Key takeaways
- Packing heavy shoes for a lightweight trip. A 13 ounce pair adds up over many days.
- Using slides for stream crossings. They float away or slip off in current.
- Skipping toe protection at night. Open toes and tent stakes do not mix.
- Not drying them. Wet shoes strapped outside a pack attract mildew.
The best camp shoe for most hikers is the Crocs Classic Clog for comfort and simplicity, the Teva Original Universal or Hurricane XLT2 for supportive sandals, and an ultralight pair under 10 ounces if every gram counts. Camp shoes let your feet dry and recover after a day in boots, and they double as stream-crossing footwear. Weight, drying speed and how well they stay on your foot decide which type suits you.
Our top picks
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Camp Shoe Comparison
| Pick | Type | Approximate weight per pair | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crocs Classic Clog | Foam clog | About 10 to 13 oz depending on size and source | Comfort, easy on and off |
| Teva Original Universal | Strap sandal | About 13 oz | Support, water crossings |
| Teva Hurricane XLT2 | Strap sandal | About 13 oz | Secure fit, all-around |
| Xero Shoes Z-Trail | Minimalist sandal | About 8 oz | Creek crossings, light weight |
| Bedrock Cairn Sandal | Sandal | About 11 oz | Secure fit in water |
| Zpacks Ultralight Camp Shoes | Foam slip-on | About 2.3 to 2.5 oz | Ultralight thru-hiking |
| Foam shower slides | Slide | About 4 oz | Budget ultralight |
Weights are approximate figures reported by outdoor gear reviewers and vary by size; check manufacturer specs for your size.
Best Overall: Crocs Classic Clog
Treeline Review and other hiker-focused sites name the Classic Clog as a top pick. It is soft, dries quickly, and slips on in seconds, which is welcome at the end of a long day. Weight sources range from about 10 to 13 ounces, so treat any single number carefully. The main drawback is bulk: Crocs do not compress, so hikers often clip them to the outside of their pack.
Best Supportive Sandal: Teva Original Universal and Hurricane XLT2
Teva sandals weigh roughly 13 ounces per pair, according to several reviewers, and give straps that hold the foot firmly. That makes them good for crossing streams and for walking around camp on uneven ground. They are heavier than minimalist options and can rub if you wear them with socks.
Best Light Sandals: Xero Shoes Z-Trail and Bedrock Cairn
These weigh around 8 and 11 ounces respectively and remain stable in water, since the straps hold the foot. They are thinner underfoot, so rocky campsites feel more intense. Choose them if you want a sandal that doubles as a water shoe.
Best Ultralight: Zpacks Ultralight Camp Shoes and Foam Slides
At around 2.3 to 2.5 ounces, Zpacks camp shoes are among the lightest options reported by SectionHiker and The Field Fans. Basic foam shower slides come in around 4 ounces. They are not for hiking or serious water crossings, and they wear out sooner, but they weigh almost nothing.
How to Choose Camp Shoes
Set a weight target
Packlite Life suggests aiming for under 10 ounces for the pair. If you carry a 12 pound base weight, a 13 ounce shoe is about 7 percent of that, which is significant. For car camping, weight does not matter at all, so pick the most comfortable pair.
Think about water
If you will cross streams, choose a shoe with straps that holds your foot, because slides float off. Foam dries quickly, and mesh holds water.
Consider the campsite
Rocky and rooted campsites call for a thicker sole. Sandy or grassy sites allow thinner shoes.
Check sock compatibility
If your feet are cold at night, slip-on shoes that fit over thick camp socks give warmth. Strap sandals can be awkward with socks.
Weight Math: What a Camp Shoe Costs You
| Option | Weight | Share of a 12 lb base weight |
|---|---|---|
| Crocs Classic Clog (about 12 oz) | 12 oz | About 6 percent |
| Teva sandals (about 13 oz) | 13 oz | About 7 percent |
| Z-Trail (about 8 oz) | 8 oz | About 4 percent |
| Foam slides (about 4 oz) | 4 oz | About 2 percent |
| Zpacks camp shoes (about 2.3 oz) | 2.3 oz | About 1 percent |
Decision Matrix: Which Camp Shoe for Your Trip
| Trip style | Best camp shoe | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Car camping | Crocs Classic Clog | Comfort matters, weight does not |
| Weekend backpacking, creek crossings | Xero Shoes Z-Trail or Teva | Straps hold the foot in water |
| Long-distance ultralight | Zpacks camp shoes or foam slides | Under 5 oz |
| Cold nights | Crocs with warm socks | Closed toe over thick socks |
| Rocky campsites | Teva or Bedrock Cairn | Thicker, more protective sole |
How Camp Shoes Wear and What to Watch
Foam camp shoes lose cushioning over time, compress flat in a season or two of heavy use and may crack at the heel. Strap sandals last longer but their webbing can fray and the hook-and-loop closures collect grit. Rinse sand and dirt from straps after water crossings, because trapped grit rubs skin raw. Crocs-style clogs can slip when wet on slick rock, so test traction before using them for crossings. Any camp shoe worn for long distances will stress feet that are not used to unsupported footwear, so keep camp walking short.
Common Mistakes
- Packing heavy shoes for a lightweight trip. A 13 ounce pair adds up over many days.
- Using slides for stream crossings. They float away or slip off in current.
- Skipping toe protection at night. Open toes and tent stakes do not mix.
- Not drying them. Wet shoes strapped outside a pack attract mildew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need camp shoes?
Not strictly, but they let your feet air out and dry, which helps prevent blisters and fungal problems. Many hikers consider them a worthwhile luxury.
Can camp shoes double as water shoes?
Strap sandals and Crocs work well for easy crossings. Slides and very thin foam shoes are less secure.
Are Crocs good for hiking camps?
Yes, for comfort and drying speed. They are bulky and not great for long walks.
How should I carry them?
Clip them to the outside of your pack or tuck lightweight ones inside. Avoid wearing them for long hikes.
What about foot health?
Dry feet at camp help skin recover. If you have persistent foot problems, see a healthcare professional.
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