
Many backpackers carry camp shoes for greater comfort in camp that can serve double duty as stream crossing shoes, so they don’t have to get their hiking boots or trail shoes wet. Sandals, water shoes, slides, clogs, and minimalist footwear are all popular choices but it’s worth giving some thought to their strength and weaknesses in different environments and climate conditions. Check out our Camp Shoe Selection Guide below for a full discussion of the factors you should consider.
Here are the 10 Best Camp Shoes that we recommend.
Make / Model | Best For | Weight (Pair) | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Sockwa G4 Water Shoes | Camp | Water | 6 oz | $50 |
Crocs Classic Clogs | Camp | Water | 13 oz | $30 |
Hoka One One Ora Recovery Slides | Camp | 12.8 oz | $50 |
OOFOS OOriginal Sandals | Camp | 11 oz | $50 |
Sockwa G Hi Water Shoes | Camp | Water | 7.5 oz | $65 |
Speedo Surf Knit Pro | Camp | Water | 9 oz | $36 |
Bedrock Sandals Cairn 3D Sandals | Camp | Water | 17 oz | $115 |
Vibram FiveFingers V-Aqua | Camp | Water | 12 oz | $90 |
Fitkicks | Camp | 8 oz | $25 |
Sea-to-Summit Ultra Flex Water Booties | Camp | Water | 9 oz | $45 |
1. Sockwa G4 Water Shoes
2. Crocs Classic Clogs
3. Hoka One One ORA Recovery Slides
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REI | Amazon
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REI | Amazon
4. OOFOS OOriginal Sandals
5. Sockwa G Hi Water Shoes
6. Speedo Surf Knit Pro
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Zappos
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Zappos
7. Bedrock Sandals Cairn 3D Sandals
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REI
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REI
8. Vibram Five Fingers V-Aqua Water Shoes
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Amazon | Zappos
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Amazon | Zappos
9. Fitkicks
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Amazon | Walmart
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Amazon | Walmart
10. Sea-to-Summit Ultra Flex Booties
Check for latest price (Unisex)
Sea-to-Summit | Amazon | Campsaver
Camp Shoes 101: Selection Guide
There are a wide range of factors that make good camp shoes or water shoes for stream crossings. While almost all stream crossing shoes make acceptable camp shoes, many camp shoes lack the protection or traction needed for more challenging stream crossings, where you can’t see your feet or the bottom. Packability, stream crossing protection, weight, warmth, and insect protection are also important factors to consider when choosing a camp shoe or one that can serve double duty for stream crossings.
If you hike in well-drained hiking boots, shoes, or trail runners, it’s worth asking yourself if you even need camp shoes or stream crossing shoes or whether you’d rather not carry them and use your existing shoes as camp shoes and stream crossing shoes instead. There’s no right or wrong answer; it all depends on what your priorities are. There are times when it’s really nice to slip on a warm and dry pair of camp shoes while cooking dinner in camp.
Packability
If you plan on backpacking, it’s best to get a camp shoe or water shoe that’s easily packable with an upper that folds flat against the sole. Shoes with folding uppers are easily packed in pockets, and if they’re wet, in the front stretch mesh pocket of many backpacks. While you can hang bulky camp shoes on the outside of a pack, they can get torn off by passing vegetation or simply fall off because you didn’t secure them well.
Protection While Crossing Streams
Shallow streams are usually easy to cross because you can see your feet and the streambed bottom. But you’ll want camp shoes or water shoes that provide more foot protection if you have to cross deeper streams where you can’t see the streambed or sunken obstructions like sticks and logs. Water shoes that provide more protection around the toes and sides of your feet have a firmer sole, and better ankle support are advantageous in such circumstances. We never recommend crossing barefoot.
Weight
Many backpackers are obsessed with the weight of their backpacking gear and leave comfort items behind because they’re not strictly necessary or carry lighter weight alternatives. In general, shoes that can only be used in camp tend to be lighter weight than those that are designed to be water shoes.
Warmth
If you’re 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. Don’t underestimate how cold mountain streams can get even in summer, especially if you have to ford wide streams. The same holds for standing around camp in colder weather. Camp shoes/water shoes with fewer ventilation ports will be warmer.
Insect Protection
If you’ve ever gotten a mosquito bite on your foot, you know how itchy and unpleasant they can be. Unfortunately, insects become more prevalent in the evening, just as you’re cooking dinner in camp. Water shoes with neoprene or lycra uppers are generally more insect proof than sandals, slides, and clogs. Wearing a sock with a relatively open shoe my still not provide enough insect protection for your needs, something to consider.
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