A fellow pilgrim told me this once : don’t wear your favourite socks. Keep them in your top backpack pocket - and when you need that extra bout of energy for the last 5 to 10 km do a sock change into your favourite- gives you the extra oomph for the last hour or two. Great advice ! It works !
thanks for another great video Rob. This was really helpful for me as I work towards getting all the gear for my first Camino starting this June. I doubt you'll remember my previous comment to you, but just wanted to update that I have now went from 152kg in summer last year to 94kg today with plans to keep losing more. I had been getting my hiking distances up to 20-25km fairly regularly too until I got an injury in my right foot. Have had to let it rest a lot for 6 weeks now and it's still recovering. I still get lots of little walks per week, but with 4 months until I go on Camino I am hoping to recover quickly and to get my fitness up again. Got about half of my needed gear (very focused on lightweight and UV protective as walking June-August) and about half my spending money saved up (need quite a bit as taking 70 days out there). I am a full time mature student and also work part time and it's been very tough finding the money. I have become kind of obsessed you might say with getting out there and doing it. I won't have many opportunities for a long time as I finish my degree and will be starting a new career. So this summer is it. And I am having to go penniless to make it happen haha. My brother says I am mad and is repeatedly trying to talk me out of it! To say I have a strong calling to go pilgrimage would be an understatement. I can't really explain just how important it is to me, to do this while I can or am able. I don't want to play it safe or be too cautious like I normally am, like people are telling me to be. And no one I know really gets it. I do think you and the many others who have been, or are about to go, on Camino will understand it in some way. Thank you for your insights, of the practical and non-practical. I always love to hear your experiences and advice and it's been invaluable in preparing for my journey. Take care.
@@robscamino Thanks Rob! I am doing the Camino Frances from SJPP, starting June 20th. Then the Camino Finisterre-Muxía afterwards if I am able to. Budgeting for 70 days, but will see how I get on!
Congratulations on the weight loss. (personally i went from 141kg to 94kg, but have put a lot back on unfortunately). Don't let the naysayers get to you. It's your dream, not theirs. We are all on this channel because we all believe in your, and our own dreams of completing the Camino. We, here, get it :) All the best for June and Buen Camino.
Rob--great episode! I use the same sock system, along with swiping my foot with roll-on anti-perspirant for lubrication. I use Darn Tough socks and various makes of liner socks.
Thanks for this. I never considered having different brands to mix up the potential rub spots. I tend to get blisters on my toes so have wrapped my toes with micropore tape in the past but have now evolved. I wear Injini toe sock liners and Bridgedale sock liners over them. I still carry micropore tape just in case.
@@johnavery5384 I buy mine here. I think they will mail it globally. I even had a 'resupply' sent mid Camino once as Pat my wife was using it so fast! www.hikerswool.co.nz/
I double sock, but use cheap, nylon knee-high hosiery for the inner sock. I also turn them as well as my outer socks, inside out so that the seams do not cause blisters. Wearing rather cheap, knee high sport socks - 8.99€ a pair. They have worked well on 3 Caminos so far. On my first, wore a variety of socks, like Darn Tough, or thick wool socks. The cheap ones suit me fine though and still have never gotten a blister. Heading out again in April and just bought 3 new pairs to wear. (I wear them all year round in my job as a tour guide, but get new ones for each Camino). Double socking is my best tip, as well as turning your socks inside out. People look at me and may laugh, but my feet are thankful.
My favourite socks are from Kathmandu. Not a huge fan of Kathmandu but their socks are great. A guy thief suggested to get them a bit smaller. So there are no lumped and bumps in the boot. Generally works well.
Wrightsocks are terrific and I’ve never had a blister when wearing them for both hiking and running. The only downside is that the outer part of the sock tends to wear out quick… and they ain’t cheap to replace! But given how good they are, I’ll skip a Starbucks (or probably four!) for an extra backup pair!
HI Robo! Love your vids their a talking therapy for Camino junkies🤣 My five cents worth i wear two different types Darn Tough socks without liners; but for the Camino I taped my heels and big toes just in case of rubbing over long distance! Here's a tip that might help others and i have done this for as long as i can remember (i walk between 40 and 60 miles a week.) I wear all my socks inside out as even seamless socks have something that will annoy like the little bobble where the seam ends and rubs a little toe. Even the invisible seam can rub toe tops after a while. (i don't like toe socks or liners just me others love em) All the best Woody
I've heard mixed opinions about the quality of the new Altras. I have a pair of the new Altra Outroad, which are really not good. I've tried Lone Peaks, which are great, but will probably hike my first Camino in the Altra Olympus as it has 33mm padding (compared to 25mm in the Lone Peaks). Wishing you Buen Camino.
Thanks Rob. I'm seeing some people tout toe-fitting socks as an antidote to blisters. Others recommend changing socks at lunch, that it can make a difference to the rest of your day's walk. Now I'm looking at low-cut or 'no show' socks that cut off at the ankle. I'm officially down a sock rabbit hole..!
Tried numerous shoe and sock combinations, all produced blisters. Another long distance walker made the recommendation to try toe socks and they worked. Prior I tried every combination of shoe and sock. No blisters doing the Camino Francis with toe socks. Brand I use is injinji
Thanks - great advice. Because of one of your previous videos, we ordered hikers wool and it does work great. I had great luck with the Injinji toe socks. No blisters on the entire CF. Also, we were very religious about applying hikers goo or Vaseline to our feet everyday before putting on our socks. I really think this helped with blister prevention
Sadly.......I haven't really done any 'side trips'. I find it's hard enough for me to keep going on the main trail 🙄 Not exactly 'side trips' but if I look at the Gronze guide as a point of reference. A slight detour to the Church at Zabaldika is well worth a short hill climb. www.gronze.com/etapa/zubiri/pamplona-iruna Then after Pamplona, a short detour to the church at Eunate. www.gronze.com/etapa/pamplona-iruna/puente-reina-gares After Hospital de Orbigo, make sure to take the Northern route rather than follow the main road, so you can visit David Vidal just before the Crucero de Santo Toribio. www.gronze.com/etapa/san-martin-camino/astorga That's about all I have, sorry. I suppose for me the Camino is more about following the route rather than detouring. I walk fairly slowly so detours would mean I'm away months ! My next one is planned at 60 days roughly as it is. (not the Frances) The Frances I do in about 40 days.
Just another perspective. There is so much to see and enjoy along the main route, you may not want to deviate. Particularly if you have made good friends along the way, as you might want to stay 'in pace' with them.
I have sensitive skin and every time I''ve tried merino wool anything other than cotton, my feet get hot and itchy. It's unbearable. If anybody has a recommendation of a super comfortable blend WITHOUT ANY WOOL, I would be grateful.
A fellow pilgrim told me this once : don’t wear your favourite socks. Keep them in your top backpack pocket - and when you need that extra bout of energy for the last 5 to 10 km do a sock change into your favourite- gives you the extra oomph for the last hour or two.
Great advice ! It works !
Yep. I reckon that works! I change to fresh socks halfway through the day, and air my feet a bit. Feels great.
thanks for another great video Rob. This was really helpful for me as I work towards getting all the gear for my first Camino starting this June.
I doubt you'll remember my previous comment to you, but just wanted to update that I have now went from 152kg in summer last year to 94kg today with plans to keep losing more. I had been getting my hiking distances up to 20-25km fairly regularly too until I got an injury in my right foot. Have had to let it rest a lot for 6 weeks now and it's still recovering. I still get lots of little walks per week, but with 4 months until I go on Camino I am hoping to recover quickly and to get my fitness up again.
Got about half of my needed gear (very focused on lightweight and UV protective as walking June-August) and about half my spending money saved up (need quite a bit as taking 70 days out there). I am a full time mature student and also work part time and it's been very tough finding the money. I have become kind of obsessed you might say with getting out there and doing it. I won't have many opportunities for a long time as I finish my degree and will be starting a new career. So this summer is it. And I am having to go penniless to make it happen haha. My brother says I am mad and is repeatedly trying to talk me out of it!
To say I have a strong calling to go pilgrimage would be an understatement. I can't really explain just how important it is to me, to do this while I can or am able. I don't want to play it safe or be too cautious like I normally am, like people are telling me to be. And no one I know really gets it.
I do think you and the many others who have been, or are about to go, on Camino will understand it in some way. Thank you for your insights, of the practical and non-practical. I always love to hear your experiences and advice and it's been invaluable in preparing for my journey. Take care.
Which route?
Amazing Liam! Well done.
@@robscamino Thanks Rob! I am doing the Camino Frances from SJPP, starting June 20th. Then the Camino Finisterre-Muxía afterwards if I am able to. Budgeting for 70 days, but will see how I get on!
Liam, stick to municipals or donativo albergues & supermarkets and you could spend as little as €150 a week. You've been called Buen Camino.
Congratulations on the weight loss. (personally i went from 141kg to 94kg, but have put a lot back on unfortunately). Don't let the naysayers get to you. It's your dream, not theirs. We are all on this channel because we all believe in your, and our own dreams of completing the Camino. We, here, get it :) All the best for June and Buen Camino.
Double socking works for me - only one blister over many walks/years!!
Good to hear...
You are looking very lean. Well done.
A bit up and down, but certainly heading in the right direction…
Rob--great episode! I use the same sock system, along with swiping my foot with roll-on anti-perspirant for lubrication. I use Darn Tough socks and various makes of liner socks.
It's a good 'system' isn't it? Glad it works for you too. 🙂
Thanks for this. I never considered having different brands to mix up the potential rub spots.
I tend to get blisters on my toes so have wrapped my toes with micropore tape in the past but have now evolved. I wear Injini toe sock liners and Bridgedale sock liners over them. I still carry micropore tape just in case.
Maybe try hikers wool on hot spots?
@@robscamino I did try to get some but they don’t seem to sell it in the UK. I did buy some unprocessed wool to take with me but ……
@@johnavery5384 I buy mine here. I think they will mail it globally. I even had a 'resupply' sent mid Camino once as Pat my wife was using it so fast! www.hikerswool.co.nz/
@@robscamino I don’t know what you did but I can now get it from Amazon uk. Your fame and influence knows no bounds. On order.
I have some on order. Delivery to the UK is 20 days which feels very retro😀. It will get here in plenty of time as I’m planning to walk after Easter.
Many thanks for your support. I see we just hit 7,000 subscribers! 🙂 Time to update the giving here robscamino.com/giving/
I double sock, but use cheap, nylon knee-high hosiery for the inner sock. I also turn them as well as my outer socks, inside out so that the seams do not cause blisters.
Wearing rather cheap, knee high sport socks - 8.99€ a pair. They have worked well on 3 Caminos so far. On my first, wore a variety of socks, like Darn Tough, or thick wool socks. The cheap ones suit me fine though and still have never gotten a blister. Heading out again in April and just bought 3 new pairs to wear. (I wear them all year round in my job as a tour guide, but get new ones for each Camino). Double socking is my best tip, as well as turning your socks inside out. People look at me and may laugh, but my feet are thankful.
Double socking is magical 🙂
My favourite socks are from Kathmandu. Not a huge fan of Kathmandu but their socks are great. A guy thief suggested to get them a bit smaller. So there are no lumped and bumps in the boot. Generally works well.
I use them too 🙂
I wear Wrightsocks, which are a double sock. Don't have to worry about losing a liner sock on trail...
Nice. Haven’t tried those…
Wrightsocks are terrific and I’ve never had a blister when wearing them for both hiking and running. The only downside is that the outer part of the sock tends to wear out quick… and they ain’t cheap to replace! But given how good they are, I’ll skip a Starbucks (or probably four!) for an extra backup pair!
@@clivepackham I've found the synthetic wear out quicker than the merino wool...
HI Robo! Love your vids their a talking therapy for Camino junkies🤣
My five cents worth i wear two different types Darn Tough socks without liners; but for the Camino I taped my heels and big toes just in case of rubbing over long distance! Here's a tip that might help others and i have done this for as long as i can remember (i walk between 40 and 60 miles a week.)
I wear all my socks inside out as even seamless socks have something that will annoy like the little bobble where the seam ends and rubs a little toe. Even the invisible seam can rub toe tops after a while. (i don't like toe socks or liners just me others love em) All the best Woody
Nice tip! And the videos are therapy for me too ! 🙂
I've heard mixed opinions about the quality of the new Altras. I have a pair of the new Altra Outroad, which are really not good. I've tried Lone Peaks, which are great, but will probably hike my first Camino in the Altra Olympus as it has 33mm padding (compared to 25mm in the Lone Peaks). Wishing you Buen Camino.
I have found the quality of Salomon has gone down over the years too. A trend I think, to make things cheaper and lighter.
Thanks Rob. I'm seeing some people tout toe-fitting socks as an antidote to blisters. Others recommend changing socks at lunch, that it can make a difference to the rest of your day's walk. Now I'm looking at low-cut or 'no show' socks that cut off at the ankle. I'm officially down a sock rabbit hole..!
I have tried no show socks, they look neat, problem for me is that little rocks can enter!
Tried numerous shoe and sock combinations, all produced blisters. Another long distance walker made the recommendation to try toe socks and they worked. Prior I tried every combination of shoe and sock. No blisters doing the Camino Francis with toe socks. Brand I use is injinji
@@delzimmerli3419 good to hear they work for you!
Thanks - great advice. Because of one of your previous videos, we ordered hikers wool and it does work great. I had great luck with the Injinji toe socks. No blisters on the entire CF. Also, we were very religious about applying hikers goo or Vaseline to our feet everyday before putting on our socks. I really think this helped with blister prevention
Great that you found a regime that works for you... We're all a bit different.
A change in subject I know Rob, but would you consider doing a video on good side trips on the Camino Frances?
Sadly.......I haven't really done any 'side trips'. I find it's hard enough for me to keep going on the main trail 🙄 Not exactly 'side trips' but if I look at the Gronze guide as a point of reference. A slight detour to the Church at Zabaldika is well worth a short hill climb. www.gronze.com/etapa/zubiri/pamplona-iruna Then after Pamplona, a short detour to the church at Eunate. www.gronze.com/etapa/pamplona-iruna/puente-reina-gares After Hospital de Orbigo, make sure to take the Northern route rather than follow the main road, so you can visit David Vidal just before the Crucero de Santo Toribio. www.gronze.com/etapa/san-martin-camino/astorga That's about all I have, sorry. I suppose for me the Camino is more about following the route rather than detouring. I walk fairly slowly so detours would mean I'm away months ! My next one is planned at 60 days roughly as it is. (not the Frances) The Frances I do in about 40 days.
Just another perspective. There is so much to see and enjoy along the main route, you may not want to deviate. Particularly if you have made good friends along the way, as you might want to stay 'in pace' with them.
@@robscamino thanks Rob. I continue to enjoy your valuable information and generous sharing.
I have sensitive skin and every time I''ve tried merino wool anything other than cotton, my feet get hot and itchy. It's unbearable. If anybody has a recommendation of a super comfortable blend WITHOUT ANY WOOL, I would be grateful.
@Kevin Thanks for your reply. I love my cotton socks, but so many people say they cause blisters. And it's true they don't dry as fast.
Can't really help you there, sorry. But a good hiking store should be able to advise you.