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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Crocs (the BEST camp shoe?)
 
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mmrocker13
04/29/2022 01:21PM
 
We do water shoes (moving/portaging, and swimming if needed) and camp shoes (everything else...in camp and fishing).


Husband has Salomon water shoes and hikers; I have Keen newport H2 and keen hikers. I also have a pair of very old teva mush flip flops I carry. If I can get away with it, those are my preferred shoes.

I don't care for crocs...for some reason my feet feel sweaty and slidey and gross in them.
 
LaVirginienne
07/11/2022 03:02PM
 
Lawnchair107: "LaVirginienne: "My camp shoes in summer are Crocs Stillwater sandals. Love them! They are very different from standard Crocs. Several features endear them to me, the biggest of which is the feather weight. Check them out. "



Croc Swiftwaters?"



Yep thank you!
 
HowardSprague
04/30/2022 08:16AM
 
Blatz: "boonie: "I'm the outlier - never liked Crocs even at home. In camp I prefer a hiking/running shoe that ties on securely and grips well on wet rock. " No your not. Like me, there's plenty of Crocs dislikers out there. They have holes so your dignity has somewhere to go."
Yep, though I hear the pluses, Crocs - I just can’t, no way.
For camp I generally bring my Keen sandals. The only downside of them is with the snug fit it’s not as quick to put them on getting out of the tent in the middle of the night to pee. I might just bring my old OluKai slip-on sneakers next time..

 
PeaceFrog
05/03/2022 02:09PM
 
I just bought my first pair to try on this years trip so the jury is out for my experience with them at camp. I’ve been wearing them around the house a bit and I do like how light weight they are, but dang it is hard to get past how goofy I think they look. I’m a boot guy even in the hot summer. Kids make fun of me cause it always looks like I have socks on with tan legs. Lol
 
Lawnchair107
09/25/2022 07:28PM
 

Every time I see pics of these guys when canoeing in cool to cold temps they are in boots similar to Muck boots. Even in summer, none of them are in Crocs. Some type of sandals designed like Keenes or Tiva's maybe, but I have yet to see a professional guide wearing. . .or recommending. . .crocs
"



Does that matter? When talking camp shoes, it’s very hard to beat crocs in terms of comfortability, lightweight, and ability to dry.


My 2 cents
 
NebraskaDano
05/09/2022 02:03PM
 
I have recently been using a pair of Salomon TechAmphibeans. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever used in the BWCA. I also bring a pair of Sanuks. My feet get the royal treatment in the BWCA.
 
Catrina
07/15/2022 09:37PM
 
I have tried crocks but they don't work for me, blisters, rocks....all that.
I am old and have foot and ankle issues. I must have good hiking boots with ankle support for rocky portages when I have weight on my back. I also have a nice canoe so I wet foot it. Neopreen boots they are good for swimming too and I use them to dump water on my head to get clean. I just tie them to the outside of the pack when portaging. I do take another pair of shoes. Super light weight and small Merrill bearfoots for around camp. These always stay dry. The boots are waterproof so the are good in bad weather when I don't want to get the Merrills wet. I take the time to change before portaging. What's the hurry? You don't want a broken ankle do you? This is about the only weight thing that I do which an ultra light tripper would question. Everyone has their thing. Mine is footware. I don't get cold feet either, because they are dry unless I'm in the water.
Catrina
 
IndyCanoe
04/29/2022 09:29AM
 
I also love crocs as camp shoes and take them on every canoe trip. Agreed they look ridiculous but they are comfortable, easy to put on, and dry fast. The heal strap on the pair that I have is adjustable allowing me to get a better fit. As long as I use the heal strap in "4 wheel drive" I don't have the issues of my feet slipping around in the shoe or traction on uneven ground.
 
ockycamper
04/29/2022 10:31AM
 
Crocs provide no support for ankles, are poor for gripping in wet areas, are not waterproof. I can't come up with one thing that Crocs to well in an area like BWCA compared to other camp shoes. And worst of all, a lot of them are almost as expensive as real shoes.
 
LilyPond
04/28/2022 04:49PM
 
I think Crocs don't hold the foot securely enough for walking on uneven ground and rocks. Agree they're ankle breakers. But I do still take them on every trip---Crocs knockoffs, that is. Current Crocs full retail price is $65.


A company called Dawgs made a wonderful cheap version of Crocs for $15. They were more comfortable than Crocs. Crocs won a lawsuit against Dawgs but Dawgs are back on the market for $35: Dawgs Those look identical on top to the ones I had but the sole looks slippery.


A shoe that feels better than Crocs and is more secure is the Teva Omnium Drift---a rubber version of the Omnium. I don't know if they're still making them. I got mine for $15 on Amazon. With a shoe like this that has a semi-closed heel you can insert any kind of footbed to increase comfort. That's also true of the nylon Omnium, a great camp shoe (or used to be before the Omnium II "upgrade").



 
boonie
04/28/2022 06:00PM
 
I'm the outlier - never liked Crocs even at home. In camp I prefer a hiking/running shoe that ties on securely and grips well on wet rock.
 
andym
04/28/2022 05:48PM
 
My problem with Crocs is that they take up a lot of pack space. But I have taken them at times. I like that they dry very fast.


My usual mix are Quetico trekker boots for travel days. Keen sandals for lighter weight wet shoes for day trips, a bit of hiking, swimming depending on the conditions and backup for travel days if something happens to my boots. For dry wear in camp I wear a pair of Sanuks. They are very light weight and take up little pack space.

The keens are heavier and dry slower than Crocs but fill more roles.
 
Frenchy19
04/28/2022 08:13PM
 
boonie: "I'm the outlier - never liked Crocs even at home. In camp I prefer a hiking/running shoe that ties on securely and grips well on wet rock. "


Agree
 
jillpine
04/29/2022 01:45PM
 
+1, another fan of the indecorous croc

 
fadersup
04/28/2022 09:24PM
 
Blatz: "boonie: "I'm the outlier - never liked Crocs even at home. In camp I prefer a hiking/running shoe that ties on securely and grips well on wet rock. " No your not. Like me, there's plenty of Crocs dislikers out there. They have holes so your dignity has somewhere to go."


I thought those holes were there to let rocks and dirt into your socks. Thanks for clarifying.
 
SinglePortage
07/14/2022 06:18PM
 
Crocs are a great camp shoe. Ankle supporting boots lead to weak ankles over time. Many years coaching volleyball and talking with physical therapists have taught me that.


With that said, if you know that you have weak ankles and don't have to the time to strengthen them, by all means stick to something with good support, but be careful. Weak ankles can twist or break even if you are wearing boots with good ankle support.
 
mgraber
09/29/2022 04:16PM
 
ockycamper: "I guess it depends on when you go. We go last week of September. I could not go this year but our 3 groups are up on Red Rock Lake now. Temps at night have been in the 20's. Insulated Muck boots feel pretty good as camp shoes in that environment. Also, we have found that most of the "trails" to the latrine involve uneven trails and in most cases for us, uphill climbs. I have found leather ankle high boots that hold your foot secure best suited for that.



Probably our age. Most of us are in our 50's and 60's. We don't even own a pair of crocs."



I would wear boots that time of year also!
 
Sparkeh
09/08/2022 11:52AM
 
Croc hate is similar to Nickleback hate. Haha maybe not though.
Best house or camp shoe in my opinion but I haven't tried other options in 9 years.
 
ockycamper
09/08/2022 12:01PM
 
How can anyone possibly compare shoes (using the term lightly) like crocs made in China to American made leather shoes and boots designed for outdoor use, hiking and climbing?
 
ogarza
09/08/2022 03:33PM
 
ockycamper: "How can anyone possibly compare shoes (using the term lightly) like crocs made in China to American made leather shoes and boots designed for outdoor use, hiking and climbing?"


Because around camp you don't need any of the advantages the leather boots provide, but when traveling or doing a portage you can use all of the advantages the croc does provide, like being super light weight.

Why carry around an extra pair of clunky, heavy shoes that take too long to dry?
 
Unas10
05/03/2022 07:06PM
 
How long do you think it will be before you can download your Croc purchase to your 3-D printer?
 
Mapmaker
05/10/2022 08:37AM
 
Mapmaker: "pcallies: "Has anyone tried the Teva ReEmber as a camp shoe? I've used tennis shoes, crocs, and waterproof hiking shoes. I like the waterproof hikers, but they're big and heavy to pack."



I just ordered a pair of Teva ReEmbers over the weekend, will give you a report when they come in. "



Teva ReEmber came in. I like them, somewhere between a sneaker and slipper. The pair weighs just over a pound. Thinner sole than a sneaker, but should be fine around camp or on short walks. No real ankle support, the stretch backs can be worn up to "lock in" your foot or flopped down under your heel like a slipper. Seem warm, comfortable around the house and yard. Will give them a true field test in two weeks... can't wait!
 
pcallies
05/10/2022 09:27AM
 
Mapmaker: "Teva ReEmber came in. I like them, somewhere between a sneaker and slipper. The pair weighs just over a pound. Thinner sole than a sneaker, but should be fine around camp or on short walks. No real ankle support, the stretch backs can be worn up to "lock in" your foot or flopped down under your heel like a slipper. Seem warm, comfortable around the house and yard. Will give them a true field test in two weeks... can't wait!"


Thanks, MapMaker.
 
LetsGoFishing
05/10/2022 11:45AM
 
Thanks to this thread, I just bought a pair of Teva ReEmbers for my wife and myself. I needed something easy to slip on with socks on for my nighttime pee run and for putzing around camp. These seem to fit the bill just right.
 
Zanzinger
05/31/2022 08:46AM
 
My group is heavy on the Crocs and I cannot understand the desire to wear them while navigating wet rocks. I want my shoes to be secure to my feet, basically the opposite of how my experience with Crocs has been. They seem to love them though so maybe I'm the dummy.
 
egknuti
04/29/2022 11:27AM
 
I used a pair of the original Crocs once. My feet slid around too much and I ended up with a few blisters. I later bought a pair of Croc sandals with straps and somewhat similar to Teva's and they were a lot better.
 
OMGitsKa
04/28/2022 07:40PM
 
I bought a pair of Merrell Hydro Moc from Sierra Trading Post pretty much a croc and they are great/affordable.
 
Driftless
04/28/2022 03:05PM
 
Love my Crocs in camp!
 
MarshallPrime
04/28/2022 01:06PM
 
We always take 2 pairs of shoes on every BW trip:
Our water/Hiking sandals (keens) or Hiking, waterproof boots
AND
Camp Shoes (used to always be the lightest tennis shoes we owned)

Our camp shoes are NEVER gotten wet and worn with warm socks usually in the evenings and mornings, never in the canoe or down near water.

I LOVE Crocs (or the cheap knock off) around camp. They protect your toes, are SUPER light for portaging in my clothes pack and if they do get wet, they dry in seconds where as tennis shoes could take days to dry.

I never wear them out at home because, according to my wife, they look horrible. But for the BW, they are perfect.

Just thought I would toss this out there to see what other people think or see if others do the same or perhaps save some people some weight in their packs.




 
Northwoodsman
04/28/2022 02:38PM
 
I like certain styles of Crocs and they are often my camp shoe of choice, just not the original Croc that many people think of. I think they are ankle breakers. Too many rocks, ruts, and roots and around the campsite and on the trail to the throne. I like lightweight Sketchers or Crocs, the lighter the better, and they must be easy to get on so I'm not tempted to wear them in the tent.
 
SlickNorthwoods
04/28/2022 02:49PM
 
MarshallPrime:
I LOVE Crocs (or the cheap knock off) around camp. They protect your toes, are SUPER light for portaging in my clothes pack and if they do get wet, they dry in seconds where as tennis shoes could take days to dry.


"



I do agree on the lightness factor and that they dry fast. Its nice that they are able to be strapped to the outside of a pack or something pretty easily too. My issue is that they seem to rub my feet RAW when they do get wet and frankly I don't feel all too confident on rocks and whatnot with them.
 
unshavenman
04/28/2022 06:04PM
 
boonie: "I'm the outlier - never liked Crocs even at home. In camp I prefer a hiking/running shoe that ties on securely and grips well on wet rock. "
+1
 
OldTripper
04/29/2022 07:16AM
 
OMGitsKa: "I bought a pair of Merrell Hydro Moc from Sierra Trading Post pretty much a croc and they are great/affordable."
I have used Crocs in the past but just recently got these to try out. They seem good so far. They definitely fit better than a Croc.
 
jwmiller39
04/29/2022 01:03PM
 
Crocs are the best. Haters gonna hate.


My favorite is when someone who wears keens talks about how bad crocs look. The pot calling the kettle black
 
boonie
04/29/2022 07:24AM
 
I am not alone. I feel so much better now. Thanks. ;)


There sure are a lot of people who like them though . . .
 
BearBurrito
04/29/2022 09:44AM
 
I don't take crocs to the Boundary Waters, I only trip in shoulder seasons and they don't keep my feet warm. But summers at the lake I wear them exclusively. I am barefoot a lot, but if I have shoes on they are crocs. Luckily for me with a wife and three kids I don't have any dignity left to drain out of the holes!
 
ockycamper
04/29/2022 01:09PM
 
Crocs footwear is manufactured in China, Vietnam, Italy, Bosnia, Mexico, and Indonesia.


Here is my camp shoe: Crocs footwear is manufactured in China, Vietnam, Italy, Bosnia, Mexico, and Indonesia. Georgia Boots Romeos
 
ForestDuff
04/29/2022 06:10PM
 
My end of the day camp shoes are Steger Tracker Moccasins.
They are pretty much camp slippers that I take on fall and winter trips.
Low top mukluks without the felt liner.
I've always referred to them as my "Woodland Fairy Boots".
Still more manly than Crocs though. *wink*

 
pcallies
04/30/2022 11:52AM
 
Has anyone tried the Teva ReEmber as a camp shoe? I've used tennis shoes, crocs, and waterproof hiking shoes. I like the waterproof hikers, but they're big and heavy to pack.
 
Subsailor
05/01/2022 08:25AM
 
Definitely. Comfortable, dry in a heartbeat and good grip on rocks
 
TRadam
04/30/2022 09:40PM
 

 
Mapmaker
05/02/2022 08:33AM
 
pcallies: "Has anyone tried the Teva ReEmber as a camp shoe? I've used tennis shoes, crocs, and waterproof hiking shoes. I like the waterproof hikers, but they're big and heavy to pack."


I just ordered a pair of Teva ReEmbers over the weekend, will give you a report when they come in.
 
MarshallPrime
05/02/2022 09:06AM
 
Good discussion.
Thanks for chiming in everyone and keeping it kind.


No big deal if some people can't get past the look. Other benefits outweigh them in my opinion, just wanted to get the idea out there for others to think about.


Have great trips this year everyone.


Share other thoughts/ideas like this, you never know what might work for ya.
 
papalambeau
05/02/2022 01:53PM
 
Can't believe I'm saying this but we all use Crocs in camp. Started out with my boys bringing them along and then the grandkids. I said I would never wear those ugly plastic things but they were always putting them on so quick and easy that I was impressed. The next Father's Day I received a pair of camo Crocs and I have taken them along on every BW trip since. You can't beat them for around camp on land or in the water.
 
JuanCarlos
05/02/2022 11:35AM
 
I love Crocs. Though they were the ugliest shoe ever made, but got them for a Quetico trip several years ago because they are so lightweight. Now I wear them almost every day of my life unless I have to dress up for work - soooo comfortable, looks be damned.


However, on my trip, I did not like them around camp because there was NO support and I constantly felt like I was going to twist my ankle. I think it is just a matter of personal preference. You probably won't find a lighter or more comfortable shoe to pack for camp, but be aware that they don't give much support walking around campsite.
 
pastorjsackett
05/12/2022 07:07AM
 
I don't hate Crocs but after a day in the boat with my Keens or after portaging in them, my feet are cold and wet so in camp I prefer a solid, tied up (with socks) shoe feel. It just feels so good with the support/warmth/comfort only a shoe can give when I'm in camp, gathering firewood or jumping around on rocks. I know they weigh more than crocs but it's worth it to me to have some nice, dry tennis shoes for camp.
 
ockycamper
05/15/2022 06:13PM
 
It would be interesting knowing the ages of the "love crocs" group and the "hate crocs" group. We take a group of men up every September. After 15 years, they all have gravitated to Muck boots while underway and portaging. When in camp they switch out to various leather ankle height waterproof hiking boots. Youngest in the group is probably 45. Most are over 60. When you are making multiple bathroom trips at night no one wants to try to navigate a campsite in the dark in crocs.
 
AceAceAce
05/15/2022 09:59PM
 
tumblehome: "The problem with Crocs is when you pee you can feel all the little drops of splatter hit your feet. At least with shoes you don’t really know about the spray. Sorry.
Tom"



Best. Quote. Ever.


I'm planning on trying a pair of crocs for the 1st time this week on a trip. Now I'll be thinking about this while peeing my dignity away.
 
tumblehome
05/16/2022 12:17PM
 
I'll admit, the peeing on your feet thing was stolen from another forum. I've never been called an older gentleman. I've never even been called a gentleman. Some yougin's have called me sir which is weird. I'm just a dude.
I'm 54 so I'm old to some people and youg to others.


But in all honesty, if you are at a urinal, you can feel the pee on your feet if you are 20 or 60. Just saying.


Tom

 
A1t2o
05/16/2022 01:14PM
 
@ockycamper, I'm 34 and I like crocks because they slip on easy and weigh next to nothing. I usually manage to keep my feet dry on portages though. This year, I'm going to try wet footing and maybe I'll change my tune.


@tumblehome, I don't know about anyone else, but I only wear my crocs camping and there aren't any urinals out there. So splash back in the woods is more of a "go for distance" type of problem. You can probably see where the age comment comes in from there.
 
AndyEck84
05/05/2022 01:35PM
 
I think it depends on your agility and ankle elasticity. I consider myself pretty agile (I'll jog with the canoe on my shoulders if I'm really feeling stupid) and my ankles are made of rubber. I can twist an ankle and recover in 5 seconds. If you're at all like me (sorry), then Crocs are the perfect option for BWCA. I don't bring anything else other than a couple pairs of socks.
 
A1t2o
05/10/2022 09:43AM
 
I wear crocs on trips. I clip them to my pack so they don't take up room. I like them because they are so lightweight and fit my wide feet. I wear them in camp and when fishing. 100% agree that there is no ankle support, but I don't usually have a whole lot of ankle support when I do other activities so I'm used to it. There is enough natural ankle support for walking around camp if those muscles are in decent shape.
 
tumblehome
05/11/2022 09:39AM
 
The problem with Crocs is when you pee you can feel all the little drops of splatter hit your feet. At least with shoes you don’t really know about the spray. Sorry.
Tom
 
MarshallPrime
05/11/2022 01:10PM
 
I do not think that is just a Croc issue...flip flops, bare feet, many sandals...also, my guess is you must be an older gentleman.
 
A1t2o
05/11/2022 01:13PM
 
MarshallPrime: "I do not think that is just a Croc issue...flip flops, bare feet, many sandals...also, my guess is you must be an older gentleman. "


I wasn't going to go there, but I might have been thinking the same thing...
 
bloody stump
05/31/2022 09:20AM
 
Brought crocs once and wont again....along with no ankle support/etc they have very little resistance to puncture from sticks/etc on the sole. A hiking boot/shoe is my go to camp footwear, pack them right and they will be dry when you arrive at camp
 
Jwennerb
05/30/2022 11:26PM
 
If I can only bring one pair of shoes, it would be crocs. Comfy, dry fast, protect your toes, and if things get a little dicey on a portage just kick them into four-wheel drive and you're good to go. Not to mention they're a fashion staple. I usually pack 2 pair of shoes, keens/hiking boots depending on time of year and crocs, but find that I wear crocs 75% of the time anyway.
 
LaVirginienne
06/01/2022 08:43PM
 
My camp shoes in summer are Crocs Stillwater sandals. Love them! They are very different from standard Crocs. Several features endear them to me, the biggest of which is the feather weight. Check them out.
 
jillpine
07/01/2022 07:27PM
 
Happy Fourth of July to my American friends.
With my dignity intact,
JillPine

 
PowerLizard
07/01/2022 08:38PM
 
jillpine: "Happy Fourth of July to my American friends.
With my dignity intact,
JillPine
"

Does anyone know the melting point of Crocs?
 
Lawnchair107
07/01/2022 08:01PM
 
LaVirginienne: "My camp shoes in summer are Crocs Stillwater sandals. Love them! They are very different from standard Crocs. Several features endear them to me, the biggest of which is the feather weight. Check them out. "


Croc Swiftwaters?
 
jillpine
07/01/2022 09:58PM
 
PowerLizard: "jillpine: "Happy Fourth of July to my American friends.
With my dignity intact,
JillPine
"

Does anyone know the melting point of Crocs?"



The world may never know. Mine are intact. ;)
 
JohnGalt
07/02/2022 09:34AM
 
I rock sandals (also Keens, I'm iffy on if i like them)
Ankle-high hiking shoes (also Keens & I like them a bit more than the sandals)
Flip-flops

Around camp, I wear the ankle boots or flip-flops depending on temp & what I'm doing. Most recently, I was experimenting with barefoot around camp & enjoyed it, though only limited to right around camp & not off the 'beaten path'.

Canoeing/portaging I'll wear the sandals if my feet are going to get wet, the hiking shoes if it is a rough portage. Changing footwear doesnt take long & I put whichever pair isn't being worn into my lumbar pack w socks & a rag to dry my feet.
 
Heyfritty
07/02/2022 09:15PM
 
AndyEck84: "I think it depends on your agility and ankle elasticity. I consider myself pretty agile (I'll jog with the canoe on my shoulders if I'm really feeling stupid) and my ankles are made of rubber. I can twist an ankle and recover in 5 seconds. If you're at all like me (sorry), then Crocs are the perfect option for BWCA. I don't bring anything else other than a couple pairs of socks."


I’m lucky also. I’ve turned my ankles a number of times, but never sprained them. I think that helps because once you’ve sprained it, it seems you don’t have the same strength/stability.


I just took my 2nd trip with crocs(knockoffs $10), and didn’t know what I was missing. I absolutely love them. The lightness, traction, easy on/off and quick drying all are better than my old standby tennis shoes. The cushioning on solid rock that you get at many campsites makes them feel smoother. I do agree that if you walk around much in wet crocs, they squeak and cause blisters.


When in camp, I particularly like them when I’m in and out of the canoe a number of times. I always wear wool socks, so getting in/out I take my socks off, get in the canoe and let my feet and crocs dry off in a few minutes. Then they’re back on. The ease of taking them off means I never think it’s a hassle to go through that process. I’ll even wear them in 4WD on portages that I know are easy.


Fritty
 
woodsandwater
07/12/2022 03:05PM
 
I am 65 and love my tie-dye color Crocs to wear around camp! Keen H2O'S when paddling and portaging. My Crocs are light weight and very comfortable. If cooler in the evening I just throw a pair of socks on. They have a good tread for walking along the shoreline or heading up the trail to the throne!
 
LilyPond
07/12/2022 01:32PM
 
Heyfritty: I just took my 2nd trip with crocs(knockoffs $10)


Do you have a link for your Croc knockoffs? Knockoffs were not available in the US for a long time because Crocs had a lawsuit pending against Dawgs (may be a Canadian company?), which was making similar but better and cheaper rubber clogs. I think Dawgs won that lawsuit last year and began making clogs again, but tripled the price. (Hope I got my facts right.) Knockoffs used to be widely available and I preferred them over Crocs, which I find too hard under the foot.
 
Chieflonewatie
07/12/2022 03:05PM
 
Crocs rule!
 
jlw034
05/16/2022 07:54AM
 
Another vote for the ReEmber. Water resistant, warm, easy on. Perfect camp shoe.
 
mgraber
07/14/2022 11:36AM
 
After making fun of them for years I have finally joined the Croc army, ugh. Muck boots for portaging/traveling and Crocs in camp. I HATE wet feet, and I do mean HATE! WE fish and move a lot so we are always getting our feet wet. Crocs dry almost instantly and if you carry footie socks in a pocket you can quickly switch from water mode to dry mode. I do miss the support of a good hiking boot, but did I mention that I HATE wet feet? Water sandals can take hours to dry and other than looks offer no more traction or support than crocs. I wore Keens and Tevas for years but got tired of wet blistered feet. Crocs are comfy, and can be used as a slipper or with the strap down as a sandal, and are as light as air.
 
papalambeau
07/14/2022 12:25PM
 
My wife just joined the Crocs Crowd this week. She loves them even though they don't look as sexy as her sandals :)
 
Heyfritty
07/16/2022 07:38PM
 
Do you have a link for your Croc knockoffs? Knockoffs were not available in the US for a long time because Crocs had a lawsuit pending against Dawgs (may be a Canadian company?), which was making similar but better and cheaper rubber clogs. I think Dawgs won that lawsuit last year and began making clogs again, but tripled the price. (Hope I got my facts right.) Knockoffs used to be widely available and I preferred them over Crocs, which I find too hard under the foot."


I actually stumbled on them at the end of the season at Walmart. I think they were at a reduced price. I even bought a $5 pair of sandals there, but have never worn them. Once I’ve used the crocs, I’ll never need them.



 
ogarza
09/07/2022 11:50PM
 
I'd wear the closed crocs as a camp shoe if they weren't THE most uncomfortable shoes I've ever used. They are impossible to wear if your second toe is longer than your big toe.
 
roamingart
09/15/2022 09:24PM
 
It’s funny to see the different responses. I’ve done a trip where I only brought Chacos and I’ll wear them with wool socks for the evenings. I love crocs on local lakes at home, but prefer my Chacos for a sandal I get wet and hike in when camping. This last trip I packed hiking boots along with my chacos, it was nice to have a warm boot, but I didn’t care much for hauling them around.
 
roamingart
09/15/2022 09:31PM
 
SinglePortage: "Crocs are a great camp shoe. Ankle supporting boots lead to weak ankles over time. Many years coaching volleyball and talking with physical therapists have taught me that.



With that said, if you know that you have weak ankles and don't have to the time to strengthen them, by all means stick to something with good support, but be careful. Weak ankles can twist or break even if you are wearing boots with good ankle support."



Interesting thought! I did not know that.
 
ockycamper
09/25/2022 03:15PM
 
ogarza: "ockycamper: "How can anyone possibly compare shoes (using the term lightly) like crocs made in China to American made leather shoes and boots designed for outdoor use, hiking and climbing?"



Because around camp you don't need any of the advantages the leather boots provide, but when traveling or doing a portage you can use all of the advantages the croc does provide, like being super light weight.


Why carry around an extra pair of clunky, heavy shoes that take too long to dry?"



I realize that shoe choice is depending on time of year. However, I have yet to see or hear of any serious outdoor guides that do canoe hike/treks that are wearing crocs. I know a few that do trips in Canada and have been taking groups "out back" for years. Every time I see pics of these guys when canoeing in cool to cold temps they are in boots similar to Muck boots. Even in summer, none of them are in Crocs. Some type of sandals designed like Keenes or Tiva's maybe, but I have yet to see a professional guide wearing. . .or recommending. . .crocs

 
papalambeau
09/27/2022 02:01PM
 
Lawnchair107: "
Every time I see pics of these guys when canoeing in cool to cold temps they are in boots similar to Muck boots. Even in summer, none of them are in Crocs. Some type of sandals designed like Keenes or Tiva's maybe, but I have yet to see a professional guide wearing. . .or recommending. . .crocs
"




Does that matter? When talking camp shoes, it’s very hard to beat crocs in terms of comfortability, lightweight, and ability to dry.



My 2 cents"



+1 - Wholeheartedly agree for around camp. Can't beat 'em.
 
ockycamper
09/28/2022 10:50AM
 
I guess it depends on when you go. We go last week of September. I could not go this year but our 3 groups are up on Red Rock Lake now. Temps at night have been in the 20's. Insulated Muck boots feel pretty good as camp shoes in that environment. Also, we have found that most of the "trails" to the latrine involve uneven trails and in most cases for us, uphill climbs. I have found leather ankle high boots that hold your foot secure best suited for that.


Probably our age. Most of us are in our 50's and 60's. We don't even own a pair of crocs.
 
mgraber
09/28/2022 10:24AM
 
ockycamper: "ogarza: "ockycamper: "How can anyone possibly compare shoes (using the term lightly) like crocs made in China to American made leather shoes and boots designed for outdoor use, hiking and climbing?"




Because around camp you don't need any of the advantages the leather boots provide, but when traveling or doing a portage you can use all of the advantages the croc does provide, like being super light weight.



Why carry around an extra pair of clunky, heavy shoes that take too long to dry?"




I realize that shoe choice is depending on time of year. However, I have yet to see or hear of any serious outdoor guides that do canoe hike/treks that are wearing crocs. I know a few that do trips in Canada and have been taking groups "out back" for years. Every time I see pics of these guys when canoeing in cool to cold temps they are in boots similar to Muck boots. Even in summer, none of them are in Crocs. Some type of sandals designed like Keenes or Tiva's maybe, but I have yet to see a professional guide wearing. . .or recommending. . .crocs
"



The discussion is about "camp shoes", not shoes for canoeing or portaging. We wear boots for that, but they are hot and sweaty if worn all the time, and even Tevas/Keens get wet and take awhile to dry. Crocs are always dry, protect the toes, are extremely light, and for many, very comfortable. What else do you need for a strictly camp shoe?



 
Blatz
04/28/2022 06:53PM
 
boonie: "I'm the outlier - never liked Crocs even at home. In camp I prefer a hiking/running shoe that ties on securely and grips well on wet rock. " No your not. Like me, there's plenty of Crocs dislikers out there. They have holes so your dignity has somewhere to go.
 
Unas10
05/01/2022 07:31AM
 
Crocs forever...literally.


From what I have read, they will not decompose. So, 12K years from now anthropologists will be discussing the religious meanings behind this odd footwear as they are dug from our midden hills.