Too good to just wear as everyday sandals. Why sandals are great for camping.

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普段履きだけではもったいない。キャンプでサンダルがおすすめ

My feet are tired from driving for so long. I want to relax at the campsite.

Sandals will help you relax.

Driving long distances to the campsite is often necessary.

Once the tent is set up, you'll want to relax as much as possible.

At such times, open sandals, rather than tight-fitting shoes, are a welcome relief.

Here are the benefits of wearing sandals while camping and our recommended sandals.

I want to wear sandals and relax while camping!

Wear them camping or in the city!

Sandals are appealing because of their versatility, suitable for both outdoor activities and urban use.

So, what types of sandals can be worn both camping and in the city?

Let's take a look.

Types and Features of Sandals

Sports Sandals

They cradle your feet with straps.

Models with heels are designed for easy walking.

The appeal lies in their combination of open comfort and walkability, making them suitable for a wide range of uses.

Crocs

The distinctive feature is the movable strap that secures the heel.

You can slip them on easily, or secure the heel for easier walking.

They are versatile, suitable for everything from city wear to beach and river activities.

Some people might dislike the suction-like feeling on their soles.

You can just wear socks.

Flip-flops

These are worn by gripping the thong between the big toe and the index toe.

They're like a Western-style geta.

As the name suggests, these sandals are designed for wearing at the beach.

When I was a kid, I used to wear flip-flops and ride my bike to the beach.

Many people wear them for fashion.

Shower Sandals

They were designed to be worn when showering.

They have good cushioning and don't retain water, making them perfect for the outdoors if the ground isn't too rough.

Gladiator Sandals

These sandals feature leather straps that wrap from the toes to the heels.

Since they are made of leather, they conform to your feet with continued use.

Leather products offer the pleasure of breaking them in.

While they provide a good deal of foot protection, they offer less openness.

Clog Sandals

These cover the toes completely.

The heel is open, making them easy to wear.

There are also suede models suitable for town use.

Benefits of wearing sandals while camping

・Relaxing: Less restrictive, allowing for relaxation.
・Openness: Better airflow than sneakers, providing a sense of openness.
・Breathable: Good airflow reduces stuffiness.

Less restrictive, allowing for relaxation

When camping, you probably often wear sneakers or work boots.

While they excel in safety, their major drawback is their restrictiveness.

In that regard, sandals are less restrictive and allow for relaxation.

In warm weather, bare feet in sandals feel wonderfully comfortable.

Good airflow and a sense of openness

When considering wearing sandals for camping, one might worry about sand or stones getting in.

However, one of their charms is the sense of openness that more than compensates for this.

Imagine a scene where you're wearing sandals while camping.

You're relaxing in a reclining chair on a plateau, and the wind passes through your bare feet in sandals.

You'll never be able to camp without sandals again.

Breathable

During warm weather camping, feet tend to get sweaty.

When going to bed at night,

Dad's feet stink!

I'm sorry...

You wouldn't even know whether to laugh or cry.

In such cases, sandals are perfect for preventing stuffiness due to their excellent ventilation.

Things to consider when wearing sandals

・Increased risk of falling
・Increased area for insect bites

Increased risk of falling

Campsites are not always level, so the risk of falling is higher compared to wearing sneakers.

For campsites with a lot of gravel or stones, we recommend models with heels, or ones with movable heels like Crocs.

Increased frequency of insect bites

Sandals expose more skin, which increases the likelihood of insect bites.

During camping's peak season, from spring to autumn, remember to use insect repellent spray.


Angel's Skin Vape Insect Repellent Spray Icaridine Mist Type

With a maximum duration of 8 hours, it's effective from morning until evening if applied in the morning.

Using it again during your evening conversation will provide even more peace of mind.

When using it, strictly avoid using it near fire sources like bonfires.

Its gentle baby soap scent makes it suitable for children without resistance.

When to wear sandals while camping

When you're tired from a long drive

After a long drive to the campsite, your feet will be thoroughly tired.

And at a relaxing campsite, you'll want to keep your feet comfortable.

Changing from shoes to sandals will help relieve the fatigue in your feet.

My feet are throbbing from the unfamiliar long drive.

Change into sandals and relax.

When you want to relax comfortably

Once the campsite is set up, you'll want to relax comfortably.

Wearing sandals and freeing your feet will help you relax even more.

Wearing sandals in a reclining chair and feeling the breeze will make you feel refreshed.

5 Recommended Sandals for Camping

KEEN Newport H2

The protected toe combines safety with breathability.

The fit can be easily adjusted with a quick-release mechanism.

The sizing runs 0.5 cm small, so a 26.5 cm product would be just right for someone who usually wears a 26 cm.

KEEN UNEEK

KEEN is a manufacturer based in Portland, Oregon, USA, famous for its outdoor sandals.

The quick-draw cord lace allows for swift tension adjustment.

This is a slightly more mature design that I used to admire when my brother wore it.

Teva Hurricane XLT2

It features Teva's original Universal Strapping System, which cradles the foot at three points.

You can easily adjust the tightness to your preference.

Its high cost-performance, being suitable for both outdoor and urban use, is also appealing.

Pairing them with socks further enhances comfort.

Montbell Sock-On Sandals

This model features a unique S-shaped thong designed to be easily worn over socks.

The thong, which touches the instep, uses a soft material to balance open comfort with a secure fit.

With excellent cushioning, they are widely usable for camping and urban outings.

Xero Shoes Genesis

With an extremely thin sole (rubber bottom) and a simple lace for hold, they are very lightweight at 130g for a 27cm size.

This incredibly open design, combined with the thin sole, gives a sensation almost like being barefoot.

Since you've made the effort to go camping, feeling the earth beneath your feet will help you connect even more with nature.

Summary of Sandals for Camping

How was it?

Since camping is a trip to relieve fatigue, you'll want to relax your feet as well.

Sandals are a perfect item for hot weather due to their excellent ventilation.

Convenient sandals that can be worn for both camping and city outings.

Would you like to try them too?

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