain on your feet and joints; a mini shock absorber if you like. This is one reason I’ve been looking for an alternative to my Lone Peaks—for just a little extra comfort underfoot.

Top Tip : More cushion isn’t always better! Too much can reduce ground feel and stability. A moderate level of cushioning often works best for long-distance walking.

2. Drop (Heel-to-Toe Drop in Shoes)

Have you heard about zero-drop shoes? With a zero-drop shoe, your heel and toes sit at the same level, mimicking how you’d walk barefoot. This is in contrast to most modern walking and running shoes, which have a raised heel.  You sometimes see 5mm drop or 12mm drop.

In the 1970s, Nike introduced a wedged heel in their running shoes to give Olympic sprinters a slight mechanical advantage off the starting blocks. This extra bit of height provided more propulsion, and soon, almost all sports shoes adopted some form of heel lift—even for casual runners and walkers. 

But the extra heel isn’t all good; it might be great for a 100 metre sprint but for the rest of us is it so good?

Brands like Altra, started making zero-drop shoes to encourage a more natural walking posture; as if we were barefoot. Advocates say that zero-drop shoes can:

However, zero-drop isn’t for everyone, and transitioning too quickly can lead to discomfort or even injury. If you’ve always worn traditional walking shoes, switching to zero-drop should be done gradually—your calves, Achilles, and arches need time to adjust.

Top Tip : If you have tight calves or Achilles issues, start by rotating zero-drop shoes into shorter walks before using them full-time. Strengthening exercises and stretching can also help with the transition.

3. Durability

If you choose a trail runner or lightweight trail shoe, expect a shorter lifespan. Manufacturers often say their shoes will last 500 miles (800 km)—which is roughly the length of the Camino Frances. If I’m lucky, one pair lasts me a year, but I usually need two pairs to get through a full season of walking.

If you opt for heavier hiking shoes or boots, you’ll get more durability, but at the cost of weight and flexibility. Some higher-end brands even offer resoling services, which can extend the life of your boots if the upper is still in good shape.

Top Tip : If a shoe is falling apart before 300 miles, check the outsole wear pattern—you may need a different type of shoe or insole to balance your stride.  If there’s no obvious reason, you might have a poor quality shoe and I’d consider sending it back if it were me.

4. Flat Feet

I don’t have flat feet, but here’s what you need to know!

Flat feet (also called fallen arches) mean that your foot has little to no arch, which can lead to overpronation (when the foot rolls inward too much while walking). People with flat feet often need:

Top Tip : Not all flat feet need support! Some people do just fine in neutral shoes—listen to your feet.

5. Flexibility

One of the things I love about trail runners is their flexibility—they allow more natural foot movement, making it easier to adjust to uneven terrain. Unlike stiffer hiking boots, which can feel restrictive, trail runners let my foot move freely, helping me stay more agile on rocky or uneven paths.

However, flexibility isn’t for everyone. If you have weak ankles or need more support, a slightly firmer sole might work better for you.

Top Tip : Try bending your shoe—if it folds in half easily, it’s very flexible; if it barely moves, it’s stiff. A balance between the two is often ideal for long-distance walking. You do need to be able to bend your foot in the shoe.

6. High Arches

I have high arches, and I’m told that all the best ballet dancers do too (though I’m definitely not a ballerina!).

If you’re like me, high arches are an extra challenge—our feet take up more vertical space in the shoe. This can make some shoes feel too tight across the top, especially if they already run narrow.

If you have high arches:

Top Tip : If you have both high arches and wide feet, you may need to size up slightly to avoid feeling squeezed.

By the way, I checked about whether Ballet Dancers really do have a high instep and whilst they’re often considered aesthetically more pleasing, only 9% of elite dancers actually have them. Just as with hiking, it’s all about strength, support, and the right tools and technique!

7. Wide Fit

Ah, the bane of my life. If you have wide feet, you’ll understand the frustration of trying to find the perfect shoe. And unless you have wide feet, you’ll never quite understand our pain!

👉 Take a look at my post about the Best Wide Fit Shoes for Walking the Camino

Remember that a woman’s standard fit is B and a man’s is D; I never even look at a woman’s hiking shoe as I know it will never work for me. 

Top Tip : Many brands offer wide (2E) and extra-wide (4E) options—but not all retailers stock them. In the US you have way more choice.  In France I struggle but I have to be persistent and keep searching.   And do shop online too as shoe shops may not stock the fit you want and they’ll try to sell you what they have.

Boot Vs Shoe : Which Is Best For the Camino & What’s the Evidence?

I love a good debate on a hiking or Camino forum and nothing gets folks talking more than which boots or shoes are best. Spend time in any Camino or hiking group and you’ll see strong opinions on both sides.

But just as with everything else, the answer is what is best for your foot! Personally, I believe a lightweight shoe is the best choice for the Camino—unless you’re tackling a technical route or carrying a very heavy pack a boot is just extra weight.

Many folks disagree with me and will argue that boots offer better ankle support, but do they really? I’ve often thought that the more we cushion and pad our ankles, the less strength and agility we have.  I had no solid evidence to back it up. So, I did some digging!

Does Ankle Support Actually Prevent Injury?

Does Terrain or Pack Weight Make a Difference?

It’s clear that boots certainly have their place, and if you have worn a boot for years and your feet love them then why change? However, for the average Camino walker carrying a reasonable pack weight, a good pair of lightweight, well-cushioned trail shoes is often the better choice.

If you’re concerned about ankle support, then strengthening your ankles through exercise may be more beneficial than relying on heavy boots to do the job for you.

Camino Shoe Options : Can You Really Hike In Sandals?

Back on my first Camino, I bought a pair of Keen hiking sandals. To be fair, I really liked them—except they were too heavy, too small, and the strap sat right on my poor, blistered little toe.

Many people told me you couldn’t hike in sandals. And you know what? You absolutely can! I loved my Teva sandals until I discovered Chaco, and now I swear by them—I’ve hiked and travelled the world with a pair of Chacos on my feet

So, what type of shoes can you actually hike in?

Hiking Boots

I’m not a huge fan of boots for the Camino, but they do have their place.

Pros of Hiking Boots

Cons of Hiking Boots

Hiking Sandals

When we talk about hiking sandals, we don’t mean something pretty with a delicate ankle strap. Hiking sandals are built for walking—they have thick soles, adjustable straps, and lock your foot securely in place. Some have closed toes, but I prefer open-toe designs.

Do you wear them with socks? Some do, but I prefer going barefoot.  But I used to find with my Teva I had to have a few weeks of breaking them in, as I always picked up a blister under the strap. After that they were good to go.

Pros of Hiking Sandals

Cons of Hiking Sandals

Road Running or Trainer or Gym Shoes

People often ask me, can I just wear my regular running shoes? My answer is probably no; at least, not for long-distance hiking.

Pros For Road Running Shoes

Cons of Road Running Shoes

Trail Runners & Trail Shoes

For me, this is the best kind of shoe for the Camino. There’s a spectrum though from lightweight trail runners to more supportive hybrid trail shoes that offer a mix of cushioning and durability.

Pros of a Trail Shoe

Cons of a Trail Shoe

Other Important Considerations When Buying Your Hiking Shoe

It’s endless right?  You’ve measured your foot, you’ve choose the type of shoe that’s right for you and looked at the various options but that’s not all.  There are other environmental concerns that could also impact of the shoe that you choose.  So before you get out your hard earned cash you also need to consider :

What Terrain Will Your Camino Shoes Be For?

The Camino de Santiago is not a technical mountain hike, but the terrain varies greatly depending on which route you take.

The Camino Frances, has long stretches of flat, even paths, but you cross a few mountains and there’s a fair amount of rocky trail and tarmac too—especially in the Pyrenees and Galicia. The Camino Primitivo, on the other hand, is steeper and more rugged, requiring shoes with better traction. 

The Portuguese Coastal will mean lots of tarmac and cobbles so you might prefer some cushion and for the first few days you’ll be walking on pavements and by the beach so maybe even sandals could work.

Here’s what to consider for different types of terrain:

So you see, again no one size fits all answer but if you’re walking mostly on tarmac or even terrain, a shoe with cushioning matters more than deep tread. If you’re on rockier, more uneven paths, stability, grip, and durability are more important.

Hybrid options like trail shoes offer the best of both worlds, making them a great all-rounder for most Camino routes.

What Will the Weather Be Like?

The season you walk in will greatly influence your shoe choice. A summer Camino is vastly different from an autumn or winter one, and each presents unique challenges.

Spring & Summer & Autumn (April–September) Caminos:

Autumn & Winter (October–March) Caminos:

Should You Go Waterproof or Non-Waterproof?

This is one of the biggest debates among Camino walkers, and yes you’ve guessed it, both options have their advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of Waterproof Shoes

Cons of Waterproof Shoes

If you’re walking in warm, dry months, a breathable, non-waterproof shoe is probably better.  If you’re walking in cold, rainy months, a waterproof shoe may be useful. And if you’re expecting all weathers make a choice.

Do Insoles Help When Hiking?

I’m no podiatrist, and I don’t know your feet, so take what I say with a pinch of salt. But I do know what works (and doesn’t work) for me.

I have one leg slightly longer than the other, so I wear a specially made insole in my everyday shoes—and it makes a huge difference. But when I’ve tried insoles in my hiking shoes? Blisters. Every. Single. Time.

Gerry and my hiking buddy Maggie have had the same issue. But I also know plenty of hikers who swear by insoles. So, what’s the reality? Do they actually help, or do they just cause more problems?

Truth is that insoles can play a significant role in enhancing hiking comfort and performance, though their effectiveness varies based on individual foot characteristics.

Potential Benefits of Insoles

Some hikers swear by insoles, claiming they make long-distance walking far more comfortable. Here’s why they might help:

Considerations & Potential Drawbacks of Insoles

For me the biggest issue has been getting the exact fit for the insole.  Try as I may this has always been slightly off and for that reason they cause me problems.  Other issues include :

While many hikers benefit from insoles through improved support and comfort, others may find them unsuitable. And if you have wide feet or high arches, the insole might be taking up more valuable space inside your shoe.

If you’re unsure consult with a podiatrist or a specialist at an outdoor retailer. They can assess your foot mechanics and recommend insoles tailored to your specific needs.

Socks Are Just As Important

I know this post is about shoes, but I can’t stress this enough that your socks matter just as much! In fact, sometimes the real culprit behind blisters isn’t your shoe at all, but a badly fitting sock.

I’ve had socks that felt too tight, and just like a shoe that’s too small, a sock that squeezes your toes together can cause just as much trouble. Likewise a sock that’s too big can bunch and cause hotspots and discomfort.

Unfortunately, good sports socks are expensive, and I’ve had to experiment with a few brands before settling on my sock of choice—Drymax Runner.

I’ve also tested Injinji toe socks, and they gave me blisters in places I’ve never had blisters before! Meanwhile, Gerry swears by Darn Tough, and plenty of other hikers love 1000 Mile socks. And there are many more to choose from!

This topic deserves its own post, but here’s my biggest advice:

So, What Shoe Should You Wear On The Camino?

If you’ve made it all the way through this post, you probably already know the answer to that; there is no mythical perfect shoe. Every foot is different, and every shoe comes with some kind of compromise.

For me, I want more cushion, but my clown feet mean my choices are limited. If I have to pick, I’ll take width over cushion every time. Gerry, on the other hand, loves his Salomon quick-lace system, but he also wants the plush comfort of the Hoka Challenger—so he has to decide which is more important.

When you find the right shoe, it feels like a massive breakthrough. If your feet are happy, they will carry you for a million footsteps—which, apparently, is about how many it takes to walk from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela.

For me, there’s only one shoe that truly accommodates my wide feet, long second toe, and high arch—the Altra Lone Peak. Is it perfect for me? No. Does it allow me to keep hiking? Absolutely.

I have cried over blisters. Blisters will stop your Camino. They can become infected and get serious fast. Before I found my shoe, I seriously considered (and Googled!) a little-toe-ectomy. It’s a thing, apparently! Thankfully, I found the right shoe, and I still have all my toes.

I love hiking. I can’t imagine a world where I can’t hike. Finding the right shoe changed my life. In 2016, I walked 1,007 kilometres from Seville to Santiago in an Altra Lone Peak—and I’ve never looked back.

So, spend some time getting to know your feet, measure your feet properly and then find the shoe that will carry you from A to B. The research will save you money, but more importantly, it will get you to the finish line—and ultimately, that’s the goal.

Are You Walking the Camino De Santiago?

You may have noticed that I love the Camino. I’ve walked countless times since 2013. If you’re planning your own walk I have many other resources that can help :

Along with many other posts covering travel, insurance and currency, travel to St Jean Pied de Port and What to do in Santiago and pilgrim guides to Porto! I have a lot of great content for pilgrims!

If you’re planning your Camino or already on the trail, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Join my Camino Facebook Community, share your stories, and or ask questions and find inspiration for the road ahead.