I bought hiking boots today in an expensive Castle Douglas shoe store.

Meinl, Made in Germany, £115. Beautiful green leather and seriously elegant, not at all like the hiking boots that resemble moon landing craft.

So I decided to give them their first airing. A five minute walk down to the harbour and five minutes back. On return home I see the heels beginning to separate from the uppers amidst a miasma of black powder. The rubber had perished. This was my first go at breaking in boots intended for Santiago de Compostela in 2015.

Is this An Omen? Am I meant to do the 500 Mile Pilgrimage in Bare Feet?