Walk the extra mile: 7 best camp shoes to take care of your feet

If you’re new to camping and hiking, there are a lot of things to take note of such as getting the proper gear and preparing yourself mentally and physically for the hike. You’re even going to need a pair of comfortable camping shoes to keep your feet in good shape. 

Before you buy your camp shoes, keep several things in mind. Sturdy camp shoes with a heel strap are recommended because you might have to walk around even while you’re at camp. Camp shoes can also be used for river crossings, but make sure they’re waterproof. Get ultralight camp shoes that weigh at least six to 12 oz., and buy camp shoes without laces that you can put on with one hand.

You won’t be wearing them while hiking, so why do you need camp shoes? Camp shoes are necessary because they let your feet breathe. After a long day of hiking, your feet will be steamy and even full of blisters. When backpacking for a night or two, it’s necessary to let your feet air out for a couple of hours at night. Camp shoes also keep your feet clean. While you’re letting them breathe, clean your feet with alcohol or hand sanitizer and wear a pair of breathable camp shoes until your feet are dry. Camp shoes are comfortable. Nothing feels better than removing your shoes to let your sore feet rest after hiking all day. Lastly, wearing camp shoes will give your steamy hiking shoes a chance to dry out.

What kind of camp shoes should you get?

Now that you have these reminders, here are some camp shoes that you should consider buying:

1. Crocs – The “king of camp shoes,” Crocs don’t absorb water, have a durable heel strap, and are very sturdy. However, they’re heavier than the other options.
2. Do-it-yourself — The “lightest of ultralight camp shoes,” you can make do-it-yourself (DIY) camp shoes from the soles of old tennis shoes and some lacing around for simple flip flops, or you can use some foam and duct tape.
3. Minimalist sandals – These sandals are reasonably priced, and they’re “[u]ltralight, extremely durable, open-aired and snug enough for a good walk.”
4. “Toe shoes” – These camp shoes are lightweight, but they’re not that breathable and are hard to dry out.
5. Tough socks – This option has risen in popularity in 2016, and they’re like socks “with a rough coated sole.” These “glove[s] for your feet” are ultralight and compact but won’t let your feet breathe well.
6. Vivobarefoot – One of the best ultralight camp shoes, they’re like Crocs but lighter. Vivobarefoot shoes are sturdier but they’re also more expensive.
7. Water shoes – You can get a pair of water shoes from most retail stores. Perfect for river crossings, water shoes made of a well-vented top fabric will help your feet dry faster.

Backpacking blunders to avoid

It seems easy enough to choose a pair of camp shoes, but how else can you prepare for backpacking? Avoid these backpacking blunders the next time you go hiking.

• Always test your gear – This step is crucial so your gear won’t fail you when you need it most. (Related: 10 super affordable survival items you can stock up on NOW without breaking your wallet.)
• Bring enough water/know where the nearest water source is – Always stay hydrated.
• Don’t cook in your tent – You can end up burning your tent or getting carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep your sleeping bag dry – Consider getting a waterproof container for your sleeping bag.
• Pack light – A lighter pack means you won’t get tired easily when hiking.

Read more articles about how to select the proper camping and survival gear at Gear.news.

Sources include:

GreenBelly.co

CleverHiker.com