This is just the start<\/strong> when it comes to picking the best crossing shoes. Keep reading and you’ll discover what makes these shoe options great and how you can make your very own crossing shoes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many shoes<\/strong> that won’t work very well as crossing shoes. High heels simply don’t belong in nature, flip flops typically have very little traction, and many don’t want to get their beloved Bob’s or Converse wet or dirty. So what do you use as crossing shoes? <\/p>\n\n\n\n The options below are great ones to consider when you’re looking for the perfect crossing shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ahh… Chacos. They were all the rage several years ago. If you’re one of those who can successfully hike in Chacos without hurting your feet, then you are fortunate to be benefiting from Chacos open design! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chacos will dry very fast, and if you have successfully hiked miles in your Chacos before, you may get away with only using your Chacos without any other shoe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not everyone digs hiking in these shoes, so make sure and go on smaller hikes to test these out as a hiking option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chacos don’t necessarily make the best option for lightweight backpackers if you are only using them for crossing since they are quite heavy–there are some other options here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A solid pair of sneakers can be your best friend when it comes to crossing just about any water setting. Just make sure you have a quality pair that will be versatile<\/strong> enough for walking on land and helping you get through the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That means you’ll probably want to avoid going cheap. Look for something made from breathable materials in order to keep your feet cool and allow them to dry more quickly after crossing water. <\/strong>Additionally, arch support will help with keeping you comfortable as you walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, be certain that the bottoms offer plenty of traction<\/strong>. Rocks and other surfaces in the water are likely to be more slippery than dry ground. Make sure you get something you can rely upon while on any surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those who are a fan of going barefoot, but understand that it can be dangerous, may opt to look into toe shoes instead. These shoes are designed to fit differently from regular shoes. Instead of keeping all of your toes together, they allow each toe to have its own space.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of the fit, toe shoes are designed to feel much closer to walking around barefoot<\/strong> than any others out there. You’ll get the same level of comfort, but with better protection for your feet and improved traction to make sure you don’t lose your grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a number of different toe shoe brands out there to choose from, like Body Glove, Vibram, and JOOMRA<\/strong>. Vibram is one of the most recommended options out there, but the shoes you choose are entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many who might scoff at this option, but there’s no denying that Crocs are a simple, inexpensive way to make your way through the water easily.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, some Crocs feature “Croc lock”, which means they are like regular Crocs with some tread on the bottom, making these a bit more desirable for slippery river rocks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On top of that, the open design of Crocs allows them to be extremely breathable<\/strong>, so they will dry very quickly. As a result, your feet will dry off in no time after making your way through the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They may not have the support you’re looking for, but at least they will protect your feet and make it past the river crossing. Any surface other than your bare feet will be a welcome alternative in any case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, these are a great option if you want something you can easily slip on and off<\/strong> for your trek through the water. They’re very lightweight<\/strong> as well, making them extremely easy to pack along as an extra pair of shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not everyone wants to risk getting their regular sneakers soaked or spend the money on a new pair of shoes just for camping and hiking. If this describes you, then a DIY option might be something you’re more interested in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter what shoes you’re wearing, safety is immensely important when you’re crossing water out in the wilderness<\/strong>. The surface beneath you can be very slippery and the movement of the water can really affect your balance. Make sure to keep the tips below in mind and crossing water can be a much safer process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ve totally been there. I didn’t want to get my shoes wet so I ended up taking off my shoes entirely and crossing the streams barefoot. If you are wearing tennis shoes, sometimes you might trust the traction of your feet more than the traction your shoes offer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barefoot crossing means you face the following risks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of these things can result in injured feet, and keeping your feet in good health is immensely important when you’re out in the woods. Happy feet means happy backpacking. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, conversely, sad feet <\/strong>means a day full of misery. Don’t ask me why I know. \ud83d\ude09 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Water that is moving quickly will make it more difficult to keep your balance as you cross.<\/strong> Before you decide to step into the water, take a look around to see if you can find any areas that might have a less intense current or water that is at least more shallow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Naturally, it would be annoying to fall into the water even if you aren’t potentially carrying your equipment on your back. Getting your pack wet could turn an annoying experience into a truly frustrating one.<\/strong> Instead, take the extra time to make sure you can cross safely. It will make the trip much better in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/river-crossing-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Can Be Used As Crossing Shoes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Chacos as Crossing Shoes (Can Be Used For Hiking)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Chacos](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/water-sandals-chacos-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/picture>Supportive Sneakers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Toe Shoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Crocs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
DIY Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Crossing Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Barefoot Crossing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check The Water Speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n