Ten years ago, every Camino guide told you to wear waterproof mid-cut hiking boots. Today, walk any albergue kitchen and you'll see Hoka Speedgoats, Altra Lone Peaks, and Salomon Sense Rides drying by the window. Here's why the consensus shifted.
Lighter feet = less energy.
Every pound on your feet equals ~5 pounds on your back over a full day. Trail runners weigh half what boots do.
They dry overnight.
The Camino has water fountains, streams, and rain. Wet boots stay wet for days. Wet trail runners are dry by morning stuffed with newspaper.
Blisters happen less.
Modern trail runners flex with your foot. Stiff boots rub. The 'more support = fewer injuries' theory has largely been debunked for well-graded trails.
When boots still win:
early spring on the Norte, winter on the Primitivo Hospitales route, or if you have a history of ankle sprains. Waterproof mid-cut boots earn their weight in mud and snow.
2026 trail runner picks for the Camino:
Hoka Speedgoat 5 for max cushion, Altra Lone Peak 8 for wide toe box, Salomon Sense Ride 5 for European feet, Topo Ultraventure 3 for zero-drop transition.
Sizing tip:
go up a half size. Your feet will swell after 20+ km days. And no matter what you pick — 100 km of training walks in them before Day 1, no exceptions.