View Full Version : To be or Not To Be... In Camp Shoes
bkristynicole
03-06-2017, 16:40
I have everything I need... My base weight is ~13lbs. Now I am thinking about camp shoes... I wasn't planning on bringing any (I am wearing trail runners), but thinking about blisters, talking about blisters, having great fears of blisters (I have a dark past with blisters) has got me thinking about camp shoes...
Are you bringing camp shoes? Why or why not? What kinds? What that kind or brand. Discussion commence. My start date is April 3rd.
Your feet need to be aired out often. Living in damp shoes for the best part of 6 months brings a host of potential problems. Flip flops are cheap, protective, easy to clean and light. On hot days you will love them. On cold days maybe not. You can use them in public showers.
hyperhiker
03-06-2017, 17:44
So far I've decided to skip them. Might add cheap flip flops in hot weather and may add something more substantial up north with the large river crossings. Crocs seem to be the go to but are heavy. I'll use these if I decide I need them: https://www.usadawgs.com/collections/women/products/womens-ultralite-spirit-shoes-bksp
illabelle
03-06-2017, 17:55
So far I've decided to skip them. Might add cheap flip flops in hot weather and may add something more substantial up north with the large river crossings. Crocs seem to be the go to but are heavy. I'll use these if I decide I need them: https://www.usadawgs.com/collections/women/products/womens-ultralite-spirit-shoes-bksp
I have a pair of those. Got 'em at Walgreens. Very lightweight. Adequate for stream crossings and walking around camp. Inexpensive.
The Kisco Kid
03-06-2017, 18:24
I use Teva Mush flip-flops for camp shoes. Best combination of lightweight/durability that I've found.
RE: camp shoes Stream crossings. This is non-issue except for a few fords in Northern Maine. (And if you're wearing trail runners, you can ford in those. Take off socks, take out insoles.)
Drum Man
03-06-2017, 18:28
I like those Tevas.
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soumodeler
03-06-2017, 19:01
I used to be against camp shoes as unnecessary since I was already wearing trail runners that were easy to slip on and off in camp. That opinion changed when I discovered that walking all day through mud on the trail makes you NOT want to put said trail runners back on when you get up in the middle of the night. I bought a pair of crocs at the next town and eventually got a pair of 6oz (total) flip flops from walmart to use as camp shoes.
Christoph
03-06-2017, 19:15
I'm taking some dollar store flip flops. Nice and light and something to wear for that midnight stroll to the privy, but mainly for hostel showers and motels.
soumodeler
03-06-2017, 19:25
mainly for hostel showers and motels.
That is not a bad thought either, especially for hostels. The one's I've been in were not going to receive any awards for cleanliness...
lumberjaime
03-07-2017, 01:47
Crocs. Many people are haters (I myself used to be one), but that's just cause they haven't tried them. As TTT says, your feet need airflow, and damp trail runners don't cut it.
I tried a pair of toe shoes all the way through Maine (mostly I thought they would be better for stream crossings), then ditched them for Crocs. It's what all the other hikers were doing, so I figured I might as well jump off the bridge, too! Very glad I did. Plus, one pair will hold up significantly longer than the Walgreens flip-flops.
I have a pair of those. Got 'em at Walgreens. Very lightweight. Adequate for stream crossings and walking around camp. Inexpensive.
Walmart sells something similar. Extremely lightweight.
I gave up on camp shoes after switching to trail runners. Before that I'd carried moccasins, Crocs, or boat shoes.
Nice to have but not that hard to live without.
bigcranky
03-07-2017, 19:29
I tried going without camp shoes after switching to trail runners, but went back to using them. Light flip flops in the summer, my original Waldies rubber clogs the other three seasons. I like to be able to let my feet and my shoes air out, and when my hiking shoes are soaking wet and I have nice dry socks on, I'd rather slip them into dry clogs than my soaking wet trail runners to go use the facilities.
There are some items that are controversial for carrying in a thru hike. Camp shoes is one of them. I hiked the same trail once with crocks and once without.
Pros and cons have been equally arguable. You can go without it and if you find you need one then buy it when you pass a town or carry it and if you find it unnecessary then ditch it when you find a proper place to get rid of it.
gracebowen
03-08-2017, 11:37
Im leaning toward taking an extra pair if shoes. I will be starting in sandals but in case of hot spots or blisters I think I want a pair of shoes that fit diffetently.
In Oct I went out of town for the weekend with only one pair of shoes. I got a hot spot and bandaids wiyldnt stay put. Fortunately i was able to limit walking.
frontovik193
04-03-2017, 22:34
I use wal-Mart brand knockoff crocs. They are extremely light compared to crocs and cost 7 dollars.
Tahoeturner
04-03-2017, 23:49
I used Crocs for a 600 mile section, probably will again when I continue. Might have to check out those lighter weight Walmart knock offs.
These Croc knockoffs are much lighter that the real Crocs. They are Aah! Comfort. Men's size 12 weigh in a 9 oz. The real Crocs men's size 12 weigh in at 14 oz. They are well made and are great for stream crossings and at night. They are 12.95 + $3.95 at Amazon. The Amazon link is:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YQGK1IA/ref=twister_B00YQGJFY6?th=1&psc=1
Happy Trails...Happy Feet!
fastfoxengineering
04-04-2017, 07:16
Many threads on this topic.
Vivobarefoot, Dawgs, Crocs, diy.
Camp shoes are a nice luxury item, but not a necessity.
If you spend a good amount of time in camp, you'll use them alot.
I'm not against them, I bring them on wet trails like the Long Trail where the moisture can do bad stuff to your feet.
The lightweight alternative is to bring some bread bags. Put on camp socks. And if you need to walk around out bread bags over said socks and put them in wet nasty hiking shoes.
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I received my Sorel slippers today. Weight for weight they are the same a flip flops, but have an imitation wool inner. Super cosy. blister on the heel friendly, and not too nerdy. Can wear them into town without looking like a dork. The cool thing is I believe I can keep a small water bottle, cap first, inside them to stop it freezing (that's the theory) They also compact very well.
For taking showers in greasy athlete foot cubicles, I remove the liners from my shoes and slip 2 elastic bands over each foot. Works like a bomb.
I'm going to try these this year.
http://www.crocs.com/p/crocs-men’s-swiftwater-sandal/15041.html?cgid=swiftwater-collection-mens&cid=08G#start=8
I use wal-Mart brand knockoff crocs. They are extremely light compared to crocs and cost 7 dollars.
I bought a set myself. Very light. Hope Walmart doesn't improve them.
I bought a set myself. Very light. Hope Walmart doesn't improve them.
Interesting you quote $7 at Wally World. In Hawaii and in some places in Florida and California Wally Worlds vend $6-9 REEF Walkers that I've weighed in the upper 2 to low 3 oz range. They are like slippers with an all fabric ultra breathable upper and nothing but a soled bologna skinned sole with some minor tread(think slippers).
While it's nice to have camp shoes if you're a camper type hiker to air out feet something different to change into I'm going to say they are no solution to blisters.
Yukon Ron
04-04-2017, 16:29
My camp shoes are Nike Zoom Streak LT running shoes that are very light at about 7.4 ounces. The shoe is basically a nylon mesh so that it can dry quickly. They compress well and could be a temporary replacement for hiking boots or shoes. On the trail I've also worn them as shower shoes at Fontana Dam. During my summer kayaking trips I use them as my water shoe as they hold no water and dry quickly. Here's a link to ones that I've just purchased, but I am still using my older pair. http://www.footlocker.com/product/model:256481/nike-zoom-streak-lt-3-mens
After a long day of hiking you need to release the dogs...
I carry camp shoes that I could backpack in if necessary. Generally 'water shoes', designed for rafters I think. Have carried Tevas in the past, those are good too. Needs to be sturdy. Not a time to count grams. Just take what you need, make up weight somewhere else, IMO.
Perfect for putting your feet up and reading a newspaper. 16 ounces of bliss
38929
There are two I recommend. I don't hike without camp shoes. My feet are priceless!
Dawgs Ultralight (https://www.amazon.com/DAWGS-Mens-Ultralite-Tracker-Working/dp/B0036ZQMYY?th=1) - Pair is about 5-6oz
Walmart Wrangler Sandals (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wrangler-Men-s-Fisherman-Sandal/54791822?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227067288270&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=171501362848&wl4=pla-279155731918&wl5=9010794&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=54791822&wl13=&veh=sem) - Pair is 12oz
Interesting you quote $7 at Wally World. In Hawaii and in some places in Florida and California Wally Worlds vend $6-9 REEF Walkers that I've weighed in the upper 2 to low 3 oz range. They are like slippers with an all fabric ultra breathable upper and nothing but a soled bologna skinned sole with some minor tread(think slippers).
While it's nice to have camp shoes if you're a camper type hiker to air out feet something different to change into I'm going to say they are no solution to blisters.
The ones I have are like extra light crocs.
Oventoasted
04-08-2017, 23:05
Always nice to have a pair of something to air your feet off.
Christoph
04-08-2017, 23:12
Update: I'm NOT bringing a pair of dollar store flip flops this time around. I found on the last thru attempt they really hurt my feet and were so uncomfortable when headed to the Privy (aka woods) at night that my feet were screaming at me to go barefoot. So I just picked up a pair of these $10 Walmart memory foam flip flops. They're not much diffence in weight and holy crap these are comfy! Gotta let the dogs air out after all that abuse!
There are two I recommend. I don't hike without camp shoes. My feet are priceless!
Dawgs Ultralight (https://www.amazon.com/DAWGS-Mens-Ultralite-Tracker-Working/dp/B0036ZQMYY?th=1) - Pair is about 5-6oz
Walmart Wrangler Sandals (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wrangler-Men-s-Fisherman-Sandal/54791822?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227067288270&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=171501362848&wl4=pla-279155731918&wl5=9010794&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=54791822&wl13=&veh=sem) - Pair is 12ozThe dawgs depend on size, I just received the mens 10-11 and they are 8.4oz. Just a heads up for anyone looking into them.
I have everything I need... My base weight is ~13lbs. Now I am thinking about camp shoes... I wasn't planning on bringing any (I am wearing trail runners), but thinking about blisters, talking about blisters, having great fears of blisters (I have a dark past with blisters) has got me thinking about camp shoes...
Are you bringing camp shoes? Why or why not? What kinds? What that kind or brand. Discussion commence. My start date is April 3rd.
I may be too late for you, but not for others. I always bring camp shoes. While many people are fine with flip flops, I like something that protects my toes as I stumble around if it was a rough hiking day. For that reason, I carry Crocs (actually, a knock-off version that weighs 3 ounces....). They are a favorite of mine!
Bring something. I just sectioned last week, so I didn't see any need for "camp" shoes. But the couple days spent in town I was really envious of everyone walking around in clean, comfy, airy shoes while I was lugging my damp trail runners around town. On future hikes I'm bringing something.
Another Kevin
04-12-2017, 14:37
I used to carry water shoes such as kayakers wear. As I move into old age I find I need more arch support and heel cushion and have switched to Crocs. I mistrust the lighter knockoffs, because I've had trips where I've gone miles in the Crocs, generally because the trail was that wet (thank you, Castor canadensis!) If someone has real experience comparing durability, I'd like to hear about it.
DuneElliot
04-12-2017, 15:24
I tried boat shoes and flip-flops, not for camp shoes per se, but for river crossings. No, I don't want to do it in trail runners. Most streams I crossed barefoot last year but that got a little hairy in a couple of places. I found a pair of old-school jelly shoes for $5 at Walmart and they are exactly what I needed and was looking for to use for river crossings.
Since I am not on the AT I tend to walk around barefoot at camp
I'm bringing a pair of Teva sandals to Wyoming. I crossed streams last year in my hiking shoes. Sorry, all day in wet shoes and socks is a drag.
Wayne
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I have everything I need... My base weight is ~13lbs. Now I am thinking about camp shoes... I wasn't planning on bringing any (I am wearing trail runners), but thinking about blisters, talking about blisters, having great fears of blisters (I have a dark past with blisters) has got me thinking about camp shoes...
Are you bringing camp shoes? Why or why not? What kinds? What that kind or brand. Discussion commence. My start date is April 3rd.
I will not make the case for or against dedicated separate camp shoes. However I will assert deciding on carrying dedicated camp shoes should be addressed considering several reasons of which maybe the least is blister management and prevention. Wearing camp shoes is prolly not the way you want to address blister concerns. Once blisters form you're addressing the symptom of something and not the potential causes. Deciding on bringing and using camp shoes shouldn't primarily revolve around fear of blisters. This is another topic altogether but it should be understood blisters should be addressed proactively before hot spots develop into blisters.
Feet can be aired out - umm, aired out - without the need for camp shoes. Most on other trails do exactly this. Do so at stops during the day, proactively tending to hot spots, rinsing feet, changing into dry socks, applying anti friction salves/creams/ and moisturizers, etc.
...For taking showers in greasy athlete foot cubicles, I remove the liners from my shoes(trail runners) and slip 2 elastic bands over each foot. Works like a bomb.
It can be this simple. No extra dedicated "camps shoes" required.
Another Kevin
04-13-2017, 10:43
I will not make the case for or against dedicated separate camp shoes. However I will assert deciding on carrying dedicated camp shoes should be addressed considering several reasons of which maybe the least is blister management and prevention. Wearing camp shoes is prolly not the way you want to address blister concerns. Once blisters form you're addressing the symptom of something and not the potential causes. Deciding on bringing and using camp shoes shouldn't primarily revolve around fear of blisters. This is another topic altogether but it should be understood blisters should be addressed proactively before hot spots develop into blisters.
Feet can be aired out - umm, aired out - without the need for camp shoes. Most on other trails do exactly this. Do so at stops during the day, proactively tending to hot spots, rinsing feet, changing into dry socks, applying anti friction salves/creams/ and moisturizers, etc.
It can be this simple. No extra dedicated "camps shoes" required.
Just for clarity, I was talking mostly about water shoes, which for me double as camp shoes, and relating experience from a two-week hike during which I doubt I was able to keep my feet dry for more than half an hour at a time when on the move. I adopted the "just let the feet get wet" program, because the only dry-foot alternative would have been a pair of calked knee boots. The mainstay of blister/maceration prevention was a waterproofing salve - I used Gurney Goo on that trip. In those conditions, hiking in Crocs for short periods starts to look reasonable. Kayak shoes simply would have fallen apart over the distances I was putting on the Crocs. (I might still bring lighter water shoes if it's just for an occasional ford and use in camp.)
There were also quite a number of times during that trip that I was putting on clean(er) socks still wet. I was washing a pair at just about every stop. They would still be wet, but at least they wouldn't be full of grit. It was really unpleasant to walk about squelching in wet socks and trail runners, and a mile or three in Crocs would be a welcome change.
Hear good things about Xero Cloud Barefoot Sandal. Very light.
LevyTheSoBoHoBo
04-13-2017, 20:22
I have everything I need... My base weight is ~13lbs. Now I am thinking about camp shoes... I wasn't planning on bringing any (I am wearing trail runners), but thinking about blisters, talking about blisters, having great fears of blisters (I have a dark past with blisters) has got me thinking about camp shoes...
Are you bringing camp shoes? Why or why not? What kinds? What that kind or brand. Discussion commence. My start date is April 3rd.
I try to pack UL as well and have done a few sections through VA without camp shoes, but man do I wish I had them.
Definitely worth the weight for a pair of sandals or light crocs.
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Dollar general has knock off crocs for $6 and half the weight of real crocs.
They are really nice to have when nature calls in the middle of the night
Another option are insulated booties. I actually picked a pair up from a hiker box and boy did they come in handy the next two nights into the low 30's. I could wear them around actual camp, bathroom excursions, etc...and they double as foot warmers you can wear to sleep. If you're doing an AT hike and are planning on walking around in towns, then something more substantial is needed.
glassman
05-07-2017, 17:14
Dollar general has knock off crocs for $6 and half the weight of real crocs.
They are really nice to have when nature calls in the middle of the night
Good call. .....camp shoes are a new found must get.
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As read here we can see different approaches for different camp needs work. If only for in camp, mostly sitting around, on colder outings, being a cold foot sleeper, and if minimal purchase cost isn't of highest priority with minimal wt being a high priority while also wanting something warm specifically for the feet down socks and or a 1.7 oz dyneema over bottle by Goosefeet has certainly worked for more than a few backpackers. https://goosefeetgear.com/products/waterproof-over-booties/
If this appeals to anyone PM me. I have a brand new Goosefeet over bootie pr as shown I've never used in XL I'll let go for $15 to the first person who asks.