SectionHiker.com Backpacking Gear Reviews and FAQs 
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. 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. They’re also indispensable for showering in hostels and at campgrounds to avoid contracting athlete’s foot from others. 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 | Gender | Avg Weight (Pair) |
|---|---|---|
| Merrell Hydro Mocs | Mens | Womens | 11 oz |
| Crocs Classic Clogs | Unisex | 12 oz |
| Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport | Mens | Womens | 12.4 oz |
| Hoka One One Ora Recovery Slides | Mens | Womens | 12.8 oz |
| OOFOS OOahh Sport Slides Sandals | Unisex | 12 oz |
| The North Face Base Camp Slides III | Mens | Womens | 8.7 oz |
| Shamma Sandals Cruzers | Unisex | 8 oz |
| Crocs Crocband Flips | Unisex | 8 oz |
| Mayfly Ultralight Imago Camp Shoes | Unisex | 1.8 oz |
| Classic Fitkicks | Mens | Womens | 9 oz |
1. Merrell Hydro Mocs
| View at REI | View at Amazon |
2. Crocs Classic Clogs
3. Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport
| View at REI | View at Amazon |
4. Hoka One One ORA Recovery Slides
| View at REI | View at Amazon |
5. OOFOS OOahh Sport Slide Sandals
| View at REI | View at Amazon |
6. The North Face Base Camp Slide III
| View at REI | View at Amazon |
7. Shamma Sandals Cruzers
8. Crocs Crocband Flips
9. Mayfly Ultralight Equipment Imago Camp Shoes
10. Classic Fitkicks
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.
Athlete’s Foot Prevention
There’s nothing worse than picking up a case of Athlete’s Foot in public showers in hiker hostels, bunkhouses, or public campgrounds. Protect yourself by wearing camp shoes in the shower and allowing your feet to dry thoroughly after hiking all day in hot and sweaty hiking boots or trail runners. It takes forever to get rid of, especially if you’re day-to-day footwear doesn’t have a chance to dry out at night.
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 may still not provide enough insect protection for your needs, something to consider.
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Any idea if the Merrell Hydro Mocs are any more packable than the Crocs Classics? Like you said the best way to carry Crocs is on the outside, but I find myself still trying to pack them in the stretches where I am only using them at the end of the day while camping.
Pretty close to the same. They’re a little less rigid on top so they’re easier to get flat, but carrying them on the outside of one’s pack is easiest.
Ok disappointed where are Teva’s on the list?? Best camp/ water crossing shoe there is and you can hike in them, weight yeah they are a little heavier but you can’t beat them! They are on the outside of my pack for my AT 2023 through hike
Glad you covered the Mayfly sandals, which are impressively lightweight. It’s also possible to make your own huarache style camp sandals similar to Mayflies if you want to save a few bucks (and get some odd looks from other hikers at camp).
On the Barnaby Alternate (GDT Sec A) I used Skinners. So easy to slip on and good ‘socks’ for sleeping. But they are so ugly, I couldn’t stand it ha ha. Since then I’ve been packing Xero Shoe sandals.
I’ve been using fitkicks fpr a couple of years now and have been quite happy with them. I really like the relatively low weight, decent sole and comfortable slipper like fit as well as the fact that they fold flat and are easy to carry in the mesh outer back pocket of my pack for easy access when taking a break, siesta or lunch.
lots of nice choices. My choice is Salomon Crossphibians. I can pull the quick laces snug for water crossings or stay loose for camp. Lightweight and store on small carabiners on the outside of my pack. Works for me and we have so many wonderfun choices
I did a lot of hunting a few years ago – I wanted something kinda like the Crocs Clogs, but with a less of the clown-shoes look. The RedHead Ragin’ Water Shoe is what I determined is the best option for me. I like that it covers the back of the heel, rather than having a just the Crocs strap, plus it has a strap (with velcro closure) for the upper part of the front of the foot, giving it a more secure fit than a slip-on style shoe. There is a line for for men and a line for kids, but none for women. (Boo!) Fortunately for me the largest kid size (6), is equivalent to a women’s size 8.
I bought my first pair of camp shoes this year. I live in the UK and we have a French camping chain of stores here called Decathlon. My camp shoes from them look like the Fitkicks, they are slip-on surfing shoes and only cost me £8. A great bargain.