Choose the right shoe

Do you want to have the most comfortable journey possible? Then there's probably nothing more important than selecting a good pair of trekking sneakers/boots.

If you're buying your footwear before your trip, try using them for at least a month beforehand to break them in. You don't want them to be too loose or tight: the former will surely give you blisters, and the latter will hurt your feet. Getting a half-size more than usual is a good idea to counter the slight swelling that occurs during long multi-day treks.

Be sure to test your shoes with the type of socks you'll be using on your trip. Hiking socks (especially the merino wool type) are very good to prevent blisters with their well-positioned seams and moisture-wicking technology, but they're also usually thicker than your day-to-day stockings. Make sure your toes have enough space to breathe and move.

Keep them trotters dry

If you're doing the Camino during winter or in a rainy and humid area, you'll want to have some waterproof protection on your boots such as Gore-Tex. Beware of this material though: while it's very good for protecting you from moderate rain or slightly wet surfaces, if you accidentally submerge your shoes in a creek or a deep puddle, it's going to be virtually impossible to dry up the inside of the shoe before the next day. Walking a whole day with wet shoes is a very bad idea, so we recommend having an extra pair of light sneakers as a replacement.

For the summer or drier terrains, your feet will inevitably get sweaty and overheat, so you should opt for some flexible hiking sneakers with breathable and fast-drying materials. Carrying a couple of extra pairs of socks is a good idea: if the ones you're using get too wet due to sweat or water, you can always change them for a dry pair while on a break.

Wash and trim

Good daily hygiene is essential to prevent any foot-related health issues on your walks. Be sure to clip your toenails before (and during) your trip to prevent nasty and painful ingrown nails.

While on a break in your walking stages, be sure to take off your shoes and socks and let your feet breathe: this will help avoid excessive sweating and overheating. If you're near a creek or a water fountain, we recommend you refresh your feet with some cool water, but be sure to always dry them up thoroughly before putting your footwear back on.

Don't let blisters get out of control

In the unfortunate (but very probable) case that you find yourself with a nasty blister on your foot, never, ever attempt to burst it or remove the skin that covers it. This loose flap of skin although ugly serves as essential protection against the raw flesh underneath and helps prevent infections and other complications.

You should carry a blister kit with you at all times and change any band-aids or curative dressings you apply to your hot spots regularly. At the end of the day, while you shower, use a good antibacterial soap and go to bed without socks to let your injuries air out.

One of the best ways of preventing blisters is to lather your entire foot in Vaseline/Aquaphor before putting your socks on for the day's walk. Yes, it sounds weird and sort of feels weird at first but lubricating your feet keeps them moisturized and reduces friction.

Lift up and massage

Swelling and pain will always be present to some extent at the end of a long walking day. While you're at your accommodations for the night, take your shoes and socks off, lay down on your back, and lift your legs up against a wall or over some pillows. Having your feet elevated like this will aid circulation and take away some of the heaviness you may be feeling.

With Bukitt Camino you'll also have access to high-quality sports massages that will focus on your legs and feet. A good rub-down with natural oils will really help you recover strength and energy for the next day, preventing injuries or excessive fatigue.

For more information on what gear you should take on your Camino trip, you can read our expertly curated lightweight packing list. You can also check out our foot-care brochure so you can always know what you have to do to keep your feet healthy all the way until you enter the Santiago Cathedral. Happy feet and Buen Camino!