this post belongs here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ultralight_jerk/
this post belongs here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ultralight_jerk/
I posted on this before, after an exhaustive search I settled on Teva Mush II flip-flops. 7.2 ounces per pair in size 12. Lightest flip-slops I could find that won't break in a day (which happened to me with the cheap versions). Vibrafoot I ordered and returned. Expensive, uncomfortable, and actually heavier than the average pair of flip flops which over a lot more cushy comfort--very important after a long day of hiking.
As for crossing rivers, I forded exactly three streams (all in Northern Maine) on my section hike. So, stream crossing shouldn't really be a consideration when choosing camp shoes. More hype than reality.
Springer to Katahdin: 1991-2018
I've gone around and around with camp shoes ... Vivobarefoot Primus Lite (very comfy but heavier), Shamma Warriors (very light but not comfortable), plain old flip-flops (very light but not durable) ... settling on Adidas Adizero Sub 2 running shoes. Pricey but just under 12 oz for the pair and very very comfortable. I should point out that cost has never been an issue for me, which no doubt is not typical.
my trail runners are so light I have actually considered carrying a second pair. this would have many benefits. dry shoes at end of day. dry shoes next day if trail runners didn't dry overnight. if 1 pair "blows out" I can still hike without issue and grab a second pair and ditch the "blown out" pair. I would never have to worry about getting a brand new pair and having issues until they get broken in as I could swap between the new and old pair during the break in period if necessary.
https://tinyurl.com/MyFDresults
A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world. ~Paul Dudley White
https://xeroshoes.com/shop/gender/mens/ztrail-men/
Light, less than 1 lb, very slim profile, but sturdy enough to hike in, or water cross when needed. Used to use flipfops but hated how they felt between my toes after my feet expanded in camp. Also, size 11 Walmart FFs are Chinese size 11, about a real size 10. As a very fragile and delicate outdoorsman, I like having something besides trail shoes at the end of the day.
Last edited by Game Warden; 05-12-2019 at 15:16.
These keep showing up on my facebook thing.
I want to check them out, but you have to install some app to look at or buy their stuff:thanksbutnothanks:
20190513_232230.jpg
Don't have camp shoes. Like others, I just have one pair of shoes (Oboz Sawtooth NOT waterproof, as of now). For water crossings, I just plow through. As they are not waterproof, they dry quickly. I will sometimes carry some light fleece slipper socks. They are not really camp shoes, but rather to wear in the tent to keep my feet warm. They have a rubberized sole so they can work to step out of the tent and pee in the middle of the night, if it isn't muddy outside. I got them in a ditty bag from a trans Atlantic flight. So they basically cost me $1000, but they came with a free trip to Istanbul.
I've been using RocSocs for a few years.
I love my crocs, but I don't want to look like Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings) with it dangling from my pack. I might lose one if I brush up against a tree or boulder. I think I will opt for cheap $1 flip flops. I am a minimalist so I got new shoes arriving Wednesday I plan to use for my hikes and sockless water crossings. I have two back to back hiking and bikepacking trips in June where I plan to put them to the test.
Xero Z-Trail sandals. Can double both for creek crossings and for actual trail shoes if your feet just need that little bit of airing out. Or simply full time shoe if you like minimalist hiking.
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I don't carry camp shoes or water shoes anymore but I do use SealSkinz socks either to hike in if there's lots of water crossings or as backup when the shoes are wet.Of course you could use bread bags over dry socks when the shoes are wet.I tried the camp shoe thing and decided it was not worth it for me as I turn in early at night.
I bought these years ago, and they were expensive even when at the sale price, but I was desperate for something less bulky than Crocs. I ended up cutting their weight almost in have by removing the inner sockliner, and while they aren't as comfortable (or water resistant) they are only 7.8 oz for the pair (size 10) and take up a lot less space in my pack.
GA←↕→ME: 1973 to 2014
Thx for the tip, Game Warden - and also TX Aggie for seconding the recommendation. Followed the link and liked what I saw, ordered a pair of Z-Trails - they just came in, exactly what I was looking for, lightweight, flexible, don't take up much space in my pack, and they're actual shoes that I could hike in if needed. At $80 they're not cheap, but the 5,000 sole guarantee means I'll get my money's worth. Much appreciated -
Thanking them? For seducing you? I just ordered a pair with a sale code for $66. Had been considering them for awhile, but feel like y'all pushed me over the edge, and should be held accountable. I think all three of you should have to send me $22 apiece for forcing me to buy them
I'll take them to the beach in a couple of weeks, but they'll be used almost exclusively for camp, and should last forever.
I use mesh shower slippers like these.
The best of them (which I can't find anymore unfortunately) have a decent textured slip-resistant bottom and are available in large enough size; you need XL and XXLs for average foot size, they tend to run small. Obviously there's a tradeoff for the extremely light weight but these soles have stopped cactus spines and pretty hefty thorns I've stepped on (not the ones I kicked though); and protection from rocks on water crossings is better than, say, the Dawg slip-ons which have been mentioned here (again on the bottom, not from the sides where there is pretty much no protection at all).
The air on your feet really feels good no matter how comfortable you think your hiking footwear is.