Best Camp Shoes of 2023
You don’t keep your work shoes on after a hard day on the job, so why should you keep your hiking shoes on after a long day on the trail? You don’t have to, and that’s why you’re here! You’re joining an elite class of campground chillers who don’t take sore feet for an answer.
Sure, we do a lot of hiking to test gear. But this time… This time we did a lot of sitting around fires, laying in hammocks, and just being plain lazy to narrow down this list of the best camp shoes on the market.
Evening camp hangout sesh in the Vivobarefoot Ultra 3 (left) and Luna Leadville Pacer (right)
Quick Recommendations
Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.
- Best camp shoes overall for comfort, durability & price: Crocs Classic Clogs
- Most versatile camp shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV
- Best ultralight camp shoes: Luna Leadville Pacer
- Best barefoot shoes: Vivobarefoot Ultra 3
- Best recovery shoes: OOFOS OOriginals
- Best budget camp shoes: An Affordable Pair of Flip Flops
- Best camp shoes for cold weather: Feathered Friends Down Booties
- Best comfy camp shoes for car camping: Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons
- Best recovery shoe for runners: HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides
The Feathered Friends Down Booties are practically essential for winter camping trips
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU INA CAMP SHOE?
COMFORT AND FIT– The whole point of wearing camp shoes is to be comfy, so we won’t spend a lot of time here convincing you of what you already know. For maximum comfort, we always look for shoes that are breathable and have a relaxed fit.
- Most comfortable camp shoes:Crocs Classic Clogs, Luna Leadville Pacer, Vivobarefoot Ultra 3 & OOFOS OOriginals
- Best camp shoes for wide feet:Crocs Classic Clogs, OOFOS OOriginals & HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides
The OOFOS OOriginals are a welcome reward after a hard day on the trail
PRICE – Can you really put a price on comfort? We don’t think so, but a good pair of camp shoes doesn’t need to clean out your wallet.
- Best budget camp shoes:Crocs Classic Clogs, OOFOS OOriginals, HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides & Flip Flops
- Best value camp shoes:Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV, Vivobarefoot Ultra 3 & Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons
- Best high-end camp shoes: Luna Leadville Pacer & Feathered Friends Down Booties
Packing along the BUDGET-FRIENDLY OOFOS OOriginals for a backpacking trip in the Sierras
WEIGHT– All the camp shoes we picked for this list are worth their weight in gold, but some are lighter than others.
- Best ultralight camp shoes:Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV, Luna Leadville Pacer & Flip Flops
- Best lightweight camp shoes:Crocs Classic Clogs & OOFOS OOriginals
- Best camp shoes when weight isn’t a concern:Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons
A lightweight pair of camp shoes, like the Crocs Classic Clogs, can be comfortably strapped to the outside of your pack
VERSATILITY – Many of our favorite camp shoes can also work for hiking and crossing water (check out our Best Hiking Sandals for Men and Women lists to see more about our favorite hiking picks). If you’re on a tight budget or weight is a big concern for you, go with one of these more versatile shoes that can pull double-duty.
- Most versatile camp shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV, Luna Leadville Pacer & Vivobarefoot Ultra 3
Using the Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV to cross a stream
SUPPORT – If your joints sound like a bowl of Rice Krispies at the end of the day, you may benefit from a supportive recovery shoe. These shoes are specifically designed to absorb impact when you walk and can help ease aches. On the other hand, some folks find that minimal shoes that allow their feet to move naturally are more effective at relieving muscle and joint fatigue.
- Most supportive camp shoes: OOFOS OOriginals & HOKA ORA Recovery Slides
- Best minimal camp shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV, Luna Leadville Pacer & Vivobarefoot Ultra 3
The OOFOS OOriginals are some of our favorite supportive and lightweight camp shoes
DURABILITY– In theory, you’re here to find a pair of shoes to lounge in. But if you lounge just as hard as you work, check out our top picks for durability.
- Most durable camp shoes:Crocs Classic Clogs, Vivobarefoot Ultra 3, OOFOS OOriginals & HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides
The Luna Leadville Pacers flex with the movement of your feet
Best Camp Shoes of 2023
BEST CAMP SHOES OVERALL FOR COMFORT, DURABILITY & PRICE
MSRP: $50
WEIGHT (PAIR): 14 oz.
SIZING: Not available in half sizes, the fit is roomy so we recommend sizing down if you typically wear a half size
PROS: Durable, affordable, comfortable, versatile, wide fit, great color options
CONS: A little heavier than some, may be too wide for some
BOTTOM LINE: Nothing screams relaxation like a pair of holey plastic clogs. Enter: Crocs Classic Clogs. They’re comfy, light, easy to slip on, and affordable. Plus they come in about a million colors so you’re sure to find a pair that matches your new hiking shirt. They’re not the most stable for hiking, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t done it. They’re fine for a few miles over even terrain, and they work really well for crossing water. These things have never landed anyone on the best dressed list, but we gotta say… we think they look pretty fly.
MOST VERSATILE CAMP SHOE
MSRP: $80
WEIGHT (PAIR): 10.8 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Ultralight, versatile, adjustable
CONS: Not as supportive as some, not as durable as some
BOTTOM LINE: The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EVs (view women’s here) are versatile sandals that work equally well for hikin’ and chillin’. The velcro adjustments make it easy to get a custom fit, and we were surprised to find that the soles are quite sturdy despite being so flexible. These shoes are similar to the Luna Leadville Pacers (below), but the sole is a little stiffer and will be slightly more durable in the long run. We recommend the Z-Trail for any minimal footwear aficionado.
BEST ULTRALIGHT CAMP SHOES
MSRP: $120
WEIGHT (PAIR): 8.9 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Versatile, ultralight, flexible, excellent traction
CONS: Expensive, not as durable as some
BOTTOM LINE: Technically the Leadville Pacers are a hiking sandal, but they’re so comfy that (if we remember they’re still on our feet) we don’t take them off when we arrive at camp. These minimal sandals are designed to flex with the movement of your feet, and the sticky outsoles bite into any type of terrain. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated hiking sandal, a camp shoe, or a water shoe, the Leadville Pacers are down for adventure.
BEST BAREFOOT SHOES
MSRP: $120
WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 1.6 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Versatile, sustainable design, flexible, excellent traction, durable
CONS: Not as supportive as some
BOTTOM LINE: Does anyone remember those super cool Jelly shoesthat were all the rage in the 90’s? Well, we do, and the Vivobarefoot Ultra 3’s (view women’s here) give us major flashbacks in a very good way. As the name would imply, the Ultras are barefoot shoes that feel like a hug for your feet. We like these things so much that we even hike in them occasionally, and we definitely break them out to cross streams on the trail. For all you minimal shoe connoisseurs out there, this may be more than just a camp shoe…It may just be your everything shoe.
BEST RECOVERY SHOE
MSRP: $60
WEIGHT (PAIR): 12.8 oz.
SIZING: Sizing is unisex and there are no half sizes. OOFOS recommends sizing down if you’re a men’s half size, and sizing up if you’re a women’s half size
PROS: Supportive, cushy soles, affordable, durable
CONS: May be too cushy for some, not as versatile as some
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re just getting back into hiking shape or you tend to have achy joints after a day on the trail, check out the OOFOS OOriginals recovery sandals. These shoes are designed with a super soft footbed to provide a padded landing for your foot and leg joints, and a shape that allows your feet to spread out and move naturally. The OOfos OOriginals are the OObvious choice for those who need a really supportive recovery shoe. If flip flops aren’t really your thing, you might prefer the OOahh Slides.
BEST BUDGET CAMP SHOES
MSRP: around $10-$25
WEIGHT (PAIR): Varies, but typically around 10 oz.
PROS: Affordable, lightweight
CONS: Not as durable as some, not as versatile as some, can quickly lose support
BOTTOM LINE: Sometimes you just need something simple and cheap to get you out there, and Flip Flops are a great option. There are many brands and options out there, but they all function about the same. They’re typically very lightweight and are decently comfortable. Flip flops will certainly work. But if you know the agony of busting a flop mid-trip and having to carry around your shoe bits as dead weight, you’re probably better off paying a little more for one of our other top picks.
BEST CAMP SHOES FOR COLD WEATHER
MSRP: $119
WEIGHT (PAIR): 9.3 oz.
SIZING: Available in S, M, L, and XL sizes. Consult the size chart on the product page to get the right fit.
PROS: Super warm, weather-resistant, removable insole
CONS: Not as versatile as some (not meant for hiking or crossing water), not as durable as some, expensive, too warm for some trips
BOTTOM LINE: Keeping your tootsies toasty is key to enjoying yourself when temperatures drop, and the Feathered Friends Down Booties are just the shoe for the job. They’re kinda like a puffy coat for your feet! They’re perfect for slipping on in the middle of the night for a bathroom break (no more doing the pee pee dance while you lace up your boots!), and the insoles can be removed to make them more comfy to wear inside your tent. The Feathered Friends Down Booties are great for chilly shoulder-season adventures, and we can’t imagine ever leaving for another winter camping trip without bringing them.
BEST COMFY CAMP SHOES FOR CAR CAMPING
MSRP: $80
WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 6.7 oz.
SIZING: No half sizes, we recommend sizing up if you’re on the edge
PROS: Warm, comfy, stylish
CONS: Heavy for backpacking, not as versatile as some
BOTTOM LINE: The Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons (view women’s here) are one of our favorite luxury items to bring for park cookouts in shoulder seasons and nightly campfire hangouts in chilly weather. These things are ridiculously comfortable, and they’re sporty enough to be worn for short hikes or trips to the corner store without looking like you left the house in your jammies. Our favorite feature is the collapsible heel which lets you choose your level of chill by converting the ReEmbers from a sneaker to a slipper. These shoes are a little heavy for backpacking, but they’re perfect for car camping.
BEST RECOVERY SHOE FOR RUNNERS
MSRP: $60
WEIGHT (PAIR): 13.2 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Supportive, cushy soles, affordable, durable
CONS: Tall stack height may feel unstable to some, not as versatile as some, may be too cushy for some
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for some seriously serious support for tired and achy joints, give the HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides a try. These are the most supportive shoes on our list, and the squishy soles provide a high level of cushioning to help sore bodies recoup. All that cushion makes for a pretty tall stack height and left us feeling a little unstable, so we recommend these for at-home use or for front-country campgrounds. If you’re into marathons or adventure racing, the Oras are an especially nice treat for your feet.
The Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons are a little heavier than other camp shoes, so they work best for the frontcountry
Critical Footwear Considerations
MANAGING MOISTURE & BLISTERS – Camp shoes are a nice way to give your feet a break from your regular hiking footwear if you develop hot spots. It’s best to pick a camp shoe that doesn’t put pressure on the same spots as your hiking footwear so that problem areas have a chance to recover. Going with a camp shoe that’s comfy enough to hike in for a few miles can also be a welcome change of pace at the end of the day or for crossing streams on the trail. Our How to Prevent and Treat Blisters post has a lot more great info on keeping your feet happy.
The Vivobarefoot Ultra 3 dry quickly and make for a great water shoe
SIZING – Many of our favorite camp shoes are not available in half sizes, so getting the perfect fit may require a little trial and error if you’re between sizes. We recommend measuring your feet and checking the website for a size chart when ordering online.
The inners of the Feathered Friends Down Booties come out so you can wear them inside your sleeping bag
SOCKS – To reach peak comfort, you’ll want to make sure you have a cozy pair of socks that work well with your camp shoes – especially in chilly weather. We’re big fans of Smartwool’s Mountaineering Socks for cold weather, and we occasionally use them as camp shoes by themselves! These socks are pretty thick, so they work best with chunky camp shoes, like Crocs and the HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides. If you’re using a camp shoe that has a strap between your toes, like the Luna Leadville Pacers or the OOFOS OOriginals, we recommend toe socks, like Injinjis. Check out our Best Hiking Socks list to see more of our top picks.
The Luna Leadville Pacers and Injinji socks go together like peanut butter and jelly
Need More Gear Advice?
If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:
The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV work just as well for hiking as they do for sitting around camp
Why Trust Us?
We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:
- Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
- We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.
- We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
- We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.
- We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
- We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
- We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.
We own and use all of the camp shoes we recommend
More Information
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Thanks for reading and happy trails!
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