Camp sandals/shoes ....UL but oh so comfy

[Lnj]

Is there any such thing? I want a foot massage feeling every time I settle down at camp and put my camp footwear on, but I don't want tons of weight either. I am trying hard to keep my pack weight down, which being the most typical woman and mother (feeling the need to be over-prepared for all contingencies) I am struggling with that already.

My first thought was Chacos, but I read here that they are pretty darn heavy. I absolutely LOVE my Sketchers Airwalk's, but they aren't open toe'd which I think will be a huge advantage after a long hiking day at the end of May.

Does anyone have the perfect camp shoe/sandal?

[Vegan Packer]

The lightest that I could find, which also double as stream crossers, are Vivobarefoot Ultras. Great for ventilation, super light, won't come off like thongs in mud or running streams.

[Moosling]

I just use the cheapest flip flops I can normally from Wally world or the Dollar Tree

[cycle003]

I don't really care for flip-flop type shoes, but there are some ultralight versions out there. Zero shoes are one brand. I often take cushe slippers. They are a bit heavier (12.7 oz for my size 12), but they are comfy.

[Different Socks]

I still carry Crocs

[ChrisJackson]

Adidas Slides. They are heavy and fly off at the worst times...but pretty comfortable. I'm stickin' with 'em for now...but on the search for something else. I really like the look of the Zero sandals, but I want something open-toed that slips on (no straps/buckles)

[cycle003]

I still carry Crocs

The nice thing about Crocs and sandals are that they can do double duty for stream crossings.

[Hangfire]

I wore flip flops as camp shoes which are just fine as long as you don't have to walk further than 50 feet, after which my feet didn't like them so much.

[shelb]

I still carry Crocs

I, too, like my Crocs...

[shakey_snake]

Maybe just me but I like to sit on my ass when I'm not hiking.

I feel like it's a pretty good system. If I get to camp early, I get all my footwear required tasks done, then plop down on the ole caboose, give the dogs a breather and eat peanut M&Ms.

Actually, you should consider if you extra camp shoe weight was instead extra M&M's. Best camp shoes ever.

[tflaris]

We ran into a thru hiker "Drop Knife" and we were talking about camp shoes. She had a pair of imitation crocs and they were significantly lighter that the brand name Crocs.

We enjoy our crocs.

TF


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed that is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead, Anthropologist

[tiptoe]

I'm a fan of Crocs, but I tried Vivobarefoot on my last sections. They're a lot lighter and they stay on the feet better in streams, but the soles are very thin, so you feel every pebble you step on.

[The Kisco Kid]

Lightest camp shoes I could find with good cushion that won't break are Teva Mush II flip-flops. Zeroshoes offer zero cushion and are actually heavier than the Teva flip-flops!

[Deacon]

Waldies brand is a clone of Crocs. Look exactly the same except they are about a third of the weight of Crocs.

http://www.waldies.net/product_p/845091008.htm

[OCDave]

I tried Chacos and enjoyed Tevas for many years. I now have a pair of Luna Oso sandals that join me on every trip. Somewhat expensive but, worth every penny from my perspective.

http://lunasandals.com

Good Luck

[Ktaadn]

The lightest, comfortable, camp shoes are trail runners, which you are already wearing, but untied. I have been know to walk around in my bare feet also if my shoes are pretty wet.

[Cotton Terry]

I carry the Croc Swiftwater. They aren't quite as light as the regular Croc, but I think more durable than the Croc, less likely to come off during a stream crossing, and a decent short term work around in the event of a major hiking shoe failure.

[Lnj]

Maybe just me but I like to sit on my ass when I'm not hiking.

I feel like it's a pretty good system. If I get to camp early, I get all my footwear required tasks done, then plop down on the ole caboose, give the dogs a breather and eat peanut M&Ms.

Actually, you should consider if you extra camp shoe weight was instead extra M&M's. Best camp shoes ever.

This is kind of where I am too. I will set up camp in my hiking boots, but when the work is done, I just want something open and comfy for my sore feet to rest in, that's waterproof, dries quick, lightweight, not smelly, easy on and easy off, that kind of thing. I was debating between Crocs and Tevas. I settled on Teva's just because there is a chance I could wear them out in public before and/or after hiking, in town or at home and Crocs are really just to be worn on the trail or inside. They are not cute IMHO.

[gbolt]

If you calculate you spend 16 hours awake and max 12 hours on the trail; the other four hours can be very important to your feet. One of the first things I do when I hit camp is to get out of the hiking shoes (or trail runners) to allow my feet to dry and breath around camp for the rest of the evening. I like flip flops that don't require the wedgy between the big toe, so I can leave my socks on, even in cold weather. The shoes are needed for middle of the night, 1st thing in the morning, and for stream crossings during the day, as well. Due to stream crossings, I like a back heel strap to hold the "Camp Shoe" on. After trying many options, including a Croc "sandal", I have settled on the reliable multi useful, Croc. Will worth the minor weight penalty and very durable on the feet.

[fins1838]

Timberland makes a very light shoe that folds in half & zips closed. Very cozy.