Ultralight Camp Shoes: The Best Packable Options for Bikepacking

For the longest time, I didn’t even consider bringing camp shoes with me while bikepacking. I got into the habit of riding early and finishing late and rarely ended up in situations where I needed different footwear, whether at camp or off the bike in between rides. These days, I find myself mixing more off-bike adventures into my bikepacking trips, appreciate time hanging around at camp in the mornings, and have been on a few of my longest multi-week trips that make an extra set of sandals or ultralight camp shoes essential.

The thing is, spare shoes aren’t always easy to pack. Even packing a pair of dollar store flip-flops or Crocs can be tricky, as they are bulky and usually end up strapped to the outside of a seat bag or pannier. On the other hand, proper sandals capable of light hiking and walking are bulky and heavy, and they rarely make the cut. The weight-weenies and anti-danglers can rest easy knowing there are a handful of camp shoes available that are both lightweight and packable, making them perfect for us bikepackers who want to air out our feet after a long day.

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In this roundup, I got my hands (and feet) on six of the top-rated packable and ultralight camp shoes that seemed to have the potential to be perfect for bikepacking. Beyond being feathery light and easy to pack, all of them are sturdy enough to get around at camp. Find mini reviews for each, including photos, pros/cons, where we think they work best. And, find a list of even more camp shoes we identified below that.

Xero Genesis

260 grams/pair (Size 9) / Made in China / $45 at XeroShoes.com

Inspired by the barefoot running movement, Xero is owned by husband and wife team Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix. They first launched under the name Feel The World, Inc. in 2009 and have since expanded their lineup to include a wide range of styles, including shoes, boots, and sandals. The Xero Genesis is inspired by their earliest DIY sandal kits and is one of the lightest and most flexible sandals they’ve produced.

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I ended up using the Xero Genesis sandals on a number of quick overnighters this summer and found them to be some of my favourite camp shoes. They offer a surprising amount of protection from the ground considering the thickness of the sole, they have a slight contour that holds the foot, and the soft cord and achilles straps do a good job at keeping my feet in place. The sole is made from a super dense 5mm thick rubber and comes with a 5,000-mile warranty. Plus, they are easily foldable/rollable and burly enough for short hikes on easy terrain. If the fit isn’t quite right, Xero says you can simply trim the rubber to fit your feet. The only complaint I have is that the front of the sole, due to its flexibility, can sometimes catch the ground and fold back under the sandal. Although, since I’m not running marathons in mine like some people supposedly do, it’s not a deal breaker.

Mayfly Imago

51 grams/pair (Size 9) / Made in USA / $40 at MayflyUltralight.com

Mayfly takes ultralight footwear to an entirely new level. Originally imagined while preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail, Jonny Waldman designed their sandals to be “absurdly lightweight” and perfect for ultralight backpackers, and they work great for bikepacking as well. The Mayfly Imagos are a “Chaco-style” sandal that weigh less than a Snickers bar and are so thin that they easily slide into a frame bag or hip pack. They are made from a Coroplast base, strong nylon cord, and have five adjustment points, which is impressive considering their weight and size.

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The Mayfly Imago’s are comically lightweight. The size 11 I tested weigh in at just 54 grams, making them the lightest option in this roundup. However, their weight and construction also means they are the most minimalist and least comfortable compared to the rest. In my eyes, they are best reserved for hanging around at camp, quick walks to the outhouse, and not much else. Although the lack of support and grip isn’t ideal for longer walks, the adjustable corded closure is quite functional, and it allows the use of a camp sock on colder evenings.

Shamma Maximus

Lucas Winzenburg link

255 grams/pair (Size 9) / Made in USA / $109.95 at ShammaSandals.com

I’ve been wearing various Shamma sandals since our 2016 scouting trip of the Tian Shan Traverse in Kyrgyzstan. Wanting a minimalist sandal that could work for river crossings and give my feet a break around camp, I took a gamble and bought a pair just a few days before heading off to Central Asia. I’m glad I did because they proved to be incredibly comfortable after a super short break-in period, light and thin enough that I could easily sneak them into my frame bag or seat pack, and adequately sturdy to wear on any terrain. They hit the sweet spot between a hefty Chaco I wouldn’t consider lugging with me and a basic Havaiana-style flip-flip I wouldn’t expect to survive the rigors of a bikepacking trip.

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Designed as a cushier version of their ultra-sleek Warriors, the US-made Shamma Maximus sandals feature a reasonably generous 9mm tread thickness and weigh 255 grams/9 ounces per pair in size US 9 (my size 13s come in at 349 grams/12.3 ounces). They have two points of adjustment for a snug fit, gently padded straps, and a Vibram sole with a diagonal tread that has been impressively grippy. They’re priced at $109.95, making them the most expensive of the six sandals tested here, though I’d wager that they’re also the plushest and best feeling underfoot. I’ve been wearing the Ultragrip version, and they also have a brown leather option available for a small upcharge.

For folks who understandably aren’t ready to shell out $100+ for ultralight camp sandals, Shamma also offers the simpler Cruzers for $49.95. I wore them for years and don’t find their thinner profile as pleasant for long days as the one on the Warriors, but they’re even lighter and are certainly up to the task if you’re just looking for something to slip on occasionally.

Skinners

240 grams/pair (Size M) / Made in Europe / €69 at Skinners.cc

Are they a shoe? Are they a sock? Yes and yes. Skinners combine the freedom of a sock with the protection of a shoe into a single package. They use a knitted body and highly abrasion-resistant polymer sole that is phthalate-free bonded without the use of glue or additional seams. They are machine washable, have a removable insole, and have an average lifespan of 800 kilometers (500 miles), which is pretty good if you’re just wearing them around camp. The Comfort model has a wider toe box and the Compression model I tested has a narrower toe box, higher ankle, and slimmer overall fit.

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The Skinners functioned exactly how I imagined they would. They are a fairly thick knitted sock, so they aren’t the best option for folks expressly looking to air their feet out after a long day of pedaling, but they are easy to walk around in and provide some solid protection against the elements. I find they fit big, as my size 11/12 is a touch too roomy for me, but they are extremely packable and don’t weigh much. Although Skinners says it’s normal for some of the sole to crumble off when they are new, I’m not sure I feel great about leaving a trail of tiny bits out in the wild. If I was sold on the sock design, I’d probably take a good look at the Comfort 2.0 socks as they aren’t as tall and have a looser fit.

Fitkicks

280 grams/pair (Size L) / Made in China / $30 at Amazon Men’s

Fitkicks are described as being the perfect minimalist shoe for active lifestyles. They sport a light and flexible sole, are made from quick-drying fabrics, and feature a water-friendly neoprene insole. The look and feel similar to a water shoe, which makes them ideal for water crossings and hanging around at camp, and they offer enough protection and coverage for short walks. They have a reinforced toe guard, are foldable and machine washable, and the rubber sole is thin but still substantial enough to walk comfortably on rocks and gravel.

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I’ve found the Fitkicks to be perfect for packrafting or when wet conditions are expected. Having some additional coverage on the top of the foot and over the toes is nice when it’s a little cooler out or when you’re trying to keep your feet clean at the end of a big day of riding. The upper fabric still allows your feet the breathe, which is an important feature for any post-ride camp shoe.

Bedrock Classic LT

255 grams/pair (Size 9) / Made in USA / $70 at BedrockSandals.com

The Bedrock Classic LT sandals combine their original ultra-minimalist strap design with a lightweight Vibram sole and durable recycled polyester webbing. There were redesigned in 2023 with a wider fit across the entire size range, a flexible footbed that shapes to your foot over time, and a simple but effective strap system. They are Bedrock’s lightest weight and most packable sandal, making them a great option if you’re not as interested in riding and hiking in them.

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I always want to take my Bedrock Cairn sandals bikepacking, but I find them a little heavy and large, making them awkward to pack on a bike. When Bedrock announced an updated version of their Classic LT sandals, it sparked the idea for this entire article. Those who like the Bedrock strap system will be able to get behind the lightweight design of the Classic LT. The sole is thin and flexible but does a good job at protecting your feet from rocks and thorns. I wouldn’t want to do go hiking or ride a bike in them, but they are great for around camp or resupply stops in towns and can be paired with their split-toe socks in cooler conditions. The best part is they are made in the USA from 100% vegan-friendly materials, and the size 11s I have weigh just 258 grams.

More Ultralight Camp Shoes

While the camp shoes and sandals we tested are some of the smallest and easy to pack models out there, there are a number of other options that are still reasonably lightweight and perfect for hanging around at camp. We like dollar store sliders, Birkenstocks, Crocs, and heavier sandals from Bedrock, Teva, and Chaco for when proper support for walking around is required. Find a handful of cozy but less minimal suggestions below.

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  QUOC Lala Slide

  The QUOC Lala Slide is a good-looking, lightweight flip-flop constructed with an anatomically designed footbed that boasts excellent cushioning and airflow, extra-thick microfiber straps, and an anti-slip outdoor tread. The Lala Slide is QUOC’s first offering in their new “Athleisure” category. Logan included them in his Summer 2023 Editor’s Dozen, which you can read here.

  287 grams/pair / £39 at Quoc.cc

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  Zpacks Ultralight Camp Shoes

  Starting at only 1.8 oz (51.7 grams) per pair, the Zpacks Ultralight Camp Shoes are some of the lightest weight and smallest packing camp shoes we’ve seen. They feature a thin 4mm foam sole, a closed-toe design, and the upper is made from Robic nylon and Lycra mesh.

  51.7 grams/pair / $34 at Zpacks.com

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  Bedrock Cairn Sandals

  If the Bedrock Originals aren’t sturdy enough for you or you’re looking for a sandal like can handle hiking, riding, and pretty much anything else you throw at it, the Bedrock Cairn like is worth checking out. We’ve been using their sandals for years on and off the bike, and they’ve proven to be well-made and durable. There are several models to choose from, depending on your needs. Read our review here.

  Made in USA / ~250 grams/pair / $115 at REI

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  Bedrock Mountain Clogs

  The Bedrock Mountain Clogs share the same zero-drop profile as their sandals with very subtle arch support, giving a kind of planted feel that’s akin to being barefoot. They use a similar strap system but provide more protection and pair up nicely with standard socks for cooler temps. They aren’t the lightest at 388 grams per pair (Size 11-12) but they could work on longer tours or for anyone who likes a proper shoe (or clog) when off the bike. Read Cass’ review here.

  Made in South Korea / ~388 grams/pair / $160 at BedrockSandals.com

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  Berts

  BERTs are an active slipper that are designed to be incredibly lightweight, compact, and so flexible that they fit everywhere. They have a breathable nylon mesh upper, neoprene body, recycled rubber sole, and a portion of BERT profits goes towards supporting stray dog sterilization programs in underserved communities throughout Colombia.

  Made in Colombia / $80 at The Bert Shoe

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  Crocs Classic Clog

  Love to hate them, Crocs are perhaps some of the lightest and most practical camp shoes out there. This clog-inspired shoe is water-friendly, buoyant, easy to clean, quick to dry, and a pair weighs between 300 and 450 grams per pair. They are made from a proprietary resin material that’s lightweight, surprisingly durable, and quite comfortable to walk around in. Don’t forget to engage the heel strap when the terrain gets rough.

  Made in China / ~300 grams/pair / $50 at Backcountry.com

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  Xero Z-Trek

  If you’re looking for more support and a more sock-friendly design compared to the Genesis sandals we tried out, the Xero Z-Trek sandals are still lightweight but feature a more support strap design. They have a 6mm sole and use tubular nylon straps made from rPET recycled materials.

  Made in China / ~400 grams/pair / $60 at Xero Shoes Men’s Women’s

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  Birkenstock Arizona Core Sandal

  Based on the classic Birkenstock sandal design, the Arizona Core Sandal is made from a lightweight EVA material that is better suited to summer-use. They are waterproof, easily washable, and have a grippy rubber sole.

  Made in Germany / ~200 grams/pair / $50 at Backcountry.com Women’sMen’s

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  Teva Original Universal Sandal

  While it might not be the most packable sandal out there, the classic Teva Original is comfortable, durable, and functional for a wide range of activities thanks to its adjustable velcro straps and thick sole. Plus, they come in all kinds of fun colors and patterns, making them one of the most stylish models in this list (besides Crocs, of course).

  Made in Vietnam / ~380 grams/pair / $55 at REI Women’sMen’s

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  Chaco Chillos Clog

  Neil and Lindsay love the Chaco Chillos Clogs due to their lightweight construction, no-sweat design, sock compatibility, ability to get wet, and they fact that they’re much “cuter that Crocs.” They come in a bunch of fun color options, men’s and women’s sizes, and there is a low-profile slide version as well.

  Made in China / ~255 grams/pair / $65 at REI Men’sWomen’s

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  Earthrunners

  Earthrunners are super minimal sandals that have a reputation for being thoughtfully designed and well-made. They have several different models, all with varying sole thicknesses, and weigh between 280 and 334 grams/pair deepening on the model.

  Made in USA / ~280 grams/pair / $68 at Earthrunners.com

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  Luna Sandals

  Luna Sandals are all based around the premise that the simple sandal as the footwear of choice for many cultures past and present. They have a variety of models with different sole thicknesses and styles, many of which are made in the USA. The Oso Flaco, one of their best selling models, weighs in at ~400 grams/pair.

  Made in USA or Vietnam / ~400 grams/pair / $105+ at LunaSandals.com

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  Decathlon Forclaz Trek 500 Sandal

  The Decathlon Bivouac Sandal is a minimalist hiking sandal with a velcro strap system, grippy/flexible sole, and the sole, upper, and straps are all made from recycled materials. The sandals are made in Portugal and come with a two year warranty.

  Made in Portugal / 356 grams/pair / $45 Decathlon

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  Decathlon Pool Sandal

  The Decathlon Pool Sandal is a simple slip-on style shoe that’s water-friendly, lightweight, and sock-friendly. Plus, they cost under $10, so they are super affordable!

  Made in China / $10 Decathlon

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  Dollar Store Flip-Flops

  Nothing is more affordable than basic beach sandals, which usually cost just a few bucks and are widely available all over the globe. While they aren’t our first choice for walking around town or any type of easy hiking, they are perfect for folks who are just looking to air their feet out at camp.

  Made in China / ~250 grams/pair / $5

Chances are, we missed some good options that are available in the marketplace. If you have a pair of ultralight camp shoes that you’d recommend, please drop us a note in the conversation below. Likewise, if you have experience with any of these, please let us know how you’re getting along with them.

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...