Last updated on November 15th, 2023 at 04:14 pm
The best shoes to wear for camping offer plenty of protection for all that summer fun. You’ll need shoes that can tackle a variety of activities, from water-resistant sandals for waterside paddling to trusty trainers capable of handling the trekking trails. The best camping shoes tick off most of the boxes when it comes to must-have features ready for a family adventure.
So, just what are the must-have elements and what are the top shoes in our range? Read on to find out.
What’s on this page:
Are camping shoes necessary?
Absolutely – comfort is key when on holiday and camping is no exception. Sore feet and painful blisters can spoil a day out in the sunshine. So, packing the right shoes for the job can make all the difference.
Take a look at your itinerary before deciding which shoes to pack. If you’ve got plenty of family-friendly walks planned, you might want to make sure everyone has a pair of sturdy hiking boots in their backpacks. Or, if you’re heading down to the river, easy-dry Crocs might be in order.
What are the best shoes for camping?
With so much choice available when it comes to camping shoes, it can be tough to know where to start.
We’ve done the hard work by researching and recommending our top camping shoes for family getaways and more. Read on to find out our favourites below.
Crocs Crocband Flip Adults Sandals
Perfect for fun-packed days on the campsite or lazing around on the beach, these versatile flip-flops come in navy or white and are great partner for swimwear, shorts or a sun dress. The lightweight design slots easily into most backpacks.
Crocs Crocband Flip Adults Sandals are ready to take you from campsite to the shops in a flash thanks to their comfortable design and sturdiness underfoot.
Top Tip: Crocs are easy to clean, just use a damp cloth and a bit of soap.
Hush Puppies Carter Trap Sandals
With these sandals, you can go to the river for a lazy morning and then for a quick walk around the campsite before enjoying burgers with friends.
Hush Puppies have been a staple of campers’ packs for decades and these are no exception. Water-resistant and with a soft suede lining for ultimate comfort, pack these sandals for an all-round option ideal for action-packed summer adventures.
Top Tip: Wear with shorts for the day or slacks for a cosy night around the campfire.
Ascot Shadow Men’s Black Lace Up Hiking Trainers
Hiking hills and trekking trails requires a comfortable, all-weather choice of footwear. These Ascot Shadow trainers come with a gripped sole, perfect for supporting your feet on the dales. Plus, they’ll offer further support to cope with muddy and wet conditions.
The wider toe box offers plenty of toe protection, with a thicker leather lining, meaning you can walk comfortably all day.
Top Tip: Make sure these are laced properly – check our guide to tying laces to help you get the right style for your feet to ensure maximum comfort.
Skechers Gowalk 5 Sun Kiss
The Skechers Gowalk 5 Sun Kiss are the perfect pair of lightweight camp shoes for rocking all summer long.
Whether you’re spending the day at the campsite, or exploring the sights and sounds of the local market, these open toe sandals support your feet and feature Comfort Pillar technology. The innovative rebound technology means each step is assisted by a soft sole that moulds to the shape of your foot for improved balance and longer-lasting heel care.
Top Tip: Easy to wear and made to match most summer outfits, these sandals come in blue and black and are easy to pack due to their lighter weight.
Cotswold Tormarton Men’s Navy Sandals
There’s nothing better after a long hike than cooling off at the local riverside. The Cotswold Tormaton Men’s Navy Sandals are purposefully designed for fishermen crossing streams, but can be adapted for family trips to quiet watersides and babbling brooks.
Top Tip: Bungee laces make for a snug fit for keeping feet supported while kayaking and paddling.
Cotswold Women’s Abbeydale Low Hiker
Having lightweight footwear is important when you haven’t got tons of space in a backpack or bag. Some hiking boots are large and clunky and take up too much room, but the Cotswold Women’s Abbeydale boots are lightweight enough to fit into your rucksack without taking up too much space.
They have the added bonus of being water-resistant too, so don’t panic if the sunny weather soon turns into a downpour.
Top Tip: Remember to break your boots in before you go on holiday to avoid blisters and sore heels.
Trespass Torrance Men’s Brown Closed Toe Sandals
As part of the Trespass range at shoezone, these closed toe sandals offer the breathable sides of a sandal but with the closed toe of a normal boot.
Easy fastening means these shoes can be slotted on and off with ease, ideal for leaving by the tent door when you don’t want to bring mud inside. The best camping shoes protect toes from stones and thorns and with a thick toe cap, your toes will be kept safe from the elements.
Top Tip: Pair with shorts or jeans for that easy switch from day to night.
Cotswold Women’s Sandhurst Sandal in Navy
You’ll look and feel good in these fabulous navy sandals from Cotswold. These are a stylish choice equally at home exploring the city centre as they are the campsite.
Perfect for keeping up with the smaller members of the party or for trekking up hill, they have double touch fastening straps for security and traction soles to give your feet stability, grip and added comfort.
Top Tip: Use a soft brush, water and soap to get rid of the sand from your beach trip.
Wrangler Crossy Peak Men’s Navy Lace Up Shoe
With cushioned soles and breathable mesh upper, these hiking shoe/trainer hybrids are perfect for shorter walks during your trip.
Top Tip: They also have gripped soles, but be careful on that rough terrain. Tying your laces properly will ensure maximum protection from slips and trips.
Cotswold Women’s Stowell Hiking Boot
These hiking boots are a stunning grey and light pink colour, adding a little style to your backpacking trip.
The Cotswold range includes some of the best camping shoes and these are no exception, fully breathable and waterproof, they also have the comfort sole to keep you feeling good on the trekking trail.
Top Tip: Pair the boots with our pink. navy and grey boot socks for further protection and added comfort.
For even more style tips and guides on our favourite footwear, check out the shoezone blog.
