I'm a newb. I was looking at the what to pack list and it says 2 pairs of shoes are required. Do they mean walking shoes? Or one pair of walking shoes and one other pair? I'm panicking about breaking in another pair!
You put a lot of pounding on your runners, and remember you're walking 30k that first day. It takes 24 hrs for the cushioning in your runners to rebound and work optimally for you again, which mean that on day 2, if you wear the same pair of runners, then you are not getting the same support or cushioning as you did during the first days walk.
I strongly recommend if possible to get a second pair.
However, if that's not possible, remember at the end of day one to take those runners off as soon as you can. Pull the insoles out, and let the runner breathe. That will help a little.
to break in a pair of runners, it takes about a month of walking in them. Try at least a couple longer walks, but for sure keep them on and walk around in them to make sure there are no "hot" spots.,
so...that means if you're going to get a new or a second pair...do it THIS WEEK!