I also put my insoles from my hiking boots into the FitKicks so I dont hurt the arch of my foot if I misstep on a rock around camp. Check Womens Price at EvoCheck Price at Amazon. They need air but everyone has different preferences. 
Not breathable, so not good for extended use around camp if your feet will sweat or you just want to air them out. Dry, comfortable shoes are a luxury that youll need and thoroughly deserve after a day of adventuring. These unique-looking shoes are everything that lightweight backpackers need in a camp shoe. I think the $$ they charge for them is ridiculous (same for Crocs) which are just some molded foam/plastic but they are SUPER comfortable around camp, they nest together easily to be relatively flat and are relatively light. Bedrocks Adventures Cairn Adventure Sandals, https://fitkicks.com/collections/fitkicks-for-men/products/fitkicks-mens-green, https://www.amazon.com/FitKicks-Lifestyle-Running-Workouts-Everyday/dp/B07FFCXPPR/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3F4UPS8AFZJWX&keywords=fitkicks&qid=1647211620&refinements=p_89%3AFITKICKS&rnid=7141123011&s=apparel&sprefix=fitkicks%2Caps%2C122&sr=1-2&th=1&psc=1, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Backpacks: How to Choose, How to Reduce Your Backpacking Water Weight, Backpacking and Fly Fishing the Dry River, How to Stop Your Superfeet Insoles from Squeaking, Bare Boxer Contender Review: A Small 2-3 Day Bear Canister, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag. Even tougher when wearing socks. There are a few key characteristics you should look for in a camp shoe. If the Crocs get wet, simply wipe the water off with a rag or towel. Great list of options here! These two camp shoe options are similar but not exactly the same. If a shoe fills a tricky void in your kit, consider that to be a form of good value. In addition to covering gear and the outdoor industry for GearJunkie, he enjoys writing about music, culture, and personal observations from time spent in the natural world. Im likely ordering them soon so thanks for the info. If you plan to also use your camp shoes in the gym or while hiking, its wise to choose some that are supportive enough to handle more than just hanging out. There is not a big difference compared to my Rainbows or Adidas, and they weigh more than the cheap Totes sandals that Ive been wearing for 10+ years backpacking. My only complaint with these minimalist shoes is that the soles are thin and you can feel rocks on the trail. (Crocs until recently, then last summer I bought a pair of lightweight clogs that are slightly heavier but a lot smaller and they work great so far.). Elastic bungee-style laces allow the Ultra 3s to tighten and loosen with ease. The quick laces make for easy on and off. But I treat them very carefully, and worry that they will get ripped on sharp rocks or sticks. Other shoes, like the HOKA ONE ONE Ora Recovery Slides, have very soft footbeds that tend to flatten over time. The Z Trail require far too much effort to get on your feet. Because theyre made to be comfortable, camp shoes offer a soothing antidote. Many of these options, like Crocs Classic Clogs, werent originally designed to be used on outdoor excursions, but people in search of good camp shoes identified them as an excellent makeshift choice. Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! With the heel counter in the up position, the Mocs easily handle a short day hike or a non-technical approach to the crag. Since these durable and insulating shoes were released, they have quickly become the well-loved standard in campground footwear. Also hated them as a camp shoe. Also, feet often become wet or sweaty while backpacking, and camp shoes offer ventilation and a relaxed fit, which will help your feet air out. Let us know in the comments, and well check it out for future updates to this article. Though theyre semi-bulky and perhaps not ideal for lightweight backpacking, theyll surely be worth their weight to those who need a little extra recovery boost. But you could always pull your footbeds out of your boots for extra protection, if you had to use these shoes for any distance in a pinch. Camp shoes offer major relief at the end of the day when the activewear comes off and the comfortable gear goes on.
The loop pn the heel lends itself to clipping on to my pack with a small carabiner. They fit me great even when hiking on vrry muddy trails. They are the most lightweight slip ons I have found that have an articulated foot bedgreat for people who need orthotics. All Rights Reserved. Our team of experts is bringing you best camping gear reviews and buying guides. The same holds for standing around camp in colder weather. For this reason, we recommend waterproof camp shoes. This is one of the most supportive options on this list, which is quite an impressive statement for a pair of slides. The demands of long backpacking or trail running days can be hard on the feet, and these sandals can help lessen recovery time. Ive done dozens of crossings and countless nights in back country camps with one pair and they show now wear. Protect yourself by wearing camp shoes in the shower and allowing your feet to dry thoroughly after hiking all day in hot and sweaty hiking boots or trail runners. Modern van-dwellers are rarely spotted without a pair of the Teva Ember Mocs on their feet. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. https://amzn.to/38HpNtZ. If you plan on backpacking, its best to get a camp shoe or water shoe thats easily packable with an upper that folds flat against the sole. Since 2002, Crocs has been making variations of its injection-molded EVA clogs. Though theyre not fully compressible, these shoes can fold decently well to take up less space inside a pack. Please could you recommend camp shoes that arent too heavy that can solve this problem. When the hike, ride, or climbing session is over, your priority shifts from performance to comfort. Currently wearing Saloman Cross-Amphibians as a water/camp shoe. For such comfort-forward footwear, the Ora Recovery Slides are impressively durable. If I had to, I could hike out with them, especially if I put a pair of socks on. We recommend a good pair of camp shoes as an addition to any kit, for backpackers to car campers and everyone in between.
I only bring them backpacking when I know Ill be in camp a while moving around for firewood and whatnot. I purchased a pair of $8 water shoes at Walmart and have used them for about four years and they are still going strong. I purchase a pair of Walmart water shoes a few years ago for $8 and have been using them for both water crossings and as a camp shoe. The most eye-catching feature is the quilted and insulated upper. After a long day of crushing miles on the trail, these will feel like heaven on your feet. The soles have ok traction, but are thin, so I put some old closed cell foam insoles inside for added foot protection, bringing the weight up to 6.2oz total. The booties are highly compressible and easy to pack away, though they dont come with a stuff sack upon purchase. Camp shoes/water shoes with fewer ventilation ports will be warmer. It was frustrating when you need to get up and go having to sit there fiddling with these sandals trying to get them on. Sandals, water shoes, slides, clogs, and minimalist footwear are all popular choices but its worth giving some thought to their strength and weaknesses in different environments and climate conditions. Good camp shoes should give you something to look forward to at the end of the day. They have a good sole. So far no issues for me. If youve ever gotten a mosquito bite on your foot, you know how itchy and unpleasant they can be. As Feathered Friends says, Theyre built for warmth, not a marathon.. The Vivobarefoot Ultra 3s are currently only available in a few sizes, so snag a pair while you can. They are great camp shoes, but not good for stream crossings. Chaco has outfitted the Womens with their signature LUVSEAT contoured footbed, which provides ample arch support. Crocs have a slightly hardier outsole and include a heel strap, which helps them stay on during short walks or non-technical hikes. (And I had to re-glue the fabric to the sole in several spots afterwards.) That worked and my feet were really comfortable in camp but it wasnt exactly a lightweight solution! They weigh in at 8.2 oz for the pair of mens large. Support us! Its good to have waterproof camp shoes. New Customer Discount. I plan to try out some of the options above. Ive owned a pair for 4 years. I use Nike Zoom Streak LT3 (discontinued, 11.7oz/332g measured (M 11.5)). This part slipper, part shoe is absolutely perfect for brief hikes, hanging out around the campfire, or even running errands about town. On many adventures and expeditions, camp shoes should be considered an essential piece of gear. They roll up and fit conveniently in my pack or in a side pocket on my pack. Aesthetically, the Mocs have a sleek and simple look thats perfectly suitable for roaming about in public.
Wearing a sock with a relatively open shoe may still not provide enough insect protection for your needs, something to consider. These shoes really thrive as water shoes. Still, some camp shoes are more important than others. Ive tried that but somehow my feet dont stay completely dry. With a quick wipe-down to remove surface water, theyll be fully dry. However, as is usually the case, these booties lose some durability as a trade-off. Some shoes on this list, like the Aleader Mesh Slip-Ons, have dense and sticky soles that hold up in the long haul. We go "Off the Map" to find new roads and epic adventures. Some of the camp shoes on this list are lighter and more packable than others. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. While we dont necessarily recommend running or backpacking while wearing these, they can handle a lot more active use than many of the camp shoe options on this list. Though Croc wearers often become the target of fashion-related jokes, we think they look pretty cool especially when worn with pride. Models are a bit different each year. Great post. Otherwise I prefer sticking to Rainbows, Adidas slides, or Totes slippers with a rubber outsole. If you hike in well-drained hiking boots, shoes, or trail runners, its worth asking yourself if you even need camp shoes or stream crossing shoes or whether youd rather not carry them and use your existing shoes as camp shoes and stream crossing shoes instead. For $109, these booties are certainly a bit pricey. Weve broken up this list into specific categories to help you identify the best camp shoe for your needs. But the soles are VERY thin and flexible so I dont really recommend them for that purpose. We especially recommend the OOFOS OOriginal Sandals to anyone intent on taking good care of their feet. So per pair: Nike Waffle at 13oz and Brooks Mach 19 9.0 oz. In the companys own words, OOFOS absorbs 37% more impact than traditional foam footwear. A unique arch support system claims to reduce exertion by 47%. These figures were taken from a 2018 University of Virginia study, which assessed the effectiveness of OOFOS sandals. I use MyShoeCovers Premium Reusable Shoe and Boot Covers for Contractors 1 Pair, Black, Small from Amazon. Car camping is all about luxuries. I use them mainly for stream crossings and around camp if it is dry. The Ramble Puff is available in both mens and womens styles. Good for water work, works well in camp. One other use is a backup shoe. For those with achy joints and tired feet, camp shoes may be non-negotiable and totally essential. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae35f41a8268f96bd9f3098c4b1e2d8d" );document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Get 15% Off Your First Order. These are also available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/FitKicks-Lifestyle-Running-Workouts-Everyday/dp/B07FFCXPPR/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3F4UPS8AFZJWX&keywords=fitkicks&qid=1647211620&refinements=p_89%3AFITKICKS&rnid=7141123011&s=apparel&sprefix=fitkicks%2Caps%2C122&sr=1-2&th=1&psc=1. While all of the shoes on this list are designed to be comfortable, certain shoes like the OOFOS OOriginal Sandals are made with a super-soft footbed to ease joint stiffness and maximum recovery. Attempts to fix it with duct tape were unsuccessful. I even found some plastic booties that fit my feet but still my feet felt damp. Shallow streams are usually easy to cross because you can see your feet and the streambed bottom. When in camp, I would like the ability to quickly slip into my footwear. With a super-soft footbed that cushions your foot and leg joints, these sandals from OOFOS ($50) help relieve soreness and prepare you for your next hike or run. Shoes with folding uppers are easily packed in pockets, and if theyre wet, in the front stretch mesh pocket of many backpacks. These materials dont absorb water, and they can simply be wiped dry if they happen to get any water on them. Theyre also indispensable for showering in hostels and at campgrounds to avoid contracting athletes foot from others. When the heel counter is down, the Mocs turn into casual slides that are great for checking the mailbox or relaxing in camp. Think of down booties as sleeping bags for your feet insulation is their only job. Also, the laces dont absorb much water and dry quickly. Thanks for the selection.
As a defense against the harsh bite of cold floors in the morning, the Mocs are more than capable of keeping your toes warm and happy. But they work well if you want to sit around bare foot but need some protection while walking around camp. I now use the Xero Z Trail for a water and camp shoe. You change into dry socks, put on your crocs and your dry socks get wet! Sharing in-depth conversations between the world's adventurers, athletes, and outdoorspeople, The GearJunkie Podcast is your inside look into the outdoors industry. Another option is a running road or cross country racing shoe. Its light, laces up, protects your toes and has a slightly lugged Vibram sole. Shoes that fit well into your outdoor adventure kit and can also be worn at home or while running errands may just pay for themselves. Ive settled into a very light Merrell running shoes as my camp shoe. Im more than happy to walk a 1/4 mile out of camp to get water or use them to do a stream crossing without worrying will they stay on my feet or slip on a rock.