We’ve had a few questions about what defines a sturdy shoe. While your camper will need boots for riding, flip-flops for the pool, tennis shoes for tennis and games, she will also need some “downtime/fun-time/camp/sturdy” shoes.

Why sturdy?  We’re camp.  There are rocks and roots and uneven surfaces. We want to make sure her feet are protected as she’s running to greet a new friend, sprinting to the mail-call window or exploring a creek bed on a camp outing.  (personal note … we love a shoe that has a heel strap. There are few things more frustrating to a camper than when she’s trying to get somewhere quickly and she has to stop to pick up her shoe that just flew off!)

If you ask Skyland counselors, they might have a hard time deciding on the BEST camp shoe, but we know that KEEN and Chacos will be two of their favorites.

KEEN shoes can get wet but dry quickly, have a solid vibram sole that surrounds and protects the toes, and they have much better overall support for active camper feet than sandals or flip flops.  If you are looking to provide your camper with a shoe that is supported like a shoe, but still operates like a sandal, then this is the option for you.

Chacos.  Like KEEN, these also boast a solid vibram sole, are super comfortable, and are the quickest drying of all camp shoes.  They lack the toe protection that KEEN delivers, but are wonderful shoes all around.

Happy trunk-packing!  See you soon on Skyland Hill.