Non-Slip Camp Shoes

I’ve been using some lightweight waterproof high tops for camp shoes and they’re good except they are like wearing ice skates on damp rocks. I fell last year and nearly lost it this year on several occasions. So, Im wondering what folks depend on to keep upright and dry in camp.

Wet, lichen covered rocks, are always a hazard for me as well. Shoe soles come in many different configurations, some of which are more sticky than others. A lot of times I'll see people recommend something like "vibram soles are the best" but vibram makes a lot of different soles, some of which are great on slippery surfaces and some that are not.

You'll want to try and find something that specifically states that it has a sticky sole. Many water shoes do and also approach shoes for climbing. Some manufacturers list the specific sole the shoes use, which can be a help.

Here is a link to Vibram that shows their variety and might help narrow down shoe choices:


Alan

This is what I wear:

Merrell Moab

These are my camp and portage shoes.

There is a men’s version too. I’ve never found anything totally slip-proof. I spent a lot of time slipping, I mean walking, on wet rocks this summer. These “stuck” better than the water shoes or booties, when I used them.

Erica said:

This is what I wear:

Merrell Moab

These are my camp and portage shoes.

There is a men’s version too. I’ve never found anything totally slip-proof. I spent a lot of time slipping, I mean walking, on wet rocks this summer. These “stuck” better than the water shoes or booties, when I used them.

Click to expand...

+1 I'm a Merrell fan too. I use water shoes on the boat then those in camp or hiking, just like Erica. I prefer the low quarter version of the Moab. Their QC dropped off for a few years, but they seem to be back on track after the last couple of pairs I had.

I'm always tempted to take a pair of sandals for around camp but, having broken my right ankle twice, it's become arthritic and I now wear boots with ankle support everywhere I go.

Around home, it's leather & steel toes but for backpacking & canoe trips, I use Salomon X Ultras (with an additional ankle brace).

Honestly, they're not as waterproof as I'd like them (I slather them with homemade seam sealer before every trip) but they're comfortable, they've held up well, are lightweight & have a pretty aggressive sole. I thought they were pricey when I bought them but I'd buy them again without hesitation.

Note: They tend to run really small... figure on ordering at least one size larger than your shoe size, especially if you wear heavier wool socks.