If you’ve never spent a week in wet hiking boots, then you’re in for a surprise at some point in your trekking career.
It’s unpleasant, cold, and leaves your feet swollen and sore. I can’t tell you how often I get jealous of other hikers with nice camp shoes. This secondary pair of lightweight shoes for wearing around the campsite after a long day’s trek are a luxury that will leave your feet smiling. Why don’t I carry some? Simply because I’m willing to leave them at home to save some weight.
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So why do I recommend that you carry a pair of backpacking camp shoes? Because they often are small, lightweight, and inexpensive. They’ll improve your enjoyment of the trail and even, arguably, the health of your feet. I think the vast majority of hikers will have a better experience by choosing to carry a nice lightweight pair of camp shoes to help relax and dry out your feet at night around camp.
We’re going to introduce you to a few of the top choices of backpacking camp shoes available today. We’ll also talk about what to consider when picking out the right backpacking camp shoes for your next hike. Let’s get started!Enter your text here...
Comparison Chart
Name | Price | Weight | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$$ | 10-15 oz | Made of 100% synthetic soft and flexible ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer | |
| $$$ | 12 oz | Made of a polyurethane midsole, polyester webbing wraps, and ChacoGrip rubber outsole | |
| - | 32 oz | Made of a waterproof Neoprene shell, breathable airmesh, and TracTrol rubber sole | |
| $$$ | 11.6 oz | Made with Polar Fleece interior fabric, microfiber shell, 40-Deiner nylon and polyurethane coating, and anti-skid rubber sole | |
| - | 13 oz | Made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polyester shell, nylon and neoprene inner lining, and gum rubber sole | |
| $$$ | 16 oz | Made with recycled ripstop PET shell, PrimaLoft Thermoball Eco synthetic insulation, fleece lining, and rubber sole | |
| $$$ | 12-14 oz | Made with a polyurethane footbed, hand-sewn leather toe post, leather straps, and rubber outsole | |
$$$ | 20 oz | Made with fully-knitted upper mesh, breathable lining, FloatLite foam midsole, and rubber EVA outsole | ||
| $$$ | 5.6 oz | Made of a neoprene and nylon outer shell, neoprene and lycra inner lining, and a TPU sole | |
| - | 5.8 oz | Minimalist design composed of a silicone heel, adjustable nylon straps, and the FeelTrue rubber outsole |
How to Pick The Right Camp Shoes
Backpacking camp shoes are a luxury item for the trail and, like most backpacking items, they come with pros and cons of carrying. Remember that every ounce adds up to pounds on your back. In this case, we’ve already made the decision that camp shoes are worth the extra weight. Let’s take a look at a few considerations for making your choice of backpacking camp shoes.
Open vs Closed Toed Shoes
While cheap foam thongs, or flip-flops, from the local budget store, are an alluring inexpensive and lightweight camp shoe choice, they do have drawbacks. Open toe shoes, or shoes lacking any covering at the front of the shoe, leave your feet vulnerable to injury. Walking around camp with open toe shoes means that if you stub your toes on a stick, you may end up with a nasty splinter under your toe. This can lead to infection, pain, or further injury and is only one example of the vulnerability of open toe shoes.
Consider lightweight closed toe shoes if you’re worried about the possibility of injuring your foot around camp.
Weight
Of course, weight is always a factor in our decision making when choosing backpacking gear. Lightweight shoes tend to be less durable as they’re made from delicate material compared to more luxury options.
While heavier shoes may be more protective or supportive, the price you pay is lugging them around every day while you walk.
Breathability
Camp shoes are usually worn without socks at all. This helps your feet breath and dry out or, if it’s raining, you don’t have to worry about getting them wet.
Simple foam or rubber shoes are great because they’re lightweight, totally waterproof, and usually quite inexpensive. Crocs are a great example of this.
Support
After a long day of hiking, your feet are swollen and need some loving care. That’s why it can be really nice to have a pair of camp shoes that are actually ergonomically designed. Many cheap shoes have little or no arch support which is fine if you’re naturally flat footed. For the rest of us, this can leave our feet just as sore and tired.
Look for shoes with the right balance of support for your needs when considering a trekking camp shoe.
The Best Camp Shoes for Backpacking
Without a doubt, Crocs are the most ubiquitous camp shoe among backpackers today. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, totally waterproof (with holes to drain the water), and they are virtually indestructible.
If you’re worried about weight, you can even take off the heel strap and just wear them as slip-on shoes. Because they’re made of lightweight foam, they’ll eventually contour to the fit of your foot. You will find that they have a limited lifespan and the tread on the bottom of the shoe will quickly wear away. You’ll need to replace them at this point or they’ll become dangerously slippery.
While you’ll pay a bit more and have to carry some extra weight when compared to a bare-bones Croc shoe, the Chacos Z1 Classic has some of the best fit and support in the industry. These have long been my go-to summer sandal and I’ve even hiked in them on many occasions. Chaco will repair the webbing straps and the soles on your sandals for life (for a minimal fee) which means many Chaco fans wear the same pair of sandals for decades.
Ladies, you can find the female-specific version right here.
I recommend the Z1 version of this sandal as I find the big toe strap intrusive and uncomfortable.
These simple waterproof shoes feature a neoprene construction and rubber sole. They’re made to trek through nasty mud, muck, and water while keeping your feet warm, dry, and comfortable.
You may want to consider these as a spring and fall camp shoe option with a little more warmth and foot protection than other camp shoes. They may be on the warm side for mid-summer use in hot climates.
One nice feature about the Muckboots Edgewater Camp Shoe is that the neoprene topline upper is soft and flexible. That means it will more easily adjust to fit your specific foot and ankle size. I like this feature to help ease the fitment process and minimize the needs for returns.
While you won’t want to wear these in the summer, they might just make the perfect winter camping shoes. With a rubber sole and 40D PU coated nylon outer, they’re resistant to most things the trail can throw their way. Make no mistake, however, if you kick a sharp stick you’re likely to tear through the relatively fragile nylon fabric.
The KingCamp Soft Slippers are a good choice for the extra insulated warmth value in relatively dry conditions. Insulation is cotton which won’t perform well when wet so be sure to keep them safe inside your tent or shelter if the weather turns foul.
I would recommend caution with choosing where and when to use this type of camp shoe. Be certain that it fits your needs for the season and weather you’ll be hiking in.
Somewhere between a minimalist barefoot running shoe and a Croc, the Vivobarefoot Ultra is a pretty cool balance of performance and weight savings. With an open design, they’ll shed water and you won’t need to worry about keeping them dry because they’re 100% synthetic.
Because they wrap the whole foot and lace up for a snug fit, they’re a great choice for washing in the river or waterfall or river crossings. They provide toe protection at a lightweight tipping point. Definitely a strong consideration for those looking to gain the features of a Croc shoe with some of the performance of a running shoe.
Warmth can seem like a hard-earned commodity when you have to bunker in for the night after you’ve set up camp. This takes away the appeal of having to change out of your hiking shoes – after all, hiking shoes are thick and store a lot of warmth.
The Thermoball Traction Mule V from The North Face provides this much-needed warmth delivered with a combination of comfort, durability, and style that’s hard to match. The fleece lining and synthetic insulation is simply luxurious and is exactly what your feet need after a long hike. The recycled rubber outsole provides good traction, although we wouldn’t wear it to walk over sharp rocks.
When it comes time to dry out these camping shoes, you can simply hang them from your backpack using the conveniently included loops. The elastic panels make putting them on and removing them very quick while also providing a very snug fit. These shoes are warm enough to wear in freezing cold. They’re perfect for shuffling around on snow without having to spend minutes lacing up your hiking boots.
When backpacking in summer, comfort and breathability should be the top priorities when picking a pair of camp shoes. Thus, you may want to wear something as bare as possible. The Ho’Opio sandals, a simple pair of flip-flops from OLUKAI, looks like a perfect choice.
This Hawaii-inspired pair of flip-flops looks unassuming but may be one of the most comfortable and ergonomic flip-flops you will ever own. The anatomical footbed provides a perfect contour that offers both comfort and support to your feet. Traction is enhanced by both the micro-textures on the footbed and the ocean current-inspired traction pod of the rubber outsole.
One thing to note is that not all feet are shaped similarly, so you may find that the pre-set contour of the Ho’Opio may not be as comfortable as promised. While the leather straps and rubber outsole are pretty durable, they are probably not meant to withstand excessively rugged conditions. Leather also doesn’t respond well to moisture, so you may find these flip-flops deteriorating quickly when exposed to rain regularly.
The Terra-Float sandal from Teva seems a little overqualified to be used as camping shoes. With a tough rubber EVA outsole and soft foam midsole, the Terra-Float is tough enough to be used your main hiking shoes on moderately difficult trails. Because of its breathable lining, it wicks away the moisture from your feet to help keep them clean and odor-free.
However, it’s undeniable that the Terra-Float is much more comfortable and lighter than your usual hiking shoes. The breathable fabric gives your feet much-needed time to dry out. The bungee lace and hook-and-loop straps make these sandals easy to put on. Although the vented and breathable shell means that the Terra-Float doesn’t provide a lot of cold protection, the sock-like internal material gives it a bit of warmth.
The only major complaint about the Terra-Float is that its sizes seem a bit too small for most people. The fit of the Terra-Float is very snug and quite narrow, so you may want to get these sandals at one or two sizes larger than what you would normally wear. This is a pretty minor quibble given how good the quality of this product is.
If you’re an ultralight hiker, then the Sockwa G4 should certainly be an appealing choice. At around 5.6 ounces per pair, these barefoot shoes weigh next to nothing but still provide ample protection for walking around camp.
The lightweight design of the G4 barefoot shoes can be credited to its neoprene, nylon, and lycra construction. These 100% synthetic materials offer good moisture protection, durability, and comfort. The snug fit makes the G4 quite warm, although we don’t recommend wearing it on excessively cold nights.
In terms of portability, the G4 certainly is one of the best. Aside from being lightweight, the shoes can be folded or flattened with no damage. Even washing them is convenient, as you can safely throw them in a washing machine.
The choice to use TPU for the sole seems like it was made to retain the lightweight appeal of the G4. However, it also enhances tactility to an almost undesirable level. If you wear the G4 to walk on pebbles, you’re pretty much going to feel everything on your feet. After all, it’s made for walking around on grass or concrete. It has virtually no arch support – buy these only if you’re comfortable with the idea of walking around barefoot.
Speaking of camp shoes that weigh next to nothing, the barefoot sandals from Xero Shoes certainly belongs to that small but valuable niche. Inspired by the footwear used by the Tarahumara Indians, these barefoot sandals strips down the design of the typical sandal to the bare essentials.
The Xero Shoes sandals is composed only of a rubber outsole and a small silicone heel cup attached to an adjustable nylon strap system. The adjustable straps are a great touch, giving this pair the security of sandals despite having the appearance of flip-flops. The sandals come in a variety of designs, each one a lot more stylish than your typical camp shoes.
The main selling point of the barefoot sandals is how conveniently light and portable they are. However, they are from the best performance-wise. The insole provides very little traction and can get quite slippery should they get wet. The sole itself is also very thin, offering no protection from rocks and no arch support.
If you’re camping in a grassy spot and don’t expect to have to use your camp shoes to walk anywhere with challenging terrain, then these barefoot sandals are a very good option. Otherwise, you may have to look for something sturdier.
Why Bother Bringing Camping Shoes?
Are camping shoes a necessity? Probably not. A lot of backpackers have gone on hiking trips for years without even having to pack camping shoes. It also runs contrary to the backpacking principle of bringing just the bare essentials.
Despite being considered a luxury, there are a couple of compelling reasons for adding a pair of camping shoes to your gear. Here are few to consider:
More comfortable than hiking shoes
At the end of a long day spent hiking, there are few things more comfortable than kicking off those hot and sweaty hiking boots and changing into something more comfortable. This is primarily the purpose of having camping shoes – so you’ll have something lighter and more breathable to wear around camp.
More hygienic
Changing into camping shoes gives your feet a few hours to breathe. Since they are more open and easier to put on than hiking shoes, you can also spend the time lounging around camp to clean your feet from any sweat or grime. This ensures that you keep the stuff you sleep in similarly clean, whether it’s a pair of warm socks or just your sleeping bag.
Gives your hiking shoes a chance to dry
Taking off your hiking shoes for a few hours at the end of the day also lets it dry out a bit. You can consider this another point for hygiene, as keeping your shoes warm and humid for extended periods makes it a prime spot for bacterial growth. And while you can’t expect to have all that sweat evaporate overnight, every little bit helps, especially for multi-day backpacking trips
Different types of camping shoes
Since camping shoes aren’t exactly standard backpacking gear, trying to classify them into different types may fail to represent some of the options out there.
Flip-flops
The simplest option for camping footwear is the old-fashioned flip-flops. They are usually pretty cheap, lightweight, easy to carry around, and very comfortable. Their design makes them easy to put on but does not offer much protection from critters and provides zero warmth.
Of course, not all flip-flops are made equally and not all of them may be suitable for camping. If flip-flops are more your style, then we suggest getting one made of a material that does not absorb water and has soles made for rough terrain.
Sandals
Technically speaking, sandals and flip-flops are so similar that making the distinction between them becomes a matter of preference. Sandals are merely sturdier and more rugged versions of flip-flops. With more straps, sandals can be worn in practically all settings where closed-toe shoes are worn.
Sandals do away with the convenience of weight, portability, and ease of use in exchange for added protection. While it also doesn’t provide any warmth, a pair of sandals might be a more versatile option if you anticipate having to walk over rough terrain or cross rivers in your camping shoes.
Water shoes
Water shoes are specially designed shoes that are made of water activities such as river crossing or kayaking. They are designed to provide protection against sharp rocks but also have vents that allow for quick drying and water drainage.
While water shoes offer more protection against the elements, they aren’t quite as comfortable as flip-flops or sandals. They can keep your feet warm to a limited capacity. Water shoes are a little harder to pack on account of how large and rigid they are.
However, the major advantage of packing water shoes is that they are useful beyond just being camping shoes. If you need to cross a lot of rivers during your hike, nothing beats the convenience of wearing water shoes.
Toe shoes
You’ve probably seen these around as popularized by the Vibram Five Fingers brand. These shoes are meant to simulate the feel of being barefoot while providing the same degree of protection as old-fashioned shoes. The super-flexible soles and unfettered toe movement make toe shoes very comfortable, although it may take a bit of getting used to.
The major problem with toe shoes is that they contour so well with your feet that they can be quite hard to dry out. If you want camping shoes that make your feet feel free, then toe shoes certainly aren’t going to fit that description. They can also be very hard to put on, even more so than hiking shoes with complicated lacing systems.
Tough socks or sock shoes
Tough socks are probably the most unusual option for camping shoes simply because of how many people use them. They are made with the usual sock material, such as wool or cotton, but are lined at the bottom with a durable layer that provides both protection and traction. These are great because they take up just as much space as normal socks but can be used to walk around outdoors.
The wool or cotton material makes tough socks pretty warm, although they aren’t immune from absorbing moisture from the air. This level of comfort and convenience is probably the only reason to go with tough socks. They don’t provide a lot of sole support and tend to get worn down easily.
Conclusion
For lightweight reliable performance in a backpacking camp shoe, you really can’t argue with a pair of Crocs. They’re popular because they work, they’re hardy, and they don’t weight down your pack.
While you’ll have to carry some extra weight, a more robust camp shoe like the Chaco or Vivobarefoot Water Shoe might be a good choice for their superior fit and performance. They won’t slip off your foot and will accompany you into the river, lakes, and streams you’ll find yourself in.
Be sure to consider what situations you’ll use your camp shoes in. If you’re just staying inside the hut after a day of hiking, a simple shoe is fine. If you’re planning to use your camp shoes not only at night but also during river crossings and rainy days, you’ll want something with a lot more performance.
Happy trails!
