Camping Shoes

A good pair of camping shoes can make all the difference. Most campers are on their feet far more than they are used to, which can lead to all kinds of foot problems. And when your feet aren’t happy, it’s hard to really enjoy the camping experience. Worst of all, most foot problems continue to get worse unless you really get proactive about them early on. So if you want to enjoy yourself while camping, a good pair of camping shoes really is essential.

Camping Shoes

What to look for when you want the best camping shoes.

• Weight – Boots tend to be heavy, while shoes are lighter, but even camping shoes can be rather heavy, and you really do want to pay attention to the weight of your camping shoes. Just remember that every pound on your feet is equal to roughly five pounds on your back, in terms of energy expended.
• Waterproof – If you’re camping where it’s wet then you may want to invest in a pair of waterproof camping shoes. But otherwise, the more breathable your camping shoes are, the better. Especially for those hot days in the sun, you want camping shoes that will allow plenty of air flow, and not stifle your feet.

Best Camping Shoes

Some of the very best camping shoes for those outdoor pursuits.

Men's Camping Shoes

• The North Face Hedgehog III GTX XCR - The Hedgehogs are an ideal waterproof camping shoe. They are built with an XCR Gore Tex liner that will keep water out but will also breath well. The outer portion of the shoe is a combination of mesh and leather, which will offer some limited protection from water but mostly will help increase breathability, and let the Gore Tex handle keeping your feet dry. A solid Vibram sole rounds out the package, making these a fantastic pair of camping shoes.
• New Balance MT10 Minimus - If you don't need a pair of waterproof camping shoes then something like the Minimus might be more ideal. They're very breathable, making them ideal for warmer temperatures, and have a low, minimalist design that has a few benefits. You can actually feel the ground beneath your feet through the sole, to a limited extent anyway, which can help you react to uneven and slippery terrain better, and maybe even avoid an injury or two. So lightweight and breathable pair of camping shoes.

Women's Camping Shoes

• The North Face Hedgehog III GTX XCR - The Hedgehogs are an ideal pair of camping shoes if what you need more than anything is to stay dry. The Gore XCR Gore Tex liner will do a good job of that, while the mostly mesh upper portion of the shoe will do a good job of allowing the Gore Tex to breath. That mesh wont stop much water, but the Gore Tex will. And on the bottom you have a solid Vibram sole that will give you plenty of traction on questionable terrain. So a really ideal, fully featured pair of camping shoes.
• New Balance WT10 Minimus - The Minimus camping shoes are at the other end of the spectrum from the Hedgehogs above. They're small, lightweight and very breathable, and not at all waterproof. They're the perfect shoe for hot days when rain is unlikely. They have a relatively thin sole, and a very breathable upper portion. So the perfect camping shoe for those that prefer a minimal sort of design.