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Apr 30, 2023

Best Camping Slippers 2023

Anyone who’s spent ample time outdoors understands the importance of comfort.

Anyone who's spent ample time outdoors understands the importance of comfort. When we pitch roomy tents in the mountains and toss on boots before a big hike, we’re primarily doing so because these things add comfort to our lives. In recent years, that theme has even extended to our feet by way of camping slippers as soft, durable styles offer comfort and warmth that's far more forgiving than a traditional shoe. But outfitters were quick to pick up on our pension for cozy outdoor footwear, and as a result, options abound.

The best camp slippers should feature a grippy sole and a durable upper for everyday outdoor use.

Camping slippers, while similar in that they all slip on your feet, come in many varieties. Some feature rigid, durable outsoles with deep lugs to boost traction as you traverse rocks and dirt; others pack hefty insulation to keep your dogs warm on a cold night; and then there are those you wear because they just look so unapologetically good by the campfire. This guide represents the best of the current camping slipper class. Read on to find the pair that meets your needs and embrace the comfort.

REI.com

Closure: Slip-on | Upper Material: Water-resistant ripstop nylon | Lining: Fleece

These little clogs have everything we look for in a camp slipper; they’re durable, water resistant and warm. I wear the Ramble Puff clog everyday—at camp, on a short winter stroll and around town for daily errands. I’ve splashed through streams (not recommended because of the fleece lining) and scrambled up rocks in these slippers and am continually impressed by how fast they dry and how well they grip most surfaces. Compared to other camp slippers I’ve tried, they offer excellent arch support, which comes as no surprise because Chaco is known for its American Podiatric Medical Association-certified footbeds.

While I prefer the clog style for those moments I can't be bothered to pull on traditional shoes, the Chaco camp slippers also come in a cinch-closure model and an ankle-high version. However, even with the exposed ankle of the clogs, the fleece lining offers enough warmth that my feet never feel cold in frigid conditions. My only complaint is that in warmer weather, the fleece lining feels a bit too toasty. No matter your preference, you can find this do-it-all clog in a men's and women's version.

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REI.com

Closure: Slip-on | Upper Material: Water-resistant recycled ripstop nylon | Lining: Polyurethane

Toeing the line between shoes and slippers, the Teva ReEmber is a do-it-all camp slipper that's structured enough for all-day use and comfy enough to wear around the house. This versatility may be what gives them a nearly cult-like following: Look down in any mountain town or outdoorsy city and you’ll see dozens of people sporting these slippers from cafes to climbing gyms.

But they’re worth the hype—the foam midsole is responsive yet cushy like an athletic shoe, and the ribbed collar is smooth on the top of the foot. The tread isn't as grippy as the Chaco Ramble, but it can still hold its own on mellow trails. When you’re buying these shoes, keep in mind that Teva recommends sizing up if you’re between sizes.

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Backcountry

Closure: Slip-on | Upper Material: Recycled polyester | Lining: 550-fill goose down

Down is one of the loftiest, coziest materials you can wear in the bitter cold, so why not put it on your feet? The North Face has made well-loved camp slippers, like the synthetic ThermoBall Traction Mule, for year, but the Nuptse Mule Bootie is a relatively new iteration that features a more rugged sole and ultra-comfy down insulation. Daniel Gadja, a commercial outdoor photographer, loves these slippers because they keep him "cozy by the campfire or fresh out of bed in the morning." The 550—fill down insulation is incredibly lightweight—these clock in at around 8.7 ounces per shoe depending on size—so they’re ideal for backpacking. The collapsible heel folds nicely (because down compacts so well) so you can wear them a variety of ways and slip them on hands-free when you need to.

If you plan to use your camp slippers in the snow, you may want to consider the synthetic ThermoBall version mentioned above, which will stay warm even when the insulation gets wet. However, the upper of the Nuptse Mule is polyester which is water-resistant and will protect the insulation as long as you’re careful not to get snow in the shoe.

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EXPED USA

Closure: Slip-on | Upper Material: 50D recycled polyester | Lining: Polyurethane

Looking for sleeping bags for your feet? Keith Crockford, head guide at The Bucket List Company, swears by his Exped Camp slippers and booties for their extreme warmth. "I always carry these on all my trips from Kilimanjaro and Everest Basecamp to camping in the UK," he says. Because they fold up small and are lightweight, you can easily stuff them in a pack for expeditions, mountaineering trips and ski hut tours.

For the value, the Exped Camp Booties pack in a lot of features, too. The elastic webbing cuff holds the booty in place and prevents snow or moisture from getting in the top, while the four-inch EVA insole insulates the foot from the ground and seals in heat. While these booties will keep your feet toasty warm as you lounge around, the sole is not durable enough for prolonged walking on anything but smooth terrain. "You wouldn't walk in wet or mud outside," stresses Crockford, "but on concrete outside is perfectly fine."

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Backcountry

Closure: Slip-on | Upper Material: Felted wool | Lining: Felted wool

Glerups have been a fan favorite for house slippers because the uppers are made entirely of felted wool which is breathable, moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. But the iconic slipper also comes in a model with a more durable rubber sole suited for outdoor use—it's squishy and comfortable, giving every step a bit of bounce. The wool fabric is thick and firm, gently hugging and molding to your foot with each wear to create a custom fit. While other camp slippers are prone to overheating, the wool regulates temperature so these don't get too hot.

These slippers also have some limitations for outdoor use. The minimalistic insole design (more felted wool) does not provide as much arch support as others on this list, so it's best to wear these when you won't be walking long distances. The rubber outsole is relatively soft as well, so we don't recommend wearing them in rocky terrain or else you may feel pressure points underfoot.

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Nordstrom

Closure: Slip-on | Upper Material: Sugarcane-based synthetic | Lining: Sugarcane-based synthetic

We may be challenging your idea of slippers right now, but if you want camp shoes for year-round backpacking use, the Kane Revive active recovery shoe checks a lot of boxes. First, it's incredibly lightweight (which cuts down on pack weight) but it also has the cushioning and responsiveness of running shoes (making it a comfy addition at camp). One look at the perforated design and you can tell these things are waterproof (perfect for creek crossings) and provide ample airflow (a necessity after taking off your hiking boots). My friend recently commented that they look like "Crocs that you could run a marathon in," and although I won't be testing that theory, I wouldn't doubt it, either.

Kane claims that these shoes promote active recovery, and while these claims have not been tested, my feet do feel fresher after wearing them—a much-desired quality after a long day of hiking. They’re not insulated like other slippers on this list, but the sugarcane-based material is comfortable against the skin and easy on the planet. It almost has a cooling effect to sooth tired, inflamed feet. If you need extra warmth, simply pair them with thick socks through shoulder season.

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REI

Closure: Slip-on | Upper Material: Polyester | Lining: Tricot

Winter camping requires proper gear, and that includes warm footwear for adventures near or far from home. When you’re hanging out at camp, you’ll be happy to slide on the Outdoor Research booties to warm your frozen toes because they’re some of the coziest, warmest slippers on this list.

Packed with a lofty synthetic material, they retain heat even when wet (unlike down insulation) so you can use them in the snow. They feature a PrimaLoft Aerogel insert that adds comfort and insulation, and a weather-resistant shell that locks in warmer temps even as bone-chilling winds take hold. You can also cinch down the drawcord closure to further protect your feet from the elements.

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REI

Closure: Slip-on | Upper Material: Leather | Lining: Shearling

If you’re the type of shopper who prioritizes durable and long-lasting outdoor gear, you’ll love the Danner Forest Moc. These slippers, made with high-quality leather and shearling, come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty (although they’ll likely last you much longer than that). You’ll have to wear them a few times to break them in, but once you do, you’ll achieve a premium fit as the leather stretches to your foot.

Leather is naturally moisture-wicking and breathable, so these boot-style slippers will keep your adequately regulate tempts more easily than most of the synthetic alternatives on this list. The reground rubber outsole has a moderate lug pattern for decent traction and a slight toe cap adds protection.

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Crocs

Closure: Slip-on | Upper Material: Croslite | Lining: None

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Crocs earned a spot on our list of the best camping slippers. The lightweight, water-friendly design is polarizing to be sure, but it's also perfect for far-flung adventures when you’d prefer to wear anything but traditional shoes.

The irreverent style weighs only ounces to reduce your pack load, and ventilation points boost breathability while shedding dirt and debris. The pivoting heel strap allows you to wear the shoe like a slip-on clog (relaxed mode) or a traditional shoe with a secure fit about the ankle (sport mode), and the composite Croslite foam offers relief after miles on the trail. And if you’re really getting in the spirit, you can pick up customizable charms to help your Crocs stand out from others in the wild.

Suffice to say, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better camping slipper for $50, but if that price tag still sounds too high, keep an eye out for more vibrant colors that often go on sale.

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We combined personal experience, expert recommendations and hours of research to bring you the best camping slippers. With years of previous outdoors experience, we’ve personally used many of these slippers in the real world, including the Chaco, Glerups, Kane and Crocs slippers, and fellow outdoor guides and editors have used others, like the North Face Nuptse and Teva ReEmber slippers.

Additionally, we’ve scoured reviews and consulted the biggest names in outdoor equipment to ensure our selection of camping slippers includes the best of the best. We also consulted experts like Keith Crockford, the head guide of Bucket List Company, and Daniel Gajda, an outdoor photographer, for their recommendations and extensive product experience. This piece is updated with relevant information regularly, and was last in January 2023.

Today, there are more camping slippers hanging around campsites than ever before. Ultimately, the perfect slipper for you is a matter of personal choice, but here are a few key things to consider before you invest:

Camping slippers come in a variety of styles, the most popular being clogs, shoes and ankle-high booties. Clogs (or mules) are the easiest to slip on because you can do so without the use of your hands. Many of the shoe-style slippers, like the North Face Nuptse and Teva ReEmber models, include a collapsible heel so you can wear it as a clog or shoe.

While one of the most important features that we look for in camp slippers is that they’re easy to slide on, this is also a matter of personal preference. Some will prefer bootie-style slippers for their improved warmth, while others will love slip-on slippers for their convenience.

The bottom of the shoe is just as important as the top when it comes to outdoor slippers. Some have thick, durable soles that will protect your feet from debris, whereas others have softer soles that feel more like a traditional slipper but don't offer much protection. Gadja recommends "a stiffer sole" for anyone who intends to wear their slippers outside.

But it's not just the thickness of the sole that counts—you also have to pay attention to the lug pattern too. If you intend to walk on wet surfaces or trails, you’ll want a camping slipper with deep lugs that provide traction. But if you primarily want an indoor slipper that you can also wear casually outdoors, you may be able to sacrifice some traction for additional comfort.

Camping slippers range from non-insulated (like the Kane Revive) to fleece-lined (like the Chaco Ramble) to full-down (like the North Face Nuptses). Each one has its benefits, but it's worth asking yourself how warm you want your camping slippers to be. If you frequently camp in the snow or live in a cold, wet climate, you may want to prioritize insulation. And if your adventures take you to hot, dry climates, a non-insulated shoe will do. Keep in mind, however, that the warmest possible option isn't always the best. If you’re looking for a versatile slipper that you can wear most of the year, you’ll need something with light insulation or a liner.