Footwear for the Camino: Which Shoes Should You Choose – and Why?

Walking the Camino de Santiago is more than a long-distance hike — it’s a meaningful, physical, and often life-changing experience. Whether you’re walking 100 km or completing the full French Way, the shoes you choose will shape your comfort, your pace, and even your perspective on the journey.

With so many options available, how do you decide what to wear on the Camino? This guide breaks down the key considerations, popular footwear types, and what experienced pilgrims wish they had known before setting off.

What Makes Camino Footwear Different?

The Camino is unique compared to typical hiking routes. Instead of rugged mountain trails alone, you’ll walk through:

• Forest paths

• Small villages

• Asphalt roads

• Rocky farm tracks

• Cobbled towns

This mix means your footwear needs to handle both long, repetitive days on hard surfaces and sections of uneven ground. Comfort and fit matter far more than brand or style.

1. Consider Your Foot Shape and Walking Style

Before choosing shoes, think about how your feet behave:

• Do your toes spread naturally or feel cramped in narrow shoes?

• Do you experience knee, hip, or lower-back discomfort on long walks?

• Do your feet swell during multi-day hikes? (Most people’s do.)

The Camino brings these details to the surface. Footwear that is too tight, too supportive, or too stiff often causes:

• Blisters

• Black toenails

• Arch pain

• Overuse injuries

This is why many pilgrims prioritise wide toe boxes, flexibility, and lightweight materials — features that allow the foot to move freely across long distances.

2. Traditional Hiking Boots: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Ankle stability

• Durable soles

• Good for rocky or wet terrain

Cons

• Can feel heavy on long road sections

• Reduced ground feel

• Risk of blisters due to stiffness

Many pilgrims complete the Camino happily in hiking boots, but increasingly, walkers find them unnecessarily rigid for long mixed-terrain routes.

3. Trail Runners: The Most Popular Choice Today

Trail running shoes have become the modern Camino favourite.

Why pilgrims love them:

• Lightweight

• Breathable

• Fast drying

• Soft cushioning for long days on pavement

However, trail runners vary widely in how they fit the foot. Some have narrow toe boxes, while others allow more natural toe spread — a key factor for blister prevention.

4. Walking in Minimalist or Barefoot-Inspired Shoes

In recent years, more pilgrims have chosen barefoot-style footwear for the Camino — from flexible walking shoes to lightweight boots and sandals. The idea isn’t to walk unprotected, but to allow the feet to function naturally.

Potential advantages:

• Wide toe box reduces toe rubbing

• Zero-drop sole supports natural posture

• Lightweight design reduces fatigue

• Flexibility helps feet adapt to varied terrain

Many walkers describe a feeling of freedom and reduced foot strain. But it’s important to emphasize:

👉 Barefoot-style footwear requires a slow transition.
If you’re new to this type of shoe, give yourself time to adapt before starting the Camino.

You don’t need to commit fully — even incorporating more flexible or wide-toe options can transform comfort over long distances.

5. Should You Bring Hiking Sandals?

Sandals can be extremely useful, especially during warmer months.

When sandals shine:

• Afternoons when your feet need air

• On hot asphalt

• On blister-prone days

• As a backup pair

Some pilgrims even complete entire Camino routes in sandals, especially minimalist models with secure straps and natural movement.

6. How to Make the Best Choice for Your Camino

✓ Prioritise Fit Over Everything Else

Your shoes must accommodate swollen feet, natural toe spread, and daily impact. Toe room is non-negotiable.

✓ Train in the shoes you plan to wear

Your Camino preparation walks should mimic the real thing.

✓ Consider carrying two lightweight options

For example:

• One pair of breathable walking shoes

• One pair of sandals for recovery or rotation

✓ Think about footwear that supports natural movement

Even if you don’t walk the whole route in minimalist shoes, using shoes with:

• a roomy toe box

• flexible sole

• zero or low heel height

can dramatically reduce the most common pilgrim injuries.

This doesn’t mean you must wear barefoot shoes — simply understanding the benefits of natural foot function can help you make a smarter footwear choice.

7. A Subtle Note on Life-Changing Journeys

Many pilgrims describe the Camino as a chance to reconnect with themselves — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Footwear can be part of that experience. Choosing shoes that let your feet move naturally often encourages:

• Slower, more mindful steps

• Better connection with the ground

• A calmer, more present walking rhythm

For some, switching to a natural footwear style becomes part of the transformation that continues long after reaching Santiago.

Whether you choose traditional hiking shoes, trail runners, or a more natural, barefoot-inspired option, the right footwear should support the person you’re becoming on the journey.

Final Thoughts

There is no single “perfect” Camino shoe. The right choice depends on your feet, your walking habits, and your goals for the experience.

What matters most is this:
Your footwear should allow you to walk comfortably, confidently, and with full awareness of the journey beneath your feet.

And if you’re curious about more natural footwear — whether a wide-toe walking shoe, a flexible boot, or even a minimalist barefoot sandal — the Camino is a beautiful opportunity to explore what feels right for your body.