How to Take Care of Your Feet During the Camino de Santiago?

Tips for taking care of your feet on the Camino de Santiago, with recommendations to prevent blisters, choose the right footwear, maintain good hygiene, and address discomfort during the stages, helping to avoid injuries and walk more comfortably during the pilgrimage.

 

When deciding to undertake the Camino de Santiago, it is very important to be properly prepared both physically and mentally. Walking for several consecutive days an average of 20 km per day involves following certain tips for the comprehensive physical care of your health. What do you think is the most important aspect to take care of in your body? What is the main tool of the pilgrim? Indeed, dear pilgrim, knowing how to take care of your feet during the Camino de Santiago is essential to enjoy your Jacobean route without mishaps and injuries. In this article, we will show you some recommendations to keep your feet in perfect condition, and how to avoid wounds and injuries during the Camino de Santiago.

Take care of your feet: choose appropriate footwear and socks

The first thing to consider when thinking about the care and health of your feet is the footwear. To choose the most suitable one, it will be crucial to take into account the choice of the best time to do the Camino de Santiago. Not only that, but also which route of the Camino you will take, as it is not the same to traverse routes with mountain stages as it is to walk gentler routes. And remember: never wear new footwear on the Camino de Santiago!

Hiking boots for the Camino de Santiago

Mountain boots

They are the most suitable for doing the Camino in winter, a time when cold and rain are the main characters. They will help us overcome any surface, protect us from water, and ensure good ankle support. Moreover, they are perfect for Camino routes that traverse mountainous areas, especially if they have steep ascents and/or descents.

Trekking shoes

Without a doubt, they are the best for drier and hotter seasons. They will not offer the same protection as mountain boots, but they tend to be lighter and will keep your feet much cooler and drier.

Anti-blister socks

The anti-blister socks provide important protection against chafing and moisture, common conditions on the Camino. Designed to reduce friction and provide adequate support, they are essential to prevent painful blisters and ensure a more comfortable and safe experience. But remember, these socks help prevent blisters, but they are not magic!

Trekking shoes for the Camino de Santiago

The importance of auxiliary footwear

At the end of the stage your feet will need to rest, to properly take care of your health during the Camino. Therefore, in addition to a refreshing shower, we recommend putting a pair of lightweight shoes or multifunctional sandals in your backpack as a spare. The latter are perfect, as they hold the foot by the heel, and you can also use them in spring or summer on some sections of the Camino. Additionally, flip-flops are advisable, as they will help you rest and air your feet. Moreover, they are essential for showers in the shelters.

Sandals for the Camino de Santiago

Prepare your first aid kit

It is better to prevent than to cure, so it is highly recommended to carry a small first aid kit that contains everything necessary to treat a possible wound. Ointments, suturing needles, gauze, bandages, and some antiseptic will be very useful in case of suffering any abrasion, cut, or blister.

For walking, keep your feet dry

It is advisable to keep your feet hydrated, but to go out walking it is important to keep them dry. If you shower before starting the stage, dry your feet well and use talcum powder to keep them dry in case of sweating.

Keep your nails in check

It is important to keep your toenails short. The constant impact of the foot with the tip of the footwear, especially during descents, can cause pain and injuries if you have long nails.

Use petroleum jelly to care for your feet

Using petroleum jelly while walking is a way to keep the foot protected against abrasions and, therefore, against blisters. If you notice friction with the footwear, petroleum jelly can help prevent possible injuries.

Foot care on the Camino de Santiago

How to treat a blister?

If you encounter a blister, it is advisable not to touch it unless it is very painful: the skin acts as the best defense against infections. However, if it is bothersome to walk, you can drain it by following these steps:

• Wash your hands and the blister with water and soap, and then disinfect it externally with iodine.
• Clean a needle with alcohol to avoid contamination.
• Prick the blister in several places to allow the fluid to drain.
• Do not remove the loose skin and cover the blister with a sterile dressing.
• Keep a close watch on the blister. When the dead skin falls off on its own, remove it and disinfect the area again before covering it.
• If you experience complications or the blister shows signs of infection, seek medical attention immediately.

Blister on a foot that is healing

Hydration and massage

After a long walk, it is ideal to massage the sole of the foot with some moisturizing cream after bathing and relax the area. This will relax the foot and keep it hydrated, so that the next day we can face the new stage without any problems.

Special attention should be given to the feet if we decide to embark on the adventure of the Camino. After all, they are the protagonists and the ones responsible for taking us to Santiago de Compostela. Take care of them and pamper them to have a rewarding experience on your adventure along the Camino de Santiago.