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Camp Shoes

For kicking it around in camp in summer, you want footwear that's lightweight, comfortable, ventilated, and grippy on wet rocks (to double as stream-crossers). These six choices tested well in early summer in the Pacific Northwest.
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  • Sure to get grins from your buddies, the whimsical Kusa Grass Flip Flops give you the feel of plush lawn with every step. The soles provide adequate padding for light duty in camp. "Surprisingly comfy," says our tester. $50, 9 oz., gnr8.biz
  • Hikers who paddle or fly fish will love the Columbia Drainsock's versatility. The siped soles and toe bumpers gave great traction and protection while wading in Washington rivers. Stretch nylon uppers dried in a jiff. $75, 13 oz., columbia.com
  • Two staffers have been rocking Sole Sport Flips for several seasons. "With better-than-average foot support and traction, a wide, stable platform, excellent durability, and minimal weight, these are ideal summer camp shoes." $69, 13 oz., yoursole.com
  • Our tester loved the springy soles of the new Crocs Baya Flip, and found the toebar allowed his feet to grab on during moderate creek crossings. The instep support far outshines garden-variety flip flops. Caveat: bulky. $25, 11.5 oz. crocs.com
  • The New Balance Minimus Zero Trail are a stripped-down trail runner, functional enough for runs on in-camp days, light enough to bring backpacking for post-hike chilling. Welded seams reduce chafing and weight. $110, 7 oz., newbalance.com
  • After a day of pounding up switchbacks, slip into the Vivo Ultra Pure. The perforated EVA uppers are light as a feather and allow water to slosh right out. But be prepared: The holes also let in dirt and bugs. $50, 8.2 oz., vivobarefoot.com
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Sure to get grins from your buddies, the whimsical Kusa Grass Flip Flops give you the feel of plush lawn with every step. The soles provide adequate padding for light duty in camp. "Surprisingly comfy," says our tester. $50, 9 oz., gnr8.biz
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Sure to get grins from your buddies, the whimsical Kusa Grass Flip Flops give you the feel of plush lawn with every step. The soles provide adequate padding for light duty in camp. "Surprisingly comfy," says our tester. $50, 9 oz., gnr8.biz

READERS COMMENTS

Page 1

$50 flip flops with fake grass glued to them? $100 running shoes for a "run" from camp? Does anybody here still actually backpack?
— Wat?

Do you realize how ridiculous and elitist this mag is? $110 for camp shoes! Oh, but you have some tongs for $25... Ha! Bad enough in a good economy, but just plain silly in this one!
— Gary

Don't forget to check out Speedo Surwalkers. My favorites camp shoe so far. 16 0z. per pair. Great for fording streams, good traction, dries out quick, and in camp keep's out bugs and dirt while doing camp chores. Good breathability and packs flat.
— Brian B.


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