Shoes to relax in

[Jeanne from Washington]

Hi again. I am hoping to get some recommendations for shoes you use to relax in after you finish walking for the day. I was planning on bringing some Keen sandals, but they are too heavy and just not comfortable.

My everyday sandals that I wore last summer would have been perfect. EXCEPT, I went sightseeing in them one day and they rubbed my foot wrong.

I have one month to find some shoes. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[SMBHNL]

Hi again. I am hoping to get some recommendations for shoes you use to relax in after you finish walking for the day. I was planning on bringing some Keen sandals, but they are too heavy and just not comfortable.

My everyday sandals that I wore last summer would have been perfect. EXCEPT, I went sightseeing in them one day and they rubbed my foot wrong.

I have one month to find some shoes. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Look at the Allbirds. My wife just got a pair and they're very light. https://www.allbirds.com/

 

[koilife]

I have used Crocks and Hoka slip-ons. Both are very comfortable and reasonably light. I always wear socks in them so as not to rub a blister. My only gripe with either is that they tend to be bulky.

 

[Phoenix]

I bring a pair of New Balance knit runners. Easy slip-on/off, weigh next to nothing, and are fairly compact in my pack.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I just wear flip flops

 

[SeñorJacques]

Can’t say enough good things about EVA Birkenstock Essentials. Super light (my pair of size 44 Arizona Essentials weighs 250g) and waterproof (so perfect for wearing on the shower too) with a lot more support than flip flops. I’ve worn these on days walking 10-15km on city trails so they were practically the first thing I packed for my upcoming Camino. I can’t think of a better choice for wearing in the evenings and rest days, or really anytime I want to give my trail runners a break.

 

[Jay Es]

A pair of Croc like things from the Internet. Lightest I could find.

 

[RNC]

Crocs Cleo sandals. Inexpensive, compact, ultra-light weight and very comfortable. I’ve used them on four Caminos. Great for wearing in the shower and sturdy enough for wandering around at the end of the day.

 

[Derrybiketours]

Toms, apart from the ethical purchase buy one and you buy one for others, lightweight, compact, comfortable, can be worn in bathroom area and in the evening and if boots fail would be suitable for days walk until one can find store to buy new walking shoe, if needed. My toms also pass rules at a number of Spa's I've visited and closed in toe means less likely to let foreign objects into foot area when waking on loose gravel and can be placed in normal clothing wash although fabric colour will fade over time after multiple washes

 

[Anamiri]

Flip flops are my favourite. Super light, cheap, and feet love them at the end of the day

 

[domigee]

I like Teva Terra fi-lite sandals. Only minus, they weigh about 400 gr...

 

[kelleymac]

I pack teva sandals with a mush sole. They take up a lot of room, but are heaven to stand in at the end of the day. I can wear them in the shower, and I can wear them hiking/walking if I end up with a blister from my other shoes. They're not great going down hill, but on the flat or up hill they'll do.

 

[GPeachy]

Birkenstock EVA Madrid. So light you could bring a pair for the shower and a pair for relaxing.

 

[SacredSteps]

My preferred are ultralight water/shower shoes. Ridiculously light, highly breathable, quick-drying, and less than $20 USD - you can wear them comfortably around town or in the showers to prevent infection. Right now I prefer the lacing kind but my previous were just stretch shoes. I have a better description and link in my packing list below. (I would link but last time I linked to Amazon I got a short vacation from the forum so... see my packing list).

 

[lt56ny]

I always, always recommend Toms slip ons. They are super light and comfortable, I have worn them the couple of times I have had a blister and have walked 10k or so in them. As long as it is not cobblestone or rock they are fine. Finally and most importantly, Toms has GIVEN AWAY 95 million pairs of shoes as well as doing humanitarian work in many different ways and in many, many countries.
Please check this out to see the great work they do daily. They are a company that all Pilgrims should support. They live the pilgrim spirit better than any company I know of.

This is their website:

TOMS® Official Site | Shoes, Accessories & Apparel | TOMS

TOMS offers stylish shoes from our classic Alpargatas, slip ons, sneakers & more to choose from. Shop all shoes in the TOMS online store today!

www.toms.com

But if you want to know the unique and great work they do, download their Global Impact Report. The link is also on their website.

https://media01.toms.com/static/www/images/landingpages/TOMS_Impact/TOMS_2019_Global_Impact_Report.pdf

You may pay a little more but remember you are basically buying 2 pairs of shoes.

 

[koilife]

Super light (my pair of size 44 Arizona Essentials weighs 250g)

250g for each sandal (500g for both together)? or 125 g each (250g for both together)? That's about 40% less than the same size crocks or Hoka slip-ons.

 

[alipilgrim]

Teva makes their sandal out of EVA now too, it's called the Hurricane Drift. There's a velcro closing at the ankle and a fixed loop around the toe. The toe area is a bit wide but should be perfect with socks.https://www.teva.com/hurricane-drift/

 

[Jeanne from Washington]

Thanks everyone for your recommendations! I knew I could count on this board.

 

[Geodoc]

I used croc river sandals. Lightweight, but sturdy enough for a day in town

 

[SeñorJacques]

250g for each sandal (500g for both together)? or 125 g each (250g for both together)? That's about 40% less than the same size crocks or Hoka slip-ons.

250g for the pair, or 125g per shoe. Like I said, very lightweight!

 

[trecile]

I have a pair of "knock off" Birkenstock EVA sandals, and they are lightweight and comfortable, but they tend to make an um, embarrassing sound when I walk.

 

[RodlaRob]

fairly

Agree!... much better to wear around cobblestones in Town at end of day than flip flops...especially if the chilly season.

 

[MaryOswald]

I use crocks for backpacking but wanted something nicer for the Camino as you spend the night in Spanish towns, walking around, going out to eat, and wanted something as light as crocks but not as ugly as, face it, crocks are ugly. I found perfection with FIT FLOPS. Look them up on-line. I got a pair of waterproof, fashionable, comfortable sandals that worked perfectly for me.

 

[Walking Lover]

Hi again. I am hoping to get some recommendations for shoes you use to relax in after you finish walking for the day. I was planning on bringing some Keen sandals, but they are too heavy and just not comfortable.

My everyday sandals that I wore last summer would have been perfect. EXCEPT, I went sightseeing in them one day and they rubbed my foot wrong.

I have one month to find some shoes. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Light weight Teva

 

[easygoing]

I wear these. Light weight and comfortable soles. Plus nicer looking than flip flops. I made some elastic straps to make them look like gladiator sandals.