The Finest Camp Sneakers of 2023

We’ve all felt the sweet relief that comes when feet are finally released from their sweaty, high-performance foot prisons. Because they’re made to be comfortable, camp shoes offer a soothing antidote. On many adventures and expeditions, camp shoes should be considered an essential piece of gear.

Historically, thru-hikers and other adventurists have simply repurposed pre-existing models of comfortable footwear as functional camp shoes. Many of these options, like Crocs Classic Clogs, weren’t originally designed to be used on outdoor excursions, but people in search of good camp shoes identified them as an excellent makeshift choice.

Today, many footwear companies are now making purpose-built camp shoes. Because there are more great options available than ever before, now’s a great time to pick up a pair of camp shoes that make you say “ahhhh” every time you put them on.

There are a few key characteristics you should look for in a camp shoe. A good camp shoe finds the ideal balance between usability, breathability, weight, and waterproofing.

We’ve broken up this list into specific categories to help you identify the best camp shoe for your needs. For more information about camp shoes, check out our comparison chart, buyer’s guide, and FAQ at the end of this article.

Editor’s Note: In October 2023, we refreshed this article to include two new products and a host of meticulous purchasing advice.

The Best Camp Shoes of 2023

Camp Shoe Comparison Chart

How We Tested Camp Shoes

Though the exact figures are unknown, the combined GearJunkie staff has spent over five thousand nights camping — and that’s a conservative estimate. To create this buyer’s guide, we compiled our collective experience and tested dozens of camp shoe styles. In our search, we aimed to find and test shoes that every outdoors person could enjoy — from luxury-minded car campers to ounce-counting ultralight backpackers.

We recognize that footwear can make or break a camping trip. After a long day of adventure, the simple pleasure of slipping on something warm and reliable is euphoric. This is the kind of moment we kept in mind while selecting shoes for this roundup.

While testing, we paid close attention to a number of different factors, including comfort, warmth, durability, and weight. We’ve been testing camp shoes for a number of years, and while outdoor equipment won’t last forever, we’ve had good results in getting many seasons of use out of the options we’ve recommended on this list.

Finally, the testing doesn’t stop here, and as new camp shoes hit the market we’ll be chucking them in our cars and backpacks ensuring that our lineup is as fresh as can be.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Camp Shoes

Good camp shoes give you something to look forward to at the end of the day. Once you’ve identified the right pair, they’ll likely become an essential and non-negotiable part of your camping kit. That said, it’s important to understand the differences between the available options before deciding to make a purchase.

In this buyer’s guide, we cover comfort, weight, packability, support, durability, value, and other important factors for those looking to purchase a pair of camp shoes.

Comfort

Comfort is an important consideration for any piece of gear you use regularly. Camp shoes are meant to offer respite after removing a sweaty and stiff pair of hiking boots, trail runners, climbing shoes, or other active footwear. For this reason, camp shoe comfort should be top priority.

While all of the shoes on this list are designed to be comfortable, certain shoes like the OOFOS OOriginal Sandals are made with a super-soft footbed to ease joint stiffness and maximum recovery. Other options, like the Teva ReEmber Mocs, offer a layer of insulation — which translates to comfort in cold weather.

Weight & Packability

For backpackers and thru-hikers, the importance of weight and packability is paramount. Some of the camp shoes on this list are lighter and more packable than others. The Feathered Friends Down Booties can pack down into tiny balls, and they only weigh 9 ounces per pair.

However, as is usually the case, these booties lose some durability as a tradeoff. For backpacking camp shoes that don’t compress, hanging them on the outside of your pack is an option too. Some backpackers even keep small items inside the shoes to maximize space and utility.

Support

Generally, camp shoes aren’t the most supportive shoes. They’re designed for recovery and comfort rather than support and performance.

Still, some camp shoes are more important than others. If you plan to also use your camp shoes in the gym or while hiking, it’s wise to choose some that are supportive enough to handle more than just hanging out. On this list, the Aleader Mesh Slip-Ons offer moderate support and good traction.

Durability

A durable camp shoe should last many years, especially because it likely won’t accumulate nearly as many miles as active shoes will. Some camp shoes are more durable than others, which makes durability an important piece of a shoe’s overall value.

Some shoes on this list, like the Aleader Mesh Slip-Ons, have dense and sticky soles that hold up in the long haul. Other shoes, like the HOKA Restore TC, have very soft footbeds that tend to flatten over time.

Value

Shoes on this list range in price from $20 to well over $100 per pair. It’s important to determine your budget as you consider which camp shoes to purchase.

Often, a shoe’s value comes from more than just its price tag. If a shoe fills a tricky void in your kit, consider that to be a form of good value. Shoes that fit well into your outdoor adventure kit and can also be worn at home or while running errands may just pay for themselves.

Car Camping vs. Backpacking

When car camping, weight and space aren’t likely to be major concerns. For car camping, we recommend the Teva ReEmber Mocs because their limited packability won’t be an issue when you have access to a car.

When backpacking, though, the ounces add up, so you’ll likely want lightweight camp shoes that don’t take up too much space. The Vivobarefoot Ultra III shoes are light and easy to squeeze into an already stuffed pack.

FAQ