An influencer's advice on what not to do on the Camino de Santiago: "It can be terrifying."

The Camino de Santiago is the most iconic pilgrimage route on the planet, and the itinerary to Santiago de Compostela attracts thousands of people every year. Some have already walked one of the routes leading to the capital of Galicia, but others are embarking on this exciting journey through Spain for the first time, so it's crucial to follow the advice of those who have already completed hundreds of kilometers.

One of the latest people to offer a recommendation to those about to complete the Camino de Santiago is influencer Sara Matesanz, a physiotherapist with more than 147,000 followers on Instagram. She shared a video offering some very important advice to future pilgrims. The influencer warned all those planning to complete the route not to wear new shoes on the iconic route, as the results could be absolutely catastrophic for their feet.

You should not wear new shoes on the Camino de Santiago.

"On the Camino de Santiago, you never wear new shoes," the physiotherapist firmly states, and it's a widespread practice among first-time pilgrims. Although it may seem trivial, the truth is that it can make the difference between having an unforgettable experience—in a good or bad way—and that's why it's important to wear "shoes that we've used before."

If you walk the Camino de Santiago with shoes that have already "come a few kilometers" and fit your feet well, the route will be much more pleasant. In fact, those who visit a shoe store or sports shop should be aware that if they don't break them in before starting the route, they will end up with "blisters, chafing, and all kinds of pain," something that can ruin the entire trip.

Therefore, the influencer recommends purchasing specific footwear for the route two or three months in advance . This way, if worn for several kilometers before starting the Camino de Santiago, it will fit snugly on the foot and users will be able to check if it's comfortable enough to complete the route without incident, which is crucial when completing the route.

Walking the Camino de Santiago is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but if you don't wear the right footwear, it can become a living hell. Buying the right shoes just before starting the route "can be terrifying for your feet," as Sara Matesanz writes in the video description, and that's why it's essential to have worn them beforehand.