Theyre designed for recovery and comfort rather than support and performance.
That is the problem even with crocs that have cutouts that let in moisture. My only complaint with these minimalist shoes is that the soles are thin and you can feel rocks on the trail. 
One wet pair on my feet, one on my pack drying, and one already dried pair for camp. Camp shoes are an important defense against feet issues like blisters, fungus, rashes, and more. Otherwise I prefer sticking to Rainbows, Adidas slides, or Totes slippers with a rubber outsole. Many hikers and backpackers carry camp shoes to help their feet recover after a hot day of hiking or to change into for stream crossings to keep their socks and hiking footwear dry.
https://amzn.to/38HpNtZ. 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. Walmart has lightweight, resin mocs, similar to Crocs, for around $12 / pair. Its important to determine your budget as you consider which camp shoes to purchase. I would like them more if they were very lightweight, but theyre not. 
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. They are durable. I wouldnt recommend anyone buying them, you can match the performance with cheaper sandals or get much better premium sandals. My foot slides around far too much for how tight I secure the straps, and theyre not good on the ground or rocks. But for those willing to pay the price for warm toes, these booties wont let you down.
A soft UVA top layer soothes the feet, while stiffer rockered midsoles and outsoles offer structural support. Attempts to fix it with duct tape were unsuccessful. They have a good sole. In general, shoes that can only be used in camp tend to be lighter weight than those that are designed to be water shoes. Super convenient too for getting in and out of your insulation and going to the privy at night. We recommend it. When in camp, I would like the ability to quickly slip into my footwear. We recommend a good pair of camp shoes as an addition to any kit, for backpackers to car campers and everyone in between.
Modern van-dwellers are rarely spotted without a pair of the Teva Ember Mocs on their feet. Though many brands have developed high-tech camp shoes with all sorts of flashy features, the truth is that a classic pair of Crocs remains hard to beat. Many of the options on this list are made of solid EVA or soft foam. Ive been using Barefoot Sock Shoes, light(ish) and compact. Traction is not the primary focus of these sandals. 
Removable foam insoles provide a little extra support when you want it but also add some extra weight that many backpackers will want to leave behind. 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. Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. 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. We go "Off the Map" to find new roads and epic adventures. Designed for watersports but adopted by the thru-hiking community, the Vivobarefoot Ultra 3 ($80) is the ultimate shoe for overnight backpacking. With the heel strap engaged, Crocs can easily handle short hikes without falling off. Great list of options here! I used those slides all last season. Even tougher when wearing socks.
A durable camp shoe should last many years, especially because it likely wont accumulate nearly as many miles as active shoes will. The Ultra 3s have an upper that is made entirely of EVA, an elastic polymer very similar to rubber. Without the heel strap in place, Crocs become a convenient source of slide-in foot protection. From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. The GearJunkie gear guide to mountain, road, and gravel bikes, bike accessories, apparel, and more. Support us! They dont compress very well, theyre a little heavy, and theyre not waterproof. At just $27, theyre affordable too. Theres nothing worse than picking up a case of Athletes Foot in public showers in hiker hostels, bunkhouses, or public campgrounds. I got them as a camp shoe for my AT thru hike. If youre camping or crossing streams in cold weather, you may want to opt for camp shoes or water shoes that encase your foot and your ankle more like a wetsuit bootie rather than sandals or slides. Its good to have waterproof camp shoes. 
I picked up a pair of these on a whim at OfficeMax back in 2020! Slides are great if you just need them for padding around in camp. However, in 2021, many footwear companies are now making purpose-built camp shoes. Theyre easy to clean, and a rubber outsole is hardy enough for most non-technical paths and trails. The sandals hold up well, but the foam does become flat and deflated after a few months of frequent use. I now use the Xero Z Trail for a water and camp shoe. It was nice boot, looked new, but the sole came unglued. 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. I would add the Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals. Whether youre taking the kids out for a weekend in nature or looking for a solo escape from the city, weve got the complete guide to camping for beginners right here. I also hate something between my toes. GOSSAMER-GEAR: Take 15% Off all Gossamer Gear Backpacks, Tents, Tarps, Trekking Poles and Accessories with Coupon Code "SECTIONHIKER22". Notably, a collapsible heel counter allows the Mocs to be worn as easy-on camp slippers or secure semi-active shoes. Though theyre not fully compressible, these shoes can fold decently well to take up less space inside a pack. Honestly at my geezer age the only ones of the lot that Id carry are the Mayfly sandals. Other shoes, like the HOKA ONE ONE Ora Recovery Slides, have very soft footbeds that tend to flatten over time. Camp shoes offer major relief at the end of the day when the activewear comes off and the comfortable gear goes on. Good for hiking, and are a decent camp shoe but still not my favorite. Not perfectly waterproof on the seams (I keep meaning to seam seal them) but the material on the bottom is waterproof so damp ground does not seep through. Some camp shoes are more durable than others, which makes durability an important piece of a shoes overall value. Drain holes and a thin mesh upper material ensure that the Aleader Mesh Slip-Ons ($27) dry quickly after a thorough soaking. Mayflys Super-duper-hyper-nano-ultralight. Check out some of the bestselling gear at Backcountry this week and save on gear for your next adventure. While I do wish the straps were slightly softer, they dont slip anywhere near the other trsil sandals Ive tried. Good gear topic. Its light, laces up, protects your toes and has a slightly lugged Vibram sole. The Ramble Puff is available in both mens and womens styles. Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon. Mostly, these booties arent designed to be worn while strolling around, but they come with a fairly hardy shell that holds up to short walks through camp. When the hike, ride, or climbing session is over, your priority shifts from performance to comfort. At the end of a strenuous day of activity, its wise to give your feet the gift of recovery footwear. So far this is the best option Ive found for the weight. 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. 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 are a wide range of factors that make good camp shoes or water shoes for stream crossings. Ive tried that but somehow my feet dont stay completely dry. However, at 8 ounces per shoe, the Ultra 3s are worth the investment, especially for lightweight backpackers. 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. Though Croc wearers often become the target of fashion-related jokes, we think they look pretty cool especially when worn with pride. New for 2021, the Ramble Puff ($79) from Chaco is the perfect shoe for cold weather camping. Required fields are marked *. However, as is usually the case, these booties lose some durability as a trade-off. A strategic mixture of varied tread depths provides ample grip on a wide variety of surfaces. With the heel counter in the up position, the Mocs easily handle a short day hike or a non-technical approach to the crag. TREAD LABS INSOLES: As good as custom orthotics at a fraction of the price. The same holds for standing around camp in colder weather. Some shoes on this list, like the Aleader Mesh Slip-Ons, have dense and sticky soles that hold up in the long haul. On gravel trails, paved streets, and even wet rock, the Ultra 3 offers reliable traction an impressive trait for a camp shoe.. The Vivobarefoot Ultra 3 shoes are light and easy to squeeze into an already stuffed pack. Also, the OOFOS OOriginals lack a heel strap and fall off more easily when walking around. For winter camping, theyre beyond worth their 9.3-ounce weight. Tried some slip-on water shoes but found them too be not worth the extra weight to carry. But they work well if you want to sit around bare foot but need some protection while walking around camp. On many adventures and expeditions, camp shoes should be considered an essential piece of gear. Crocs come with a heel strap thats easily tucked out of the way when not in use. I also have similar issues with the Xero Z Trail, a disappointing purchase for sure. They roll up and fit conveniently in my pack or in a side pocket on my pack. Here are the 10 Best Camp Shoes that we recommend. For me, they were unwearable if they got wet at all. I never would have found out about them! Fully waterproof and breathable, this honeycomb-patterned upper makes the Ultra 3s a true barefoot shoe. No flip flops for me! Works for me. We especially recommend the OOFOS OOriginal Sandals to anyone intent on taking good care of their feet. 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. Boom instantly dry. On this list, the Aleader Mesh Slip-Ons offer moderate support and good traction. Wear these booties to bed, and you wont have to take them off when you get up to walk outside and pee. The Teva Ember Moc ($75) is a luxury that becomes difficult to go without as soon as youve tried them on. Semi-deep tread offers reasonable traction for hanging out at home or wandering around the campsite.