Best Camp Shoes for After Hiking in 2026
After 8 hours in stiff hiking boots, slipping into camp shoes is one of backpacking's great pleasures. Camp shoes serve a practical purpose too: rest your feet from boot pressure, air out hot spots that become blisters, and make stream crossings without soaking your boots.
Why Bring Camp Shoes?
Rest your feet: Hiking boots keep feet compressed for hours. Camp shoes allow feet to expand and recover.
Stream crossings: Cross streams in camp shoes rather than soaking your hiking boots. Dry boots = fewer blisters.
Camp comfort: Cooking, socializing, and moving around camp is more comfortable without stiff boots.
Weight trade-off: Camp shoes add 6-14 oz. Many ultralight backpackers skip them on short trips. On multi-day trips, the comfort benefit justifies the weight.
Types
Sandals: Most packable. Open-toe — not suitable for trails with debris or cold temperatures. Good for warm-weather camping.
Lightweight trail runners/slip-ons: More protection than sandals. Can double as camp shoes and crossings. Heavier than sandals.
Clogs (Crocs): Beloved by backpackers for comfort and light weight. Water-resistant. Durable. Available in ultralight versions.
Top Picks
Best Overall: Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
Price: ~$70 | Best for: Versatile, strapped, can hike light trails, stream crossings
Teva Hurricane XLT2 is a strapped sport sandal — more secure than flip-flops, suitable for short around-camp trail walks. Durabrasion rubber outsole. Quick-dry straps. 11.4 oz/pair. The strap system adjusts for fit over different foot shapes.
For backpackers who want camp shoes that can handle light terrain (stream crossings, short camp walks), the Hurricane XLT2 is the most versatile option.
Pros: $70, strapped (secure), quick-dry, Durabrasion outsole, light trail capable, 11.4 oz
Cons: 11.4 oz (heavier than ultralight options), sandal open-toe (cold evenings)
Ultralight Pick: Shamma Sandals Warrior
Price: ~$80 | Best for: Ultralight, 5 oz, minimalist, warm climates
Shamma Warrior sandals weigh 5 oz/pair — among the lightest packable camp sandals available. Vibram outsole. Secure heel strap. For ultralight backpackers who count grams, the 6-oz savings vs. Teva is meaningful over long trips.
Pros: $80, 5 oz (ultralight), Vibram outsole, packable flat, minimalist design
Cons: Minimalist (less cushioning than Teva), warmer climates only, less secure than strapped sandals
Best Clog: Crocs Classic Clog (Lightweight)
Price: ~$50 | Best for: Maximum comfort, water-resistant, backpacker favorite
Crocs Classic is the camp shoe of choice for PCT, AT, and CDT thru-hikers. 7.2 oz/pair. Water-resistant Croslite foam — comfortable immediately, dries fast. The comfort-to-weight ratio is exceptional. Can attach to pack with carabiner through the holes.
Crocs launched an ultralight version (LiteRide) at 5.7 oz for weight-obsessed users.
Pros: $50, 7.2 oz, maximum comfort, water-resistant, thru-hiker proven, affordable
Cons: Clogs less packable than flat sandals, limited trail capability (slippery on loose terrain), not for cold weather
Comparison Table
| Camp Shoe | Price | Weight | Type | Trail Capable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teva Hurricane XLT2 | ~$70 | 11.4 oz | Sandal | Light trails | Versatility |
| Shamma Warrior | ~$80 | 5 oz | Sandal | Limited | Ultralight |
| Crocs Classic | ~$50 | 7.2 oz | Clog | No | Maximum comfort |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring camp shoes on a weekend backpacking trip?
On a 2-night trip with established campsites, camp shoes are a comfort luxury worth 6-12 oz. On ultralight trips where every ounce is optimized, skip them and accept boot discomfort in camp. Most backpackers find camp shoes worth the weight on trips of 3+ nights.
Can camp shoes double as trail runners for approach hikes?
Strapped sandals (Teva, Chaco) can handle easy maintained trails for short distances. Not suitable for rocky, rooty, or technical terrain. Crocs are unsuitable for trail use. Purpose-built approach shoes (La Sportiva TX4, $140) bridge camp shoe and light hiking capability if you want a dual-use option.
What do I do with wet boots at camp?
Remove insoles and loosen laces for maximum airflow. Stuff with dry socks or newspaper (not available in the backcountry, but works at car camping sites) to absorb moisture. Never dry boots near an open fire — heat degrades the glue and synthetic materials. Boots dry best overnight with good air circulation.