I learned this lesson the soggy way. On an early backpacking trip, I brought one pair of boots and absolutely nothing else. By the end of day one, they were wet. By day two, they were still wet. By day three, they had developed a smell that felt personal. Every step after that became a reminder that backpacking comfort often hinges on decisions made before you ever hit the trail.
If you have ever wondered how many shoes you actually need for backpacking, the answer is refreshingly simple. You usually need two pairs, and occasionally three, depending on the trip.
The short answer
For most backpacking trips, the ideal number of shoes is:
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One primary hiking shoe or boot
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One secondary camp or recovery shoe
That’s it. More than that usually adds unnecessary weight. Fewer than that can make long trips uncomfortable or even miserable.
Why one pair is usually not enough
Backpacking is wet, dusty, muddy, and unpredictable. Even in dry conditions, feet sweat. Shoes compress, hold moisture, and take time to dry. Having a second pair gives your feet a break and protects your primary shoes from constant wear.
I have seen morale lift instantly at camp when someone slips out of hiking boots and into something light and breathable.
The two essential pairs explained
1. Primary hiking shoes or boots
This is what you hike in all day. They should fit well, be broken in, and match the terrain. Trail shoes or boots, depending on preference and conditions.
These do the hard work. Everything else exists to support recovery from wearing them.
2. Camp shoes
Camp shoes are about comfort, foot health, and flexibility. They let your feet breathe, help prevent blisters, and give you something dry to wear if your hiking shoes get soaked.
They are also invaluable for:
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Nighttime bathroom trips
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Stream crossings
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Letting feet recover after long miles
Once you experience this comfort, it is very hard to go back to one pair only.
When a third pair makes sense
A third pair can be useful on specific trips, but it is not common.
Cold or wet environments
Some backpackers carry dedicated water-crossing shoes or insulated camp footwear in cold climates. This is more about safety and warmth than comfort.
Long expeditions
On extended trips, rotating footwear can help reduce wear and manage moisture over time.
That said, most trips do not require a third pair, and many experienced backpackers skip it entirely.
Three real backpacking scenarios
1. The dry weekend trip
Two pairs worked perfectly. Hiking shoes all day, camp shoes at night. Feet stayed happy and dry enough.
2. The rainy multi-day trek
Camp shoes became essential when hiking shoes never fully dried. Being able to change footwear saved foot skin and sanity.
3. The ultralight attempt
Someone skipped camp shoes to save weight. By night two, they admitted it was the first thing they would bring back next time.
A quick aside about weight and trade-offs
Camp shoes do add weight. The key is choosing something lightweight and packable. Many backpackers gladly accept a small weight penalty for foot comfort because sore, wet feet affect everything else about the trip.
My personal takeaway after many miles
For backpacking, two pairs of shoes is the sweet spot. One to hike in. One to recover in. That balance protects your feet, improves comfort, and makes camp feel like a place to rest instead of just a pause between miles. When your feet are happy, the rest of you usually follows.