Fold flat shoes
 

I'm looking for something that is both sturdy and compact. Trainers are fine for walking etc. but too bulky to fit into my Giant Loop with the other minimal stuff that I carry, Euro size 48 feet doesn't help either! Sandals or flip flops are fine if not needing to walk too far and the weather is OK.

Ideally these shoes would have a grippy, durable sole with a soft upper that can be folded flat against the sole allowing them to be slid into small gaps between other items.

Crocs fit the bill for me; they are not perfect - certainly not flat in the way you describe - but they do dry out quickly after they get wet (e.g. in the early morning dew on the grass) and the soles are fairly grippy. They are not for longer distance walking of course.
Being made totally of rubber, you can even strap them on to the outside of luggage, in extremis.

I can step straight out of the shower and move on to breakfast, without a change of footwear = versatility.

I use Merrell sandal. Not exactly fold flat due to the chunky soles, but as good as Crocs in that respect and, I find, better on rugged ground.

Converse (or Converse style) fold flat onto the sole and do the job. Crocs are surprisingly bulky and as I can testify have zero grip when the soles are wet. I still have the bruised backside from some impromptu stair surfing at the HUBBUK having taken a shower.

Thanks for the replies.

Anyone tried these: Timberland's Folding Shoes Zip Up Tight | Gadget Lab | Wired.com

Those Timberland's are intriguing....but do they really save space or weight compared to the alternatives? Maybe compared to Crocs or trail runners, but as far as I can tell the only reason they get small is because there's no substance to them: thin soles, thin uppers, flexy throughout.

Willing to be corrected, of course, by the first person who sinks $65 into a pair.

Mark

Yep, they are the equivalent of slick tyres when wet, but so were the soles on my Merrill/Merrell walking boots that I purchased over 20 years ago; I never did try them out in the shower. :innocent:
The only things that are more slippery are Chinese tyres.

And, certainly Crocs are as bulky as many other forms of footwear, but they are very light weight.
For packing inside luggage, I tend to just stuff other items inside them rather than trying to fold them; basically that is one of the "oldest in the world" packing tips that my grandma used to teach. Crocs are very handy for holding a can of chain spray and a tool roll.

My level of interest reduced after about 30 seconds of reading.
Empanada "styled" shoes but only when folded up does sound like a marketing gimmick, as does the zip system; I would tend to use cut up strips of old inner tubes for the folding action, or even simply squash them flat; put them into a sleeping bag sac with compression straps?

If your after a sandal I like the look of the Keens clear water model which has a thinner sole than a lot of the adventure type sandals. I tried a pair on the other day. Super comfy and will slide into spaces nicely in your giant loop.

Surf shop's sell cotton type soft shoes with thin rubber soles. They fold up nice and they are comfortable but not meant for serious walking or adventure type activities.

Crocs are chunky, ugly and will immediately rule out any stylish woman sleeping with you if she sees you in them :-)

I looked at the timberlands. More a casual yachting type shoe to be worn at the bar after a sail around the bay.

I would go for a minimalist type shoe like the VIVO's below.
Minimalist shoes are now the most popular type of shoe used in Functional Athletic training (like crossfit) and also running. The idea is they allow your foot to do what it should do naturally, while barefoot. The toes spread, no compression on top of the foot, (the last thing you need with blood pooling in your feet after a long days riding) and your foot bones can move and articulate instead of being encased in a shoe.

I have 3 pairs of VIVO's. The model pictured are trail shoes with awesome grip, super comfortable to walk in for long distances and fold or roll up. You can get all types and even ones that look more like a cool trainer rather than the multi purpose ones below.
Unless you need orthotics you will not be sacrificing comfort or stability.

Contrary to Markharfs view a "substantial shoe" is not necessarily better for your feet and will not meet your criteria which is that they are low profile to fit in your bag
You still get some arch support with these.
Bought these on special for about $75.
I have a lot of training shoes and these are the most versatile and comfortable shoes I have. Also because there is no compression over the forefoot air circulates nicely so they are still great in tropical weather. They are designed to be worn without socks(they don't get sweaty either) but of course if its cold you can wear them as well.

Most shoes that fold or roll up are not really suitable for any trail walking or adventure activities so these are far more versatile and dress up a little more than sandals IMHO.

I use Keen Kanyon's. Lashed outside the luggage on the bike and readily available. The toecap was the thing I wanted. First pair lasted 6 years of abuse.

KEEN Footwear - Mobile

Look up Tevas
Walk in them, swim in them!
Perfect airing :0)

+1 for Teva sandals.

Sent from my GT-I9100G

I have a pair.
They are good for around the camp site.
But being foldable, they have little arch support and are thin soled.
So, I wouldn't want to do much serious walking in them.
Maybe if you also carried a set if insoles to stick in.... Hmm maybe I will try that camping this weekend.

Most of the teva's have a thick, chunky sole except for the new model which has a much thinner sole and would take up much less space.
The keens give a bit more protection to the top of the foot than the majority of the Teva models.
Also they look a bit dressier if you need to wear them out.

But had a pair of Tevas and they lasted for years.

Most of the teva's have a thick, chunky sole except for the new model which has a much thinner sole and would take up much less space.
The keens give a bit more protection to the top of the foot than the majority of the Teva models.
Also they look a bit dressier if you need to wear them out.

But had a pair of Tevas and they lasted for years.

IF I was not a "moderated user", I might have taken exception to that, RockWally.:Beach:

I would suggest you buy Keen's on-line if that's what you want. Be difficult to find and pricey here. The Keen website sell direct.

Oh and I think you will find its: La tente et un verre de vin :D
Bertrand will be along soon to correct me if it wrong bier

John

I'm using Teva Terra Fi for that purpose.
They are a little bulky to pack, but I've done it all in them, walk, jog, swim and walk the beach. Even ridden the bike on occasion...

They dry quickly, and are very scuff and damage resistant. One if the most comfortable soles I've tried.

My recommendation, if it's not already been suggested, is the Vibram Five Fingers, lots of different styles available.

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ima...-img-after.jpg

Good for walking, climbing, swimming and pack tiny... bit expensive but probably no more than a pair of good trainers.

I have those as well. The issue I have with them is beach walking, sand gets in and doesn't get out, until you stop and clean them. Very abrasive on the skin.
I also a have a slightly damaged foot, and they don't off quite the sole protection I need in rocky terrain.

Great for swimming in coral and stuff though.

Sent from my Android chinaphone, please excuse the spelling

Love it how more and more people move into the minimalist area. I've come across the same problem. So far I've kept it at cheap boat shoes, but I'm loving the look of those VIVO's. Look like you can do a bit of bush walking in them.

As a born Northern European, now adopted Aussie I didn't take to the flip flop right away, wearing teva's. But that's pretty much all I wear now, where closed shoes are not required. They're not just to get a baguette. You do get used to them.

When traveling shoes hardly come out of my pack. I saw those timberland's but folding them make them bulkier than when you put them together.

You will love the vivo's. I have 5 pairs of minimalist shoes including Vibram 5 fingers. The Vivos feel far more substantial on the feet in tough terrain than my vibrams and give better airflow in hot climates. And they pack flat as well as fold.

I got to get myself a pair of those vivos!

VIVO's look like the answer but they do seem pricey.

Where's the best place to buy them?

I carry these Sanuk Pick Pocket Shoes - Men's - Free Shipping at REI.com if it's going to be to wet or cold for flip flops!

They work great with or without socks and don't take up any more room than flip flops. They have earned the Bigdon Seal of Approval ! whatever that's worth. :D

I'd recommend a cheap pair of Converse style boots or shoes. They fold pretty much as flat as the soles, can be as cheap as chips and blend in well.

Im pretty sure they are an English Company so you should not have much trouble buying them online. They are even pricier here in Oz full price but I waited for a sale and bought them half price. Just wait till the new model for the year are out or just about to come out.

They do come with a thin inner sole but I actually prefer them with it taken out.

I've been using Converse or fake-Converse as off-the-bike shoes for ages.

I wear them all the time at home anyway - they're a good fit for my big but narrow and flat feet, plus of course being an enthusiast of loud shouty guitar music they're almost obligatory ;)

In my experience, real Converse are sufficiently more durable to make it worth paying £40 rather than buying several £15 imitation pairs.

They're not rated for Death Valley temperatures though, I had to glue mine back together after the glue melted a bit walking around on Mesquite dunes :D

Also, having lived in three-quarter length shorts and Converse for the last six weeks, I have a really stupid tanned stripe on my legs in the 6" gap between them.

I bought Hitec Zuuk's about 4 months ago. Pack down really nice in my GiantLoop and are very light.

zuuk | Free Delivery Over £50

Hi-Tec Zuuk Men's Shoe | GO Outdoors

I also bought a pair of Zuuks for a recent "travelling light" trip and found them very comfortable.
Probably not much use for rougher terrain, but served their purpose brilliantly.

I'm a Merrell sandal fan. Not the lightest sandal around but they pack down fine in my Giant Loop. They last for years, grip well wet or dry, so you can cross streams and they handle salt water. They have good grip both on the sole and inside so your foot will not slide around when wet.

I get about two years out of a pair and they get a hammering from hiking, camping and boating. They are super comfy and have never let me down.

Have tried other brands but now wouldn't buy anything else.

My .02!

PN

For shoes, anything from the Merrel Barefoot range is good. They are similar to the Vibram FiveFingers, but more classic shape and may avoid the sane between the toes pointed out in an earlier post. I have the trail glove. They are super light and excellent vibram soles and airy. If you want something for water, they do even do a version for water with non slip soles and drainage holes and quick drying uppers.

Barefoot Water Torrent Glove - Men's - J41061 | Merrell

Paul

Since this post, I have used the Crocs for power washing a patio, climbing around on scaffolding (not too slippery on timber boards and alloy steps), washing down brickwork with the power washer and, at the end of the working day, I even power washed the Crocs while wearing them.
They are none the worse for this treatment, and even a bit cleaner.

Versatile they are, but I would stop short of wearing them while riding (they are OK for 4x4 driving however).

Hi Chaps, I'm also a fan of merrel but I've used teva sandals ever since I wore out my merrels after 7 years hard use.

I use clarks classic desert boot when I need to pack light, they are light, comfortable & pass as smart with anything from jeans to chinos - they also fold flatish.

there is a reason things become a "classic", Crocs are for toddlers & the elderly:innocent: ... ducks & runs..

regards all

Gren

I've got a pair of soft shoes. I call them deck shoes. White man made sole with a canvases top. Pack small light and easy to wear. Try a pair.
John933

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canvas-Shoes...boat+shoes+men

I've recently bought a pair of Nike Free, which I love! :-)

They are light, airy, extremely soft and comfortable to walk in all day (although probably better suited for city walks than 'walks of the off-road persuasion'), actually folds pretty flat - and are sooo going with me on my two week trip to "The Vince" in the Pyrenees later this summer!

Motorcycle boots, the Nikes and a pair of flip-flops (for use in showers and on the beach/at the river) easily covers my need for shoes for a couple of weeks.

/claus

Hello I'm digging out that thread to know if some of you have more updated information about light shoes to bring with you when you're travelling?

I'm searching light shoes for walking when I'm not riding, who can be compact enough and comfortable.

I'm a big fan of Converse All-Star or similar shoes while travelling. They're very compact, light, comfortable and easy to clean and dry.

I got a pair of canvas slip-on shoes at H&M for ten euros. They work fine (I've even gone on some light trails with them), and if they get too dirty or torn, I'm not bothered.

The Vegetarian Shoes Travel Slipper is back.
UK based, the owner is a travel biker himself.

My old ones never quite wore out after many years.
Can pass for an evening shoe for embassy soirees, works as a slip-on, <450g and one inch flat.
That plus moto boots are all you need.
Order one EU size up.