I had always heard that the condition of your feet could either “make” or “break” your Camino experience. Blisters on the Camino are inevitable. Probably the most essential piece of equipment for the pilgrim is the footwear!
I hesitated to shop for boots for a while because I hadn’t purchased my tickets yet. The tickets…that was the big commitment! But my dear husband encouraged me to buy the boots anyway. This was a big day. Both he and my daughter came with me, and she was right alongside me helping to find the proper boot with all the right features. I finally settled on the “La Sportiva” brand because they are both breathable and waterproof, are extremely comfortable, were sized for me perfectly (very, very roomy toe box – a size larger than my usual shoe size), have great ankle support, and seem to be as light as a feather. This was a very emotional purchase as this was the first big step toward this pilgrimage becoming a reality.
I was anxious to “break them in.” This is key, I’ve been told! The last thing you would want is to break in new boots when walking 15 miles every day, day after day. I am determined not to let this happen! So the big day came when I wore my boots to school. This is not my usual style. I’m a dress-wearing-kind-of-gal. (Truly…once I heard a student remark, “She always wears skirts.” They notice everything!)
It was time to tell my students what I was up to, that the Camino pilgrimage, which I had mentioned in my classes in past years, was finally going to happen, that it was time for me to start preparing, and I introduced them to my new best friends – my glorious, beautiful boots. I actually prepared them, “Please don’t laugh at me if you see me in my dresses with these boots.” They all promised. They’re so sweet to notice on the days that I don’t wear them – they sound almost disappointed or concerned! I have to reassure them that indeed I’m “doing my time,” but now I’m also wearing them after school on my daily training walks. My students are so very dear, though, when they see me around school or “out and about” and greet me with, “Mrs. Gott! You’re wearing your boots!”