• Terrain of the route • Weather • Temperature • Weight of the shoe • Fit of the shoe • Familiarity with the shoe
Every Camino is made up of different terrain. They generally include cobblestone, roads, sidewalks, and dirt trails. Regular running shoes, trail running shoes, lightweight hiking boots, and hiking sandals will all work.
If you’re walking during a rainy period of time, you’ll need a shoe that can either withstand water or dry extremely quickly. Think waterproof shoes or sandals with grip, since you’ll also need to be prepared for muddy trails.
For the summer, you want shoes with air flow. These tend to be running shoes, trail runners, and hiking sandals. For the winter, waterproof shoes can help keep your feet warm and dry.
Lighter shoes are better since you’re already carrying the weight of your backpack. The last thing you need is footwear that also weighs you down.
Your feet will swell as you walk. Your shoes should have enough room where you can stick a finger between your heel and the back of the shoe. Also, don't forget to account for the thickness of your socks.
If you’re a runner or hiker and already have a shoe that works for you, go with it. This is the easiest way to choose the right shoe for walking the Camino de Santiago.
• ASICS (running and trail running shoes) • Altra (running, trail running, and hiking shoes) • Brooks (running and trail running shoes) • HOKA (running, trail running, and hiking shoes) • Keen (hiking sandals and shoes) • Merrell (trail running and hiking shoes) • Salomon (running, trail running, and hiking shoes) • Saucony (running and trail running shoes) • Teva (hiking sandals and shoes)