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 2022!
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 6
Price: $130
Drop: 0mm (32mm to 24mm)
Weight: 11.1 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 Camino 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. Lacks stability/rigidity
2. La Sportiva Akasha II
Price: $150
Drop: 6mm (31mm to 25mm)
Weight: 10.75 oz
The original Akasha was one of my favorite trail shoes when it debuted in 2016, and I was pretty disappointed when La Sportiva discontinued the model. For 2022, the Akasha is back with v2! La Sportiva has kept the same burly upper and grippy outsole, but with a softer ride in the midfoot.
Best For: Pilgrims wanting trail shoe comfort with the ruggedness of a hiking shoe
Pros: Smooth ride, incredible grip and traction , and lots of protection
Cons: A bit overbuilt, runs a little hot, and doesn’t dry quickly
3. Hoka Speedgoat 5
Price: $155
Drop: 4mm (38mm to 34mm)
Weight: 9.8 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 Hoka 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 16
Price: $130
Drop: 8mm (32mm to 24mm)
Weight: 11.1 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 v14-15, Brooks made some big changes to the shoe, and now on v16, 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. Hoka Evo Mafate Speed II
Price: $180
Drop: 4mm (38mm to 34mm)
Weight: 11 oz
If you wanted to love the Hoka Speedgoat, but found the upper a tad too narrow or constricting, give the Mafate Speed a try. I find the Speedgoat pinches my toes, but the Mafate fits just right. I also like the more responsive ride of the Mafate Speed.
Best For: Pilgrims wanting a max cuchion shoe with a little extra stability
Pros: Max cushion, Vibram outsole, c
Cons: Thin fabric on upper may be uncomfortable for some
6. Salomon Ultra Glide
Price: $140
Drop: 6mm (34mm to 28mm)
Weight: 9.9 oz
Salomon was very late to the high cushion trail shoe market, but their first entry is a very solid one on the Ultra Glide. The upper fits well for those without the need for a wide toebox, the midsole is plush, and the contragrip outsole is phenomenal. The only downside is I’ve found the oustole to pack out a little prematurely. I don’t recommend these for pilgrimages over 200 miles.
Best For: Pilgrims looking for a high cushion shoe with good stability
Pros: Plush midsole, great traction, and a breathable upper
Cons: Midsole packs out a little to quickly (150-200 miles)
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, the shoe’s lack of stability, and the sub-par durability. The Topo Terraventure offers the wide toebox and anatomical fit of Altras, but with a 3mm drop and a little more stability. 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 Pulsar Trail
Price: ~$140
Drop: 6mm (33mm to 27mm)
Weight: 9.9 oz
I wear and review 10-20 shoes a year, yet somehow have only worn Salomons for my major hikes, dating back to the Camino Frances in 2012. The new Salomon Pulsar Trail is the most exciting Salomon shoe I’ve seen since the original Sense Ultra. For this shoe, Salomon is using the plush midsole of the Ultra Glide, with an Energy Blade in the forefoot. This shoe is announced for June, which is a shame, as I was hoping to have it for my summer walk of the Camino Ingles.
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Lone Peak is my favorite trail shoe. Light weight and breathable.
It’s a great shoe! I’m really loving the new LP6 right now. It’s one of the top candidates for my walk on the Camino Ingles this summer.
Salomon FTW!.
Salomon does make some great shoes. I’m hoping that I can see a pair of the Pulsar Trail before I leave for the Ingles this summer. Right now, I’m torn between the Lone Peak 6 and the Akasha II.
I took your advice and just bought myself some Altra Lone Peaks! Can’t wait to try them out in two weeks time when I go on my first hike of the season!
Enjoy!!
Hi Drew,
First off, thank you so much for your excellent reviews. I’m gearing up to walk Camino Francés + Primitivo next month and found this very useful.
I’m ordering 3 shoes to test how they feel before I pick one: Altra Lone Peak, Altra Olympus, and Inov8 Terraultra 270.
Normally I wear a US men’s 10.5. I’ve seen many suggestions to order 1/2 – 1 size up to allow for swelling.
Due to some stocking issues (I’m in Turkey right now), I’m having a hard time knowing which EUR size to order. Seems like a 44.5 or a 45. Do you have any suggestions there? Seems like a 45 would be too big, but I haven’t done this before.
Thanks again for your epic posts, total lifesaver.
Hi Andrew! Great to hear you’ll be walking the Frances and Primitivo next month. The Lone Peak, Olympus, and TerraUltra are all really nice 0 drop shoes.
I would refer to each companies sizing charts to dial in your fit. For Inov8, I’m seeing that a size 11 would be a 44.5, but for Altra an 11 is a 45. I’ve never ordered in EU sizes either, so probably best to go with the manufacturer recommendation.
Big thank you Drew! Read your reviews on lone peak and they where perfect for the Camino in June 22
Awesome! Glad to hear, David. We may have crossed paths. I just returned from walking the Camino Ingles!
Doing the Portuguese in October. I am planning on carrying two shoes. Right now it looks like LP6 and the Oboz Arete. Any thoughts/suggestions on this choice or any tips on the timing of the trip?
It doesn’t make any sense to carry two pairs of shoes. That’s an extra 2lbs in your pack at all times for no reason. Find a single pair that works for you between now and October and go with that.
Both the Arete and LP6 are solid choices. If you like the wide toe box and zero drop of the LP6, it’s a solid shoe. If you need more stability, more heel lift, and want the feel of a hiking shoe, go with the Arete. The key is to train a solid 30-40 miles in your shoe of choice before hitting the Camino.
Hi, Drew, I know you wouldn’t recommend a GTX show for El Camino, but what about the Nike ACG Mountain Fly Show. A friend recommended them to me…
Hi Drew, love your reviews. I also love the Lone Peak 6 and used them on two camino’s. I prefer them more than the Olympus 5, which I used on this year’s camino. My question, do you have any experience with the Lone Peak Hiker?
Thanks and best regards,
Maarten
Hi Maarten. I have no experience with the hiker. I’m not a fan of mid or high top footwear for hiking.
Thanks Drew for your reply! I am also not a fan of mids. On my earlier Camino’s I used the Lone Peak
trailrunners and they are great. This year I tried the new Olympus 5. Although they have more cushion, I still like the Lone Peak much more. Not a bad shoe at all, but the Lone Peak is still my favorite. Looking forward to the Lone Peak 7 next year 😉
Buen Camino and best regards,
Maarten
I’m really looking forward to the Lone Peak 7 as well. The upper looks like a great upgrade. It should be coming out in January.
This was such an interesting read. I’m doing my first Camino in September (Portuguese central) and I’m looking out for the perfect shoes to buy and test out. Altra Lone peak has my attention at the moment, but also heard a lot of good about Saucony Peregrine. Had Salomon in the past but for longer hikes, they weren’t very comfortable (for me).
Saucony Peregrine is a solid choice, so is the Saucony Xodus Ultra if you want a little more cushion and like the Peregrine.
Choosing the right pair of walking shoes is rarely an easy task.
Walking Camino in 2024 but spending this year trying shoes, packs and training. I appreciate Drew’s post and all the comments from those more knowledgeable than I am. I am new to the concept of 0 drop and am now wearing (trying out) the LP7. I understand the fascination with the 0 drop, but I need a bit more cushioning
(I guess that is called stack/trying to learn as much as I can!) and as I over pronate I must have room in the shoe for orthotics and DEFINITELY need the wide toe box, for in doing shoe research every article advises on selecting a bigger size and the challenges of feet swelling. I am also trying a few of the other Altra options (Paradigm 7 and Olympus 5) along with the Topo brand. Any thoughts on what I am trying are welcome.
The fact that you’re taking a year to figure this out puts you well ahead of most pilgrims. For Altra, the Timp and Olympus are great shoes with more cushioning than the LP. For Topo, the Ultraventure is a great option. A half size up is great for the downhill sections and for minor foot swelling, and the width of a thumb is a good measure for space up front. My advice is to always take the insole out of a shoe and stand on that to see how much space you’ll have.