Best Camp Shoes of 2023

JUMP TO: CHACO Z2 CLASSIC | CROCS CLASSIC CLOGS | MAYFLY THE IMAGOS | VIVOBAREFOOT ULTRA 3 | OOFOS OORIGINAL SANDALS | FEATHERED FRIENDS DOWN BOOTIES | TEVA REEMBER SLIP-ONS | NORTH FACE BASE CAMP SLIDE III | BUYING ADVICE

Author: Sam Brilleman | Updated: Feb 13, 2023
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The Short Version

The Long Version

You know that incredible feeling you get when you finally get home, take off your filthy shoes, and pop on your slippers after days on the trail? Well, it turns out you can have that while you’re camping too!

Camp shoes are the perfect way to revive tired feet, and they add a touch of home to the outdoors too. Plus, you never know when you might need a spare pair of shoes when you’re out in the wilderness – what if your day shoes go walkies (no pun intended)?

Granted, camp shoes might not be for everyone – especially gram-counting lightweight backpackers who just want to stick to the necessities. Although these days you can worry less about the extra weight in your pack – there are heaps of lightweight options out there, so you can take a pair along with you without suffering on the trail.

So, to help you find the perfect camp shoes for your next hike, we’ve put together this list of our favorites. We’ve included quite a range, so you should be able to find something that’s right for your style of backpacking – happy trails!

If you love reading this review of the best camp shoes, then you'll likely love reading some of our other hiking and backpacking content:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

There are a variety of camp shoes on the market, with models often trying to focus on a single attribute – be it light weight, comfort, warmth, or something else. To help make your shopping quest that little bit easier, we’ve added some pointers at the bottom of the article.

 

Best Overall: CHACO Z2 CLASSIC SANDAL

MATERIAL: Dual-density polyurethane and polyester Jacquard webbing

WEIGHT: 1 lb 15 oz / 1 lb 6 oz (men’s/women’s pair)

M/F: Both options available

PRICE: $$$

PROS: More support than most ultralightweight models, solid grip for hiking, available in wide fit, can be resoled, antimicrobial

CONS: Not the lightest option, not sock-friendly

If you’re after an incredibly comfortable pair of camp shoes that are just as well suited to life on the trail as they are around camp, then look no further than the Chaco Z2 Classic Sandals.

The footbed on these sandals is super supportive (especially around the arch) and looks after your feet so well that it’s even been approved by podiatrists. Plus, we love that the footbed has antimicrobial properties to keep odors at bay (after all, camp shoes can end up smelling pretty grim!). The straps are soft, highly adjustable, and weave around all the right places (including the toe) ensuring a snug fit.

These features make the Chaco’s awesome for lounging around in, but they have excellent foot control too. What’s more, unlike most lightweight hiking sandals, the sturdy rubber outsoles feature 3mm-deep lugs, giving you excellent grip on the road. They’re also highly shock-resistant, so they can handle rough terrain.

Sure, all that support does make them a tad heavier than the lightest of the light camp shoes, but at least they’ve managed to retain a pack-friendly streamlined design. Plus, we love that these shoes come in both regular and wide-fit sizes, and there are heaps of color options too.

Overall, despite their surprisingly modest price tag, the Chaco Z2s are an awesome pair of comfortable, durable 3-season camp shoes.

Best Allrounder: CROCS CLASSIC CLOGS

MATERIAL: CrosliteTM (foam resin)

WEIGHT: 13 oz (men’s size 13, pair)

M/F: Unisex

PRICE: $$

PROS: Extremely comfortable, quick drying, highly versatile, broad enough for socks

CONS: Not the lightest option, not ideal for narrow feet, slightly bulky

While you might not score any points in the fashion department, the Crocs Classic Clogs certainly make up for it in other ways.

Unlike many lightweight camp shoes, the Crocs Classics are large enough to accommodate even the snuggliest of socks, making them a great option for pottering around base in chilly weather. But don’t worry if you like camping in the sunshine – the ventilation holes (which double up as drainage holes) make them great for hot climates.

We also love how easy the Crocs Classic Clogs are to slip on and off – perfect if you have to nip for a pee in the night. The toes are fully protected, and there’s plenty of ankle support for pottering around base… although we wouldn’t recommend these shoes on the trail due to their lack of grip and spacious fit.

The thermoplastic construction means that the Crocs Classics dry quickly and are super easy to clean, but it also means that they can’t be squished down in your pack – so be warned if space is an issue for you! Similarly, their full foot coverage also makes them a tad heavier than ultralightweight camp shoe options.

Despite this, the Croc Classics are highly versatile, affordable, and available in a range of colors, so they really do have a lot to offer to happy campers.

Best Ultralight: MAYFLY THE IMAGOS

MATERIAL: Coroplast and nylon

WEIGHT: 1.8 oz (men’s 9, pair)

DIMENSIONS: 4.5" x 11" x 1/4" (size M9)

M/F: M

PRICE: $

PROS: Incredibly lightweight, great value for money, compact, highly adjustable, huge color range

CONS: No foot protection, not as cushioned as bulkier models

If shedding pounds is the name of the game, then the Mayfly The Imagos could be the ones for you.

Weighing in at an astonishing 1.8 oz (for a men’s size 9), and folding down practically flat, you’ll hardly know you’re carrying these camp shoes at all. But don’t be fooled into thinking that these lightweight shoes don’t pack a punch – they’re constructed from highly durable coroplast and nylon that can stand up to the test of time.

The cords themselves can be arranged in five different ways, so you can get the fit that’s right for you – and you can even choose your favorite colors. Plus, none of the materials absorb water, so you won’t have to carry soggy gear, and you can clean them in an instant.

Be warned that these shoes are definitely camp, rather than trail, shoes (there’s barely any grip). They also lack the support of bulkier, heavier models. But, if you’re looking for something ultralightweight to don when you whip off your filthy hiking boots, you won’t find much better than this.

Best ‘Sneakers’: VIVOBAREFOOT ULTRA 3

MATERIAL: Bloom foam (made from algae)

WEIGHT: 3.5–5.3 oz (per shoe, depending on size)

M/F: Both options available

PRICE: $$$

PROS: All-round cover, portable, laces ensure a snug fit, water-friendly, eco-friendly 

CONS: Not as cushioned as regular sneakers, slightly expensive

The Vivobarefoot Ultra 3 are an awesome pair of camp shoes that are as great for wearing around camp as on watery adventures.

Like the Classic Crocs, they provide all-round foot coverage and feature holes that provide awesome ventilation when things get hot. Unlike Crocs, however, the Vivobarefoot Ultras have retained a fairly sleek design and are flexible too, making them very pack-friendly.

The soles are quite thin, and aren’t the best for rocky terrain, but the flexibility means that they conform nicely to your feet, and the grip is surprisingly good. We also like that these shoes are sock-friendly, so you can warm your feet with an extra layer when things get chilly.

The fast-drying materials and drainage holes have made these shoes a popular choice among those who like to camp by the water… and the laces provide a fit that’s so snug you can even wear them IN the water.

And, want to hear something cool? There’s an eco-option too – the Ultra 3 Blooms are partially constructed from ‘bloom foam’. This is made from an algae that causes harmful algal blooms in the water. By taking the algae out and converting it to foam, we can help to prevent blooms harming our environment (but don’t worry, the foam won’t harm your feet!).

If you’re after a water-friendly, highly portable pair of camp shoes with full-foot coverage, then we can’t recommend the Vivobarefoot Ultra 3s enough.

Best for Sore Feet: OOFOS OORIGINAL SANDALS

MATERIAL: OOfoam (closed-cell foam)

WEIGHT: 11 oz (pair, men’s size 10/women’s size 12)

M/F: Unisex (with different sizing)

PRICE: $$

PROS: Highly impact-absorbent despite light weight, machine-washable, bacteria-resistant, awesome option for reliving aches and pains

CONS: Lacks full coverage, awkward with socks, not practical for hiking

The OOFOS OOriginal Sandals are the perfect way to treat your feet after a long day on the trail.

Constructed from OOfoam, which reportedly absorbs 37% more shocks than traditional foam, and with a highly supportive arch, you really will feel like you’re walking on air. The spacious fit means that your feet can really loosen up too, which is great for relieving sore spots and aching muscles.

The super comfortable foam is nice and light too, and the flat design means that you can stash these shoes in your pack no problem. Oh, and the foam is moisture-resistant (they even float!) and bacteria-resistant too… did we mention that we like the foam?

Although we certainly don’t recommend these shoes for the trail, the tread is decent enough for pottering around a soggy camp. The open-toe design works best in warm weather, when you don’t need to wear socks, and there are few color options for you to choose from.

If you’re looking for a camp shoe that will give your feet the R&R they need to cope with multi-day treks, then you should definitely consider the OOFOS OOriginal Sandals.

Best for Cold Climates: FEATHERED FRIENDS DOWN BOOTIES

MATERIAL: Pertex® Endurance® UL (shell); foam (insoles)

FILL POWER: 800+ Goose Down

WEIGHT: 9.3 oz (pair, size M)

M/F: Unisex

PRICE: $$$$

PROS: Awesome warmth-to-weight ratio, snow-friendly, ethically sourced down

CONS: Warmth might be excessive in warmer climates, not suited for the trail

Introducing the first pair of camp shoes on our list designed for cold weather, the Feathered Friends Down Booties.

With full-foot and ankle coverage, as well as drawcords at the ankle and cuff, you can be sure that these boots will keep those pesky snowflakes far from your feet when you’re out and about.

The weather-resistant outer shell is durable and easy to clean… But the best part is that you can remove it entirely if you want to slip into your sleeping bag wearing soft, clean inner booties.

The goose down has a fill power of 800, and we love that it’s ethically sourced. Although they’re heavier than some of the 3-season camp shoes we’ve looked at, the Feathered Friends Down Booties are incredibly warm, and offer a fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio overall. What’s more, they can be squashed down to fit in even the smallest of packs.

With minimal grip, these shoes aren’t meant to be worn on the trail, but they make a great pair of camp shoes for cold-weather adventurers.

Best Eco-Friendly: TEVA REEMBER SLIP-ONS

MATERIAL: 100% recycled polyester; 50% recycled polyester, rubber, and EVA; PU

WEIGHT: 15 oz (pair)

M/F: Both options available

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Full foot coverage, warmer than other lightweight models, collapsible heel, multipurpose 

CONS: Slower drying than other models, run slightly small

If you’re after a highly versatile pair of lightweight camp shoes, then the Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons might just be the ones for you.

The rubber outsoles are durable and have enough grip for simple trails or even popping to your local store… And the microfiber lining is so soft against the skin that you might find yourself wearing these around the house as much as you do around camp – don’t say we didn’t warn you!

They’re also a great choice for camping in frosty conditions – the full-foot design, microfiber lining, and cozy rib-knit collars make these shoes super warm (and there’s room for socks too!). Despite this, the Teva ReEmbers weigh in at just 15 oz per pair, so they won’t bog you down on the trail.

We also love that the heel is constructed from collapsible materials, so you can slip them on and off in an instant – perfect for pottering around camp. And, speaking of materials, a bunch of the ones used to craft these shoes are recycled, so they’re a win for the environment as well as for you.

Although we like that the ReEmbers have been treated with a finish to repel splashes and stains, bear in mind that the soft fabrics of these shoes will retain water (so they won’t dry as quickly as other options that we’ve mentioned). They also run a tad small, so if you’re in between sizes, it might be a good idea to upsize (especially if you’ll be wearing socks).

Warm enough for cold nights around the camp, soft enough for round the house, trendy enough for heading to the shops – what’s not to love?

MATERIAL: Rubber, recycled polyester, TPU (5% recycled), single-density EVA foam

WEIGHT: 8.7 oz / 7.6 oz (men’s/women’s pair)

M/F: Both options available

PRICE: $

PROS: Constructed from recycled materials, can be worn with socks, big color range, decent weight-to-padding ratio

CONS: Not suitable for hiking, not very fitted, might not last as long as high-end options

The North Face Camp Slide III Sandals feature a simple no-frills design that has helped to keep costs to a minimum. With a single strap over the top of the foot, they can be worn with or without socks and slipped on in seconds.

The EVA foam midsole makes for a treat for the feet after a long day of hiking, and the rubber outsoles have enough grip to see you safely around base. Although the grip could probably stand up to simple trails too, we wouldn’t recommend it – the fit is pretty loose and you could easily twist an ankle.

We love that the fabrics are fast-drying, and some of them are recycled too. Plus, the flat design and light weight makes these sandals very pack-friendly (although if weight is your top priority, there are definitely lighter options out there).

Practical, convenient, and available in a huge range of colors – you won’t find much better at this price!

BUYING ADVICE FOR CAMP SHOES

So, there you have it, our list of the top camp shoes around. As we’ve seen, they come in a huge range of shapes and sizes with most models focusing on emphasizing a specific attribute (e.g. weight, warmth, comfort). So what is it you should really be keeping an eye on when you’re shopping around?

Portability

WEIGHT: If you’ll be hiking for days on end and carrying all of your gear on your back, then lightweight camp shoes are definitely the way to go. How light you can go, though, will depend on the conditions you’ll be camping in. Minimalistic sandals are ideal when it’s nice and warm but, if things get frosty after dark, we reckon it’s worth a few extra ounces for some insulation.

BULK: Sandals are generally the most pack-friendly option in terms of space thanks to their flat design. Full-foot camp shoes tend to be bulkier, but there are full-foot shoes made from compressible materials that can still be squished into a full pack.

 

For the ultralight minimalist, Mayfly Camp Shoes are hard to go past — they come in both a sandal (The Imago; front) and flip flop (The Nymph; rear) version, although our preference is for the former since they can be worn with socks.

 

Weather Resistance

WARMTH: Camp shoes vary a LOT when it comes to warmth. Down-filled booties are popular among many cold-weather campers thanks to their excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. But if things heat up, you’ll find them too much.

Full-foot options, or sandals that can accommodate socks, tend to be the best bet if you want a camp shoe you can wear in a range of temperatures, while sandals are the obvious choice for hot climates.

WATER-RESISTANCE: Fabric camp shoes can be nice and snuggly, but bear in mind that they’ll absorb water, stay wet for a long time, and become heavy when waterlogged. On the flipside, water-resistant materials, like polyester and rubber, won’t absorb water at all (and they’ll be easier to clean too).

Oh, and if you think you might do a spot of fishing around camp, then full-foot waterproof shoes with drainage holes could be the way to go.

Protection

COVERAGE: Although hiking sandals tend to have thin soles that turn up at the front to protect your toes, most lightweight camp sandals lack this feature because it adds extra weight.

If you want to make sure that your toes stay safe around camp, then full-foot shoes could be right up your street. They’re also great for keeping pesky mosquitoes at bay (not the ones with drainage holes though!), but sock-accommodating sandals can work in this scenario too.

CUSHIONING: If you suffer from back or foot problems, then we definitely recommend a camp shoe with plenty of cushioning. A thick foam sole can work wonders on aches and pains and, even if you don’t suffer from any particular ailments, can be a real treat after hiking all day.

If comfort is important to you, then you might want to steer clear of ultralightweight sandals as they tend to have thin soles with minimal cushioning.

 

We usually opt for lightweight options that sacrifice comfort — but for those who prefer softness underfoot at the end of a hard day, the OOFOS OOriginal Sandals have thick cushy foam to keep your feet happy!

 

Versatility

HOME: If you want a pair of camp shoes you can snuggle up in at home too, then there are plenty of slipper-like options out there (the Feathered Friends Down Booties, minus the sole, are great for this!).

HIKE: Camp shoes that double up as hiking shoes are a great way to avoid carrying too many pairs of shoes. Just make sure you check out the grip and the ankle support, though, otherwise you might end up taking a tumble.

Extra features

ECO-FRIENDLY: If you love camping, then why not give something back to the great outdoors and go for a pair of eco-friendly camp shoes?

ANTI-ODOUR: Some of the fancier materials are designed to be anti-odor, which can be awesome if you’ll be wearing your camp shoes for days on end.

ADJUSTABLE STRAPS: Some camp shoes, like the Mayfly The Imagos, come with super adjustable straps. Not only does this make them more comfortable, but the snug fit also means that you’re less likely to trip up around camp or on the trail.

MORE INFORMATION

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