Caminoteca — Local services in Pamplona

This place is the best. Has everything you need Camino related, and most importantly an incredibly knowledge, friendly, and English speaking owner who can answer your questions. The prices are high, but it is money well spent, and it's surprisingly hard to find this stuff in Spain so convenience factor is high. I didn't feel like he was trying to sell me on things. For example, I was getting blisters, and he checked my shoes and said they were a bit tight. I would have bought new shoes then and there, but as we kept talking I mentioned I was using sock liners and wool socks. He said that's too heavy, and I just need light socks with no liners. He checked my shoes again with light socks and they fit fine. He also had lots of guidance on blisters: compeed is good for hot spots and prevention, but once you have a blister you want to drain it and use gauze and tape. Another woman in the shop had blisters and he redirected her from expensive compeed to cheap gauze. While I was there a pilgrim came in asking directions to her hotel, and he helped her with the bus schedule. So great to have a knowledgeable and helpful resource right...

This is less a review of the shop ownership, but the advice given on suitable shoes for the camino was a bit off.

After walking from SJP in a heavy boot (and bruised feet), decided to lighten the load and forward kit onto Santiago. No blisters, feet pretty tough but just banged up a bit.

Spoke with the owner about a set of Merrell (115 euro) that he assured were my size and perfect for the camino. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived in puente la reina my feet were in terrible pain and I headed straight for the pharmacy.

Tried to change my sock setup, but by the next day I was having to take ibuprofen to keep going. In villatuerte I had to stop, drained 50ml fluid from one foot (which was a bag of water), second foot had burst blisters and was in a state.

The merrell shoes ruined the Camino for me. I will spend a few days mending and no idea if I can tolerate the shoes anymore..

I am considering writing a letter of complaint to merrell.

To the owner - if you see this post, please avoid selling these shoes to anyone else. If you are able to contact me, I would appreciate support in claiming the price of the shoe back...

It is rare to go to an outdoor shop and have the choice of 7-8 shoes and boots in size 48! Also, the staff are enthusiastic and friendly and multilingual, and let you try things and walk around the store for as long as you like. The store is for serious hikers as well as those who wnat some good outdoor kit. The staff know their stuff so little more to say other than good prices as well. If you are in Pamplona. And need shoes t shirts hats and backpacks. You must go! Backpack range also impressive. And check out their supply of stuff for travelling safely. It really is a a one stop shop for the outdoor life...