Crocs are almost perfect camp shoes, and we’re not ashamed to say it

Crocs are casual shoes. They squeak, they look ridiculous, and they were humanity’s go-to shoe for good. play fool In the movie ‘Idiocracy’.

But they are the best camp shoes for many people. If you want pure comfort, warmth and comfort, there are many better options. If you’re looking for ultralight foot protection that won’t stay wet and can handle the rigors of elk camp, the Crocs are it. Listen to me.

I used to hate Crocs until I needed a pair of shoes by the fire, and my dear friend Kate loaned me a pair. It was painful to see green monstrous things like sea foam at my feet. What paths did I choose to bring me to this low point? How far had I strayed from righteousness to live here under the stars, with every aspect of my integrity violated?

I spent that night drunk, so comfortable I could hardly stand it. Since then it has been declining.

I generally don’t make a point of mentioning if I’ve been sent gear by a brand for testing. This is somewhat of a given that happens often in my profession. In this example, I have to admit that I have spent my hard-earned money on every pair of Crocs.

Now I have a seafoam-green pair of my own, the pair that broke the seal.
And a camo pair.
And a gray pair.
and an insulated winter pair, with detachable headlights.
And a pair of croc sandals.
And, due to my poor genetics and inferior size, a child-sized pair of Croc cowboy boots.

I have officially joined crocodile cultAnd no one can look back.

Crocs still have their limitations as actual shoes. Support is minimal, the fit is loose, and traction becomes questionable on smooth boat ramps, algae-covered rocks, and smooth wet surfaces. Wear them for too long on wet bare feet, especially with sand, mud or mud, and they can irritate your skin. Thus, the “almost” marking and relatively low product rating. But for the money, and in many situations, they’re hard to beat.

In short: crocs Ugly, useful, easy to wash, comfortable after boots or waders, and almost perfect as camp shoes that weigh almost nothing in a pack (or tied down). They fall short in terms of support, traction, and staying wet for extended periods of time, but they earn their place for camping, boats, hunting equipment, and quick trips outdoors. It is time we give them the credit they have earned.

editor’s Note:I realize that Crocs represent more than one shoe. It’s a bit like saying “nikes” or “muck boots”. In general, we are referring to classic clog here, but we’re going to discuss all of the Kroc-era mods in this review.

Why work at Croix Camp?

Camp shoes have one main function. They need to be simple. This sounds simple enough, but this is where a lot of shoes go missing.

A good camp shoe sits by the door, withstands abuse, handles dirt, and keeps your feet comfortable after the real work is done. There is no need to make it for miles. It has to take you from the tent to the truck, from the cabin to the cooler, from the fire to the woodpile, and from your cot to the noise that the dogs decided was worth ruining your sleep.

Crocs handle those tasks well because they take the friction out of all the small camping tasks. You can enter them without sitting. You can wear these with socks. You can wash off mud, blood, grass, dog poop, fish slime and the general film that forms around outdoor life. They dry quickly, and they don’t retain odors like cloth shoes.

The roomy fit is also a major part of the appeal. After a long day in hunting boots, hiking boots, or waders, your feet need space. Crocs let you carry hooks, knives, gravel, firewood, goatheads, coolers, dogs, and camping floors without having to lug around bare feet covered in broken glass and other random shrapnel.

They are not impressive in any technical sense. They are extremely useful and surprisingly comfortable.

fishing

Crocodiles mean a lot around boats. They drain fast, they don’t absorb much water, and clean out fish slime, slime, sunscreen, and whatever else ends up on the boat floor after a day.

It is easy to take off the waders before getting into them and it is easy to put them on after taking the waders off.

For easy fishing days, dock work, running coolers and washing down gear, they’re hard to beat. The heel strap gives enough protection for casual movement, and the open design keeps them from staying wet for long periods of time.

The problem is one of traction and rubbing.

crocs Fine on dry decks, gravel, grass and most camping surfaces. They are less reliable on slick ramps, wet docks, algae covered rocks and slick wet floors. The sole doesn’t have enough bite to make up for poor footing, and the loose fit can work against you when the surface becomes questionable.

That loose fit also means poor repositioning. Slipping a wet foot across a wet piece of foam has a way of getting uncomfortable fast. Your feet may end up raw if you don’t have time to air them out between dips. There is nothing funny in this. That said, they’re still better than any other option (except sandals/flip-flops).

International Adventure Shoe

Crocs are strapped to my carry-on when I’m going anywhere. Hunting whitetails in nebraska? crocs. Fishing for tarpon in the Keys? crocs. Soaking in a hot spring in Iceland? you better believe it.

They’re not my main travel shoes, but they almost always travel with. They serve as camp shoes, shower shoes, boat shoes, cabin shoes, airport backup shoes, and something to wear when my real shoes get wet, dirty, or packed away.

They are also easy to justify as they are lightweight and one can hang a bag without much thought. They’re bulky, which is annoying, but I’d rather deal with them than have them on me once I get there.

Not so fun facts: Wearing Crocs on escalators is explicitly banned. I did not comply.

in hunting camp

Crocodiles matter most in the hunting camp. After spending a day in stiff shoes, I wish my feet would come out of them. I need dry socks, room for my toes, and something I can fall into if I need to leave the tent, truck, or cabin again.

They’re easy to place near a wall tent door, under a cot, in a truck, or near a meat pole. I use them to make coffee, feed the dogs, check the cooler, grab firewood, move gear, and walk around camp after taking off shoes. Plus, they weigh essentially nothing.

They are also easy to clean, which is useful during hunting season. Mud, blood, wet grass, and camp filth come with the territory. The crocodiles can rinse off and go straight back through the door.

around the homestead

My croc problem became worse when I started wanting a lighter work boot. I have Muck boots, Xtratuffs, Lacrosse Burley Arrows, and many other rubber boots that I have tested over the years. They all have a place to be when the ground is wet, cold, muddy, or prone to goat and chicken filth. They’re real work boots, and I use them that way.

The point is to work quickly. Some days I just have to feed the goats, check on the chickens, pick up eggs, turn off the watering can, or walk through the damp grass. I wanted something longer than a clog, lighter than a rubber boot, and easier to clean.

I remember wondering why Crocs didn’t make a taller version without the holes. Then I realized that they probably did it for the children.

They do.

Because of my small size, I can wear it Kids Size Croc Cowboy Boots. They’re funny, and they’re amazing. They’re lightweight, easy to wash, long enough for quick chores, and comfortable enough that I reach into them more than I expected.

They do not replace real work boots. I still use my rubber boots when work requires more protection. For feeding animals, checking pens, and handling quick dry-weather tasks, Kid Croc shoes are surprisingly versatile.

Where crocs fall short

Support is the main weakness. Crocs feel good because they’re cushioned and roomy, but they don’t give your feet much structure. Anyone who needs real arch support or a stable base should consider them best as a casual camp shoe.

Traction is also virtually non-existent. They work quite well in easy conditions, but smooth ramps, algae, wet rock and slick wet surfaces can quickly expose the soles.

Cold weather is another weak point. Standard Crocs breathe well because they are full of holes. The same design lets out wind, snow, mud and debris. insulated versions help, but crocs are still not a winter boot. Even insulated, non-hole versions won’t keep your feet warm for long.

None of this ruins them. It is worth noting that they have their own place.

Other competitions in space

Crocs aren’t the only good camp shoes.

It has become my go-to choice when I need more structure and a more athletic experience. They still have the easy slip-on and washable charms, but they feel more secure when I walk more. I wear them for travel, airport days, recovery wear, and situations where Crocs feel too loose.

rubber soled wool camp Shoes are better in cold, dry camps. They are warmer, quieter and more comfortable inside a cabin, camper or wall tent. They don’t wash clean the same way, and they’re not a substitute for wet weather, although I’ve worn mine through some shockingly humid conditions.

Technical sandals provide better traction and a more secure fit for rocky camps, river trips and wet trails. They are more capable than Crocs, but less convenient for frequent on-and-off use.

Deck boots, muck boots, Xtratuffs and other rubber work boots provide more protection in wet, cold or muddy conditions. They’re better for serious messes, but they’re heavier and less comfortable for lugging around camp.

Crocs aren’t the warmest, toughest, funniest, or most supportive option, but they really are the best option, especially on a budget.

final thoughts

crocs These are almost perfect camp shoes as they perform simple tasks well.

They are easy to wear, easy to clean, comfortable after wearing the shoes and are useful in a long list of outdoor situations. They work near the tent, in the cabin, in the truck, around the boat, in the garden, and near the back door.

Crocs are not technical shoes; They are practical shoes. Around camp, that’s enough to make them one of the most useful shoes I own.