Camp Shoes for All Your Awesome Outdoor Adventures
If you’d rather to sleep under a million real stars than in a 5-star resort, a camping trip might be part of your summer plans. Good camp shoes should definitely be on your packing list, since appropriate footwear (or lack thereof) can make or break any outdoor adventure. Here’s our roundup of top picks in comfortable camping shoes just right for the trail, in a canoe, or around the campground.
Oboz Sawtooth Low Hiking Shoe (photo credit: GearInstitute.com)
When it comes to hiking footwear, Oboz shoes and boots consistently receive 5-star reviews for quality, comfort and functionality. In addition to making terrific shoes, Oboz is a great company! They plant a tree for every purchase made, and Oboz headquarters is 100% powered by clean wind energy. And this is just the start – learn more at obozfootwear.com
Oboz shoes and boots are handcrafted and have a proprietary “O Fit” insole, which is anatomically-designed to maximize stability and support with a supportive arch and a deep cushioning heel cup. We love the Oboz Sawtooth, a versatile hiker with great cushioning and traction. Wearers with knee problems, plantar fasciitis, and those who have a wider forefoot/narrower heel love them. The insole is removable if you wear a custom orthotic, and a waterproof version is also available. Find them at Zappos and Amazon.
Keen Bali Sandal
For lounging around the campsite, short walks to the camp store, or showering in – ahem – “less than glamorous” campground facilities, try the iconic Keen Bali. They’re durable, quick-drying, easy to slip on and off, and have great cushioning and support. Your feet, knees and legs will thank you for ditching the flimsy flip-flops! Find them in bright, summery colors as well as cool neutrals at Zappos and Keenfootwear.com.
Merrell Tetrex Water Shoe
If you’ll be kayaking, rafting, or doing anything else that may have you around water, consider a water shoe like the Merrell Tetrex for stability and support both in and out of water. The breathable mesh lining, exclusive Hydramorph technology to channel water away from the foot and out of the shoe, and durable outsole with Wet Grip lugs all make this a perfect shoe for wet adventures, but they also function beautifully on land. A cushioned EVA midsole provides support and shock absorption. Available from Zappos and Amazon.
Keen Terradora Mid Waterproof Boot
A great light hiker with ankle support, the Keen Terradora Mid boot gets great reviews. This boot is lightweight and flexible, but also supportive and waterproof – almost like a cross between a sneaker and a hiking boot. If you use custom orthotics, the insole is removable. And, as far as hiking shoes go, they rank high on the cuteness scale. Keen seems to have realized that just because someone is outdoorsy doesn’t necessarily mean they always want to wear brown! Find the Keen Terradora in an array of colors at Keenfootwear.com, Zappos and Amazon.
Chaco Z/Cloud X2 Sandal
There’s a good reason why Chaco has become THE name in sport sandals for many wearers. The new Chaco Z/Cloud X2 has the same amazing support and fit-to-any-foot adjustable straps that made Chaco famous, but it also features a cushioned “cloud” layer on the footbed for extra softness underfoot.
Here’s what our friend Heather has to say about her Chaco sandals:
“Chaco’s are my go-to from the moment it’s even remotely reasonable to show my toes. They’re sturdy, comfy, durable and super versatile– I can get them wet or muddy while schlepping my kids and dog around; then I can hose them off and throw on a skirt or jeans with them, too. They’re my number one summer staple.” The picture above is of Heather rocking her Chacos on the trail in Estes Park, Colorado.
Check out the Chaco Z/Cloud X2 for yourself at Zappos and Chacos.com (where you can customize your sandals).
Do you have any favorite hikers, sport sandals or camp shoes? Please leave a comment – we love to hear from readers! If nothing floats your boat here, check out our review of two more outdoorsy sandals: the Keen Rose and the Ecco Yucatan.
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5 Responses to Camp Shoes for All Your Awesome Outdoor Adventures
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I recently bought a pair of La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX hiking shoes. They are the most comfortable hiking shoes ever and I have been hiking for 25+ years. Very supportive, soft sided boot, waterproof Goretex, great traction. Huge win for me after 2 foot surgeries, plantar fasciitis, narrow heel, wide toebox and other foot problems. La Sportiva is a great brand for women whose feet are hard to fit. I have a pair of their trail running shoes and like them, too.
My current camping shoes are Vionic flip flops for around camp and shower purposes. I also love these for quick errands and trips to the local park, when my kids want to go to the sprinkler.
I’ve also got a well-worn pair of Keen Footwear Rose sandals which are excellent, and were great for bunions, ankle tendon pain and arthritis.
My newest trail sneakers are the Keen Footwear Aphlex Waterproof. They were amazing!
I have the Oboz Luna and I love them so much I wish I could wear them to work! They are rugged and light. I stomp all over the Blue Ridge Mountains in them. I’ve had two foot surgeries and my feet love the support and roominess in the toes, even though the heels are nice and snug. Side to side stability can’t be beat, either!
Yep, I plan on taking my Vionic flips for the shower at campground next week! And I just got a pair of Keen Rose to test out on waterfall hike. I’ll check out the Aphlex.
Our daughter has RA in her feet she is a RN for rheumatology. She is on her feet constantly. She currently is on methotrexate. 2 questions: which insert would you recommend from your site tread labs or the ortho? Also, which shoe would you recommend? From your site, the ortho shoe had great Ratings. She is in a lot of pain and I am trying to help. Thank you for your truth and honesty.

here are some shoes I researched from your site:
Orthofeet, Merrell: Gust& Encore Q2, Keen: Presidio, Presisio 2-Mule, and Kaci. (She needs shoes with a little heel to help w quick walking. She does have feet and knee pain. She currently wears Dansko, which isn’t working. Your honest suggestions are most welcome & appreciated. (980)622-1917 my cell