Lightest Camp shoes

On a lark I picked up some of the size XL zpacks (I wear a US M12). I can’t begin to describe how dumb these things are. They fit like the pajama feet we had as kids on our onesies. It’s like wearing swim flippers the way the broad toe flap catches on the ground. They might be fine standing around on level ground but they would be awful walking on even a mild side slope since there is zero structure to keep your feet from sliding around.

Nearly useless. Going back.

Ymmv.

 
On a lark I picked up some of the size XL zpacks (I wear a US M12). I can’t begin to describe how dumb these things are. They fit like the pajama feet we had as kids on our onesies. It’s like wearing swim flippers the way the broad toe flap catches on the ground. They might be fine standing around on level ground but they would be awful walking on even a mild side slope since there is zero structure to keep your feet from sliding around.

Nearly useless. Going back.

Ymmv.

After studying them online your report mirrors my initial guesstimate. Thanks for the report.

I’m shocked.  SHOCKED I tell you. 😒

That report aligns with my visual evaluation.

“They might be fine standing around on level ground but they would be awful walking on even a mild side slope since there is zero structure to keep your feet from sliding around.”

these aren’t. meant to be shoes….what did you expect? They’re meant for walking around camp after a long day of hiking. thongs don’t give structure on side slopes either. These are a lighter version of thongs. that’s all.

They are WAY too pricey for me.

Thongs I posted with heel diy heel strap easily handles technical terrain in camp such as rocky faces down to the lake to get water

It comes down to 2 things: a firm and grippy enough sole and stability on foot especially fore and aft, not shifting around when on an incline

sounds like a sizing issue

I wear thongs maybe 90% of the time. They are great in the dry, but as soon as I get them wet my feet lose all grip on the sole and slide around like mad. Very dangerous.

I am better off putting my joggers back on without any socks, and usually without doing up the laces. Which weighs zero and gives me great protection for my toes.

My 2c
Cheers

Use the heel strap, problem solved

I enter and exit water and climb rock slopes no problem site after site

I use a vbl over my socks or down booties if itz winter or cold out. If its warmer weather and my feet are dry, I just loosen my laces and wear my runners. Sometimes I bring the vbl if I think my runnes will be wet from hiking or if its raining out.  My time around camp is usually laying down resting/sleeping or sitting beside a cozy fire. The Zpacks look intriguing to me and I was so close to pulling the trigger but I hesitated because just not sure I need them..

Just want to note that wearing trail runners in water is not exactly “free” in terms of weight. The shoes (even fully synthetic) will soak up water and will weigh more when wet. Per the tests in this article https://www.backpacker.com/gear/footwear/topo-athletic-traverse-quick-drying-thru-hiking-shoe/ each shoe weighed 2.3-2.7 oz more when wet, and they took 3 hours to dry while hiking on a sunny day.

I’d prefer a slide vs thong so I could wear my bridgedale wpb socks in camp like I do in my Crocs when kayak camping.    But no one makes a light one in 14

For anyone else with duck feet, you know how hard it is to find EVA slippers.  After years of searching, found and bought these

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006683386004.html

They fit my size 14 6E feet perfectly.  5.7oz in clown size

Will be adding 0.3mm shock cord heel locks, adding ~ 0.1 oz.  Will probably cut breathing holes along the top strap, dropping more weight.

That link works for second then says 404.

Works for me on all my devices.  The title is a tidy

“Big Size 47 48 New Fashion Men’s Women’s Slippers Light EVA Comfortable Home Bathroom Anti-Slip Flip-Flops Summer Beach Sandals”

That link works for second then says 404

Same here.

Interesting.  The link works from my home devices (Canadian) but 404s from my work PC (US VPN)

Searching on the product description in my post might work

Follow up. Two seasons on these super light sandals and they’ve been great.  Adding a heel strap, they’ve been rock solid in numerous fast river crossings and the sole has had no problem protecting my feet on sharp rocks and roots.   I just reordered 2 pair to mod from the aliexpress vendor (Listen2Lu) in my earlier post and they sent one in the wrong size.  At first they just asked me to suck it up, then asked me to mail it back to china (which is ludicrous) so buyer beware.

The old link does work, but not for sale in my area. There’s other sellers though

I did find a flotation device that may help in water crossings.  Ali is always good for a laugh

NSFH

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPnsLFh

Lol, not quite there yet! :)

I did find a flotation device that may help in water crossings.  Ali is always good for a laugh

And only $150.  Such a bargain.

Air pump

None of the shoes can be shipped to my address.  You’re link is working though.

This is where I bought mine a couple years ago… I stocked up on 4 pairs.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804337394109.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.30.62411802iIO75M&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

How is the fit?

“It says that they’re small in size. Please don’t take pictures.”

It’s the larger sizes that aren’t available.

The 47 48 (when they send the right ones) are supposed to be US 14/15 and just fit my size 14 double wide feet, just long enough.  So probably about one size short and they run wide.

The 3mm stretch cord and toggle mod worked great

Love alib’s cheek, never saw diapers described as sexy before

I’ve never seen inflatable diapers. It could serve so many purposes. Creek crossings, sit pad. A few others I better not mention.