The 5 Best Lightweight Backpacking Camp Shoes: Stay Comfortable After the Hike
When you finally roll into camp after a long hike, the last thing you want is to keep wearing your stiff, heavy boots. That’s where a good pair of lightweight backpacking camp shoes comes in. These are the shoes that let your feet breathe, recover, and stay dry without weighing down your pack.
Written By: Ian Freng-Meeteer
Last updated 18 May 2025
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Whether you’re crossing rivers, setting up camp, or just padding around the tent site, ultralight camp shoes are a small luxury that many thru-hikers now consider essential. From sandals that dry fast to insulated mules for shoulder-season warmth, we’ve rounded up the best lightweight backpacking camp shoes options for every backpacker.
What Are The Best Lightweight Backpacking Camp Shoes in 2025?
- The 5 Best Lightweight Backpacking Camp Shoes: Stay Comfortable After the Hike
- What Are The Best Lightweight Backpacking Camp Shoes in 2025?
- Why You Need Lightweight Backpacking Camp Shoes
- Best Lightweight Backpacking Camp Shoes (2025 Picks)
- For Summer Backpacking: Breathable and Ultralight
- For Colder Weather: Insulated, Cozy, and Durable
- Comparison Table: Best Tent Floor Mat in 2025
- 🔍 FAQs About Ultralight Backpacking Camp Shoes
- Final Thoughts: Ultralight Camp Shoes That Make a Big Impact
Why You Need Lightweight Backpacking Camp Shoes
Give Your Feet a Break
After miles on rocky trails, switching to something soft and flexible helps prevent blisters, swelling, and fatigue. Camp shoes let your feet recover faster.
Keep Your Tent Clean
Having a second pair of shoes to wear at camp keeps mud and trail grit out of your sleeping area. It also means your main boots stay dry overnight.
Versatility in Minimal Weight
Many ultralight camp shoes weigh under 10 ounces and compress easily. Some can double as water shoes, river crossing footwear, or emergency extras.
Best Lightweight Backpacking Camp Shoes (2025 Picks)
We’ve split our top picks into warm- and cold-weather use cases to help you match the right pair to your hiking conditions.
For Summer Backpacking: Breathable and Ultralight
1. Joomra Minimalist Barefoot Sock Shoes
What Makes Them Special:
These flexible, minimalist shoes feel like socks but offer enough sole grip to walk comfortably on gravel, grass, and trail surfaces. Designed to mimic barefoot movement, they’re ideal for backpackers who want full foot coverage in a featherweight package. While they might look a little goofy and take a bit to get used to these are my favorite for walking around camp after a long day of backpacking or hiking.
Best For
- Summer or warm weather trips
- Lightweight backpackers and thru-hikers
- Camp chores, lounging, or river crossings
Key Features
- Ultra-flexible sole
- Breathable knit upper
- Machine washable
- Weighs approx. 5.8 oz
- Compact and easy to compress
Why It Made the List:
Weighing in at under 6 oz per pair, these are among the lightest camp shoes available. They dry quickly, take up almost no space in your pack, and offer a break from your boots while still protecting your feet.
2. Xero Shoes Men’s Z-Trail EV Barefoot Hiking Sandals
What Makes Them Special:
The men’s Z-Trail EV offers durable, minimalist protection without sacrificing comfort. It’s built with Xero’s FeelLite™ sole, which gives just enough cushion while preserving ground feel—a perfect fit for hikers who want a responsive sandal that doesn’t absorb water.
Best For
- Lightweight summer backpacking
- Day hikes, basecamp wear, and water crossings
- Men seeking minimalist but rugged footwear
Key Features
- 10mm FeelLite™ sole with multi-directional tread
- Tubular webbing with secure Velcro straps
- Vegan-friendly materials
- Designed to contour broader feet
- Packs flat and dries fast
Why It Made the List:
At around 10.8 oz per pair, it’s one of the lightest true hiking sandals on the market. The updated design offers better traction and improved strap placement for male foot shapes.
3. Xero Shoes Women’s Z-Trail EV Barefoot Hiking Sandals
What Makes Them Special:
Tailored for the female foot, the women’s Z-Trail EV is narrower through the heel and arch, offering a snug but comfortable fit. Like the men’s version, it’s built to handle trail abuse without adding bulk or weight.
Best For
- Female backpackers and thru-hikers
- Warm climates and stream crossings
- Everyday outdoor wear
Key Features
- Lighter, slimmer fit for women’s foot shape
- 10mm FeelLite™ sole
- Barefoot-style comfort with full sole protection
- Vegan-friendly and zero drop
- Ultralight: approx. 9.6 oz per pair
Best For:
Why It Made the List:
This sandal gives you traction and support without compromising flexibility. Ideal for ultralight hikers who want breathable camp shoes that won’t weigh them down.
For Colder Weather: Insulated, Cozy, and Durable
4. The North Face Men’s Thermoball Traction Mule V
What Makes These Special:
This insulated slip-on is rugged enough for chilly mornings around the campsite, yet soft and flexible enough to wear inside the tent. The men’s version has a roomier toe box and thicker outsole for broader feet and heavier use.
Best For
- Cold-weather hiking and camping
- Basecamp lounging in cool temps
- Men needing warm, easy-on footwear
Key Features
- Durable ripstop upper with water-repellent finish
- Collapsible heel for slip-on ease
- Grippy rubber outsole with lugs
- ThermoBall™ insulation retains warmth when wet
- Approx. 16 oz per pair
Why It Made the List:
It’s a go-to cold-weather camp shoe with ThermoBall™ Eco insulation that keeps your feet warm without holding moisture. Ideal for basecamp, winter trips, or alpine conditions.
5. The North Face Women’s Thermoball Insulated Traction Mule V
What Makes These Special:
Designed with a narrower heel and arch, the women’s Thermoball Mule V gives a more tailored fit for female campers. It combines cozy insulation with a stylish, low-profile design that fits just as well in a tent as it does around a lodge fire.
Best For
- Female hikers in cool climates
- Winter car camping or alpine overnights
- Cold feet and cozy nights
Key Features
- ThermoBall™ Eco synthetic insulation
- Women-specific fit and styling
- Rubber outsole with traction lugs
- DWR-treated ripstop upper
- Approx. 14 oz per pair
Why It Made the List:
It’s rare to find a camp shoe this warm that still looks and feels lightweight. A favorite for shoulder-season hikers and cold-sleepers alike.
Comparison Table: Best Tent Floor Mat in 2025
| Product Name | Best For | Weight (Pair) | Weather Suitability | Style | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joomra Barefoot Sock Shoes (Unisex) | Ultralight backpacking | ~5.8 oz | Warm | Closed toe | Flexible knit, barefoot feel, dries fast |
| Xero Z-Trail EV – Men’s | Minimalist summer hiking | ~10.8 oz | Warm | Open sandal | Wide fit, durable sole, quick-dry |
| Xero Z-Trail EV – Women’s | Ultralight warm weather use | ~9.6 oz | Warm | Open sandal | Narrower fit, flexible straps, trail-capable |
| The North Face Thermoball Mule V – Men’s | Cold-weather basecamp | ~16 oz | Cold | Insulated mule | Roomy fit, rugged sole, synthetic insulation |
| The North Face Thermoball Mule V – Women’s | Cozy cold nights outdoors | ~14 oz | Cold | Insulated mule | Narrow fit, warm fleece, packable warmth |
🔍 FAQs About Ultralight Backpacking Camp Shoes
Do I really need a second pair of shoes for camp?
Yes—especially on longer trips. They let your boots dry, keep your tent clean, and give your feet a break. Plus, many camp shoes weigh less than half a pound.
Are barefoot-style shoes good for backpacking?
Yes. Minimalist shoes like the Joomra or Xero offer foot protection while staying flexible and breathable. They work well for short walks, chores, and water crossings.
Can camp shoes be used for river crossings?
Absolutely. Sandals like the Z-Trail EV are ideal—they dry quickly, have good grip, and won’t retain water.
Are insulated camp shoes worth it?
For cold weather or shoulder seasons, yes. Insulated mules like the Thermoball Traction keep your feet warm while still being easy to slip on and off.
How much should lightweight camp shoes weigh?
Most ultralight options weigh under 12 oz per pair. Minimalist sock shoes can be under 6 oz, while insulated shoes will be heavier.
Final Thoughts: Ultralight Camp Shoes That Make a Big Impact
When you’re counting ounces and trimming gear, it’s easy to overlook camp shoes. But the moment you peel off your hiking boots and slide into a soft, dry, ultralight pair? You’ll understand why experienced hikers swear by them.
If you’re trekking in warm weather, go with something breathable and quick-drying like the Xero Z-Trail sandals or the Joomra minimalist shoes. They’re light enough to carry, tough enough to protect, and versatile enough to double as water shoes.
In colder conditions, you’ll want something insulated. The North Face Thermoball Mules offer cozy warmth and durable soles for walking around damp campsites or chilly mornings.
The best part? All of these shoes are lightweight, packable, and add real value to your backpacking setup. Whether you’re chasing miles on a thru-hike or just car camping on a weekend trip, the right camp shoe turns your site into a place to truly relax.