Your fit needs: support without boots, room for ankle swelling, gentle on left ankle, 144 lb. Camino terrain: mostly graded paths and dirt roads, not technical.
★ Top pick
HOKA Challenger 8
$155
Best match for the Camino.
Drop: 7.2mm
Stack: 39mm
Weight: 1 lb 0.16 oz
Type: Light-Trail
Cushion: Maximum
Lugs: Moderate
Why: Light-Trail fits the Camino terrain perfectly. Max cushion saves your legs over 200km. Roomy toe box for swelling. Lightest of the four.
Why try: Light, plush, great grip. If the Challenger feels too soft, this is firmer.
Watch out: 5mm drop is low. If you're used to 8-12mm, calves and Achilles will complain by day 3.
Skip: zero drop risk
Altra Lone Peak 9
Why not: Zero-drop biomechanics on 200km with a previous broken ankle and no training base is a calf/Achilles gamble. Wide toe box is great, but not worth it.
Skip: wrong terrain + narrow
Salomon Speedcross 6
Why not: Built for muddy/technical trails (overkill for the Camino). Known narrow fit (bad with swelling). Quicklace creates pressure points.
At the store
Bring the socks you'll hike in (or buy thicker hiking socks first)
Try late afternoon when feet are slightly swollen
Buy a half size up to allow for swelling on long days
Walk down a ramp - toes must not slam the front
Press sides to check width with your foot inside
Lace up and stand 5+ minutes - any pressure points?
Ask for the Brannock device - measure both feet
If your left ankle still puffs, ask staff for wide-width versions