Crocs or...

[RabbitHole]

I see everyone has crocs as a camp shoe for their weight savings. Is there any argument to some more heavy duty tevas or trail sandals for water crossings and hiking in sandals to rest ones feet? Have any through hikers used sandals over crocs or later ditched them for weight? Would love to hear people's opinion on this.


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[TNhiker]

I'm not a thru but I get out most every weekend---and i ditched my Chacos (like bricks) and Keens for crocs for saving weight...

probably ditch the crocs when they wear out (I only use them for outdoor activities) but I've had em 4 years and they are still going strong..

what would i replace them with? A cheap pair of keen knockoffs from Walmart......I haven't weighed those so not sure I'd really be saving weight but the pair I was looking at were under 15 bucks...

i use the crocs for in camp after I take boots off and for water crossings...

[rocketsocks]

I broke down and asked/hinted for/got gifted a pair of crocs a couple years ago for fathers day, I avoided them cause I thought they were the Bobos of the sandals world, and didn't seem supportive enough, and they're not...but, they work great for camp shoes, prior to that.....my sneakers, they really don't weigh much more than the crocs couple a few oz. per shoe.

[rocketsocks]

I broke down and asked/hinted for/got gifted a pair of crocs a couple years ago for fathers day, I avoided them cause I thought they were the Bobos of the sandals world, and didn't seem supportive enough, and they're not...but, they work great for camp shoes, prior to that.....my sneakers, they really don't weigh much more than the crocs couple a few oz. per shoe.
Next pair..."Mossy Oak Crocs", those things are bad azz.

[johnnybgood]

Crocs for camp and stream fords. ( rocketsocks ; What makes the MOCS soo kick azz bad ? )

[sympathetic joy]

I recently bought a pair of crocs because I got an incredible deal. At the time I was giving serious consideration to these:

http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/ultra-mens

but I haven't found anyone that has owned them.

[A.T.Lt]

I used to use cheap flip flops, and shunned Crocs like a "real man" would quiche! But found them on sale and figured Id try them and i will tell you them are the most comfortable things I put on my feet. My kids make fun of me because I wear them to the beach, and around the house and on summer weekends. They are friggin ugly as sin though!

[rocketsocks]

Crocs for camp and stream fords. ( rocketsocks ; What makes the MOCS soo kick azz bad ? )
They'd match my sunglasses, and I just dig earthy tones and grassy patterns...and watching my feet disappear before my eyes, brings back found memories.

I mean look at these things, they are 27865 out!27866

[rocketsocks]

I used to use cheap flip flops, and shunned Crocs like a "real man" would quiche! But found them on sale and figured Id try them and i will tell you them are the most comfortable things I put on my feet. My kids make fun of me because I wear them to the beach, and around the house and on summer weekends. They are friggin ugly as sin though!Yeah they are!...Bobos fer sure, but yup, I wear em all day long at the house. I don't even own slippers anymore.

[OCDave]

I have used both Tevas and Chacos for camp shoes and occasionally as my trail shoe. Tevas are much better than Chacos for this use (lighter and straps feel more secure). However, I received my first pair of Luna Oso sandals in yesterday's mail. While I have yet to use them on the trail, I really like them so far. Extremely light - (Made for trail running) and feel great underfoot. I am still getting used to the straps so, I'll hold off giving them a full endorsement just yet. The Oso is a bit pricey at $100 but I am expecting alot of utility out of this shoe.

http://www.lunasandals.com/collections/lunas/products/luna-oso

I have a trip planned 2 weeks from now. I'll let you know how the Oso's performed when I get back.

[HooKooDooKu]

For about $12 at WalMart, I found some shoes that are better than croc knockoffs. They look a bit more like the vivobarefeet shoes and even lighter than the croc knockoffs.

[rocketsocks]

For about $12 at WalMart, I found some shoes that are better than croc knockoffs. They look a bit more like the vivobarefeet shoes and even lighter than the croc knockoffs.
Yup, no doubt there's better options out there, price, fit, (crocs fit horrible in my opinion, very sloppy, but I still like em) I kinda call anything that is that one piece (ok two pieces really) melted monolithic mega poured chunk of stuff...a Croc. But for the strap though, they're damn near indestructible.

[~Sz]

I recently bought a pair of crocs because I got an incredible deal. At the time I was giving serious consideration to these:

http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/ultra-mens

but I haven't found anyone that has owned them.

I do and love them. They are more secure on my feet for water crossings and they can be had on sale for a reasonable price.

[HooKooDooKu]

I recently bought a pair of crocs because I got an incredible deal. At the time I was giving serious consideration to these:

http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/ultra-mens

but I haven't found anyone that has owned them.

People here in the forum have reported using them and loved them. A bit more pricey than croc and other cheap options available at WalMart.
But anyone interested in these need to look for the ultra pure (http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/ultra-pure-mens) over the ultra. The difference is that the ultra comes with a removable sock. The ultra pure (http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/ultra-pure-mens) excludes the sock and is $25 cheaper.

[sympathetic joy]

People here in the forum have reported using them and loved them. A bit more pricey than croc and other cheap options available at WalMart.
But anyone interested in these need to look for the ultra pure (http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/ultra-pure-mens) over the ultra. The difference is that the ultra comes with a removable sock. The ultra pure (http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/ultra-pure-mens) excludes the sock and is $25 cheaper.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Cheers.

[garlic08]

I see everyone has crocs as a camp shoe....

Not everyone has Crocs, nor does everyone carry camp shoes. Some wear light running shoes that dry quickly after water crossings, and are comfortable enough for both hiking and resting.

[slbirdnerd]

My camp shoes are Skechers flip flops--one piece CCF like Crocs but way lighter and less bulky; they come in men's and women's. For water crossing: remove socks and insoles, put shoes back on, cross, remove shoes, put pack towel around foot, put in shoe (soaks up water), repeat other shoe, put insoles back in, sock on, feet in and go!

Here are my flip flops:
http://www.skechers.com/style/11748/beaching-it/hpk

[QHShowoman]

I own the Vivobarefoot ultras and use them as camp shoes.

If I am car camping, I actually prefer my Skechers GoWalk slip ons. They're about 11oz for the pair and are super comfy.

But for backpacking, at 6.5 ounces for the pair, the Vivobarefoots are the lightest non-flip flop option I've found so far. They are pretty minimalist -- you can def feel sharp rocks and stuff right through the bottom, but they've held up pretty well and are great for water crossings, as shower shoes, etc.

[sfdoc]

Crocs are ugly, but they solved my plantar fasciitis problem, and having that is really ugly.

[tagg]

People here in the forum have reported using them and loved them. A bit more pricey than croc and other cheap options available at WalMart.
But anyone interested in these need to look for the ultra pure (http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/ultra-pure-mens) over the ultra. The difference is that the ultra comes with a removable sock. The ultra pure (http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/ultra-pure-mens) excludes the sock and is $25 cheaper.

I have the ultra pure and like them a lot. Very light, packable, easy to slip on and off, comfortable with socks or without, and they tighten down to stay on my feet in water. The only thing I liked better about the crocs I used to carry was that they are better insulated against the ground in cold weather when wearing as camp shoes. I was wearing my vibros on top of Mt. Rogers last year when temps dropped to around 20*, and I couldn't stand outside for very long because the rocks were sucking the heat out of my feet. Felt like I was standing barefoot on top of a glacier. Pricey, but worth it for me.

[justusryans]

I have used Crocs as camp shoes since 2005, If it aint broke...

[RED-DOG]

On my thru's i used Teva Sandals in the warmer months to hike in and around camp other than that i don't use camp shoes.

[JumpMaster Blaster]

Yeah they are!...Bobos fer sure, but yup, I wear em all day long at the house. I don't even own slippers anymore.

I'm kicking it in the house wearing mine as well.

FWIW, my Crocs let my feet dry out during a couple rainy days in the Roan highlands. Kept me from having to put on wet shoes to hit the woodline/privy or get water. As I'm definitely not one who likes to walk barefoot in shelters or on the ground, they were indeispensable.

[rocketsocks]

I'm kicking it in the house wearing mine as well.

FWIW, my Crocs let my feet dry out during a couple rainy days in the Roan highlands. Kept me from having to put on wet shoes to hit the woodline/privy or get water. As I'm definitely not one who likes to walk barefoot in shelters or on the ground, they were indeispensable.There nice first thing in the morning on the trail when nature calls (especially when your older and may have flow start and stop issues :o)...no fumbling with laces.

[rocketsocks]

There nice first thing in the morning on the trail when nature calls (especially when your older and may have flow start and stop issues :o)...no fumbling with laces.
forgot the pee bottle that trip.;) and the crocs.:(

[MacCherokee]

I use some knockoff crocs called doggers for camp shoes, water crossings, and canoe trips. They are super light, and tough. Plus they float!
My wife has been rocking the same pair pretty much daily for the last two years. Got them at an Amish run store for $6 a pair.


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[Wil]

For about $12 at WalMart, I found some shoes that are better than croc knockoffs. They look a bit more like the vivobarefeet shoes and even lighter than the croc knockoffs.Brand name, model? SKU#? Anything?

[mudsocks]

I have used both Tevas and Chacos for camp shoes and occasionally as my trail shoe. Tevas are much better than Chacos for this use (lighter and straps feel more secure). However, I received my first pair of Luna Oso sandals in yesterday's mail. While I have yet to use them on the trail, I really like them so far. Extremely light - (Made for trail running) and feel great underfoot. I am still getting used to the straps so, I'll hold off giving them a full endorsement just yet. The Oso is a bit pricey at $100 but I am expecting alot of utility out of this shoe.

http://www.lunasandals.com/collections/lunas/products/luna-oso

I have a trip planned 2 weeks from now. I'll let you know how the Oso's performed when I get back.

Recently I wore a pair of Leadville Pacers during my LT thru. When the footbed became covered in mud I found my feet would slide around for a few minutes until the mud dried. The Pacers have the same MGT footbed the OSOs have. Other than that I really enjoyed them.

[Solitude501]

Keen now makes some light weight sandals, weight about one pound. Great for clipping onto the pack. Worked well as stream crossing shoes and camp shoes. They did not work well as trail shoes, feet got sore. But, for camp and fording shoes they worked great. Believe the model is Clearwater CNX Sandals.

[Venchka]

I see everyone has crocs as a camp shoe for their weight savings. Is there any argument to some more heavy duty tevas or trail sandals for water crossings and hiking in sandals to rest ones feet? Have any through hikers used sandals over crocs or later ditched them for weight? Would love to hear people's opinion on this.


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I don't do Crocs. Tried them. Like to kilt my frets. Never again.
Multi-functional Keen or Teva sandals for me.

Wayne


Sent from somewhere around here.

[Another Kevin]

I use cheap water shoes from Dick's or a discount shoe place for water crossings and camp shoes. I don't always bring them, but usually appreciate them when I do. They're not durable, but I generally wear them only for stream crossings and nighttime calls of nature.

[Okie Dokie]

Nike Aqua Socks...very light, durable...great secure traction for fords...breathable, quick drying...great camp shoes...worth checking out...used them on my thru years ago...still using the same pair on rainy mornings to go get the newspaper...

[Kerosene]

I've moved to the Vivo Barefoots, but I detached the inner booty to cut the weight for two men's size 10's to 4.5 ounces total. They are more like slippers offering minimal protection from pointy rocks, unlike Crocs, but they are about 7 ounces lighter and much, much easier to pack. I've taken to wearing my non-GTX boots through stream crossings, so these are solely for camp. For my cooler weather hikes I will supplement them with a plastic bag over my dry camp socks.

[HooKooDooKu]

For about $12 at WalMart, I found some shoes that are better than croc knockoffs. They look a bit more like the vivobarefeet shoes and even lighter than the croc knockoffs.
Brand name, model? SKU#? Anything?

I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to help much there online. I bought the shoes sometime last year, so no I don't have a tag I can give you an SKU. The shoes have absolutely no brand marking at all. The only markings what so ever are the words "non-marking" molded into the heal in English and Spanish. I've tried looking at Walmart.com, but I can not find the shoes online. However, earlier this summer (as this question has come up before) I did notice that they still carried them then.

The best I can do is to say they are shaped something like these shoes:
http://www.universal-textiles.com/UK-UT/utfs2212.php
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Men-s-Sport-Sandal/35513556
...except that the shoe will be solid black and will be made from a single piece of molded plastic much like the croc knockoffs are, and the shoe lace won't actually cinch down like the examples above (they seem to pretty much be for decoration... though I use them with a carabiner to hang them from the back of my pack).

[Wil]

I've tried looking at Walmart.com, but I can not find the shoes onlineYeah, that's where I was looking. But thanks for the description; I'll try to find them in a nearby store.

[4Bears]

I can't stand flip flops, never tried Crocs, but I do like my pair of slides that weigh maybe 5 ounces. Good for around camp and for showers.

[Another Kevin]

Nike Aqua Socks...very light, durable...great secure traction for fords...breathable, quick drying...great camp shoes...worth checking out...used them on my thru years ago...still using the same pair on rainy mornings to go get the newspaper...

Yeah, that's what I was trying to get out with "cheap water shoes from Dick's" except that mine are often an off brand rather than Nike.

[shelb]

For camp shoes during various hikes, I have brought the following: Flip Flops, Teva's, Keens, Crocs.

Preferable to me? Crocs. Reason? Closed toe - prevents stick between the toes when I go to privy at night. Easy to slip on. Does not slip off if I need to go up/down hill to water source or privy.

[rocketsocks]

I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to help much there online. I bought the shoes sometime last year, so no I don't have a tag I can give you an SKU. The shoes have absolutely no brand marking at all. The only markings what so ever are the words "non-marking" molded into the heal in English and Spanish. I've tried looking at Walmart.com, but I can not find the shoes online. However, earlier this summer (as this question has come up before) I did notice that they still carried them then.

The best I can do is to say they are shaped something like these shoes:
http://www.universal-textiles.com/UK-UT/utfs2212.php
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Men-s-Sport-Sandal/35513556
...except that the shoe will be solid black and will be made from a single piece of molded plastic much like the croc knockoffs are, and the shoe lace won't actually cinch down like the examples above (they seem to pretty much be for decoration... though I use them with a carabiner to hang them from the back of my pack).


...are you talkin about those Rubber lace-up Pro Keds lookin' things that someone posted last year...can't find em either. Musta looked through 800 images...nodda.

[HooKooDooKu]

...are you talkin about those Rubber lace-up Pro Keds lookin' things that someone posted last year...
I'm going to say no... just because the shoes I'm talking about do not lace-up, and everything I can find searching for Pro Keds look like tennis shoes or canvas shoes.

Here's another shoe that is similar in shape/style (http://www.walmart.com/ip/EARTH-SPIRIT-WOMEN-S-BED-SPORT-CASUAL/34461330?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs_top&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id=56963648660&category=0%3A5438%3A1045804%3A1045807%3A426207&client_guid=2b94caf7-3434-4652-b906-d07602909aa1&config_id=2&parent_item_id=35513556&guid=5f4d4491-f2e0-4a5b-8008-5119f75846d9&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n). Notice how the laces don't really lace up? The one's I'm talking about loosen/tighten via a side strap with velcro... sort of like the one pictures, except the velcro is simply strait across rather than folded back on itself like this image.

[AO2134]

I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to help much there online. I bought the shoes sometime last year, so no I don't have a tag I can give you an SKU. The shoes have absolutely no brand marking at all. The only markings what so ever are the words "non-marking" molded into the heal in English and Spanish. I've tried looking at Walmart.com, but I can not find the shoes online. However, earlier this summer (as this question has come up before) I did notice that they still carried them then.

The best I can do is to say they are shaped something like these shoes:
http://www.universal-textiles.com/UK-UT/utfs2212.php
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Men-s-Sport-Sandal/35513556
...except that the shoe will be solid black and will be made from a single piece of molded plastic much like the croc knockoffs are, and the shoe lace won't actually cinch down like the examples above (they seem to pretty much be for decoration... though I use them with a carabiner to hang them from the back of my pack).

Go to your local walmart. I found these for $10-$12. They are MUCH lighter than rocks and are amazing camp shoes. I absolutely love them. HooKooDooKu is the one who tipped me off to these. I will post a pick later.

[rocketsocks]

I'm going to say no... just because the shoes I'm talking about do not lace-up, and everything I can find searching for Pro Keds look like tennis shoes or canvas shoes.

Here's another shoe that is similar in shape/style (http://www.walmart.com/ip/EARTH-SPIRIT-WOMEN-S-BED-SPORT-CASUAL/34461330?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs_top&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id=56963648660&category=0%3A5438%3A1045804%3A1045807%3A426207&client_guid=2b94caf7-3434-4652-b906-d07602909aa1&config_id=2&parent_item_id=35513556&guid=5f4d4491-f2e0-4a5b-8008-5119f75846d9&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n). Notice how the laces don't really lace up? The one's I'm talking about loosen/tighten via a side strap with velcro... sort of like the one pictures, except the velcro is simply strait across rather than folded back on itself like this image.oh ok


Go to your local walmart. I found these for $10-$12. They are MUCH lighter than rocks and are amazing camp shoes. I absolutely love them. HooKooDooKu is the one who tipped me off to these. I will post a pick later.
I like the way those look and the price, thanks you both.

[HooKooDooKu]

Here's a picture of the Walmart shoes.
27914
While my boot is about a size 10 or 10-1/2, these are a size 9 (sized for tight fit in bare feet for water crossing).

My size 9 weigh 8.4 oz.

The Walmart Croc knockoffs in a size 8 weigh 11.4 oz.

[daddytwosticks]

^^ I had and used those for a bit last year. Then I purchased some special limited edition TEVA's at the NOC. Weighs right at 16 ounces. Light and very durable. Strong enough to hike in. Hope these last a long time. The problem with the above Walmart type of footwear is that they do not last long and tend to be bulky. Otherwise, the pair I had were OK. The Tevas I have now are very low volume. :)

[AO2134]

Here's a picture of the Walmart shoes.
27914
While my boot is about a size 10 or 10-1/2, these are a size 9 (sized for tight fit in bare feet for water crossing).

My size 9 weigh 8.4 oz.

The Walmart Croc knockoffs in a size 8 weigh 11.4 oz.

I hang these to the outside of my pack and don't even know they are there. Thank you so much for this tip.

[HooKooDooKu]

^^ I had and used those for a bit last year. Then I purchased some special limited edition TEVA's at the NOC. Weighs right at 16 ounces. Light and very durable. Strong enough to hike in. Hope these last a long time. The problem with the above Walmart type of footwear is that they do not last long and tend to be bulky. Otherwise, the pair I had were OK. The Tevas I have now are very low volume. :)
So far, these cheap shoes are holding up well. I've had them for two seasons, and even hiked a couple of miles in them when I've been in an area where there were several stream crossing fairly close together. Of course with such a relatively thin-soft bottom, you feel every stick and rock you step on.

I too simply hang them off one of the small loops on my pack with a tiny carabiner. Not only do they not take up any room in my pack, because they don't absorb water they quickly dry after a water crossing.

[RabbitHole]

Thanks everyone, I use a good pair of tevas right now and am just paranoid I'm carrying too much weight and missing out on the crocs thing (never tried em) the advantage my tevas have is I can hike 10+ miles in them comfortably. I don't think crocs can handle that. Was just curious what other options there were. Ill try crocs but for the extra pound or so to have an extra pair of hiking shoes for wet conditions is always nice. My tevas also seem nearly indestructible. Was just paranoid I'm not being smart about the weight issue.

[rocketsocks]

Here's a picture of the Walmart shoes.
27914
While my boot is about a size 10 or 10-1/2, these are a size 9 (sized for tight fit in bare feet for water crossing).

My size 9 weigh 8.4 oz.

The Walmart Croc knockoffs in a size 8 weigh 11.4 oz.I'm gonna look into those, the price is sure right as apposed to Crocs...their espainsive.

[Tron-Life]

I'm not rich so I can't spend 60 bucks or more on camp shoes. You probably don't even need them unless your thru hiking anyway. If I do want camp shoes I usually go with a cheap pair of flip-flops from chinatown. They are stupid light and surprisingly long lasting, and for two dollars a pair, you cant go wrong.

The problem I have with flip-flops is that sometimes sticks poke my feet because they are not enclosed. I usually camp off trail and not at shelters so I probably find myself stumbling through the brush more than most people. An enclosed croc style shoe would be great for me. When I was in VA this spring, some thru hikers put me on to NothinZ, which are lighter and cheaper than Crocs. They are also more rugged and provide better arch-support.

http://www.nothinz.com/diamond-breeze

Do a google search and look around and you can find them for about ten bucks but you won't be able to choose the color.

[HooKooDooKu]

One of my main reasons for the shoes is water crossings... and most of the creeks I find myself crossing do NOT have smooth bottoms. The instead have lots of boulders that you could easily get a toe pinched between rocks. So for me, flip-flops do not offer enough protection.

[~Sz]

I'm not rich so I can't spend 60 bucks or more on camp shoes.

http://www.nothinz.com/diamond-breeze



Those are the same price as the Vivobarefoot shoes which are light and can be secured to feet for stream crossing. One could also hike in the Vivo's depending on terrain and pack weight.

[Another Kevin]

One of my main reasons for the shoes is water crossings... and most of the creeks I find myself crossing do NOT have smooth bottoms. The instead have lots of boulders that you could easily get a toe pinched between rocks. So for me, flip-flops do not offer enough protection.

Right. That's why I said cheap water shoes, not flipflops. Something like these (http://www.swimoutlet.com/p/body-glove-2mm-riptide-boot-3407/?color=9325), but there are seemingly hundreds of models out there and I never seem to get the same brand or style twice.

[rocketsocks]

Here's a picture of the Walmart shoes.
27914
While my boot is about a size 10 or 10-1/2, these are a size 9 (sized for tight fit in bare feet for water crossing).

My size 9 weigh 8.4 oz.

The Walmart Croc knockoffs in a size 8 weigh 11.4 oz.


I'm gonna look into those, the price is sure right as apposed to Crocs...their espainsive.
...had to make a wally world run today...couldn't find em there, they had others, but I didn't care for them.

[Tron-Life]

"Those are the same price as the Vivobarefoot shoes which are light and can be secured to feet for stream crossing. One could also hike in the Vivo's depending on terrain and pack weight."

Well $32 isn't that bad but Nothinz can be found for about $22 on amazon and even cheaper elsewhere and weigh only 6oz at their default size which is probably a men's 9. The Vivo's do look interesting though.

I like the idea of water shoes cause they're cheap and easy to find, but the ones I have used chafe the *&%# out of my feet and weren't that light. The ones Kevin suggest look pretty good though, I'll have to check them out.

[Astro]

"Those are the same price as the Vivobarefoot shoes which are light and can be secured to feet for stream crossing. One could also hike in the Vivo's depending on terrain and pack weight."

Well $32 isn't that bad but Nothinz can be found for about $22 on amazon and even cheaper elsewhere and weigh only 6oz at their default size which is probably a men's 9. The Vivo's do look interesting though.

I like the idea of water shoes cause they're cheap and easy to find, but the ones I have used chafe the *&%# out of my feet and weren't that light. The ones Kevin suggest look pretty good though, I'll have to check them out.

Watch www.6pm.com for sales on vivobarefoot. I have two pairs and I believe I paid less than $20 for both of them.