Picking the right trail shoe is probably the most important gear decision you’ll need to make for a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. It’s pretty easy to work with things like an ill sized pack, an uncomfortable hat, or a heavy pair of trekking poles. If you get your shoe pick wrong, you could be forced to battle blisters, foot fatigue, and possibly injuries that would force you off of the trail. In this post, I’m going to break down what I look for in an optimal Camino trail shoe based on my experience on the Camino Frances, Camino Portuguese, John Muir Trail, Tour du Mont Blanc, and many other hikes around the world. I will also provide you with my top ten picks that are available in 2021!
Getting Started
Like tires on a car, your shoes and trekking poles are the only pieces of gear that come into contact with the actual trail. You’ll be relying heavily on your footwear over many miles to provide grip, traction, comfort, and protection. Choosing the wrong pair for your feet can easily make for an early exit from the Camino. Let’s take a look at some facts about the many Camino de Santiago routes before we get started:
- It’s a non-technical trail that consists of asphalt, concrete, dirt roads, and single track. There is no scrambling, off trail hiking, or climbing required.
- Seasons matter. Daily temperature and weather will vary greatly depending on when you walk. It will be warm in the summer months, and wet in the winter months. You should expect rain year round though.
- Most hikers will cover 10-20 miles a day, so a shoe with all-day comfort is very important.
- On longer and hotter days, your feet will swell and your skin will dehydrate. It’s important to remember this when thinking about sizing and fit.
- Many hikers will carry a pack with a base weight of 8-20 lbs. Remember that hiking with a lighter pack will make your trail experience much more comfortable and enjoyable. Pack light!
- It’s often said that 1-pound on your feet is equal to 5-pounds on your back. For this reason and many others, I would suggest going with trail running shoes as opposed to heavy boots.
- Experience matters. Don’t leave home without training in your shoe of choice, logging at least 5 longer hikes in them.
- Nothing trumps training and fitness. It doesn’t matter how much time and money you spend picking up the perfect gear. If you’re not in shape physically and mentally, your odds of completing a pilgrimage walk will go down dramatically.
Given these trail conditions, I personally rule out any option that is a high top boot and/or has Gore-Tex. Why? Boots are too heavy, do not breathe well, and are not necessary for a simple and non-technical walking path like those found on the routes to Santiago. Boots are also more likely to cause blistering and other foot issues. This isn’t just my personal opinion either, it is one shared by many Camino hikers, as well as the vast majority of thru-hikers on trails like the JMT, PCT, CDT, and AT.
So why not shoes with Gore-Tex (GTX)? From my anecdotal experience alongside that of many others, GTX will drench your feet from the inside out. GTX will trap heat into your shoe or boot on hot days, causing you to sweat through your socks. What about in rain? If you get GTX footwear wet, good luck drying them out. It could take days! GTX might keep water out, but it will also keep water in. If you’ve ever been in a prolonged downpour with GTX boots on, you’ll know they will eventually get wet. I don’t want to go too far on this point, but GTX is sold like crazy, and doesn’t do what most people think it does.
What I Look For
Now that we’ve ruled a few choices out, here are a few criteria I look for when selecting trail shoes.
- Lightweight: under 14 oz.
- Breathable: must let feet breathe and dry quickly
- Forefoot Protection: Must protect my feet from the rocky trail with a rockplate and/or ample cushion
- Lower Drop: I like a 4-8mm drop for stability
- Fit: I prefer shoes with a foot shaped toe box and no slop in the heel or midfoot
- My Foot Shape: My foot is not your foot! Try on multiple shoes and go with the one that fits your foot shape.
- Durable: Shoe must be able to handle upwards of 500 miles per pair
- Comfortable: No hot spots or rubbing points, with a nearly seamless interior upper
- Stable: Not necessarily with inserts or built in support, but I’m not a fan of narrow or flimsy shoes while wearing a pack
- Drainage: With thunderstorms and rain, I need the shoes to drain and dry quickly
- Availability: It’s important to be able to try on shoes to see what fits your foot best. For this reason I suggest going to stores like REI where you can try shoes on, or ordering online from places with easy return policies like Amazon or Zappos.
Okay, now that I’ve laid out how to pick a Camino trail shoe, here are my top 10 choices!
1. Altra Lone Peak 5
Price: $120
Drop: 0mm (25mm to 25mm)
Weight: 10.6 oz
The Altra Lone Peak is the king of the JMT, PCT, AT, and just about any other thru-hike you can mention. The Lone Peaks have gotten better with each version and have spread like wildfire on the trail due to the supreme comfort of their ‘foot shaped’ toe box. The Lone Peak offers adequate underfoot protection with 25mm of cushion and a stone guard. The outsole has improved greatly with additional traction and durability over the past few years as well. If you’re looking for a trail shoe that fits and feels like a slipper, the Lone Peak is for you. Just make sure to give yourself a few months to adjust to the 0-drop before embarking on your pilgrimage.
Best For: Hikers prone to blisters and foot swelling.
Pros: Wide toebox, comfortable fit, affordable, wide availability
Cons: Zero drop platform requires an adjustment period
2. Salomon Sense Ride 3
Price: $125
Drop: 8mm (25mm to 17mm)
Weight: 10.5 oz
The Salomon Sense Ride is the perfect door-to-trail shoe option for Camino pilgrims. When you first try on the Sense Ride, you’ll notice it feels like a standard road running shoe, which is perfect for the asphalt and concrete of The Way. The Sense Ride adapts nicely on dirt paths and trails with a very competent outsole and stable midsole. If you’re looking for the comfort of a traditional running shoe with off-road ability, the Sense Ride is the shoe for you.
Best For: Hikers and walkers looking for running shoe comfort with trail shoe performance.
Pros: Smooth ride, incredible grip and traction from the outsole
Cons: Underfoot protection on rocky trails and cobblestone is lacking
3. Hoka Speedgoat 4
Price: $145
Drop: 4mm (32mm to 28mm)
Weight: 10.8 oz
The Hoka brand has taken off like wildfire over the past decade. What started as a strange super-cushion shoe, has transformed into one of the most popular options for trail, road, and casual wear. When I walked the Camino Portuguese in 2018, Hokas were everywhere, and their growth as a brand is sure to continue. The top model for Camino pilgrims is the Hoka Speedgoat, with a plush midsole, grippy Vibram outsole, and secure upper.
Best For: Hikers looking for a max cushion shoe that still provides a secure fit and amazing traction
Pros: Lots of cushion, Vibram Mega Grip outsole
Cons: Instability for those with heavier packs, and a narrow toe box
4. Brooks Cascaida 15
Price: $130
Drop: 8mm (23mm to 15mm)
Weight: 10.4 oz
The Cascadia was the most popular shoe for thru-hikers a decade ago, but Brooks churned out a few duds with version 10-13. With v14, Brooks made some big changes to the shoe, and now on v15, the Cascadia is back to its best. The Cascadia has the feel of a comfortable road shoe, but with a very stable and well protected ride underfoot. The 8mm drop midsole offers max protection with a rock plate as well. This shoe will give pilgrims many comfortable miles on any surface The Way presents.
Best For: Hikers seeking bombproof protection on a runable platform
Pros: Underfoot protection and all-day nice comfort
Cons: A bit stiff in the midsole
5. Saucony Peregrine 11
Price: $120
Drop: 4mm (22mm to 18mm)
Weight: 11 oz
I’ve been a fan of the Saucony Peregrine since its inception and almost chose v2 for my 2012 Camino Frances. The shoe has gone through quite a few changes since then, and is back to its best with v11. The Peregrine 11 has a comfortable and secure upper, stable midsole with a rockplate, and a grippy and aggressive outsole. With a 4mm drop, this shoe is a nice option for those struggling with the 0mm drop of the Lone Peak.
Best For: Hikers a stable, comfortable, and protective shoe
Pros: A shoe built for all-day comfort, great traction
Cons: A bit narrow
6. Hoka Challenger 6
Price: $130
Drop: 5mm (30mm to 25mm)
Weight: 9.6 oz
The Hoka Challenger is the less aggressive cousin to the Hoka Speedgoat. The Challenger has a more forgiving upper, a nice and plush midsole, and a less aggressive outsole. This shoe would be perfect on the Camino Portuguese Central route, where most days are covering cobblestone, concrete, and asphalt.
Best For: Hikers looking for a max cushion shoe with max comfort
Pros: Lots of cushion and comfortable fit
Cons: Sidehill instability and minimal grip on wet trails
7. Altra Olympus 4
Price: $170
Drop: 0mm (33mm to 33mm)
Weight: 12 oz
If you love the wide toebox and 0-drop of the Lone Peak, but want the max cushion of the Hoka Shoes, the Altra Olympus is the pick for you. The Olympus packs a massive 33mm of midsole under your feet, and comes with a Vibram Megagrip outsole. The upper is solid, but not the most secure.
Best For: Hikers seeking max protection and cushion on a zero drop wide fitting platform
Pros: Cushion, comfort, grippy outsole
Cons: Expensive, lacking stability
8. La Sportiva Bushido II
Price: $130
Drop: 8mm (23mm to 15mm)
Weight: 10.4 oz
The original Bushido was one of my favorite and most used shoes for the past decade. La Sportiva released the new Bushido II a few years ago to improve on the original. The biggest change are 4mm of extra cushioning in the forefoot and a more comfortable upper. The rest of the shoe remains mostly unchanged. The Bushido offers just enough cushion for long miles, and is built on a very stable and supportive platform. The Bushido has been my shoe of choice while hiking with my 40lbs son on my back (total 45lbs+ pack) because of the confidence inspiring support and stability.
Best For: Hikers seeking a stable shoe that hugs the foot and provides great underfoot protection
Pros: Stability, underfoot protection, grip, and traction
Cons: Low volume
9. Salomon XA Pro 3D
Price: $130
Drop: 10mm (25mm to 15mm)
Weight: 10.4 oz
Of all the shoes on this list, the Salomon XA Pro 3D is the one I have the most experience with. This is the shoe I wore on the JMT in 2015 and on Tour du Mont Blanc in 2014. Although I love the wet traction rubber on the outsole of these newer versions, the shoe is still a touch too narrow for my liking, and the over-the-toe lacing needs an update. They ride like a shoe, but offer boot like support and stability. If they fit your foot shape, they’re a great choice for those needing a burly and structured hiker.
Best For: Hikers with narrow feet and carrying heavier packs that are looking for a burly and rugged trail shoe
Pros: Plastic 3D chassis support, durable, stable
Cons: Narrow fit, pronounced seams on the upper lacing
10. Topo Terraventure 2
Price: $120
Drop: 3mm (21mm to 18mm)
Weight: 10.8 oz
The Altra Lone Peak gets a ton of love in hiking circles, but its popularity isn’t without a little dissent. For those that don’t love the Lone Peak, their issues usually stem from the 0-drop platform and/or the uppers lacking stability. The Topo Terraventure offers the wide toebox and anatomical fit of Altras, but with a 5mm drop and a secure feel and midfoot. The Terraventure also comes with a rockplate and grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole. Topo isn’t as well known as some of the other brands on this list, but they make some great shoes that will keep a pilgrim’s feet very happy.
Best For: Hikers seeking a wide toe box without the 0-drop of Altras
Pros: Comfort, price, and fit
Cons: Some hikers have noted durability concerns
11.Salomon X Ultra 4
Price: ~$120
Drop: ~10mm (25mm to 15mm)
Weight: ~12+ oz
One of the most popular hiking shoes over the past few years has been the Salomon X Ultra 3. In 2021, Salomon will be releasing a brand new and fully updated version of the X Ultra for v4. The upper looks to have a more secure and seam free Sensifit wrap. The midsole looks to remain the stable and protective ride of the v3, and the outsole also receives an update. I will post more info on this shoe as it becomes availble, but wanted to put it on the radar of Camino pilgrims.
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Good afternoon, I’ll write to you from Brazil.
Next year I intend to make the camino del noret, with the variations of the Lebanese and Valdiniense paths and finish through the primitive path. In other words, I will have asphalt, land and mountain paths (the Lebanese and Valdiniense paths are mostly trails through the peaks of Europe, including snow). Here in Brazil there is not much availability of tennis. Of those indicated by you, I have more ease in the models of salomon … which shoes would you recommend for all these terrains? I thought about importing the Altra Lone peak … would it be a suitable shoe for asphalt too? greetings!
Leonardo
I’m sorry for the bad English, laughs.
Olá Leonardo. That sounds like a great route to Santiago. There will be a large mix of terrain, with the Primitivo being a nice challenge. The Lebanese and Valdiniense sound more like trekking, akin to Tour du Mont Blanc. I would go with a pair of Salomons or La Sportiva here, since you’re covering so much varied terrain. La Sportiva is releasing a new show called the Karacal this month that would be perfect. Also look at the Salomon XA Pro 3d, Sense Ultra 3, and X Ultra 4.
Hi Drew,
Thank you so much for the reviews, great work. They really helped me a lot in a couple of important choices I had to make for my first Camino. Hopefully soon.
I decided to buy the Salomon Sense Ride 4 which is I believe a good choices for the Camino Portugues. I always use high arch insoles in hiking boots and was wondering if I need to use that also in my new Salomon trailrunners or is the standard insole sufficient enough?
Thanks again Drew and Buen Camino!
Greeting from the Netherlands,
Maarten
I agree the Sense Ride 4 is a great choice for the Camino Portugues. If you wear insoles for boots, I would suggest wearing them for your trail runners as well.
Thank you putting this together. Would you recommend going up a size from your usual with trail runners?
Maybe a half size, but it really depends on the shoe and how it fits. I buy my standard size for shoes like Altra and Topo, but have to size up for La Sportiva.
Hi thanks for this helpful article. Found a great running shop that supported your comments. How do you think the Altra M trip 3 compares with the Altra lone Peak 5 … I read it might have slightly less traction and stability but a little more padding. Would you think it to be a comparably good shoe for the Camino?
Could you also comment on types of socks you’d recommend?
Darn Tough, Smartwool, and Balega are my favorite brands.
I have the new Lone Peak 7 and the new Timp 4 are inbound. Both are top candidates for the 2022 Camino.
Hi Drew, This is a terrific review. The Altra Lone Peak is a game changer. I can’t wear anything else. I’m a former marathoner and walked Camino Frances in 2019. The Lone Peak performance and durabilty were exceptional. No breaking in is required. I took my new pair out of the box and wore them on the plane to Paris. Have you read any books by Dr Phil Maffetone? He is an applied kinesiologist who has been coaching professional endurance athletes for decades including my coach Stu Middleton. I recently re-read his Maffetone Method which was published originally in 2000. His footwear strategies appear to be a blueprint for Altra, which wasn’t released until over ten years later. Again, great work!
Thank you for these reviews. I am
Preparing for my Camino and trying to find the best shoe for my foot problems. I have been fitted by a specialist and seen many foot doctors and still do not feel I have the right shoe. I have high arches, struggle with planter fasciitis with scar tissue. What has worked for me for years is Saucony Hurricane. It no longer works because they keep changing it. I have turned to arch support insoles that help, but then I get friction in places I never did before. Any advice on what to try next?
Hi Drew,
I walked the Frances and coastal Portuguese in my north face hedgehogs. They served me well. I was looking to update as I purchased those for the Frances in 2018! Tried the altra lone peak and was not a fan. I love hoka, but fear the speedgoats would not hold up for the entire Norte? Any suggestions?
North Face has some new shoes in the Vectiv line that you might like. The Speedgoats should hold up, and I’ve heard of people going 450-500 miles in a pair. My favorite pair of shoes right now is the Arcteryx Norvan LD 3. Lots of cushion, but more stable than a Hoka. I’ll be publishing my 2023 version of this post soon.
I purchased the Altra Via Olympus and was doing great with it on single day 10 mile hikes. Then I did 3 days consecutive and got blisters. I switched from my Wrightsocks to Injinji toe socks with a wool sock over it and moved up a half size in the same shoe. I’m hoping this new plan works. Just wondered if you had any thoughts on the Altra Via Olympus for the camino Frances. Thanks!