The Best Shoes on the GR20

What shoes should I take to do the GR20?

The single most important equipment choice you make before leaving has got to be the choice of shoes. It is amazing how many people come with an old pair of boots with the idea of just getting one more holiday out of them. This is a false economy, it takes a fair sum of money to do the GR, so why spoil the experience by walking with duck tape and string to hold together your shoes.

SHOES GR20

Your shoes will take a bashing, mainly due to the rocky terrain and the fact that you are rarely walking on the flat. I would recommend that your shoes are always a size bigger than your regular shoes.  Even if you are sure they won't give you any blisters, come prepared with some compeed and elastoplast in your bag.

There is such a huge range of shoes available today, the best advise is to choose a model that you are used to and comfortable with. Do not try something new out!

Make sure you have excellent grip on the soles.

I noticed that a lot of the guides were wearing very light weight trail shoes in the height of the summer. However, guides have good ankle strength and on the whole they  had the added security of walking with two trail poles.  When questioned, they said the ultra models were very light and had great grip but they didn't last very long. After  3-4 weeks of walking, every day, the sole gets worn smooth and start to slip.

You need to have good quality socks, most people choose cotton because in the heat, your feet can get extremely hot and swollen. So I would avoid thick wooly options.  It is good to let your feet breathe in the evenings, get them dry and into a pair of comfortable Teva's.

Weather Alerts

Recognise the different warnings

Equipment

List of equipment to bring to do GR20.

Eat and drink on the GR20

All the information you need, to find where to eat and drink on the GR20, restaurants, small shops, shepherds with cheese and sausage.

In which direction?

In Which Direction. North to South, or South to North.

Shoes on the GR20

The single most important equipment choice you make before leaving has got to be the choice of shoes.

Transport : join the GR20

Planes, buses, taxis: transport to join the departure of the GR20.

How much does it cost?

How to calculate the price for your GR20, how much does it all cost, the refuges, the food, a coffee...

IphiGénie and maps

The best maps of the route are produced by the IGN (Institut Géographique National) at a scale of 1:25,000.

Is the GR20 for you?

The GR20 is certainly one of the hardest long distance walks out there. Several factors contribute to this, the rough rocky terrain, the unpredictable weather and micro climates.

State of the Refuges

The stone base layer, is what exists today of Carrozzu refuge. The above floor is the proposed design for the modernization.

Authorised or not on the GR20

The GR20 is protected by the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse. With such a large volume of people every year, there are certain rules in place to protect the area.

Electricity on the GR20

How about electricity on the GR20?